The Virtual Squared Circle 11.20.07: Mario Vs. Sonic
Posted by Randy Isbelle on 11.20.2007
The original Red vs. Blue...
versus
Original Game
Mario - Mario made his first appearance in the video game world in the classic, Donkey Kong, all the way back in 1981. He was known simply as Jumpman and his main objective was to rescue the princess from the evil gorilla who was throwing barrels at him. However, we are going to skip this game, as long as the sequel, Donkey Kong Jr. as well as his other appearance in the arcades, Mario Bros, where he finally was given his name that we know him as today. Instead, we are going to take a look at the game that truly started the Mario craze, Super Mario Bros. for the Nintendo Entertainment System.
Many say that Super Mario Bros. is the reason why the NES took off as it did, and that with out Mario, Zelda and Metroid would have never made the impact that they did. The game was released back in 1985 and since then has sold over 40 million copies world wide. Super Mario Bros. used the same basic premise as Mario's original appearance in Donkey Kong, just in a larger aspect. Mario had to traverse through eight different worlds, going from castle to castle, to find and save the princess. The game was simple but affective and drew gamers into a world they had never experienced before, and they ate it up. The controls were smooth, and it was a wonderful experience back then, however the game really hasn't aged well as I can now sit down and beat the game with out really putting a lot of effort into it.
Sonic - Sonic came into the scene in 1991 with his first fast-paced game for the SEGA Genesis, while also released for the SEGA Master System and the SEGA Game Gear that year. The game featured Sonic running rampant through six different zones, collecting rings and chaos crystals along the way, all while trying to stop Dr. Robotnik (eggman) from taking over the world. The game was fast and furious and something gamers had never seen before, and was the main reason why SEGA even was a player in the video game wars back in the early 90s. The original games are still fun to play to this day, especially compared to some of the newer games released with the Sonic name these days.
Winner: Mario- Mario wins this round because of the simple fact of history. Sonic may be a more exciting experience to play these days, but when asked what game got people into gaming, more people will tell you it was Super Mario Bros. then Sonic.
Impact To Their Console
Mario - When somebody says Nintendo, what is the first thing that comes to mind? It is usually the short little plumber that everybody loves, Mario. However, if Mario was never created, what would have been the future of the NES? You have to believe that it would have survived, but maybe not as popular as it was. Zelda and Metroid were both on the way, as long as the huge hit of the Mega Man series but without Mario, would those series be as popular as they were? Mario is the biggest image for Nintendo, however with all the other icons that were created in the late 80s, it would have survived without him.
Sonic - Take Sonic out of SEGA and what do you have? You get just another console that lasted a year or two before going under and never heard from again. Sonic was the main reason SEGA became a player in the early 90s, and really the only reason SEGA moved out of the 16-bit era at all. With the insane speed of the game, Sonic was something completely knew to the video game world, and gamers ate it up, and because of it, SEGA was put on the map. Without Sonic would there have been a game that brought people to the SEGA Genesis? Not really.
Winner: Sonic - When you carry an entire system on your back you have to be something special.
Image Today
Mario - Mario just came out with Super Mario Galaxy, which is just taking over the Wii, and also has the big fighter hit, Super Smash Bros. Melee. The plumber is just as big as ever and there really is no end in sight as he usually has at least one great game for each generation of video game console, as well as tons of smaller titles. Mario Party seems to be in their 23rd edition, and Mario loves to get together with friends and play all sorts of sports. Other then maybe Master Chief, Mario is still the most popular image in video games, and without a doubt, the most recognizable.
Sonic - Sonic is a fraction of his original self, playing small roles in party games, including in a two Mario titles. His claim to fame these days are with the upcoming Olympic Games title where he is pitted up against Mario and all of his friends. What is sad is that Sonic is put in the 100-yard dash with Mario and there is a question he might lose. Remembered for his speed, Sonic is put in this game with the question of who is faster? Talk about losing your image.
Winner: Mario - When you lose your meal ticket, as Sonic has with his speed, you know that your time as an icon is fading.
Final Battle: Who Would Win In A Fight?
This one is not as fun to talk about, because of the fact you get to find out in a few months with Super Smash Bros. Melee, however, I will give you a quick preview. If this battle was 10 years ago, then of course Sonic wins easily, he would run all over Mario until he was confused, and then take complete advantage. These days Sonic has lost that image of one of the fastest video game characters, and thus is left only with his fighting skills, which is only a spin jump. Not only does Mario jump on his opponents, but he knows the ability to throw fireballs, as well as use multiple weapons due to his experience in the Smash Bros. games. Mario might be older, but he has aged a lot better, and in the end Mario would use his experience to defeat the blue hedgehog.
Winner: Mario
And there you have it, according to the four corners, Mario defeats Sonic 3-1.
So there is the first ever Virtual Squared Circle battle, where two of the biggest icons went head to head to see who was the biggest and the best. Next week join me as I look at who is the baddest…and by bad I do not mean the good meaning of bad…I just mean plain bad.
