As long as I can remember, Nintendo’s Mario has been a plumber, and now it looks like he has had a career change.
Kotaku has discovered that Nintendo has updated the official Japanese language profile for Mario, and you can see his new description below.
All around sporty, whether it’s tennis or baseball, soccer or car racing, he [Mario] does everything cool. As a matter of fact, he also seems to have worked as a plumber a long time ago…
Mario’s Evolution Over the Years
Whilst you may think that Mario had always been a plumber, that is not the case. He was originally a carpenter in the original Donkey Kong game from 1981. In this game, Mario was tasked with rescuing his girlfriend, Pauline, from the clutches of the giant ape, Donkey Kong. The setting of the game, which involved construction sites and ladders, naturally lent itself to Mario’s initial role as a carpenter.
It wasn’t until the release of “Mario Bros.” in 1983 that Mario and his brother Luigi took on the roles of plumbers. This change was influenced by the game’s setting, which involved navigating through underground sewers filled with various creatures. The plumbing profession stuck with Mario through numerous subsequent games, becoming a core part of his identity.
Mario’s Diverse Skill Set
Mario’s career as a plumber is just one aspect of his multifaceted character. Over the years, Mario has taken on a variety of roles and participated in numerous activities. For instance, in “Dr. Mario,” he dons a lab coat and battles viruses in a puzzle game format. In “Mario Kart,” he becomes a race car driver, competing in high-speed races against friends and foes alike.
Mario’s athletic prowess is also well-documented. He has competed in tennis, golf, soccer, and even the Olympic Games, showcasing his versatility and adaptability. These diverse roles highlight Mario’s ability to excel in various fields, making him a beloved and enduring character in the gaming world.
The Impact of Mario’s Career Change
The recent update to Mario’s profile, which downplays his plumbing background, reflects the character’s evolution and the changing landscape of video games. As gaming technology has advanced, so too have the narratives and settings of Mario’s adventures. Modern Mario games often feature fantastical worlds and complex storylines that go beyond the simple plumber persona.
This career change also speaks to the broader trend of character development in video games. Characters like Mario are no longer confined to a single role or profession; they are dynamic and capable of growth. This allows for more engaging and immersive gaming experiences, as players can explore different facets of their favorite characters.
Examples of Mario’s Versatility
One notable example of Mario’s versatility is the “Super Mario Galaxy” series, where Mario embarks on a cosmic adventure to rescue Princess Peach from the villainous Bowser. In these games, Mario navigates through various planets and galaxies, utilizing unique gravity mechanics and power-ups. This departure from the traditional platforming formula showcases Mario’s ability to adapt to new and innovative gameplay styles.
Another example is “Super Mario Odyssey,” where Mario travels across diverse kingdoms, each with its own distinct theme and challenges. In this game, Mario uses his new companion, Cappy, to possess and control different objects and enemies, adding a fresh layer of gameplay mechanics. This innovative approach further demonstrates Mario’s capacity for reinvention and exploration.
It is not clear as yet why Mario has decided to have a career change, but it is evident that his character will continue to evolve and adapt to new gaming trends and technologies. As Mario embarks on new adventures and takes on new roles, fans can look forward to experiencing the many facets of this iconic character.
Source Kotaku
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