Skip To...
Illumination’s Super Mario Movie has garnered quite the buzz online. From the viral marketing campaign featuring the brother’s plumbing service to the breathtaking trailers, fans young and old are excited. The film clearly respects the Mario games, with many references appearing in nearly every frame. Today, in anticipation of the release, we will be looking at ten game mechanics fans hope to see on the big screen. Whether in this upcoming movie or in a sequel.
10. Metal Mario
Originally debuting in Super Mario 64, the metal cap allows Mario to become solid metal. This allows him to become invisible as well as walk underwater. The trade-off is, he moves incredibly slowly. Having this ability in the Super Mario Movie could not only help him out of tricky situations but could also allow for some comedic moments involving how slowly he moves. This could also be a good chance for the Metal Mario theme to make an appearance.
9. Giant Mushroom
The first of the Mario games on the DS, New Super Mario Bros, introduced several new power-ups. One of the best-known is the Giant Mushroom. This mushroom allows Mario to grow huge. So big, he can barely fit on the screen. This allows Mario to destroy nearly everything in his path for a brief time. Having the film’s take on Mario grow to a gigantic size would be a fun callback to this power-up. It could also help him take out some especially tricky obstacles.
8. Mario Kart attacks
The trailers for the movie have already shown there will be some scenes centered around the Mario Kart games. Ask anyone who has played multiplayer modes in those games, and they will tell you friendships are put to the test. Nothing is more infuriating than nearing the finish line before being hit by a blue shell by someone claiming to be your friend. Seeing these attacks on the big screen will not only be great fan service but seeing the characters become enraged at each other will be the icing on the cake.
7. Smash Attacks
The Super Mario Movie seems to be incorporating elements from games outside of the mainline series, such as Donkey Kong 64. It is not outside the realm of possibility that elements from Super Smash Brothers will appear as well. Seeing Mario pull out some flashy moves in the final fight against Bowser would be a fantastic climax that will have longtime fans jump to their feet. A climax to a film such as this would need more than just jumping, so looking to the Smash games would be a great place to find some moves for Mario to use in the final battle.
6. Brothers Attack
The release of Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga to Switch Online is reintroducing fans to one of the best Mario games. The RPG game sees the Mario Bros on yet another adventure to save the Princess. This game sees players take control of Mario and Luigi at the same time, including to attack. The tag team attacks from the brothers are a fun mechanic that would look incredible on the big screen. Mario and Luigi throwing one another into enemies would be an effective and comical way to overcome the odds.
5. Invincibility Star
Perhaps the most famous Mario power-up outside of the classic mushroom is the Invincibility Star. When obtained, Mario begins to flash in Rainbow colors and becomes impervious to all attacks. This classic power-up is present in most if not all Mario titles in some form. The star is accompanied by catchy music just as iconic as the main theme. Seeing the star and especially the music appear on the big screen is sure to put a smile on the faces of fans.
4. Poltergust 3000
Going off of the trailers, Luigi seems to have his own story going on in the events of the Super Mario Movie. He is shown in some spooky locations, which seems right out of the Luigi’s Mansion series. It isn’t impossible then, for Luigi’s trusty Poltergust to make an appearance. A parody of the Ghostbuster’s Proton Packs, the Pultergust is a vacuum used to suck up ghosts. Luigi is clearly going to encounter some ghosts at some point, so it makes sense for him to have his primary ghost-fighting tool.
3. F.L.U.D.D
One of the best-regarded Mario games is Super Mario Sunshine. Outside of the standard jumping, Mario’s main weapon in the game is the Flash Liquidizer Ultra Dousing Device, or F.L.U.D.D for short. Worn on Mario’s back, the device is a multipurpose water shooter that comes in very handy. Not only can it get rid of toxic goo, but it can also propel Mario straight into the air, helping him hover high above the ground. Outside of Sunshine and the Smash series, F.L.U.D.D has yet to have another proper appearance. A feature film would be a good way for Nintendo to rectify that.
2. Cappy
Mario’s most recent adventure was the highly regarded Super Mario Odyssey. The game’s main gimmick is Cappy, a character that takes the form of Mario’s trademark hat. Mario can throw Cappy onto nearly any object or creature and take control of them. While not likely to appear in the first movie, a sequel inspired by Odyssey featuring Cappy as a main character would be a treat for fans of the already classic game. Having Cappy appear could lend itself to some fun moments on screen, such as Mario having to control enemies or even some banter between the two.
1. Yoshi
Noticeably missing from the marketing for the Super Mario Movie is Yoshi. Making his first appearance in Super Mario World, Yoshi has been a mainstay of the franchise. Much more than Mario’s trusty steed, Yoshi has gone on his own adventures and developed a personality all his own. He could be kept secret from the marketing, or perhaps he is being saved for a sequel. Whatever the case, it would be a real shame if Yoshi didn’t join his fellow characters for a proper big-screen adaptation.
