Mario


 * For full information, please see MarioWiki's article on Mario

Mario (Japanese: マリオ) serves dual roles as the hero of the Mushroom Kingdom and Nintendo's mascot. Mario was created by Shigeru Miyamoto in 1981, where he first appeared in the video game Donkey Kong in arcades. In this game, he was referred to as Jumpman.

Mario is one of the most recognizable video game characters of all time, and has appeared alongside Donkey Kong in several games.

Characteristics
Over the course of his many games, Mario has rescued a number of people from captivity (including Pauline and Princess Peach) and has become regarded as a great hero in the Mushroom Kingdom. There is no definitive time line for the events in the various games, most of which could be placed in nearly any order.

Mario is always seen as a kind-hearted and brave hero. He is willing to risk his life to save the lives of millions from a large amount of evil. However, he was known to mistreat his 'pet', the original Donkey Kong (which triggered the events of Donkey Kong), and force him to work in circus.

Donkey Kong
Mario's first appearance game-wise was in the original Donkey Kong, then known as "Jumpman" (or "Mr. Video Game" in Japan). The original Donkey Kong captures Mario's friend Pauline. Slinging Pauline across his back, the big ape ascended the metal girders of a construction site in Big Ape City on Donkey Kong Island. When Mario pursued, the big ape began throwing barrels at him and rolling them down the structure. Mario jumped over and dodged the barrels and other hazards of the structure as he approached, trying to get Pauline back.

Jumpman was renamed Mario when an employee at Nintendo of America's office in New York City pointed out the similar physical appearances of Mario and Nintendo's Italian landlord, Mario Segali. According to popular legend, this connection was made when an ill-tempered Segali burst in on a meeting to collect rent. The purpose of the meeting was to find a better name for Jumpman.

Donkey Kong Country 2
Mario cameos at the end of Donkey Kong Country 2, at Cranky's Video Game Heroes. He is in first place by default, getting 39 DK Coins in the Super Nintendo version of DKC2 and 67 DK Coin's in the game's Gameboy Advance remake.

Yoshi's Island DS
Chronologically, Mario first met Donkey Kong when they were both babies helping Yoshi.

Mario vs Donkey Kong
Mario is chasing DK in Mario vs Donkey Kong over the mini-Mario toys. Mario had to fight Donkey Kong over them, and DK is a villain once again (however Mario fought the current Donkey Kong). Donkey Kong stole them out of love for them, and he fought Mario once again in the sequal.

Mini-Land Mayhem
Mario and DK's rivalry continues. When Donkey Kong steals Pauline from Mario he sends his minis to get her back. More info will be available after the realese.

Other games
In lighter meetings, Mario and DK have competed or teamed up in many spinoff games, including sports games, Mario Kart series, in the Mario Party series, and the Smash Bros. series.

Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong is Mario's good friend. Mario was bitter enemies with Cranky, but becomes friends with his grandson. Their homes are on good terms as they have participated in sports and festivals. Donkey Kong has also done nice things to Mario and his friends in the Mario Party series as he gave them coins and stars and made the bananas in his mini-games coins. However Mario and Donkey Kong had to fight in the Mario vs Donkey Kong series because Donkey Kong got angry and either stole mini Mario toys or kidnapped Pauline. However in the end Donkey Kong apologized to his friend Mario, Mario forgave him, and they became good friends again.

Diddy Kong
Mario and Diddy have a neutral relationship, competing in numerous sports together, but don't hesitate to beat each other up in SSBB.

Cranky Kong
Cranky Kong is Mario's former rival in the game Donkey Kong. Despite Mario's rivalry with the original Donkey Kong, Mario appears to be on good terms with his grandson.