What's the great thing about Mario?

The great Mario, one of the older platformers that lasted if not the oldest, and the most sold game ever.

What's so good about it? Why is it better than Ratchet? Heck, why is it better than Sonic?

Sure, it's accessible to everyone since the gameplay is extremely simple, and it doesn't have much in the way of violence, but does accessibility make a great game?

In all honesty, all I see in a Mario game is a jumping-on-mushroom parade with the compliment of a nice upgrade now and then to change size and shoot fire. That, and a hunt for shortcuts that will help you complete the game in a couple of hours.

So how, aside from its brand name and accessibility, is Mario better than -any- platformer?

ENTER! Flames. :D 

[QUOTE="Xolver"]

The great Mario, one of the older platformers that lasted if not the oldest, and the most sold game ever.

What's so good about it? Why is it better than Ratchet? Heck, why is it better than Sonic?

Sure, it's accessible to everyone since the gameplay is extremely simple, and it doesn't have much in the way of violence, but does accessibility make a great game?

In all honesty, all I see in a Mario game is a jumping-on-mushroom parade with the compliment of a nice upgrade now and then to change size and shoot fire. That, and a hunt for shortcuts that will help you complete the game in a couple of hours.

So how, aside from its brand name and accessibility, is Mario better than -any- platformer?

ENTER! Flames. :D

Eponique

Because he's not the only fun dude, he has a lots of other friends that make him fun (Yoshi, Toad, Peach, Bowser etc.)

Are you talking about main Mario games or spin-offs? I'm talking about games where you play with Mario, and maybe Luigi, through the game. 

have you played Mario Sunshine because I felt that game had a pretty high difficultly level...zh666

Mario Sunshine isn't exactly how people argue for Mario when they say it's so good. 

Because a at italian plumber can only be played in video games as a hero. If i wanted a hero animal like R&C, banjo I could also point out plenty on films.Shazenab

Are you serious? Regardless, I'm sure there are more Italian heroes in movies than animal heroes in movies. 

[QUOTE="zh666"]have you played Mario Sunshine because I felt that game had a pretty high difficultly level...Xolver

Mario Sunshine isn't exactly how people argue for Mario when they say it's so good. 

Because a at italian plumber can only be played in video games as a hero. If i wanted a hero animal like R&C, banjo I could also point out plenty on films.Shazenab

Are you serious? Regardless, I'm sure there are more Italian heroes in movies than animal heroes in movies. 

Name them of the top of your head.

Mario Sunshine isn't exactly how people argue for Mario when they say it's so good. Xolver

The great Mario, one of the older platformers that lasted if not the oldest, and the most sold game ever.

What's so good about it? Why is it better than Ratchet? Heck, why is it better than Sonic?

Sure, it's accessible to everyone since the gameplay is extremely simple, and it doesn't have much in the way of violence, but does accessibility make a great game?

In all honesty, all I see in a Mario game is a jumping-on-mushroom parade with the compliment of a nice upgrade now and then to change size and shoot fire. That, and a hunt for shortcuts that will help you complete the game in a couple of hours.

So how, aside from its brand name and accessibility, is Mario better than -any- platformer?

ENTER! Flames. :D 

Xolver

Mario games are just the most fun of all the platformers! Simple as that really!

Mario games created the genre on the nes, perfected it on the snes and revolutionaized it on the 64. WTF did the ratchet or sonic games do ? :|Nex_Ownage

Added a nice lombax to gaming? How is originality > quality? 

[QUOTE="Xolver"]

[QUOTE="zh666"]have you played Mario Sunshine because I felt that game had a pretty high difficultly level...Shazenab

Mario Sunshine isn't exactly how people argue for Mario when they say it's so good.

Because a at italian plumber can only be played in video games as a hero. If i wanted a hero animal like R&C, banjo I could also point out plenty on films.Shazenab

Are you serious? Regardless, I'm sure there are more Italian heroes in movies than animal heroes in movies.

Name them of the top of your head.

I don't need to, check the list of 10 latest Italian movies? 

You make a legitimate point, I suppose, but since you don't like Mario it would be impossible to convince you otherwise.  You have to look at the Mario franchise over the years to really see how great it is.  The origional Super Mario Bros. was the first game of its type, and the standard by which all other 2D platformers were measured for years.  The game single-handedly put gaming on the past it is today.  Super Mario World (SNES) was revolutionary in its own respect.  The game was chock full of little secrets and bonus rooms that took some real time to discover.  These were the genesis of the optional objectives and side quests that are de riguer for so many console games today.  Then, let's skip ahead to Super Mario 64.  What can you really say about this game that hasn't been said already?  Every 3D platforming game since has more or less copied the same formula created by Mario 64; Jak and Daxter, Crash Bandicoot, Ratchet & Clank, etc. etc. etc.  Heck, even the first Devil May Cry was compared to Mario 64 in a few reviews upon its release.  Look at what Mario Kart did for arcade racers, and NES Open was Hot Shots Golf way before there was a Hot Shots Golf.  You mentioned that the series' has sold rather well.  That's because Nintendo is famous for double-dipping.  But when you can release these same games 10 years later to rave reviews and strong sales to an entirely new generation of gamers, doesn't that say all that needs to be said?  4 years from now, will Rockstar be able to re-release GTAIII to the same kind of acclaim?  Who can say?

Really though, when you get right down to it, they're just fun games.  It's as simple as that.  Are they necessarily better than Ratchet & Clank?  I don't know, I like Ratchet & Clank, I like Jak & Daxter, I like Crash and Banjo and Sly Cooper.  I just prefer Mario.

[QUOTE="Nex_Ownage"]Mario games created the genre on the nes, perfected it on the snes and revolutionaized it on the 64. WTF did the ratchet or sonic games do ? :|Xolver

Added a nice lombax to gaming? How is originality > quality?

You're saying Mario games don't have quality? :roll:

Come back when a Ratchet game gets a 8.3 21 years after it's release date.

[QUOTE="Nex_Ownage"]Mario games created the genre on the nes, perfected it on the snes and revolutionaized it on the 64. WTF did the ratchet or sonic games do ? :|Xolver

Added a nice lombax to gaming? How is originality > quality?

You're saying Mario games don't have quality? :roll:

Come back when a Ratchet game gets a 8.3 21 years after it's release date.

[QUOTE="Xolver"]

[QUOTE="Nex_Ownage"]Mario games created the genre on the nes, perfected it on the snes and revolutionaized it on the 64. WTF did the ratchet or sonic games do ? :|Nex_Ownage

Added a nice lombax to gaming? How is originality > quality?

You're saying Mario games don't have quality? :roll:

Come back when a Ratchet game gets a 8.3 21 years after it's release date.

No, I'm saying your arguments suggest originality, not quality. NES, SNES, 64.

Same thing goes for your second line, I don't need to come back in 21 years if I'm asking what makes Mario games so great today. 

[QUOTE="Nex_Ownage"][QUOTE="Xolver"]

[QUOTE="Nex_Ownage"]Mario games created the genre on the nes, perfected it on the snes and revolutionaized it on the 64. WTF did the ratchet or sonic games do ? :|Xolver

Added a nice lombax to gaming? How is originality > quality?

You're saying Mario games don't have quality? :roll:

Come back when a Ratchet game gets a 8.3 21 years after it's release date.

No, I'm saying your arguments suggest originality, not quality. NES, SNES, 64.

Same thing goes for your second line, I don't need to come back in 21 years if I'm asking what makes Mario games so great today.

My Argument? :?

This is Mario Games we are talking about..go read  any of the Super Mario reviews if you wanna know what makes 'em so great.  

kids, thats because Mario single-handedly saved the gaming industry, period.

[QUOTE="Xolver"]

[QUOTE="zh666"]have you played Mario Sunshine because I felt that game had a pretty high difficultly level...Shazenab

Mario Sunshine isn't exactly how people argue for Mario when they say it's so good. 

Because a at italian plumber can only be played in video games as a hero. If i wanted a hero animal like R&C, banjo I could also point out plenty on films.Shazenab

Are you serious? Regardless, I'm sure there are more Italian heroes in movies than animal heroes in movies. 

Name them of the top of your head.

Rocky Balboa /thread

The great Mario, one of the older platformers that lasted if not the oldest, and the most sold game ever.

What's so good about it? Why is it better than Ratchet? Heck, why is it better than Sonic?

Sure, it's accessible to everyone since the gameplay is extremely simple, and it doesn't have much in the way of violence, but does accessibility make a great game?

In all honesty, all I see in a Mario game is a jumping-on-mushroom parade with the compliment of a nice upgrade now and then to change size and shoot fire. That, and a hunt for shortcuts that will help you complete the game in a couple of hours.

So how, aside from its brand name and accessibility, is Mario better than -any- platformer?

ENTER! Flames. :D 

Xolver

The mario games that came on the NES SNES N64 were awsome. But Mario sunshine was a let down.But im really getting  extremely tired on all the mario spinn off.

The great Mario, one of the older platformers that lasted if not the oldest, and the most sold game ever.

What's so good about it? Why is it better than Ratchet? Heck, why is it better than Sonic?

Sure, it's accessible to everyone since the gameplay is extremely simple, and it doesn't have much in the way of violence, but does accessibility make a great game?

In all honesty, all I see in a Mario game is a jumping-on-mushroom parade with the compliment of a nice upgrade now and then to change size and shoot fire. That, and a hunt for shortcuts that will help you complete the game in a couple of hours.

So how, aside from its brand name and accessibility, is Mario better than -any- platformer?

ENTER! Flames. :D 

Xolver

The mario games that came on the NES SNES N64 were awsome. But Mario sunshine was a let down.And im really getting  tired on all the mario spinn off.

You make a legitimate point, I suppose, but since you don't like Mario it would be impossible to convince you otherwise. You have to look at the Mario franchise over the years to really see how great it is. The origional Super Mario Bros. was the first game of its type, and the standard by which all other 2D platformers were measured for years. The game single-handedly put gaming on the past it is today. Super Mario World (SNES) was revolutionary in its own respect. The game was chock full of little secrets and bonus rooms that took some real time to discover. These were the genesis of the optional objectives and side quests that are de riguer for so many console games today. Then, let's skip ahead to Super Mario 64. What can you really say about this game that hasn't been said already? Every 3D platforming game since has more or less copied the same formula created by Mario 64; Jak and Daxter, Crash Bandicoot, Ratchet & Clank, etc. etc. etc. Heck, even the first Devil May Cry was compared to Mario 64 in a few reviews upon its release. Look at what Mario Kart did for arcade racers, and NES Open was Hot Shots Golf way before there was a Hot Shots Golf. You mentioned that the series' has sold rather well. That's because Nintendo is famous for double-dipping. But when you can release these same games 10 years later to rave reviews and strong sales to an entirely new generation of gamers, doesn't that say all that needs to be said? 4 years from now, will Rockstar be able to re-release GTAIII to the same kind of acclaim? Who can say?

Really though, when you get right down to it, they're just fun games. It's as simple as that. Are they necessarily better than Ratchet & Clank? I don't know, I like Ratchet & Clank, I like Jak & Daxter, I like Crash and Banjo and Sly Cooper. I just prefer Mario.

OPbarfer

My Argument? :?

This is Mario Games we are talking about..go read any of the Super Mario reviews if you wanna know what makes 'em so great.

Nex_Ownage

Yeah, every line we write in here is an argument.

As reviews and everything else suggest, it's the accessibility. There's only so much fun you can have by replaying the same game with rennovated graphics and a couple of new features. Thing is, even hardcore gamers play Mario.

kids, thats because Mario single-handedly saved the gaming industry, period.

 

Game13a13y

You can only go so far with degrading a person's message because he's not your age. Since this isn't about the NES/SNES, your comment is null. 

well said. mario simply delivers the first and best platformer on any nintendo console. it sets the bar so high, and with every iteration adds new things to make it seem like a brand new game or even genre.
darrowby88

What? You could let someone play the first Mario, and then he'd be comfortable in playing the newest one. How can you say each Mario is a new genre? 

hmmm...good question. the character himself is not particulary interesting. however mario platforming games are the best in the business. the edge is subtle but makes a big difference. the platforming is nigh on perfect. back in the nes and snes days the game would behave exactly as expected. the player, after a bit of practice, would instinctively know where he could and couldnt go with his jumps. completing the games wasnt that hard (though mario world can get a bit nasty at times) but collecting absolutely everything was really really challenging.

in contrast sonic, though a cooler character, had games that were either a bit too slow or a bit too fast imho. i could be running a break neck speeds and all of a sudden a spring pushes me back a huge distance. this isnt fun, its frustrating.

moving on to mario 64...well the likes of ratchet would be very different games if this never existed. mario 64 was 3d platforming done right. again it was simple to get the hang of and behaved exactly as expected but it was very hard to master. Mario sunshine was the same. many seem dissapointed withbthat game but its only a let down by mario standards imho. i recently picked up daxter for the PSP. its a solid platformer but its nowhere near mario 64 in terms of gameplay. there are times when the game behaves a bit oddly (having to jump on a platform from a weird angle when its straight in front of you for example). jumping around isnt as tight or as accurate as it is in mario.

The only game to come very close to mario in terms of platforming was POP:SOT. again the player knew exactly what they could and couldnt do and moving around was more logical and intuitative compared to many other platformers.

@osan0 

So you credit Mario with doing exactly what it's supposed to do when you tell it to? I don't know about Daxter,  but aside from some irritating games, I felt that way with pretty much every PS2 title. Times have changed, Mario doesn't and has no reason to stand out anymore, it's just a game among many with a huge brand name.

@osan0

So you credit Mario with doing exactly what it's supposed to do when you tell it to? I don't know about Daxter, but aside from some irritating games, I felt that way with pretty much about every PS2 title. Times have changed, Mario doesn't and has no reason to stand out anymore, it's just a game among many with a huge brand name.

[QUOTE="darrowby88"]well said. mario simply delivers the first and best platformer on any nintendo console. it sets the bar so high, and with every iteration adds new things to make it seem like a brand new game or even genre.
Xolver

What? You could let someone play the first Mario, and then he'd be comfortable in playing the newest one. How can you say each Mario is a new genre?

 Mario World perfected the 2D playforming genre and added side quests, original power ups, and you could ride a dragon for the first time in games.

Mario 64 somehow retained all of the magic of the 2D games while giving us a 3D world to run around in.  (I'd say the most important game in gaming history)

Mario sunshine did not live up to the hype.  it just expanded on 64.

super paper mario is a shout out to gamers who transitioned to 64 from snes.  it is also a fantastic game.

SMG, while it will be a good game, i'm not so sure about this one.  if they use the wiimote perfectly, i can see the mechanic becoming a mainstay in playformers. 

Have you ever tried to keep Mario in the air as you bounce off turtle heads to get multiple 1ups? It's freakin' fun.

/thread 

dont know any other character that

-do 2d platformers

-do 3d platformers

-do kart racers

-do puzzles, party games, and fighting games

-do a galaxy space themed game

Okay, people. I'm not asking why or what made Mario a good game. I'm asking why it is such a great game today. 

Maybe it invented side quests, but today there are sidequests in all games. Games took the idea of side quests? Maybe. It means the side quests in those games are automatically worse? Absolutely not.

So what makes the Italian guy that jumps on mushrooms and shoots fire better than the guy with feet but no legs? What makes him better than the Hedgehog? What makes him better than the cute Lombax?  The bandicoot?

Mario always has around a small number of things he can do. Jump, shoot (sometimes), change size (sometimes), ride a lizard (sometimes). He can do a small number of things, all of which you do in the entire, somewhat short, game.

Other platformers upgrade the character, some of them have nice humour, some of them has a storyline which consist of more than saving the princess (in every single game),  etc. etc.

Okay, people. I'm not asking why or what made Mario a good game. I'm asking why it is such a great game today.

Maybe it invented side quests, but today there are sidequests in all games. Games took the idea of side quests? Maybe. It means the side quests in those games are automatically worse? Absolutely not.

So what makes the Italian guy that jumps on mushrooms and shoots fire better than the guy with feet but no legs? What makes him better than the Hedgehog? What makes him better than the cute Lombax? The bandicoot?

Mario always has a small number of things he can do. Jump, shoot (sometimes), change size (sometimes), ride a lizard (sometimes). He can do a small number of things, all of which you do in the entire, somewhat short, game.

Other platformers upgrade the character, some of them have nice humour, some of them have a storyline which consist of more than saving the princess (in every single game), etc. etc.

dont know any other character that

-do 2d platformers

-do 3d platformers

-do kart racers

-do puzzles, party games, and fighting games

-do a galaxy space themed game

 

greenleaflink

-soccer

-tennis

-baseball

-olympics

Okay, people. I'm not asking why or what made Mario a good game. I'm asking why it is such a great game today.

Maybe it invented side quests, but today there are sidequests in all games. Games took the idea of side quests? Maybe. It means the side quests in those games are automatically worse? Absolutely not.

So what makes the Italian guy that jumps on mushrooms and shoots fire better than the guy with feet but no legs? What makes him better than the Hedgehog? What makes him better than the cute Lombax? The bandicoot?

Mario always has around a small number of things he can do. Jump, shoot (sometimes), change size (sometimes), ride a lizard (sometimes). He can do a small number of things, all of which you do in the entire, somewhat short, game.

Other platformers upgrade the character, some of them have nice humour, some of them has a storyline which consist of more than saving the princess (in every single game), etc. etc.

Xolver

others copy...simple as that.  they might improve, but fundamentally, its mario 

Okay, people. I'm not asking why or what made Mario a good game. I'm asking why it is such a great game today.

Maybe it invented side quests, but today there are sidequests in all games. Games took the idea of side quests? Maybe. It means the side quests in those games are automatically worse? Absolutely not.

So what makes the Italian guy that jumps on mushrooms and shoots fire better than the guy with feet but no legs? What makes him better than the Hedgehog? What makes him better than the cute Lombax? The bandicoot?

Mario always has around a small number of things he can do. Jump, shoot (sometimes), change size (sometimes), ride a lizard (sometimes). He can do a small number of things, all of which you do in the entire, somewhat short, game.

Other platformers upgrade the character, some of them have nice humour, some of them has a storyline which consist of more than saving the princess (in every single game), etc. etc.

Xolver

[QUOTE="Xolver"]

Okay, people. I'm not asking why or what made Mario a good game. I'm asking why it is such a great game today.

Maybe it invented side quests, but today there are sidequests in all games. Games took the idea of side quests? Maybe. It means the side quests in those games are automatically worse? Absolutely not.

So what makes the Italian guy that jumps on mushrooms and shoots fire better than the guy with feet but no legs? What makes him better than the Hedgehog? What makes him better than the cute Lombax? The bandicoot?

Mario always has around a small number of things he can do. Jump, shoot (sometimes), change size (sometimes), ride a lizard (sometimes). He can do a small number of things, all of which you do in the entire, somewhat short, game.

Other platformers upgrade the character, some of them have nice humour, some of them has a storyline which consist of more than saving the princess (in every single game), etc. etc.

BuddaX

Heh, and there are more cash-in games than main games.

Really, I just don't see what's so great. EVERY game tries something new. It's just that being a Mario fan, you find more appeal in the new things Mario brings up. 

mario invents gameplay

others copy...simple as that. they might improve, but fundamentally, its mario

darrowby88

Not saying they all do copy, but an IMPROVED MARIO is worse than the original Mario? Where's the logic in that? 

[QUOTE="BuddaX"][QUOTE="Xolver"]

Okay, people. I'm not asking why or what made Mario a good game. I'm asking why it is such a great game today.

Maybe it invented side quests, but today there are sidequests in all games. Games took the idea of side quests? Maybe. It means the side quests in those games are automatically worse? Absolutely not.

So what makes the Italian guy that jumps on mushrooms and shoots fire better than the guy with feet but no legs? What makes him better than the Hedgehog? What makes him better than the cute Lombax? The bandicoot?

Mario always has around a small number of things he can do. Jump, shoot (sometimes), change size (sometimes), ride a lizard (sometimes). He can do a small number of things, all of which you do in the entire, somewhat short, game.

Other platformers upgrade the character, some of them have nice humour, some of them has a storyline which consist of more than saving the princess (in every single game), etc. etc.

Xolver

Heh, and there are more cash-in games than main games.

Really, I just don't see what's so great. EVERY game tries something new. It's just that being a Mario fan, you find more appeal in the new things Mario brings up.

mario invents gameplay

others copy...simple as that. they might improve, but fundamentally, its mario

darrowby88

Not saying they all do copy, but an IMPROVED MARIO is worse than the original Mario? Where's the logic in that?

The great Mario, one of the older platformers that lasted if not the oldest, and the most sold game ever.

What's so good about it? Why is it better than Ratchet? Heck, why is it better than Sonic?

Sure, it's accessible to everyone since the gameplay is extremely simple, and it doesn't have much in the way of violence, but does accessibility make a great game?

In all honesty, all I see in a Mario game is a jumping-on-mushroom parade with the compliment of a nice upgrade now and then to change size and shoot fire. That, and a hunt for shortcuts that will help you complete the game in a couple of hours.

So how, aside from its brand name and accessibility, is Mario better than -any- platformer?

ENTER! Flames. :D 

Xolver

90% of the time mario games tend to be fun and that is why people still buy his games. Answer your question?

There's only so much fun you can have by replaying the same game with rennovated graphics and a couple of new features. Thing is, even hardcore gamers play Mario.

Xolver

You must be mistaking the name Mario with exactly the same games you are using to make your point about it. The sad thing about those games, is that what you wrote above holds true to what they have done in only one single generation.

Mario has made 3(yes 3, Mario64, sunshine & NSMB) games in his main series in the last 11 years. R&C did 4 games in one gen. That's not taking away from them(R&C games are great), it's just Mario takes his time and tries to evolve each game, not just churn out sequels.BuddaX

You can't discredit another series with the flaws (however you look at them) of another.

Ratchet added new features from game to game. Mario added being in a mega-size frenzy in NSMB. That, added to the fact that there are dozens of games outside the main series, doesn't support your claim of Nintendo trying to evolve Mario slowly. You can't seriously be thinking all of the time in the gaps is put into the thought of a new main Mario?

The great Mario, one of the older platformers that lasted if not the oldest, and the most sold game ever.

What's so good about it? Why is it better than Ratchet? Heck, why is it better than Sonic?

Sure, it's accessible to everyone since the gameplay is extremely simple, and it doesn't have much in the way of violence, but does accessibility make a great game?

In all honesty, all I see in a Mario game is a jumping-on-mushroom parade with the compliment of a nice upgrade now and then to change size and shoot fire. That, and a hunt for shortcuts that will help you complete the game in a couple of hours.

So how, aside from its brand name and accessibility, is Mario better than -any- platformer?

ENTER! Flames. :D 

Xolver

How are apples better than oranges?   HOw is blue better than purple?  How are trees better than flowers?  How are dogs better than cats?  That is your answer.  Consider yourself Zen'd.

[QUOTE="BuddaX"]Mario has made 3(yes 3, Mario64, sunshine & NSMB) games in his main series in the last 11 years. R&C did 4 games in one gen. That's not taking away from them(R&C games are great), it's just Mario takes his time and tries to evolve each game, not just churn out sequels.Xolver

You can't discredit another series with the flaws (however you look at them) of another.

Ratchet added new features from game to game. Mario added being in a mega-size frenzy in NSMB. That, added to the fact that there are dozens of games outside the main series, doesn't support your claim of Nintendo trying to evolve Mario slowly. You can't seriously be thinking all of the time in the gaps is put into the thought of a new main Mario?

[QUOTE="Xolver"]

[QUOTE="BuddaX"]Mario has made 3(yes 3, Mario64, sunshine & NSMB) games in his main series in the last 11 years. R&C did 4 games in one gen. That's not taking away from them(R&C games are great), it's just Mario takes his time and tries to evolve each game, not just churn out sequels.BuddaX

You can't discredit another series with the flaws (however you look at them) of another.

Ratchet added new features from game to game. Mario added being in a mega-size frenzy in NSMB. That, added to the fact that there are dozens of games outside the main series, doesn't support your claim of Nintendo trying to evolve Mario slowly. You can't seriously be thinking all of the time in the gaps is put into the thought of a new main Mario?