It’s-a time to celebrate. The iconic plunger-turned-plumber who captured the hearts of gamers worldwide is turning the big 4-0. To commemorate four decades of goomba-stomping, pipe-hopping fun, an unofficial tribute book is in the works. Slated to be a love letter to the beloved Nintendo franchise, this upcoming publication promises to take fans on a nostalgic journey through the Mushroom Kingdom, revisiting the games, characters, and memories that have made Super Mario Bros. a household name. Get ready to power-up your knowledge and take a jump down memory lane as we look forward to this exciting, unofficial celebration of Mario’s milestone anniversary.
Celebrating Four Decades of the Mushroom Kingdom
Mario’s impact on the gaming industry cannot be overstated. With his bright red cap and blue overalls, he has become an instantly recognizable character, transcending generations and cultures alike. As part of the celebration, fans are eagerly awaiting the release of a new, unofficial book that delves into the Mushroom Kingdom’s history, offering a fresh perspective on the world that has captivated gamers for decades.
Spanning four decades, the book promises to cover it all, from Super Mario Bros. (1985) to Super Mario 3D All-Stars (2020), and everything in between. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store:
- Exclusive Interviews: Insights from key developers and industry experts who helped shape the Mario franchise.
- Retro Reviews: Revisit classic Mario games, with fresh eyes and a critical perspective.
- Concept Art: Rare, behind-the-scenes artwork showcasing the evolution of Mario’s world.
- Trivia and Facts: Did you know? sections that shed light on little-known secrets and surprises from the Mushroom Kingdom.
tbody>
| 1985 | Super Mario Bros. | 15 million copies sold |
| 1990 | Super Mario World | 20 million copies sold |
| 2006 | New Super Mario Bros. | 30 million copies sold |
Inside the Unofficial Mario Anniversary Book
_insider_
The book is a 224-page visual celebration of the iconic character’s history.
Written by Chris Scullion, a renowned gaming journalist and historian, it explores the evolution of Mario from his early days as Jumpman in the 1981 arcade classic Donkey Kong, to his latest adventures in the Mushroom Kingdom.
Pre-orders for the unofficial anniversary book are now live, with the book set to launch in September 2023.
| Year | Game Title | Release Month | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Donkey Kong | July | Arcade |
Main chapters and side stories in the unofficial anniversary book include:
- Mario’s early beginnings and his breakout in Super Mario Bros.
- Diary entries from developers and artists involved in the franchise
- An exploration into the creation of the world of Mario
- The creation of Mario 64 and the Mushroom Kingdom’s changes
- Mario Kart, Mario Party, Mario Sports, and other Mario spin-offs
- Mario Kart’s speedrun world records and other gaming milestones
- Speedrunning as a Mario fan community, cultural phenomenon, and esports area
- Collectibles, toys, and other merchandise inspired by the franchise
- Mario news, promotions, contests, marketing and some PR failures
A Look Back at Marios Iconic Video Games
The Mario franchise has produced a plethora of iconic video games over the years, each one unique in its own way and contributing to the character’s ever-lasting legacy. Ever since the release of Donkey Kong in 1981, where Mario first made his appearance under the name ‘Jumpman,’ the world has been enthralled by his adventures. These games have been the driving force behind Mario’s global recognition, and here are a few of the most iconic ones:
The iconic games list includes:
- Super Mario Bros. (1985) – The game that revolutionized the platforming genre and helped popularize the NES console.
- Super Mario World (1990) – A classic platformer for the SNES console that showcased the potential of the 16-bit era.
- Super Mario 64 (1996) – A 3D platformer on the N64 console that set a new standard for 3D gaming.
- New Super Mario Bros. (2006) – A revival of the classic 2D Mario gameplay on the Nintendo DS handheld console.
- Super Mario Galaxy (2007) – An innovative 3D platformer that redefined the limits of gravity and fun.
- Super Mario Odyssey (2017) – A 3D platformer that brought Mario into the modern gaming era with creative gameplay mechanics and beautiful graphics.
The Creative Team Behind the Commemorative Book
At the heart of this remarkable publication lies a talented team of creatives who have poured their hearts and souls into bringing the world of Mario to life in a unique and captivating way. Led by Editor-in-Chief, John Smith, a renowned gaming journalist and Mario aficionado, this dynamic group of individuals has combined their strengths to produce a truly one-of-a-kind commemorative book.
The book’s development has been a labour of love for the team, with various members lending their expertise to different aspects of the publication. Some of the key team members include:
- Lead Designer, Emily Chen, whose bold and playful visual style brings a fresh perspective to the world of Mario
- Contributing Artist, David Lee, whose beautiful illustrations showcase the beloved characters in a new and exciting way
- Writer, Michael Davis, whose engaging narrative weaves together the history and nostalgia of the Mario franchise
The team’s passion and dedication to the project have resulted in a stunning publication that is sure to delight fans of all ages. As seen in the table below, the book features a wealth of exciting content, including rarely seen artwork and behind-the-scenes insights into the making of the Mario games.
| Book Features | Highlighted Content |
| Rarely Seen Artwork | Concept sketches, character designs, and early-game prototypes |
| Behind-the-Scenes Insights | Interviews with game developers, artists, and other key figures in the Mario franchise |
| History of the Mario Franchise | A comprehensive look at the evolution of the Mario games, from Donkey Kong to the present day |
Rediscovering the Timeless Charm of Marios Worlds
From lush green grasslands to vibrant underwater worlds, the majestic landscapes of Mario have captivated gamers for generations. These enchanting environments transport us to a world of pure imagination, where pipes serve as portals to uncharted territories and mushrooms can grant us extraordinary abilities. The nostalgia we associate with these iconic worlds stems from their simplicity, charm, and intricate details, designed to enthrall both old and new fans alike.
Exploring these environments is an essential part of the Mario experience. Breakthrough levels, powered by artfully crafted music and innovative mechanics, immerse us in their mesmerizing beauty and entwine us with the rich stories they tell. Whether leaping through lush Toads’ households or soaring above a dense jungle canopy, the memories we create within these realms are eternal, lingering long after we put down the controller.
| Ageless Environments | Charming Highlights |
|---|---|
| Yoshi’s Island | Charming architecture, underwater levels |
| Peach’s Castle | Tight-knit architecture, scenic nighttime walk |
| Dinosaur Land | Tropical Forests, prehistoric dinosaur species |
- Unravel intricate paths and untold stories lurking behind every castle and fortress.
- Encounter retro landmarks such as pipes, bricks, and mushroom houses while navigating across expansive territories.
Exclusive Art and Rare Interviews Await Fans
This exciting new release is a treasure trove for fans of the iconic plumber, filled with exclusive art and rare interviews that offer an unparalleled glimpse into the world of Mario. Dive into the making of classic games, and uncover the inspiration behind the beloved characters and worlds that have captured the hearts of gamers around the globe.
Within its pages, you’ll discover:
- Unseen concept art from the early days of Mario
- Interviews with key developers who helped shape the franchise
- Behind-the-scenes stories from the creation of iconic games
- Special insights into the evolution of Mario’s beloved characters
| Discover more about the history of Mario | Witness the evolution of Mario’s iconic characters |
| From the humble beginnings of Donkey Kong to the latest adventures on the Nintendo Switch | Get an inside look at the design process behind Mario, Luigi, and more |
Collectors Editions and Limited Release Details
Enhanced Exclusives
For fans looking to elevate their celebration of Mario’s 40th anniversary, the book will be available in two exclusive editions. These premium versions not only offer a unique reading experience but also make for a highly collectible addition to any Mario enthusiast’s library. The two special editions include:
• A Deluxe Edition featuring a debossed cover with gold foil stamping and gilded edges.
• A Super Mario Bros. Edition, containing a replica of the original 1985 game’s Japanese box art on its cover.
Limited Edition Details for Serious Collectors
| Edition Features | Deluxe Edition | Super Mario Bros. Edition |
| — | — | — |
| Certificate of Authenticity | Yes | Yes, with unique edition number |
| Book Binding | Leather | Premium Hardcover |
| Special Forewords | From renowned Mario historians | From Shigeru Miyamoto and Koji Kondo |
| Packaging | Slipcase with magnetic closure | Collector’s box with 1985 game art |
Limited to a total of 10,000 copies worldwide, these special editions will be highly sought after by serious collectors and fans of the Mario franchise. The unique features and exclusive packaging make for a truly unique celebration of Mario’s rich history.
Bringing Together a Community of Mario Enthusiasts
The community surrounding Mario is as vast and diverse as the Mushroom Kingdom itself, with fans ranging from casual gamers to die-hard enthusiasts. For those who have grown up with Mario, this iconic character represents more than just a game – he represents a childhood full of nostalgia and adventure. The upcoming book aims to unite this community, providing a shared platform for fans to come together and celebrate the plumber’s 40th anniversary.
In addition to exploring the history and evolution of Mario, the book will also showcase the creative expressions and interpretations of fans from all over the world. From fan art to cosplay, this community is bursting with creativity and passion, and the book will provide the perfect opportunity to tap into this energy. For instance, some of the fan-generated content featured in the book may include:
