Was Mario Originally the Bad Guy? The Curious Case of Donkey Kong Jr.
Yes, surprisingly enough, there’s a strong case to be made that Mario, or rather, his original incarnation “Jumpman,” was indeed portrayed as the antagonist in at least one notable instance: Donkey Kong Jr. While he’s now an iconic hero, saving Princess Peach from Bowser’s clutches time and again, there was a time when Mario was depicted imprisoning Donkey Kong, forcing his son, Junior, to rescue him. This portrayal, while seemingly out of character, adds an interesting layer to the history of the Mario franchise.
The Context of Donkey Kong Jr.
The gaming landscape was vastly different in the early 1980s. Donkey Kong, released in 1981, was a massive hit, introducing the world to Jumpman (later known as Mario) and the titular ape. The sequel, Donkey Kong Jr., released in 1982, flipped the script. Instead of Jumpman rescuing Pauline (originally Lady) from Donkey Kong, the tables were turned.
In Donkey Kong Jr., Mario, now seemingly a more mature and definitely more stern character, is holding Donkey Kong captive in a cage. The objective of the game is for Donkey Kong’s son, Junior, to navigate a series of challenging levels to reach his father and free him from imprisonment. This role reversal casts Mario in a decidedly antagonistic light, even if his motivations are not explicitly stated.
Why the Shift in Character?
The reason behind this sudden shift in Mario’s characterization is not explicitly documented by Nintendo. However, several factors may have contributed to this decision:
- Exploring New Gameplay: Nintendo likely wanted to innovate on the formula established by the original Donkey Kong. By making the player control Donkey Kong Jr. and tasking them with rescuing his father from Mario, they created a fresh and engaging gameplay experience.
- Adding Depth to the Narrative: While early arcade games often lacked complex narratives, this role reversal introduced a layer of ambiguity and intrigue. It made players question the simplistic good vs. evil dynamic and consider the perspectives of both characters.
- Capitalizing on Donkey Kong’s Popularity: The original Donkey Kong was a massive success. Featuring him prominently in the sequel, even as a captive, ensured that fans would be interested in playing.
Was Mario Truly Evil?
While Mario imprisons Donkey Kong in Donkey Kong Jr., the game never explicitly paints him as inherently evil. His motivations for imprisoning the ape are left ambiguous. It’s possible that he believed Donkey Kong was a menace and needed to be contained. Perhaps he was simply acting in self-defense after the events of the first game. Whatever the reason, Nintendo never offered a clear-cut explanation.
It’s also crucial to remember that Donkey Kong Jr. stands out as an exception in the Mario franchise. In nearly every other game, Mario is portrayed as the quintessential hero, fighting against evil forces to protect the Mushroom Kingdom.
The Legacy of “Villain” Mario
Despite his unusual portrayal in Donkey Kong Jr., Mario’s image as a hero has remained largely untarnished. This single instance of antagonistic behavior has become more of a historical curiosity than a defining characteristic. It’s a reminder that even the most beloved characters can have unexpected and intriguing pasts. Exploring the complexity of characters in games is an interesting way of developing analytical skills. Further research can be done on this topic through the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Was Mario always called Mario?
No, originally, Mario was known as Jumpman in the original Donkey Kong arcade game. The name “Mario” was adopted later, inspired by Mario Segale, the landlord of Nintendo of America’s warehouse.
2. Who was Mario’s original love interest?
In the original Donkey Kong, Mario’s love interest was a character named Pauline, originally referred to as Lady.
3. Who is the main villain in the Mario universe?
While there are several antagonists, Bowser is undoubtedly the main villain in the Mario universe, consistently kidnapping Princess Peach and plotting to take over the Mushroom Kingdom.
4. Is Bowser always evil?
While Bowser is primarily depicted as a villain, there have been instances where he has been willing to work alongside Mario and Luigi to combat greater threats.
5. Why does Bowser hate Mario?
Bowser’s hatred for Mario stems from a long-standing rivalry, as well as his desire to kidnap Princess Peach. Their animosity can be traced back to their childhoods.
6. Who is Bowser Jr.’s mother?
Bowser Jr. does not have a mother, as the Mario series does not entirely reflect reality. In its universe, children may be produced asexually.
7. Is King Boo more evil than Bowser?
Some argue that King Boo is more devious than Bowser, as his schemes and plots in the Luigi’s Mansion games are often more elaborate.
8. Who is Luigi’s rival?
Waluigi is the self-proclaimed rival of Luigi.
9. What was Mario’s original profession?
Before becoming a plumber, Mario was originally envisioned as a carpenter in the Donkey Kong arcade game.
10. Who is Luigi’s girlfriend?
Daisy is often considered Luigi’s girlfriend, especially prominent since the 1993 film.
11. What is Peach’s full name?
Peach’s full name is Princess Peach Toadstool.
12. What is Mario’s weakness?
Mario’s overall range is below average, giving him trouble against characters with longer disjointed range.
13. What makes Bowser evil?
Bowser is a tyrant who seeks to spread his influence and conquer new domains across his universe.
14. Has Mario ever teamed up with Wario?
Yes, Wario has allied with Mario to defeat greater threats in Super Mario 64 DS.
15. Who raised Bowser?
Kamek raised Bowser since he was a child.
In conclusion, while Donkey Kong Jr. presents a unique instance where Mario (as Jumpman) assumes an antagonistic role, it remains an exception in his overall character arc. Mario is widely regarded as a hero, beloved for his courage, compassion, and unwavering dedication to saving the Mushroom Kingdom.