Hello everyone
A few weeks ago, I asked everyone who their favorite version of Link was, throughout all of his epic adventures he overcame so many visual changes and their were so many different design choices and options to love.
But now, I wanted to dive into a character who may have even more phases and creativity, from power changes, style overhauls, accessory options and just overall look swaps. Our beloved plumber has changed quite a bit in his endeavors from the 8 bit screen to the glorious HD TVs of today.
. 3+ decades of innovation behind him, let's take a look back at some of his most iconic looks.
Donkey Kong Mario (1981)
First up we have Mario in all his ape abusing glory from vintage nostalgic times
. Very simplistic, very iconic sprite.
Mario Game and Watch Mario (1986)
One of the lesser appreciated Mario appearances was his first leap into the handheld world, with the game and watch dedicated consoles
. Consisting of just black and white cells that make up simplistic animation. This Mario looks almost like a pre beta sketch for some design for games to come. Very neat looking
.
8 Bit Mario (1985) 
Probably the most iconic Mario, residing in a special compartment of each and every gamer's heart
. We all recall the first time this mustache'd hero ran across our tube televisions for the very first time. For many he was the spark of it all, the lightning in a bottle, the radiating bug light that attracted us into gaming. Such a timeless simplistic design
.
8 Bit Mario Fire Version (1985
Super Mario Bros 2 Mario
Of the 3 NES Installments (Excluding lost levels) Mario has overgone 3 look changes already. 2 being one of the more bizarre Mario games of all time, a complete clone of Doki Doki Panic but with sprite changes.
.
Super Mario Bros 3 Mario
Mario Bros 3 Raccoon Suit Mario
Super Mario World Mario (1990)
Super Mario World Cape Mario
Marios leap into 16 bit, one of the most beloved entires of all time, featuring the likes of amazing new outfits, pixel resolution and of course the epic cape.
Super Mario RPG Mario
Super Mario 64 3D Mario (1996)
Mario's first jump into the 3D world, one of the most innovative moments in gaming history, a true leader for all other 3D platformers to follow in it's lead.
Mario Sunshine Backpack thingy
One of my favorite iterations of Mario, with his backpack water spraying thingy majig
. The hydro aquatic blast washing away the pain of yesterday and all the evil doings of Bowser and his son. Really disrespectful on a new low, even for Bowser how they desecrated the world of the tropical islanders. Tax Payers have to fund the clean up. Just no care.
Super Paper Mario
Such a unique Mario, where he is a two dimension surface in a amazing tumultuous JRPG adventure, looking hand drawn on Paper hence Paper Mario. One of my faves
.
New Super Mario Bros. Wii/Wii U Mario/
After all graphical restraints are lifted, and after over 30 years of tweaks and entries, this is the Modern Mario we have all grown acustomed to. Making his mark in Icons like Mario Galaxy, Mario Wii, Wii U and even Odyssey. The appearance hasn't changed in quite some time aside from outfits. Good old blue overalls and the red outfit which has become a staple of the character.
Super Mario Maker Mario
Mario Odyssey Cappy Mario
The latest Entry in Mario's long line of legendary blockbuster games comes a very unique ability, with Cappy which transforms Mario into enemies stealing their power Kirby style. Kirby has since filed a sieze and desist order claiming Mario stole his idea, the same seize and desist order he filed against Ditto. But seems to be to no avail as all characters are owned by Nintendo and their are job interferences with the court proceedings.
.
HONORABLE MENTIONSMario Paint Mario
Metal Mario
Baby Mario
Bee Mario
Mario Kart Mario
Evil Mario (Mario Sunshine)
Super Mario Land GB Mario
DISHONORABLE MENTIONSCDI Mario
The Super Mario Bros Movie Mario
Through all the years, Mario has always been a beloved hero in the world of gaming. Of all his changes and moments throughout the ascension from childhood to adult, generation to generation and all the ups and downs, which look do you think was the peak of his excellence?
My top favorites style and art concept wise are 16 bit Mario from Super Mario World, Paper Mario and Sunshine Mario with the water jet pack
.
