Super Mario set to embark on odyssey in a familiar world

Superheroes capture the imagination of adults

IT’S AN unwritten rule in the gaming world that you cannot have a Nintendo console without at least one Super Mario game. .

Nintendo’s latest console the Switch seemed lacking in the “high-jumping Italian plumber” department. Thankfully, they wasted no time remedying this and have announced Super Mario Odyssey is on the way.

The game will be rendered in a 3D environment, much like that from the Nintendo 64 title, albeit modernised.

It also appears to be a sandbox-style game (think Grand Theft Auto but without the cursing and violence), where the game world is divided into multiple segments but each individual segment is open-ended.

The trailer depicts our hero traversing multiple levels, which are based on real-world locations, in an attempt to stop his arch-nemesis Bowser, who plans to marry Princess Peach.

An example of one of these locations is the level called “New Donk City”, which sounds and looks awfully similar to New York City but with some of Nintendo’s magic nostalgia thrown into the mix.

For example, the name of the level is a nod to one of the oldest Nintendo characters, Donkey Kong, and the streets within the level are named after characters from the Donkey Kong universe. It’s no coincidence Nintendo put this in a Super Mario game, because – unknown to most people – our hero got his start in the original 1981 Donkey Kong game as the player character (then nicknamed) THERE HAS always been a fascination with superheroes.

They have captured the imagination of people from all walks of life. Superman, Catwoman, Captain America, Batman, The Hulk – these are all names that need no introduction.

Unsurprisingly, global sales figures show children make up most of the market for superhero merchandise, but adults are also buying these products for themselves.

South Africa’s leading toy retailer, Toys R Us, said as superhero movies and TV series become more popular, so too has the interest in toys. Everything from figurines to dolls to playsets to collectibles to masks – even costumes and gaming.

Nicole Annells, marketing manager of Toys R Us and Babies R Us said: “Children are Jumpman. It wasn’t until 1985 that Nintendo decided to let him be the star of his own show.

The game appears to feature many familiar faces. Enemies such as the classic Goomba, the turtle-like Koopa and the ravenous Piranha Plants will show up in the game, as would be expected.

There isn’t a definitive release date but it will be towards the end of the year. constantly influenced by what they watch on the big and small screens, making superhero toys a must-have, but this merchandise also continues to draw older fans.

“The popularity of superheroes and related toys continues to be a global phenomenon which transcends age and gender. We have observed that these iconic toys are firm favourites across all age groups because they are recognised by children and evoke fond memories for parents especially following the release of blockbuster movie remakes.

“Superheroes have garnered a strong following because of the positive characteristics they exemplify. For many, these characters are fondly remembered as their first idols and even today they continue to teach children moral values and develop their self-confidence.”