Donkey Kong: The Early Years
Donkey Kong made his debut in arcades in 1981, captivating players with his platforming antics. In the game, players controlled the mustachioed hero we now know as Mario (although he was called Jumpman back then) in an attempt to rescue his girlfriend, Pauline, from the clutches of the rampaging Donkey Kong.
With the release of Donkey Kong, Nintendo struck gold. The game became a massive hit, leading to the creation of numerous sequels, spin-offs, and even an animated TV show. Donkey Kong quickly became a beloved character in the gaming world.
The Birth of Mario
While Donkey Kong introduced the world to Mario, it wasn’t until a year later that the famous plumber received his own game. In 1982, Nintendo released the game “Mario Bros.”, where players controlled Mario and his brother Luigi in their quest to eliminate pests in the sewers of New York City.
Although “Mario Bros.” was not as successful as Donkey Kong, it laid the foundation for the future adventures of the iconic plumber. The game showcased Mario’s jumping abilities and his knack for defeating enemies by flipping them over and kicking them off the screen.
Super Mario Bros.: Solidifying Mario’s Legacy
It wasn’t until 1985 that Mario truly cemented his status as a household name with the release of “Super Mario Bros.” for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). This groundbreaking game revolutionized the platformer genre and propelled Mario to unprecedented levels of fame.
In “Super Mario Bros.”, players guided Mario through the Mushroom Kingdom, overcoming obstacles, stomping on enemies, and saving Princess Toadstool (later known as Princess Peach). The game was a massive success and led to sequels, spin-offs, and countless merchandise featuring the now-iconic character.
The Conclusion: Donkey Kong or Mario?
So, who set the pace? Donkey Kong or Mario? The answer is simple: Donkey Kong. While Mario has undoubtedly become the face of Nintendo and the gaming industry as a whole, it was Donkey Kong who made his debut first. Donkey Kong introduced the world to the heroic plumber who would go on to star in countless successful games.
However, it’s important to note that Donkey Kong’s success would not have been possible without the introduction of Mario. Mario Bros. planted the seed for Mario’s future endeavors, creating a foundation for the character’s development and growth.
- Donkey Kong (1981) introduced the world to Mario, known as Jumpman at the time.
- Mario Bros. (1982) gave Mario his own game and showcased his unique abilities.
- “Super Mario Bros.” (1985) solidified Mario’s status as a gaming icon.
In conclusion, both Donkey Kong and Mario played pivotal roles in shaping the gaming landscape. While Donkey Kong set the stage for Mario’s rise to stardom, Mario ultimately became the face of Nintendo and a symbol of gaming excellence. Both characters continue to captivate and entertain gamers worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.