Mario is one of the most enduring and recognizable video game characters, and serves as an icon for the Nintendo Company. He first appeared in the 1981 tabletop arcade game, "Donkey Kong", under the names Mr. Video and Jumpman, where he had to save Pauline (or Lady) from the barrel throwing Kong. But, it's hard to keep a good sprite contained to one game, so, he dumped Pauline and Kong for Peach and Bowser, gained a brother, Luigi, and reappeared in 1983 and 1985 for the perennial and on-going Mario Bros. series.

NOW YOU'RE PLAYING WITH POWER

The Mushroom Kingdom is under attack from the turtle-like Koopa Troopers, and Princess Toadstool, Peach, has been captured by the evil King Koopa, Bowser. The kingdom's only hope is the plumber brothers, Mario and Luigi. Together, or really taking one-at-time turns (this was pre-Contra), the two traverse thirty-two levels split amongst eight worlds to save the princess.

"THANK YOU MARIO!"
"BUT OUR PRINCESS IS IN ANOTHER CASTLE!"
(I hate you Toad... that's why I use Wrap Zones, so I never have to see you...)

The symbol for videogames for my entire generation.
"Mario! Mario! Mario! Mario! Mario!..."
"He's back... All you had to do was ask..."

Super Mario Bros 01	Super Mario Bros 02