A game that revolutionized the gaming industry

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Let me tell you a story.

You might not know who Mario is. Maybe you've heard the name in passing, maybe you've seen his face on a sticker, or maybe, somehow, you’ve never come across him at all. But for people like me — and for millions of gamers around the world — Mario is more than just a video game character. He’s the one who started it all.

I didn’t meet him on a Nintendo console or in a fancy game setup. My first Mario game was on my mom’s old brick phone. Tiny screen, clunky buttons, and probably not even an official version — but there he was, this little guy in a red hat, jumping over blocks and collecting coins. I had no idea back then that I was playing one of the most legendary characters in gaming history. But I knew one thing: it was fun.

And that’s what Mario has always been about.

From a Carpenter to a Plumber to a Legend

Mario’s story starts way back in 1981, in an arcade game called Donkey Kong. Back then, he wasn’t even called Mario — he was just “Jumpman”, a carpenter trying to rescue a girl from a giant ape. But just a few years later, in 1985, Nintendo released Super Mario Bros. for the NES, and suddenly, the world had its first real taste of the Mushroom Kingdom.

This time, he was a plumber, exploring a colourful underground world filled with pipes, turtles, flying fish, and castles. The mission? Rescue Princess Peach from the evil Bowser. Simple, right? But the gameplay, the level design, the music — it was pure magic. People were hooked, and Mario became the face of an entire generation of gaming.

Why Mario Games Feel So Timeless

There’s something incredibly satisfying about Mario games. They’re easy to pick up but hard to master. Whether you're six or sixty, the moment you press that jump button, you're in.

What makes them work so well?

  • Tight controls — the character feels good to play.

  • Creative levels — every world is fresh, surprising, and playful.

  • Power-ups — from Fire Flowers to Tanooki suits to riding Yoshi, it never gets boring.

  • That soundtrack — if you know the overworld theme, it’s probably playing in your head right now.

Even today, if you pick up Super Mario Bros. on a retro emulator or Super Mario Odyssey on a Nintendo Switch, the joy feels the same.

Mario Keeps Changing — But Never Stops Being Mario

What makes Mario incredible is how he’s grown with every generation. From 2D platformers to full-blown 3D worlds, every new game adds something bold without losing that simple core of “run, jump, and explore”.

  • Super Mario 64 (1996) introduced 3D gameplay and changed how we moved in games forever.

  • Super Mario Galaxy (2007) flipped gravity and let you run around planets.

  • Super Mario Odyssey (2017) gave you a magical hat and the ability to possess almost anything in the world.

Every time, Mario reinvents himself — and somehow still feels like home.

But Wait, There’s More — The Spin-Off Universe

Now here’s where things get even more fun. Mario didn’t just stay in platformers. He jumped into kart racing, fighting games, sports, puzzle games, and even RPGs. If you haven’t heard of these, you’re in for a ride:

  • Mario Kart — Imagine racing with your friends, throwing banana peels, and drifting around Rainbow Road. One of the most fun, chaotic party games ever made.

  • Super Smash Bros.—Mario vs. Pikachu? Link vs Bowser? This fighting game brings together Nintendo’s biggest icons, and Mario’s always at the centre of it.

  • Mario Party—a virtual board game that’s equal parts hilarious and rage-inducing. Great for bonding or ruining friendships.

  • Mario Sports games — From tennis to soccer to golf, Mario’s played it all — and somehow makes it exciting every time.

  • Luigi’s Mansion and Yoshi’s Island—even his friends and sidekicks have their own adventures!

These spin-offs created a whole Mario Universe — one that feels alive, colourful, and endlessly creative.

Why I’m Still Playing Mario

Even now, after years of gaming, I keep going back to Mario. There’s no battle pass, no complicated controls, and no dark and gritty realism. It’s just joy, packed into a cartridge or download. A reminder that games can be fun, weird, bright, and full of heart.

Mario doesn’t ask much of you. Just that you press start, take a leap, and enjoy the ride.

And if this is your first time hearing his story — welcome. You’ve just met one of the most important characters in video game history. And trust me, this plumber still has plenty of magic left in his world.

So… which Mario game will you start with? Let me know in the comments —I’d love to help you find your first step into the Mushroom Kingdom.

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