Celebrating Thirty-Five Years Of Super Mario In Several Ways

Dear Mario, please help lighten things up in late 2020. Nintendo has a special 35^th-anniversary celebration for you [28]. Yours truly, Laura Amy Williams and her fellow Nintendo nerds [72]. That is right, dear gamers! We are finally at the point of celebrating the 35^th anniversary of the release of Super Mario Bros. for the Nintendo Entertainment System that has charmed many retro gamers as an 8-bit best-seller since 1985 [30] [58]. Ever since every single announcement that occurred last week, we are all blissfully aware of the epic and highly ambitious celebration lasting from September 2020 to March 2021 [72], even when we heard Gen Hoshino sing “Souzou / Create” in honour of it [7] [79]. It is outstanding how Nintendo has remained proactive and creatively ambitious in preparation for another big spark of hope in the devastation and chaos of 2020 [5] [6]. While many fellow bandicoots are starstrucked by Tawna’s new look and character development from an alternate universe in another preview of Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time [8] [44], I hope the moustached man appreciates the small note I have sent him. And no, I have not been held hostage by Bowser…or in the internet’s late 2010s case, Bowsette [10].

The official logo of Mario’s 35th anniversary in motion. [16]

Firstly, a sweet yet healthy dose of nostalgia awaits Nintendo nerds who want to jump into three re-releases on the Nintendo Switch [55]. Super Mario 3D All-Stars is a forthcoming compilation that proudly provides ports of:

• Super Mario 64 [23]
• Super Mario Sunshine [23]
• Super Mario Galaxy [23]

It is too bad a re-release of Super Mario Galaxy 2 could not make it to the compilation [63], but at least we get some rehashes rather than none at all. As someone who has played the original port of Super Mario 64 on a blue Pikachu-themed Nintendo 64 as a child [26] [34], adores the white summer dress that Princess Peach only wore in Super Mario Sunshine and eventually played Super Mario Galaxy on the Nintendo Wii [31] [64], I do not doubt that it seems like quite an honourable trip to 3D Mario Memory Lane that will be available a little later this September, similar to how a re-release of Super Mario All-Stars for the Nintendo Wii was something special to honour the red-hatted hero’s 25^th anniversary in late 2010 [43] [57]. For late 2021, I think there can be an HD re-release of Sonic Colours for the Switch in honour of Sonic the Hedgehog’s 30^th anniversary [47].

Of course, a compilation of three successfully acclaimed games from previous gaming eras ought to consist of higher resolutions and smooth and reliable controls in functional compatibility with the current console [23]. An example of this would be pressing the Y button on the right joy-con or shaking it to make Mario spin in the re-release of Super Mario Galaxy [55]. [23]

Aside from the Super Mario Kart tour in Mario Kart Tour [35], the concept of Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit is quite fantastically advanced [28] [32] [39] [57]. The way the view of the cameras built in a toy of Mario or Luigi in a kart is displayed on the screen reminds me of the technology established in Microsoft Hololens that brought a teenaged version of Conker the Squirrel into reality in Young Conker [9] [28] [39] [57] [65]. Unfortunately, there will need to be plenty of space in the room for the racing to remain thrilling when the camera in the toy films the environment for the gameplay. Nevertheless, it is still a creative way to turn your home into a racing track that will be available this October [28] [32] [39] [55]. Since the idea of bringing a platforming adventure from the main Mario games to real life has been covered by some technically advanced LEGO figures modelled after Mario that I like to call “Mariobob Plumberpants” [21] [76], the ambitiously fascinating Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit sets quite a unique idea of bringing a Mario Kart race into reality [28] [32] [39] [57]. If the fascinating concept succeeds in sales, there could be a Peach kart and a Yoshi kart for bringing their perspectives into a live-action course [20].

Are the money-hungry aspects of Mario Kart Tour still getting you down [13]? If so, feel free to put down the smart device and combine Mario Kart racing with reality once you tune into Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit! Just make sure there is enough room in your house or local club! [32]

Alternatively, feel free to take part in the Super Mario Kart tour in Mario Kart Tour if you wish, especially if you remember playing Super Mario Kart [77]. [35]

Aside from a splatfest between Super Mushroom Minions and Super Star Soldiers in an online battle of Splatoon 2 that will take place in January 2021 [28] [61], a way for some Nintendo nerds to compete in October 2020 would be Super Mario Bros. 35 [28] [29] [60], a challenge for a Nintendo Switch owner to play a port of Super Mario Bros. against…thirty-four other players?! Mamma mia! The goal of the event is to be the one remaining 8-bit Mario left to win until time runs out, but it will not be easy as competitors will send enemies to each other’s gameplays. Luckily, an item roulette and a list of four strategies can help increase the chance of winning. While plenty of mid-2000s teens will dine on a fetch limited edition of Toaster Strudel pastries inspired by Mean Girls [67], the quotable 2004 chick flick [12], many of Nintendo Switch Only members in groups of thirty-five will face the wildness and insanity of the competitive twist added to the usual experience of playing the original Super Mario Bros. game [28] [29]. Too bad the event will only last until the end of March in 2021 [60], but it could be re-established again at some point after enough strong demand.

I never thought it would be possible for an online competition to be that ambitious when it comes to getting another taste of side-scrolling nostalgia! [60]

Other than that, many Mario makers ought to get ready for a special Ninji Speedruns event in Super Mario Maker 2 this November, along with a Mario-themed tournament in Super Smash Bros Ultimate [61]. [29]

Even though this surprise will be available at some point in Early 2021 [25] [56], its announcement is still associated with Mario’s 35^th anniversary, so let us discuss the details of it too. Super Mario 3D World, a 3D platforming adventure that was released for the Nintendo Wii U back in late 2013 will be ported to the Switch [24] [25]. Surprisingly, a twist titled “Bowser’s Fury” will be available as content exclusively for the port [56]. I have a bad feeling about it as Bowser’s name is in the exclusive content’s title. Apart from that, the exclusive content reminds me of how the special Switch port of New Super Mario Bros. U introduced Peachette, a fusion of Toadette and Princess Peach that is summoned when Toadette wears a Super Crown [70] [71]. Alongside with it, the Switch port of Super Mario 3D World will also provide compatibility with amiibos as it will also be released with amiibo figures of Cat Mario and Cat Peach [38]. It looks like amiibos will not be going out of style just yet [2]. I will be more than interested to find out what will be exclusively featured in Bowser’s Fury in the first half of 2021 [25] [56].

DUN DUN DUUUUUUUUUUN [11]!!! [25]

Meow! [38]

A special edition of the Game & Watch, Nintendo’s first handheld gaming system that was a predecessor to the Game Boy looks beautifully nostalgic with its colourful screen [16] [34] [37] [49]. I like how a control pad has been added for make it more comfortable for our fellow 2000s kids who were infatuated with games for the Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS [68]. It is also interesting how there is a clock system [16] [34] [37], similar to the Animal Crossing clock and the Mario clock for DSiWare [3] [15] [17] [52]. And for old time’s sake, there is a chance to play as Mario in a new version of Ball [48]. Nintendo nerds who are up for a more advanced and daring challenge better brace themselves if they wish to play Super Mario Bros: The Lost Levels, otherwise known as the true Super Mario Bros. 2 [34] [37] [62]! Coming to sales this November, plenty of game collectors better be cautious that it will only be available until March 2021 [49], yet I am still up for a special 2020s edition of the Game Boy called “Game Girl” that features a colourful screen like the Game Boy Color [50], along with possibly a built-in camera for taking photographs like the Nintendo DSi [1] [41] [45] [46] [69].

The amazing early 2020s edition of Game & Watch at least seems more necessary than the Game Boy Micro from 2005 and would be far more likely to sell better for its special anniversary-exclusive features [40] [49]. It looks like the 30th anniversary of Game & Watch is being celebrated too [37]! [16] [34]

Last but not least, there is also a range of merchandise in association with Mario’s 35^th anniversary, including:

• New plushies [22]
• T-shirts [22]
• Mugs [22]
• Drink flasks [22]
• Fabric carrier bags [22]
• Super Mario-themed Splatoon 2 T-shirts [61]
• Super Mario-themed Splatoon 2 keychains [61]
• A watch range from Alba in Japan [36]
• RS-Dreamer Super Mario 64-themed basketball trainers [50]
• Pins that each represent a different main Mario instalment [50]

Plenty of our Nintendo nerds ought to stay fashionable with T-shirts, pins and carrier bags that have been designed to honour the plumber’s 35^th anniversary. I can see many content creators giving voices to any of the new Mario plushies in their videos in the near future, such as Matthew Montane who is also known as “LuigiFan00001” on YouTube [14] [22] [66]. As for our animal crossers who have spent a good portion of 2020 building their islands in Animal Crossing: New Horizons [4], plenty of them can say that its forthcoming update for March 2021 technically counts as expanding on the merchandising for the anniversary as it will consist of Mario-themed items for an animal crosser to place in their home [28] [61]. Any amount of merchandising is great for celebrating the anniversary of a successful video game franchise outside of the gaming.

I bet some Nintendo nerds would fancy a game of Monopoly or Jenga with some Mario vibes later this year [61]. [27]

Besides that, y’all ought to stay trendy and have fun when collecting coins and throwing fire balls [30]! [22]

In conclusion, as someone who has been proactively discussing forthcoming events with the red-hatted plumber since the releases of some trailers for Mario Party: The Top 100 back in late 2017 [18] [19] [73], I wish him, his brother and his royal sweetheart a happy 35^th anniversary in late 2020 after so much conflict many of us have been through [5] [6]! Of course, this is quite like how many Pac-players and I have wished Pac-Man a happy 40^th anniversary [74] [75]. I also still hope that the Mario Party series will not become stale by the time there is an instalment of it titled “Mario Party 64” [71]. While plenty of Xbox players are looking forward to getting their hands on an Xbox Series S [78], this motivating occasion hosted by Nintendo is quite like Mario’s 25^th anniversary in 2010, his 30^th anniversary in 2015 and the Year of Luigi in 2013 all over again [42] [59] [61]. I may never want to live in a year like 2020 ever again, but here is to another decade of Super Mario mayhem, including the 40^th anniversary of the franchise in 2025, my dear fellow gamers! Koopa shells up as we all propose a toast!

Cheers! For thirty-five years of rescuing the princess [30]! [27]

References

1. 20thcenturymase. (2010). Game Boy Camera. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vI9tLvbifPc. Last accessed 9th Sep 2020.
2. Amiibo Wiki. (2015). List of amiibo. Available: https://amiibo.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_amiibo. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
3. Animal Crossing Wiki. (2019). Animal Crossing Clock. Available: https://animalcrossing.fandom.com/wiki/Animal_Crossing_Clock. Last accessed 3rd Sep 2020.
4. Animal Crossing Wiki. (2018). Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Available: https://animalcrossing.fandom.com/wiki/Animal_Crossing:_New_Horizons. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
5. Avenue Beat. (2020). avenue beat – F2020 (lyric video). Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZj8lrSZHsE. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
6. Heart Of The City. (2020). Marvelous – Fuck You 2020 (Official Video). Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=442SNyde_jw. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
7. Hoshino, G. (2020). Available: https://twitter.com/gen_senden/status/1301662533145620482. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
8. IGN. (2020). Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time – Official Trailer. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCum266l1vY. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
9. IGN. (2016). Young Conker Official Trailer. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvPN_zdszEg. Last accessed 4th Sep 2020.
10. Know Your Meme. (2018). Bowsette. Available: https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/bowsette. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
11. magnets99. (2007). Dramatic Look. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8Kyi0WNg40. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
12. Mean Girls, dir. by Mark Waters (Paramount Pictures, 2004).
13. MojoPlays. (2019). How Mario Kart Tour MANIPULATES You. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0w-a2jWT3A. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
14. Montane, M. (2016). Super Plush Mario: The Boocorcist (Ft. PhantomStrider). Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrk54G2mveE. Last accessed 9th Sep 2020.
15. Nintendo. (2009). Animal Crossing Clock. DSiWare. Tokyo, Japan.
16. Nintendo. (2020). Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. – Announcement Trailer. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhrLoM6UqGI. Last accessed 3rd Sep 2020.
17. Nintendo. (2009). Mario Clock. DSiWare. Tokyo, Japan.
18. Nintendo. (2017). Mario Party: The Top 100 – Announcement Trailer – Nintendo 3DS. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHTCnDycWYg. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
19. Nintendo. (2017). Mario Party: The Top 100 – Mario & Friends Trailer – Nintendo 3DS. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WW9PXNXTzJw. Last accessed 7th Sep 2020.
20. Nintendo. (2008). Mario Kart Wii. Nintendo Wii. Tokyo, Japan.
21. Nintendo. (2020). NEW LEGO Super Mario Power-Up Packs!. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9Dp3I3723s. Last accessed 5th Sep 2020.
22. Nintendo. (2020). Register your interest – Super Mario Bros. 35th Anniversary merchandise. Available: https://store.nintendo.co.uk/super-mario-35th-anniversary/super-mario-bros-35th-anniversary-collection-nintendo-tokyo-exclusive-collection.list. Last accessed 4th Sep 2020.
23. Nintendo. (2020). Super Mario 3D All-Stars – Announcement Trailer – Nintendo Switch. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPJcaGWoO2c&t=4s. Last accessed 4th Sep 2020.
24. Nintendo. (2013). Super Mario 3D World. Nintendo Wii U. Tokyo, Japan.
25. Nintendo. (2020). Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury – Announcement Trailer – Nintendo Switch. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPAQA_P_RQY. Last accessed 5th Sep 2020.
26. Nintendo. (1996). Super Mario 64. Nintendo 64. Tokyo, Japan.
27. Nintendo. (2010). Super Mario All-Stars – 25^th Anniversary Edition. Nintendo Wii. Tokyo, Japan.
28. Nintendo. (2020). Super Mario Bros. 35th Anniversary Direct. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_UcjEq2Dgk&t=209s. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
29. Nintendo. (2020). Super Mario Bros. 35 – Announcement Trailer – Nintendo Switch. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8DJpeCy8CQ. Last accessed 5th Sep 2020.
30. Nintendo. (1985). Super Mario Bros. Nintendo Entertainment System. Tokyo, Japan.
31. Nintendo. (2007). Super Mario Galaxy. Nintendo Wii. Tokyo, Japan.
32. Nintendo. (2020). The world of Mario Kart is racing into yours!. Available: https://mklive.nintendo.com/. Last accessed 5th Sep 2020.
33. Nintendo 64 Wiki. (2014). Pokemon Console. Available: https://nintendo64.fandom.com/wiki/Pokemon_Console. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
34. NintendoAU. (2020). Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. – coming November 13th!. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrCI0Z-_o5E. Last accessed 5th Sep 2020.
35. Nintendo Mobile. (2020). Mario Kart Tour – Super Mario Kart Tour Trailer. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJhuQGgRj4Y. Last accessed 9th Sep 2020.
36. Nintendo 公式チャンネル. (2020). スーパーマリオブラザーズ35周年 Direct. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5nqRrqFFZI&feature=youtu.be&t=7m57s. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
37. Nintendo UK. (2020). A closer look at Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros.. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-deki4gIgc. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
38. Nintendo UK. (2020). Available: https://twitter.com/NintendoUK/status/1301510302845071360. Last accessed 6th Sep 2020.
39. Nintendo UK. (2020). Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit – Coming October 16th! (Nintendo Switch). Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkVQM9ZD-KY. Last accessed 3rd Sep 2020.
40. Nintendo Wiki. (2019). Game Boy Micro. Available: https://nintendo.fandom.com/wiki/Game_Boy_Micro. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
41. Nintendo Wiki. (2019). Nintendo DSi Camera. Available: https://nintendo.fandom.com/wiki/Nintendo_DSi_Camera. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
42. Nintendo Wiki. (2013). The Year of Luigi. Available: https://nintendo.fandom.com/wiki/The_Year_of_Luigi. Last accessed 6th Sep 2020.
43. NriapiaTV. (2011). Nintendo Super Mario Bros. The Nriapia Family in 25th Anniversary. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqpqGY2eLfk. Last accessed 6th Sep 2020.
44. PlayStation. (2020). Crash Bandicoot 4 – Tawna Gameplay Reveal | PlayStation Underground. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOQyI3CfZj8. Last accessed 9th Sep 2020.
45. RGTV. (2019). Game Boy Camera “Fun-Tography” (Game Boy/Game Boy Pocket/All Short Commercial). Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2TILSgV16U. Last accessed 9th Sep 2020.
46. Rugrats Wiki. (2020). Rugrats: Totally Angelica. Available: https://rugrats.fandom.com/wiki/Rugrats:_Totally_Angelica#Gallery. Last accessed 8th Sep 2020.
47. SEGA. (2010). Sonic Colours. Nintendo Wii. Tokyo, Japan.
48. Super Mario Wiki. (2020). Gallery:Super Mario Bros. 35th Anniversary. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Gallery:Super_Mario_Bros._35th_Anniversary. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
49. Super Mario Wiki. (2013). Game & Watch. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Game_%26_Watch. Last accessed 3rd Sep 2020.
50. Super Mario Wiki. (2020). Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros.. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Game_%26_Watch:_Super_Mario_Bros.. Last accessed 9th Sep 2020.
51. Super Mario Wiki. (2006). Game Boy Color. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Game_Boy_Color. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
52. Super Mario Wiki. (2019). Mario Clock. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Mario_Clock. Last accessed 3rd Sep 2020.
53. Super Mario Wiki. (2020). Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Mario_Kart_Live:_Home_Circuit. Last accessed 9th Sep 2020.
54. Super Mario Wiki. (2015). Mario Party (series). Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Mario_Party_(series). Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
55. Super Mario Wiki. (2020). Super Mario 3D All-Stars. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Super_Mario_3D_All-Stars. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
56. Super Mario Wiki. (2020). Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Super_Mario_3D_World_%2B_Bowser%27s_Fury. Last accessed 6th Sep 2020.
57. Super Mario Wiki. (2010). Super Mario All-Stars Limited. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Super_Mario_All-Stars_Limited_Edition. Last accessed 9th Sep 2020.
58. Super Mario Wiki. (2008). Super Mario Bros.. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Super_Mario_Bros.. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
59. Super Mario Wiki. (2015). Super Mario Bros. 30th Anniversary. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Super_Mario_Bros._30th_Anniversary. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
60. Super Mario Wiki. (2020). Super Mario Bros. 35. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Super_Mario_Bros._35. Last accessed 9th Sep 2020.
61. Super Mario Wiki. (2020). Super Mario Bros. 35th Anniversary. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Super_Mario_Bros._35th_Anniversary. Last accessed 6th Sep 2020.
62. Super Mario Wiki. (2007). Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Super_Mario_Bros.:_The_Lost_Levels. Last accessed 4th Sep 2020.
63. Super Mario Wiki. (2010). Super Mario Galaxy 2. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Super_Mario_Galaxy_2. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
64. Super Mario Wiki. (2013). Super Mario Sunshine. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Super_Mario_Sunshine. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
65. THEGAMEVEDA. (2016). Micrososoft HoloLens : Young Conker part 1. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMA8Ec_TtQM. Last accessed 3rd Sep 2020.
66. The YouTube Wiki. (2019). LuigiFan00001. Available: https://youtube.fandom.com/wiki/LuigiFan00001. Last accessed 9th Sep 2020.
67. ToasterStrudel. (2020). Available: https://twitter.com/ToasterStrudel/status/1301136442832322561. Last accessed 5th Sep 2020.
68. Wikipedia. (2019). Nintendo video game consoles. Available: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_video_game_consoles#Handheld_consoles. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
69. Williams, L. (2019). 2019: The Year Of Awesome Anniversaries. Available: https://laurasambitiouswriting.wordpress.com/2019/12/10/anniversaries-in-2019/. Last accessed 8th Sep 2020.
70. Williams, L. (2018). Another Deluxe Delight For Mario’s Switch Era Is On Its Way. Available: https://laurasambitiouswriting.wordpress.com/2018/09/24/newsupermariobrosudeluxe/. Last accessed 9th Sep 2020.
71. Williams, L. (2018). Another Deluxe Delight For Mario’s Switch Era Is On Its Way. Available: https://laurawritesanarticle.blogspot.com/2018/09/newsupermariobrosudeluxe.html. Last accessed 9th Sep 2020.
72. Williams, L. (2020). Available: https://twitter.com/LauraOnDuty/status/1302359473311363074. Last accessed 5th Sep 2020.
73. Williams, L. (2017). Could Mario Party: The Top 100 Be A Delightful Dedication?. Available: https://laurawritesanarticle.blogspot.com/2017/10/could-mario-party-top-100-be-delightful.html. Last accessed 7th Sep 2020.
74. Williams, L. (2020). Forty Years Of Eating Pac-Pellets With Pac-Man. Available: https://laurasambitiouswriting.wordpress.com/2020/05/22/pacman-40-years/. Last accessed 5th Sep 2020.
75. Williams, L. (2020). Forty Years Of Eating Pac-Pellets With Pac-Man. Available: https://laurawritesanarticle.blogspot.com/2020/05/pacman-40-years.html. Last accessed 5th Sep 2020.
76. Williams, L. (2020). Mario Will Become A Lego Adventurer Outside The Switch. Available: https://laurasambitiouswriting.wordpress.com/2020/03/13/lego-mario/. Last accessed 5th Sep 2020.
77. World of Longplays. (2010). SNES Longplay [110] Super Mario Kart. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlAmXXNz5ac. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
78. Xbox. (2020). Xbox Series S – World Premiere Reveal Trailer. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHLfCFMKxPg. Last accessed 9th Sep 2020.
79. ZiaMonic. (2020). Super Mario 35th anniversary song (Souzou / Create) by Gen Hoshino. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLJWPpJ59Yg. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.

Ratchet & Clank Are To Rift Apart On The PlayStation 5

The PlayStation 5 has finally been officially revealed [22], along with several announcement trailers for upcoming video game instalments for the system, from Spider-Man: Miles Morales to Sackboy: A Big Adventure [6] [7] [21] [24]. The trailer I have chosen to analyse is the one for Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart [29]. Since 2002, a courageous lombax who would wield his wrench and an adorable robot who would always have his back…and be on it have won the hearts of many PlayStation players for voyaging through empowering gameplay and humourous moments [30] [32]. I still love the movie based on the successful re-imagining of how the duo first met from 2016 [26], despite how negatively received it was and how it was a box-office bomb [5] [28]. After many PlayStation players shed tears of joy as they watched the showcase for the PlayStation 5 [6] [7], I am more than thrilled to analyse the announcement trailer and gameplay trailer for a brand new Ratchet and Clank game and explain some theories with you all [13] [23], even as someone who has previously discussed what to expect in an anime series based on the franchise due to its popularity in Japan [10] [41] [42].

I am delighted to see yet another addition to the Ratchet and Clank franchise [30]. [23]

The duo will strive through different dimensions [23] [29]?! No way! I can tell that Dr. Nefarious is responsible for the dimensions colliding chaotically as it turns out that he has already ruled one of them. After all, he and Chairman Drek were the crooks behind the foul deed of destroying other planets to build only one in the re-imagining [34]. The variety of different dimensions the adventurous lombax and the well-mannered robot soar through in the trailer for Rift Apart include:

• A city that looks very similar to Aleero City [23]
• A canyon consisting of species that resemble dragons [23]
• Another city set in the night [23]
• A stormy ocean travelled across by pirates on their ships [23]

The premise ultimately leads to my theory that it could take place at some point before the events of PlayStation Move Heroes, the crossover spin-off that also started Jak, Daxter, Sly Cooper and Bentley and was released in 2011, but not very well received [25]. The reason for my theory is that the premise of PlayStation Move Heroes features all three duos being sent to another planet from their universes [14], similar to how Rift Apart will be about Ratchet and Clank trying to save multiple dimensions [23].

The idea of the galactic duo travelling through different dimensions sounds quite refreshing [23]. Do not get distracted by the pretty purple auras! [29]

Let us look a little deeper into the premise of Rift Apart. I can tell that it will take place at some point after the events of the re-imagining of the first game and the movie based on it [23] [26] [34]. As for the title of the instalment, the term “Rift Apart” is a sign of the duo being tragically separated during their quest, not some sexual innuendo like “Up Your Arsenal” or “Quest For Booty” [30]. Quite unfortunately, Clank looks up and states that they were “too late” away from Ratchet’s presence at some point in the trailer [23]. This sudden conflict is quite similar to how Elsa and Anna got eventually separated once again at some point in Frozen II and how Clank was taken by the Zoni in the ending of Tools of Destruction [12] [15]. Nonetheless, there will be strong hope that the furry mechanic and the pint-sized gentlebot will reunite like how they did in Ratchet and Clank: A Crank in Time [35]. A good title for a new instalment of the franchise must fit a primary aspect of the premise. For example, the “galaxy” in Super Mario Galaxy fits the premise of Mario roaming in various galaxies [18].

Let us not forget about Clank’s solo gameplay [32] [35]. That has to return in Rift Apart to fit the premise and title, right? [23]

The graphics and gameplay, along with sharp dialogue appear to be very faithful to what made the re-imagining of the first game that was simply amazing back in 2016 [13] [34]. The battling between the duo and their enemies looks chaotic as shown in some footage that heavily resembles the gameplay in Aleero City from the fantastic re-imagining [26] [34]. There seems to be a weapon called the “Rift Tether” that Ratchet can use to swiftly bring Clank and himself to where shattered orange rifts are seen [13], which is a sign of the game offering something new to make the experience fresh. Other weapons include:

• The Shatterbomb [13] [29]
• The Topiary Sprinkler [13] [29]
• The Enforcer [13] [29]

The witty dialogue from the protagonists, which is essential for maintaining the charm of the Ratchet and Clank formula is also there to balance the chaos and a bit of humour as a sign that the franchise will still be the futuristic video game equivalent of Danger Mouse [11] [13] [30] [36]. Just by witnessing an outstanding example in the gameplay trailer, I knew the developers and writers at Insomniac Games can provide such exceptional aspects for a new Ratchet and Clank game for the first half of the 2020s.

There seems to be a familiar element of self-empowerment from using a variety of different weapons for the final outcome of Rift Apart [13]. [29]

Looks like there will be a new ally who will assist Clank as a white lombax [23]. Could this mean that Ratchet will finally reunite with his species [35]? I can tell that the new adventurer is a female due to her feminine voice, along with how her tail looks very different compared to Ratchet’s tail. Oddly enough, Angela Cross, the female lombax who appeared in Going Commando had smaller ears and no tail at all [27] [33]. I suppose the character designers at Insomniac Games wanted to establish some different sexual dimorphism in the alternative timeline that was established in the re-imagining [27]. Nevertheless, the new character in Rift Apart could be a subspecies or different breed of the lombax race. Remember how the Nintendogs games for the Nintendo DS consisted of one fairly small variety of different dog breeds each [17] [19]? On the other bomb glove, my third theory about the new character is that she could be transsexual or transgender, similar to how many Catherine crusaders suspected that Rin was transsexual or transgender a year before the release of Catherine: Full Body in Japan [8] [9] [39] [40]. No matter which of the three theories will be the truth, will the new ally be likeable?

This new character also has a robotic right arm, meaning she must have lost her previous right arm during a tragic event [23]. Since female lombaxes were originally supposed to lack tails and have smaller ears [27], could she be a different lombax breed or transgender? [29]

The franchise’s logo appears to have been updated for the galactic duo’s next big steps for the PlayStation 5 [13] [23] [29]. I have nothing against changing a franchise’s logo as there is always room for improvement. The same small grey bolt by Clank’s same with the light blue “&” from the re-imagining’s logo is still there for the familiar stylising from the previous logo [16]. The font of the new logo is faintly wider and its 3D effect is greatly reduced, making it more bold and readable [29]. However, it is a shame that the previous symbolism, which was the “C” in Ratchet’s name resembling the end of a wrench and the “C” in Clank’s name resembling a bolt since the first game from 2002 has been replaced with simply the shape of a bolt in each “C” [16] [29]. But ultimately, quite similar to how the logo for the introduction of the proposed reboot of Angela Anaconda can be beneficial for dyslexic viewers with different detail and more readability [4] [37] [38], the new Ratchet and Clank logo can be approved by many consumers for providing the same redeeming qualities.

The previous logo for the masterpiece from 2016 [34]. [16]

The new logo for a new Ratchet and Clank game. [29]

The official design of the PlayStation 5 and its unexpected digital edition are beautifully futuristic [7] [22], which could make either of them and Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart a match made in Nerd Heaven, even though we do not know if the game will be available digitally or not. I yearn to find out how the new female lombax copes in a dimension temporarily ruled by Nefarious. I would also like to witness a brand new instalment of the Spyro franchise that is heavily inspired from his reignited trilogy and a new Crash Bandicoot game that could be classified as the official “Crash Bandicoot 4” that is possibly under inspiration from his N-Sane trilogy for the PlayStation’s new era [1] [2] [3]. I also do no doubt that those adorable robots will cute plenty of PlayStation players out in Astro’s Playroom while plenty of survivors of the Resident Evil franchise cautiously play Resident Evil 8: Village under advised discretion in a new era of the PlayStation [20] [31]. The official release date of Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart may not have been announced yet, but here is to a new galactic adventure for a noble community of Ratchet’s rangers and Clank’s comrades soon [23] [29].

Look at these beauties! It was worth the wait. [22]

“Ready for our next adventure, pal?” [29]

References

1. Activision. (2017). Crash Bandicoot: N-Sane Trilogy. Nintendo Switch. California, United States.
2. Activision. (2018). Spyro Reignited Trilogy. PlayStation 4. California, United States.
3. Bandipedia. (2019). Crash Bandicoot (series).Available: https://crashbandicoot.fandom.com/wiki/Crash_Bandicoot_(series)#Console_games. Last accessed 12th Jun 2020.
4. Bender, A. (2020). New Angela Anaconda Theme Song.Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaec6UiSl9A. Last accessed 12th Jun 2020.
5. Brunet, M. (2016). Ratchet & Clank – AniMat’s Reviews.Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdxqCUMySug. Last accessed 12th Jun 2020.
6. Castillo, J. (2020). I CRY! Spider-Man: Miles Morales PS5 Trailer Reaction.Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBn9zgUY0N0. Last accessed 12th Jun 2020.
7. Castillo, J. (2020). PLAYSTATION 5 REVEAL LIVE REACTION!.Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0d-I5zx4udM. Last accessed 12th Jun 2020.
8. Catherine Wiki. (2018). Catherine: Full Body.Available: https://catherine.fandom.com/wiki/Catherine:_Full_Body. Last accessed 12th Jun 2020.
9. Catherine Wiki. (2018). Rin. Available: https://catherine.fandom.com/wiki/Rin. Last accessed 12th Jun 2020.
10. Censored Gaming. (2018). How Ratchet & Clank Is Changed In Japan.Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZmVcotzTsk. Last accessed 12th Jun 2020.
11. Danger Mouse. (2017). Classic Danger Mouse | Custard | FULL EPISODE.Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzeLAr9wygY. Last accessed 12th Jun 2020.
12. Frozen II, dir. by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, 2019).
13. GamersPrey. (2020). Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart – Gameplay Trailer PS5 [HD 1080P].Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiImwSE2RuQ. Last accessed 12th Jun 2020.
14. GregoryAnimeFan. (2013). Playstation Move Heros Cutscenes with Subtitles HD.Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFgZ146WAow. Last accessed 12th Jun 2020.
15. Jaguar550. (2016). Ratchet and Clank Tools of Destruction[Final Boss + Ending Scene + Full Staff Credits].Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njC8RQRP4Rk. Last accessed 12th Jun 2020.
16. Logopedia. (2016). Ratchet & Clank.Available: https://logos.fandom.com/wiki/Ratchet_%26_Clank. Last accessed 12th Jun 2020.
17. Nintendo. (2005). Nintendogs: Dachshund & Friends. Nintendo DS. Tokyo, Japan.
18. Nintendo. (2007). Super Mario Galaxy. Nintendo Wii. Tokyo, Japan.
19. Nintendogs Wikia. (2015). Nintendogs. Available: https://nintendogs.fandom.com/wiki/Nintendogs#Starter_Breeds. Last accessed 12th Jun 2020.
20. PlayStation. (2020). Astro’s Playroom – Announcement Trailer | PS5.Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lu5VXrEqgco. Last accessed 12th Jun 2020.
21. PlayStation. (2020). Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales – Announcement Trailer | PS5.Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHzuHo80U2M. Last accessed 12th Jun 2020.
22. PlayStation. (2020). PS5 Hardware Reveal Trailer.Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkC0l4iekYo. Last accessed 12th Jun 2020.
23. PlayStation. (2020). Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart – Announcement Trailer | PS5.Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ai3o0XtrnM8&t=36s. Last accessed 12th Jun 2020.
24. PlayStation. (2020). Sackboy A Big Adventure – Announcement Trailer | PS5.Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUwI6e-em3o. Last accessed 12th Jun 2020.
25. PlayStation Move Heroes Wiki. (2019). Playstation Move Heroes.Available: https://psmoveheroes.fandom.com/wiki/Playstation_Move_Heroes. Last accessed 12th Jun 2020.
26. Ratchet & Clank, dir. by Kevin Munroe (Lionsgate, 2016).
27. Ratchet and Clank Wiki. (2016). Lombax. Available: https://ratchetandclank.fandom.com/wiki/Lombax. Last accessed 12th Jun 2020.
28. Ratchet and Clank Wiki. (2016). Ratchet & Clank (2016 movie).Available: https://ratchetandclank.fandom.com/wiki/Ratchet_%26_Clank_(2016_movie). Last accessed 12th Jun 2020.
29. Ratchet and Clank Wiki. (2020). Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart.Available: https://ratchetandclank.fandom.com/wiki/Ratchet_%26_Clank:_Rift_Apart. Last accessed 12th Jun 2020.
30. Ratchet and Clank Wiki. (2016). Ratchet & Clank series.Available: https://ratchetandclank.fandom.com/wiki/Ratchet_%26_Clank_series. Last accessed 12th Jun 2020.
31. Resident Evil. (2020). Resident Evil Village – Announcement Trailer.Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26tay8lMZW4. Last accessed 12th Jun 2020.
32. Sony Computer Entertainment. (2002). Ratchet & Clank. PlayStation 2. Tokyo, Japan.
33. Sony Computer Entertainment. (2003). Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando. PlayStation 2. Tokyo, Japan.
34. Sony Interactive Entertainment. (2016). Ratchet & Clank. PlayStation 4. Tokyo, Japan.
35. Sony Interactive Entertainment. (2009). Ratchet & Clank: A Crank in Time. PlayStation 3. Tokyo, Japan.
36. Strider, J. (2016). Top 6 Best British Cartoons.Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdlxqthJoJY. Last accessed 12th Jun 2020.
37. Williams, L. (2020). Angela Anaconda’s Promising Premiere For A Redeeming Revival?.Available: https://laurasambitiouswriting.wordpress.com/2020/01/18/new-angela-anaconda-theme-song/. Last accessed 12th Jun 2020.
38. Williams, L. (2020). Angela Anaconda’s Promising Premiere For A Redeeming Revival?.Available: https://laurawritesaboutcartoons.blogspot.com/2020/01/new-angela-anaconda-theme-song.html. Last accessed 12th Jun 2020.
39. Williams, L. (2018). Catherine: Full Body, Yet Half-Full Potential.Available: https://laurasambitiouswriting.wordpress.com/2018/02/13/catherine-half-full/. Last accessed 12th Jun 2020.
40. Williams, L. (2018). Catherine: Full Body, Yet Half-Full Potential.Available: https://laurawritesanarticle.blogspot.com/2018/01/catherine-full-body-yet-half-full_15.html. Last accessed 12th Jun 2020.
41. Williams, L. (2019). Rachetto To Kuranku: What To Expect In A Ratchet And Clank Anime.Available: https://laurasambitiouswriting.wordpress.com/2019/03/20/rachetto-to-kuranku-anime/. Last accessed 12th Jun 2020.
42. Williams, L. (2019). Rachetto To Kuranku: What To Expect In A Ratchet And Clank Anime.Available: https://laurasgamesintoanimeblog.blogspot.com/2019/03/ratchet-and-clank-anime-idea.html. Last accessed 12th Jun 2020.

Paper Mario Is Yet To Face The Origami King

Would you believe that a spin-off series of the Mario franchise that introduced our red-hatted plumber in paper and embraced the essences of the role-playing genre is two decades old now [24]? In association with a great 20^th anniversary celebration, there is a brand new addition to the series that is set to be released for the Nintendo Switch in July 2020 [6] [11] [26], which seems like another way to bring Super Mario into the beginning of a new decade, along with the upcoming LEGO Mario sets for Nintendo nerds who are fond of LEGO and interested in re-creating a run-of-the-mill platforming adventure with Mariobob Plumberpants [32]. Some of us may believe the Paper Mario series jumped the shark to a degree [17] [25], but at least the next time could be the charm. It was interesting enough that the Paper Mario and the Mario & Luigi series did a crossover together for the Nintendo 3DS back in late 2015 and early 2016 [20]. As a Nintendo nerd, I am more than interested into analysing what a new chapter of the Paper Mario has been cut out to show in order to bring the series to the Switch era in quite a refreshing way.

Besides stickers from Sticker Stars and colours from Color Splash [17] [25], we shall take a look at something new from Origami King. [26]

The trailer begins rather in a suspenseful manner [6] [11], even in the majestic interior of the main hallway in Princess Peach’s castle we have recognised and admired since the release of Super Mario 64 back in the Nintendo 64 days [8]. The princess of Mushroom Kingdom in her new origami form for the upcoming chapter of the Paper Mario series acts quite out of character and bleakly asks Mario to be an origami too. Unfortunately, when he simply refuses, she tells him that his answers are all “paper thin”. Ha ha! Get it? But puns aside, she bids him a rather compassionless goodbye and watches him fall through the floor art of a sun that is now suddenly a trapdoor, which honestly made me believe he could become an origami at first just before I watched the rest of the trailer. At least we do not have to listen to the River Twygz music from Super Paper Mario during such tension and at least we did not have to witness Shadow Queen possessing Peach [22] [27], which was an E for Everyone video game equivalent to The Exorcist [5]. Aside from those, let us keep analysing the trailer with strong hopes…and caution.

Ba dum tiss! [6] [12]

“I’ll see you in another castle [9].” [6] [12]

I like how the upcoming instalment is introducing interpretations of iconic characters as origami. First we saw Yoshi in his own world of yarn back in late 2015 [11], now we see several enemies as origami minions who call themselves “Folded Soldiers” [18]. It brings out the creative aspect of origami coming to life from the fantastic stop-motion film from 2016, Kubo and the Two Strings [2] [3]. The only difference is that the origami thing is mostly from the dark side. Additionally, it has proven that creativity can always come out of the designers’ noggins, besides a few duds [30] [31]. It was quite ironic to witness a yellow Shy Guy fold into a mysterious new character, which would explain Peach’s out-of-character attitude towards Mario we saw at the beginning of the trailer [6] [11]. Wait a minute! That means the origami of Peach must be an impostor, meaning the real Peach must have been kidnapped (again) [9] [10]! Who could have been disguised as her? On second thought, is the Origami Peach the real Peach…who is brainwashed [18]? As long as there is something new to bewilder plenty of Nintendo nerds, The Origami King ought to do the series justice in Summer 2020 with marvellous designs of the origami characters [6] [12] [26].

Since the usual cartoony style for the paper cast is still present [24], it looks like the game’s premise is “Paper Cut Outs VS. Origami.” [6] [12]

Wow. I did not know that oversized Goombas like to eat wooden houses. Anyway, there are also characters as papier-mâché creations, which can enrich the premise of a Paper Mario featuring a new type of art form to a degree. [6] [12]

Let us look further into some other hints about the overall premise. The giant ribbons of paper may be colourful, but they seem like some seriously bad news as they were summoned to imprison Peach’s castle by the new character who was disguised as a Shy Guy, King Olly [6] [12] [19]. As for Mario suddenly rising the Koopa Clown car with a flying image of Bowser, this must mean that the two arch enemies will suddenly team up in the situation. I suppose they have no choice but work together as a paper plane crashes into Bowser’s doom ship at some point [6] [12]. Surely Bowser…as a folded sheet of paper…kind of gets a taste of his own medicine, but we are yet to find out if King Olly can be just as bad as he is. We are also introduced to Olivia, another new character [23]. How she appears to be a new ally of the red-hatted plumber, even if she is the younger sister of King Olly is a sign that not all origami folks in the game are evil [6] [12] [23]. According to the forthcoming chapter’s title, the new antagonist is a king who is referred to as “The Origami King” [19].

Here comes trouble! DUN DUN DUUUUUUUUUUUN! [6] [12]

It appears we will also see allies from the previous Paper Mario games return in a new chapter, including Bob-omb [26]. [6] [12]

Since gameplay and creativity are the most important aspects of a Nintendo game, I can see that there are at least some new aspects the Paper Mario experience has to offer [6] [12]. There seems to be a section of Mario driving a shoe-shaped car across purple hills, which could be a sign of some gameplay variety. We also get a few glimpses of the usual battling against foes we see in RPGs [15] [24]. The difference is that the origami Hammer Bros are surrounding Mario in an arena that can be rotated under the player’s control [6] [12] [26]. The same applies for a gang of origami Boos who have the confidence to not look away, compared to how the regular Boos were in the main Mario games [7] [8], but they simply get pounded on by Mario. It is bewildering to see Paper Mario’s arms become origami-like after springing out from his white papery force field [6] [12] [26]. They can be used to pull down a piece of a house’s wall to use it as a platform, which I think is a great example of thinking outside the box [6] [12]. Lastly, there might be the return of experience points for those who were disappointed in Sticker Star and Color Splash [17] [25].

It looks The Origami King may still have a hold of those RPG essences [24]. Trust me, I played Angry Birds Epic on my iPad Air a few years ago [15]. [6] [12]

There will also be some gameplay that involves steering a boat to increase the sense of adventure in Paper Mario: The Origami King. [6] [12]

The way the majority of the graphics were made out of paper used for origami is outstandingly beautiful. The location that highly resembled an Abraian desert with eye-catching neon signs on the buildings reminds me of The Sand Kingdom in Super Mario Odyssey [10], even though the culture within that location was inspired by Mexico [21]. Even the waterfall that a boat rowed by a Toad goes down and a splash in the ocean made by a Cheep Cheep capture that creatively majestic element of an origami world in splendidly cartoonish detail [6] [12]. Other pleasing details include:

• Mesmerising flames of candles
• Origami paper planes soaring in the sky
• Some good shading and lighting in a temple
• Some ancient Egyptian-styled artwork of a Toad’s head on a realistic body
• An island that is shaped like a question mark
• A pile of gravel that covered up a giant origami being

And what the heck?! Paper Mario gets to wear an oversized papier-mâché version of Samus Aran’s helmet at some point in the game [6] [12] [26]?! What a remarkable Easter egg! With colourful and detailed graphics, the new chapter of the Paper Mario series ought to further enlighten the library of first-party Nintendo Switch games [26].

No argument here, Olivia. [6] [12]

 

As for the scene of Mario being chased by a cog-shaped boulder, it screams “Indiana Jones” [4]. [6] [12]

It will not be long until plenty of Nintendo nerds out there unfold the secrets while our fellow Western Pokémon trainers who are proactively striving in the eighth generation of the Pokémon franchise watch the English dub of Pokémon Journeys on Netflix [13] [14]. Despite my slight disapproval of Dr. Fire Mario and Dr. Fire Peach from Dr. Mario World [30] [31], I suppose that maybe Nintendo will not always be scrapping the bottom of the barrel in this new decade. Despite the ongoing determination from the company to this day, I wish they would at least have kept many fanmade games based on their franchises legal a few years ago as I strongly believe fanmade games are under fair use, as long as credit goes from the developers to Nintendo for the use of their properties and there is strong acknowledge of them being fanon [16] [28]. Nevertheless, along with how I wish the glamourous and timeless cartoon starlet, Betty Boop a happy 90^th anniversary [1] [29], I wish the Paper Mario series a delightfully happy 20^th anniversary as a longtime Nintendo nerd and it is highly likely that I will always be one.

Look at the striking origami-styled font below that Paper Mario logo. It sure is stunning. [6] [12]

References

1. Dave Lee Down Under. (2020). Voice Evolution of BETTY BOOP Over 90 Years (1930-2020) Compared & Explained.Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9X7uzIO3OlY. Last accessed 15th May 2020.
2. Kubo and the Two Strings, dir. by Travis Knight (Focus Features, 2016).
3. Movieclips. (2017). Kubo and the Two Strings (2016) – The Legend of Hanzo Scene (1/10) | Movieclips.Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfL_KOOZvLw. Last accessed 15th May 2020.
4. Movieclips. (2016). Raiders of the Lost Ark (1/10) Movie CLIP – The Boulder Chase (1981) HD.Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6XHLe94SJA. Last accessed 15th May 2020.
5. Movieclips. (2011). The Exorcist (3/5) Movie CLIP – Head Spin (1973) HD.Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSxuXQCEC7M. Last accessed 15th May 2020.
6. Nintendo. (2020). Paper Mario: The Origami King – Announcement Trailer – Nintendo Switch.Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FX6DTLcWUdY&t=70s. Last accessed 14th May 2020.
7. Nintendo. (2006). New Super Mario Bros.. Nintendo DS. Tokyo, Japan.
8. Nintendo. (1996). Super Mario 64. Nintendo 64. Tokyo, Japan.
9. Nintendo. (1985). Super Mario Bros.. Nintendo Entertainment System. Tokyo, Japan.
10. Nintendo. (2017). Super Mario Odyssey. Nintendo Switch. Tokyo, Japan.
11. Nintendo. (2015). Yoshi’s Woolly World. Nintendo Wii U. Tokyo, Japan.
12. Nintendo UK. (2020). Paper Mario: The Origami King – Arriving July 17th! (Nintendo Switch).Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sQ89mg_eTQ. Last accessed 15th May 2020.
13. Pokémon Scholar. (2020). Pokémon Journeys -“Journey Starts Today” Official English Opening.Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVht3F3t0IA. Last accessed 14th May 2020.
14. Pokémon Wiki. (2019). Generation VIII.Available: https://pokemon.fandom.com/wiki/Generation_VIII. Last accessed 12th May 2020.
15. Rovio Entertainment. (2014). Angry Birds Epic. iOS. Espoo, Finland.
16. Scorcher, J. (2020). Top Ten Worst Nintendo FAILS ft. GreenScorpion.Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9CtxLdjUd4. Last accessed 14th May 2020.
17. Strider, J. (2016). Top 6 Worst Mario Games.Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gt2I0xWw_KI. Last accessed 15th May 2020.
18. Super Mario Wiki. (2020). Folded Soldiers.Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Folded_Soldiers. Last accessed 15th May 2020.
19. Super Mario Wiki. (2020). King Olly.Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/King_Olly. Last accessed 14th May 2020.
20. Super Mario Wiki. (2015). Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam.Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Mario_%26_Luigi:_Paper_Jam. Last accessed 14th May 2020.
21. Super Mario Wiki. (2017). Sand Kingdom.Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Sand_Kingdom. Last accessed 15th May 2020.
22. Super Mario Wiki. (2007). Shadow Queen.Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Shadow_Queen. Last accessed 15th May 2020.
23. Super Mario Wiki. (2020). Olivia. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Olivia. Last accessed 14th May 2020.
24. Super Mario Wiki. (2010). Paper Mario (series).Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Paper_Mario_(series). Last accessed 14th May 2020.
25. Super Mario Wiki. (2016). Paper Mario: Color Splash.Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Paper_Mario:_Color_Splash#Critical_reception. Last accessed 15th May 2020.
26. Super Mario Wiki. (2020). Paper Mario: The Origami King.Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Paper_Mario:_The_Origami_King. Last accessed 14th May 2020.
27. Video Game Soundtracks. (2013). Super Paper Mario OST – River Twygz Bed.Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLUaYqH-1hw. Last accessed 14th May 2020.
28. Williams, L. (2020). Available: https://twitter.com/LauraOnDuty/status/1256233612493668354. Last accessed 15th May 2020.
29. Williams, L. (2020). Available: https://twitter.com/LauraOnDuty/status/1258327586557624320. Last accessed 15th May 2020.
30. Williams, L. (2020).  Fire Mario And Dr. Fire Peach – Is The Mario Franchise Running Out Of Ideas?.Available: https://laurasambitiouswriting.wordpress.com/2020/01/10/dr_fire_mario_and_dr_fire_peach/. Last accessed 14th May 2020.
31. Williams, L. (2020).  Fire Mario And Dr. Fire Peach – Is The Mario Franchise Running Out Of Ideas?.Available: https://laurawritesanarticle.blogspot.com/2020/01/dr-fire-mario-and-dr-fire-peach.html. Last accessed 14th May 2020.
32. Williams, L. (2020). Mario Will Become A Lego Adventurer Outside The Switch.Available: https://laurasambitiouswriting.wordpress.com/2020/03/13/lego-mario/. Last accessed 14th May 2020.