Explore surprising Mario’s appearances in non-Mario games and enjoy a trip down memory lane!
Mario’s Journey Beyond His Own Universe
When you think about Mario, the first thing that probably springs to mind is his adventures in the Mushroom Kingdom. But did you know that this iconic plumber has made numerous unexpected appearances in games that have absolutely nothing to do with his classic series? That’s right! From the NES to the Wii and beyond, Mario’s cheerful face has graced some truly surprising games. So, let’s dive into these delightful cameos and see just where Mario has popped up when we weren’t looking!
Pilotwings 64: A Mount Rushmore Surprise
In the whimsical launch title for Nintendo 64, Pilotwings 64, players were treated to the sight of Mario’s head carved into Mount Rushmore! It was a quirky twist that added a dose of fun to an already exciting game, and it showed just how versatile our favorite plumber can be.
Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out: The Referee in the Ring
In the classic boxing game Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out! for the NES, Mario traded in his jumping and running for refereeing duties! While players battled it out in the ring, Mario was there to officiate, making sure the fights went smoothly. It’s a role you might not expect from the heroic plumber, but it worked beautifully!
SSX On Tour: Mario’s Snowboarding Skills
In SSX On Tour for the GameCube, Mario took a break from his usual adventures to hit the slopes! Playable as a character, he showcased some impressive snowboarding skills. However, with the release of the more serious SSX: Deadly Descent, it seems like Mario might be trading in his snowboards for something a little less extreme.
Pinball: Mario’s Arcade Antics
In the NES classic Pinball, Mario wasn’t just sitting on the sidelines. He actively participated by running back and forth during bonus rounds, helping to keep that pesky ball in play. And guess what? He wasn’t alone; Pauline from Donkey Kong also made an appearance, adding to the nostalgia of this arcade classic!
The Legend of Zelda: A Past Connection
In The Legend of Zelda: Link to the Past, you can spot Mario’s face on a wall in Kakariko Village. It’s a small easter egg that many players might miss, but once you see it, you can’t unsee it! It was a fun little nod to Mario that added a touch of humor to the otherwise serious adventure.
Kirby’s Super Star: A Friendly Face in the Crowd
Kirby’s Super Star featured Mario and Luigi among the spectators during the Megaton Punch Championship. Seeing those familiar faces in the stands was a delightful surprise for players and a reminder of how interconnected the Nintendo universe can be!
Stunt Race FX: A Racing Legend
In Stunt Race FX, Mario was cleverly integrated into the game, appearing on the sides of various courses. It was a great way to spice up the racing experience and showcase Mario in a new light, combining his playful nature with competitive racing action.
NBA Street Vol. 3: Dribbling with Stars
In NBA Street Vol. 3 for GameCube, Mario, Luigi, and Peach took their talents to the basketball court! Seeing Mario pull off some slick moves against NBA legends like Allen Iverson was truly a sight to behold. It was one of those moments that had fans shaking their heads in disbelief while also cheering for the iconic plumber.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time – A Window to Mario
In The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, if you peek through the castle windows in first-person mode, you might catch a glimpse of Mario and other characters hanging out! It’s a cheeky way to nod to fans, adding to the game’s charm.
Tennis: Ref of the Court
Mario made another appearance as the referee in the NES classic Tennis. Although his color scheme looked a bit off, there was no mistaking the iconic plumber overseeing the matches with his undeniable charm.
Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes – A Surprise Guest
In Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes, as players navigate intense battles, they can spot Mario and Yoshi chilling out on top of some computer monitors. It’s these unexpected surprises that keep fans smiling and engaged in their gaming experience.
Majora’s Mask: The Happy Mask Salesman
Finally, in The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask, the Happy Mask Salesman features a very recognizable mask that hints at Mario’s presence. In a game filled with masks and magic, this was a clever way to connect the two beloved franchises.
Conclusion
Mario has truly ventured beyond his own universe and made a mark in countless other titles. Whether he’s refereeing a boxing match, snowboarding down slopes, or even just hanging out in the background, his appearances remind us of how interconnected the world of gaming can be. It’s these delightful surprises that keep fans coming back for more, and they surely add a sprinkle of magic to every adventure.
FAQs
- What games feature Mario as a referee? Mario serves as the referee in both Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out! and Tennis for the NES.
- Can you find Mario in The Legend of Zelda games? Yes! Mario makes cameo appearances in Link to the Past and Ocarina of Time.
- Is Mario a playable character in any sports games? Absolutely! Mario is a playable character in SSX On Tour and NBA Street Vol. 3.
- What other games have unexpected Mario cameos? Mario shows up in games like Kirby’s Super Star and Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes.
- How did Mario appear in Pilotwings 64? In Pilotwings 64, Mario’s head is humorously carved into Mount Rushmore.
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