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| Super Mario From Donkey Kong Arcade (1981) - Super Mario Odyssey (2017) |
Jumpman is one of the most recognizable video game characters that has ever graced the industry ever since his first appearance way back in 1981. Since then this iconic plumber has appeared in over 100 different games, wore tons of different color schemes, dyed his hair numerous times, changed his name, saved the princess countless times, and has even quit his jobs. Of course his name isn't Jumpman anymore, it's Mario. Last name presumably Mario as well if we are to believe a particular Hollywood movie.
Donkey Kong: 1981 (Arcade)
Starting from the beginning we'll have to travel back to 1981, back to when Mario was first created by Shigeru Miyamoto. Although at this point in Mario's career, his name was simply Jumpman. Also instead of a plumber, he held a career as a carpenter. According to an interview by Shigeru Miyamoto, Jumpman was supposedly aged 24 or 25 and fresh out of college. ₁
Back then Jumpman was battling a giant gorilla that was being kept as a pet. This gorilla's name was Donkey Kong. According to the instruction manuals, Jumpman mistreated Donkey Kong which led the giant gorilla to break free and kidnap Pauline which led to the confrontation between master and pet. Jumpman would have to move across platforms while jumping over barrels and avoiding fires, springs, and other objects, all in an attempt to make it to the top to perform a daring rescue. Also to recapture Donkey Kong, of course. There are power-ups that you can get that can help you destroy some of these projectiles and gain a higher score, such as a hammer and an umbrella.
Jumpman's name change: 1981
Mario Segale
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Jumpman went through a big change in-between the release of Donkey Kong. With the Japanese release, Jumpman actually didn't even have a name. When the US version of Donkey Kong reached arcades, the nameless carpenter antihero finally had a name. Although his name was hidden in the arcade instruction manual. ₂ However, the flyers for the exact same game that were handed out shortly after Donkey Kong's release dubbed our antihero, Mario. ₃ The name change was the result of who Nintendo of America(NoA) rented from. The landlord was said to have a striking resemblance to Jumpman. His name was Mario Segale. The president of NoA at the time was a man named Minoru Arakawa. He believed that Segale bared a striking resemblance to Jumpman, and so the name stuck and a gaming icon was born. ₄ Which leads one to ask, if not for the supposed Hollywood blockbuster, is Mario's last name Segale? 
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Donkey Kong Junior: 1982 (Arcade)
Mario Bros: 1983 (Arcade)
Mario Bros. was Mario's first standalone title. Joining Mario, was Luigi, Mario's brother. Mario went through some changes for this outing. He switched his signature red cap for a blue one and decided to stop dying his hair blue. Mario now had his natural brown hair. Although on the box, Mario appears to have black colored hair. His clothes had swapped palettes as well. Now, instead of red overalls and a blue shirt, Mario appears with blue overalls and a red shirt.
Pinball: 1984 (NES)
It seems as if Mario had taken a much needed break after battling giant gorillas, crabs, turtles, and fireballs among other things. Mario takes a little bit of a retro approach to his appearance this time. On the box Mario has on his blue hat from Mario Bros. His clothes are a changed slightly though. Mario sports his signature blue overalls that we all know and love him for. Although instead of a red shirt, he has on an orange one. He appears a little different inside the actual game. When he appears holding the platform that your ball bounces off of, you will see him with his blue hair, red hat and shirt, and blue overalls.Wrecking Crew: 1985 (NES)
Mario takes a new look here. Swapping out his original red baseball style cap for a red hard hat. He also is now wearing a single red track suit with no undershirt. Mario keeps his blue hair and stache. For some reason, the traditional tan boots have now been replaced by blue ones that matched his hair color. Appearing with him is his brother Luigi.Super Mario Bros: 1985 (NES) (1983 JP)
Super Mario Bros 2: 1988 (NES) (1992 JP)
As nearly everyone knows, Super Mario Bros. 2 was originally called Doki Doki Panic before being re-skinned. Both games have nearly identical gameplay mechanics. The story was changed slightly and the 4 playable characters were rebranded into Mario, Luigi, Toad (Mushroom Retainer), and Princess Toadstool. Each player had their own unique playing style. Finally, Mario had the traditional M on his hat right on the box. Unfortunately, Mario had swapped his clothes colors on the box art. In game he has his traditional blue overalls and red shirt, while it's vice versa of what he's wearing on the box art. The true sequel wouldn't be released outside of Japan until 1993. The true Super Mario Bros. 2 sequel would be called Super Mario Bros. The Lost Levels and be featured in Super Mario All-Stars on the SNES. (1993) I didn't include the title in this list because Mario looked nearly identical to his Super Mario Bros. 1 (NES) appearance.Super Mario Bros 3: 1990 (NES) (1988 JP)
Continuing the tried and true Mario formula, Super Mario Bros. 3 was the highly anticipated sequel to Super Mario Bros. 1 & 2. The gameplay was more focused on the Super Mario Bros. 1 formula but expanded on it exponentially. There were tons of new enemies, worlds, game mechanics, and power-ups to discover. The most notable change is that Mario now has to face Bowser's 7 children. Although it's argued that Bowser isn't actually related to these children, he states they are his kids in the instruction manual. ₆ Joining Mario on his quest to rescue each world's king, was Luigi. The box featured Mario wearing his brand new power-up suit, the Tanooki Suit. Although in-game, Mario appears to be wearing black and red rather than his blue and red combo that is shown on the box art.Dr. Mario: 1990 (NES)
Mario has taken up a job in the virus research lab at the Mushroom Kingdom Hospital this time. He's teamed up with nurse Toadstool to stop a virus outbreak. Instead of Mario's usual outfit, he now dons a doctor's lab coat and a head mirror that physicians used to wear. He also is wearing a stethoscope both in game and on the box cover. On the box he holds a thermometer and a chart. Mario has to battle Red, Blue, and Yellow viruses with pills of the same color. Match 3 and the virus is defeated.NES Open Tournament Golf: 1991 (NES)
Mario gets invited to a major golf tournament. Instead of his tried and true red and blue clothes he switches to a patriotic red, white, and blue outfit. His boots now have spikes attached to them that are shown on the box art. Joining him is his brother Luigi and Princesses Toadstool and Daisy. Mario and the gang are tasked with taking on 4 pros, Steve, Mark, Tony, and Billy. ₇
Super Mario World: 1991 (SNES) (1990 JP)
Mario's first adventure in 16 bits sees him taking a much needed vacation to Dinosaur Island. Unfortunately, Princess Toadstool gets kidnapped by none other than Bowser. It's up to Mario and his brother Luigi, along with their new ally Yoshi, to travel across the island and rescue Princess Toadstool, while yet again thwarting Bowser's plans. On the box, Mario is shown riding Yoshi, as well as wearing his new Cape Feather power-up. For the very first time in-game, Mario can be seen wearing the clothes he's famous for.
Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island 1995 (SNES)
Way before Mario ever thought about battling turtles, Goombas, giant gorillas, and rescuing princesses, Mario was a baby. While Mario and Luigi, whom according to the instruction manual are twins, are being flown through the sky by a stork, a evil Magikoopa named Kamek attempts to kidnap the twins after having a divined vision of the pair of brothers bringing great disaster to the Koopa family. While Luigi gets kidnapped, Mario ends up crash landing on Yoshi's Island. Mario hints to the Yoshis as to the whereabouts of his brother. The Yoshis decide to help Mario out, thus beginning Baby Mario's very first adventure. Mario appears on the box with his traditional red hat riding a green Yoshi, wearing nothing but a diaper and lacks his legendary mustache.
Mario Clash: 1995 (Virtual Boy)
Mario returns to his first arcade solo outing in Mario Clash. Just like in Mario Bros, Mario has to battle various enemies like turtles and crabs that come out of pipes. The box art and instruction manual shows Mario in his traditional clothing in full color. ₈ However, in-game Mario appears red and black, due to the Virtual Boy only being able to display those 2 colors. Unlike the original Mario Bros, Mario now has the ability to jump on certain enemies like Koopas and pick up their shell to throw at other enemies.
Super Mario RPG: Legend Of The Seven Stars 1996 (SNES)
Princess Toadstool gets kidnapped once again while attempting to visit Mario. Noneother than Bowser is behind this once again. While Mario and Bowser are battling atop Bowser's giant chandeliers, Bowser's castle begins to shake. A giant sword crashes into Bowser's castle. Mario's RPG quest begins here. Mario, Toadstool, and Bowser appear on the box looking more like 3-D statues than the 2-D sprites that we are used to. The gang appears this way in-game as well. Sadly Luigi stays behind while claiming in the instruction manual that Mario doesn't need his help. He does however, give great tips and tricks on how to play the game. ₉
Super Mario 64: 1996 (N64)
This was Mario's very first adventure on the N64. Mario is now in complete 3-D. Upon receiving a letter from Princess Toadstool, Mario rushes to the castle only to be greeted from a booming voice telling him that no-one is home and that he should scram. Mario starts to explore the castle and eventually discovers that Bowser is the Koopa behind that booming voice. He has stolen all of the Power Stars in an attempt to take control of the castle as well as the entire Mushroom Kingdom. It's up to Mario to restore all of the stolen Power Stars and stop Bowser's latest evil scheme. On the box it shows Mario is using his latest power-up, the Wing Cap, to fly through the air above the castle. The instruction manual shows Mario getting fire breathed on his backside by a giant Bowser.
Paper Mario: 2001 (N64) (2000 JP)
Mario returns for another RPG adventure on the N64. This time he appears thin as paper. Bowser has stolen the Star Rod of Star Haven and has imprisoned the Seven Star Spirits. It's up to Mario to save Star Haven from the evil King Bowser. Joining Mario on his adventure are a new friends including a Koopa, Goomba, Bomb Omb, and more. Luigi even plays a role. According to the instruction manual, Princess Toadstool's name is now Princess Peach. ₁₀ On the box Mario is being carried by a Koopa. There are also some of Mario's friends that play a part in the game along with King Bowser himself. Mario takes on a 2-D look both on box and in game.
Dr. Mario 64: 2001
Flu season has struck the Mushroom Kingdom. Mario is back performing his duties as a doctor with his mighty megavitamins. Spying on Mario as he is treating patients are Wario and the mysterious Mad Scienstein. It's clear what Wario's motive is, money, but Mad Scienstein's motives are unknown for now. On the box Mario looks almost identical to his Dr Mario days on the NES. The minor difference is that this time he sports a red tie under his white doctor's coat.
Super Mario Sunshine: 2002
Mario's big adventure on Nintendo GameCube takes him to Delphino Island for a very much need vacation. Unfortunately Mario gets framed for polluting the island resort and gets tasked with cleaning up the mess he supposedly made. Mario teams up with FLUDD, the latest invention from Gadd Science Inc. Now Mario is equipped to clean up the island and capture the real culprit all while clearing his good name. Joining Mario on Isle Delphino are plenty of different colored Toads and Princess Peach, of course. Luigi decided to stay home from this vacation, but Yoshi is more than willing to help Mario. Mario can be seen on the box wearing FLUDD.
Mario Pinball Land: 2004
Unlike Mario's previous Pinball adventure back on the NES, Mario plays the ball instead of a platform. Mario uses a cannon to squeeze himself into a ball in order to save Princess Peach who was blasted off to Bowser's castle via the Sky Cannon, a new transportation device that was just getting it's start. Mario has his classic look in this new adventure with one slight difference, he's round as a pinball. Thanks to the cannon, Mario can now bounce off of surfaces safely in order to battle Goombas, Boos, Koopas, Shy Guys and more in order to save Princess Peach from Bowser once more.
Super Mario Galaxy: 2007
For Mario's Wii adventure, our favorite plumber heads out into outer space. This time Bowser scatters all of the Power Stars across different galaxies. Mario will have to travel from galaxy to galaxy searching far and wide for each Power Star while battling all kind of new alien enemies and bosses. Of course, he'll have to rescue Princess Peach too. After finishing the game, you can restart the game and take on the entire universe as Luigi in a sort of New Game +. On the box Mario can be shown zooming through the stars with planets that Mario will have to explore in the background.
Super Mario Maker: 2015
Mario let's you take control this time. You can make anything you can imagine in the style of his greatest past adventures that include Super Mario Bros, Super Mario Bros.3, Super Mario World, and New Super Mario Bros.U. Mario's looks change depending on what style of level you create. The possibilities are endless. You can make a super easy level or an extremely difficult one. You can also add mystery mushrooms that will transform Mario into mystery characters via Costume Mario. On the box Mario switches his traditional outfit for a construction workers style outfit with a red and yellow color scheme. He also wears a belt equipped with a hammer and a pouch. Mario's baseball style hat is switched out for a yellow construction worker's hardhat.
Minecraft Wii U Edition: 2016
While Mario isn't the main focus this time, Mario and all his friends still play a major role in a part of Minecraft for the Wii U. The Super Mario Mash-up Pack includes tons of different skins, tons of professionally created worlds in the likeness of classic Mario worlds, themed puzzles, music, and much more. ₁₁
Paper Mario Color Splash: 2016
Mario returns for another Paper style RPG on the Wii U. Mario travels to Port Prisma. Usually it's a very colorful place, but somebody has started draining the color from the land. It's up to Mario to return Port Prisma to it's colorful glory. Just like past Paper Mario titles, Mario is skinny, thin, and 2-D. This time however, there is a white line around Mario as if he is more of a sticker than paper.
Super Mario Odyssey: 2017
In Mario's latest adventure, Bowser has kidnapped Princess Peach again and is trying to get her to marry him. Mario has been thrown off Bowser's ship in an attempt to rescue Princess Peach. In order to chase down Bowser, Mario rides the Odyssey with the help of Cappy, who has possessed Mario's hat. In order to power the Odyssey, Mario has to collect Power Moons across the world. On the box, Mario is shown throwing Cappy while jumping high in the air in the middle of a giant city. Other parts of the box show different outfits such as a swimsuit, explorer's outfit, and a chef's coat and hat.
From arcade to portable home console, from 2-D to 3-D, from Jumpman to Mario, our favorite Italian mascot has evolved many times over the years. Mario has held numerous professional jobs, saved numerous princesses countless times, and has changed his look more than a handful of times. Even at the age of 62 - 63, it doesn't appear Mario is about to slow down or stop having adventures anytime soon. Mario's appeared in dozens of different games and genres, although I only discussed a small handful of them. I'm sure that throughout the years, Mario will continue having wonderful adventures and keep on saving Princess Peach from none other than King Bowser, of course.
The only question that remains to be asked for the moment is, what adventure awaits Mario next?
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