For a while there, Asteroids was synonymous with “video game.”  Then PAC-MAN hit the scene, and during the arcade boom of the early to mid 1980’s, this yellow “thing” became a household name, raking in billions of dollars, one quarter at a time.  But then the Dark Ages fell, and what was left of “video games” was quite different by the time it came out on the other side.  Mario emerged as Nintendo’s champion, but he wasn’t without his challengers.  Donkey Kong still posed a threat as the better established franchise, and then Sega’s most prodigious child – Sonic the Hedgehog – posed a very serious risk to Mario’s crown for several years in the early 90’s.  Since then the gaming landscape has shifted and morphed in a variety of ways.  Other characters have risen to prominence: Master Chief, Solid Snake (ok, he’d been around for a while, but it took some time for his reputation to develop), Lara Croft, John Marston, Sephiroth, Kratos….even some of Nintendo’s other characters like Link, Samus, and various Pokemon began to develop massive followings.  Yet Mario, through thick and thin, has held on to his title, due in no small part to his universal appeal (young and old, male and female, casual and serious) and the amount of innovation Nintendo has continually fed the franchise.

Nintendo has vicariously pushed gaming ahead through our favorite plumber, from the industry’s first real platformer (Super Mario Bros.) to one of the first true 3D platformers (Super Mario 64) to the greatest 3D platformers (Super Mario Galaxy 1 & 2) to some of the greatest handheld titles (New Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario 3D Land) all the way to one of the most creative and mold-breaking games of all time, Super Mario Maker.

In honor of video gaming’s biggest icon turning the big three – oh this year, Nerd Bacon is celebrating Mario and his cohorts as much as we possibly can.  We’ve even issued a challenge to all of our members: review 5 Mario or Mario-related games by February 1st.  By celebrating Mario, we’re also celebrating those who owe their very success to this gaming everyman, including Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, Toad, and of course Wario.  Take a look below to see all that Nerd Bacon already has to offer when it comes Mario & Co. and check back frequently as our members strive to complete the challenge!

Written by The Cubist

Co-founder, Head Author, & Site Technician

Find out what these ratings mean and how I rate video games.

I collect as much video gaming paraphernalia as I can get my hands on, especially when it comes to hardware. With over 40 systems including oldies like the ColecoVision and Intellivision, obscurities like the CD-i and 3DO, and the latest and greatest including the Wii U, PS4, Xbox One, 3DS, and PS Vita, I get easily overwhelmed. Most of the time you can find me firmly nestled sometime between 1985 and 1995 when it comes to my games of choice, but I’m also having a great time seeing what the 8th generation has to offer.

Currently in love with: Mortal Kombat

Email me anytime, about anything: thecubist@nerdbacon.com