For some, gaming is all about mindless button mashing, but there’s a deeper meaning to it all. Whether it’s building values, connecting with characters, or learning real-life concepts, there’s more beneath the surface of video games.
The Super Mario Bros. series (or any Mario game) is the game for this. So far, it’s been widely rolled out, and most people who pick up a controller have tried it. The game is entirely a very simple platformer with various elements to make things more interesting. For the average player, collecting gold coins and stomping on enemies is what “Mario” is all about, but maybe we are also subconsciously learning life lessons.
Below I’ll list some of the lessons I’ve learned from playing Mario. If you know anyone else or have a different perspective on things, let me know in the comments!
Money is useful, but it can only help you so much!
There is a huge amount of gold coins to collect in Mario games. Since the coins are scattered throughout the levels, most players will collect as many as possible. However, coins are not always worth the effort to obtain them. While they’re great for your score and can buy you a few extra lives, they won’t win you the game. They definitely make things easier, but your own skills must help you pass the levels if you want to complete the game.
This tells us that money helps our lives and makes things easier, but we still need to put in the effort to succeed!
Sometimes you need to take a leap of faith!
In Mario, our path can sometimes be unclear. In other areas, there are huge gaps that need to be bridged, and goals that can only be achieved by taking extraordinary action. So sometimes we need to take a chance, take a leap, use a new skill, or explore new areas in which to live and thrive. This is the case in almost all Mario games.
By making the effort to try something new or take the opportunity to start over, we may find the strength to reach new heights that previously seemed impossible.
Life gives you many opportunities, so don’t give up!
In the world of Mario, the saying “You only live once” is not necessarily true. Players will start the game with multiple lives, and even some will continue if they run out of lives. Even if you get stuck, struggle, and fail, your life or time playing the game is not completely over.
As long as you keep moving forward, you can make progress. The game will even reward you with extra lives for trying, similar to the saying “when one door closes, another opens.”
No matter how big or small, there are benefits to loving yourself.
In Super Mario Bros., you start the game as a miniature Mario. Obtaining the Mushroom Web gives Mario a power boost and size upgrade. While many people wouldn’t want to play Mini Mario over Big Mario, the game can be played with either one. Each size has situations where being small or large can be beneficial and harmful (e.g. small can pass through small areas or large can break certain blocks).
So, just like in real life, it’s best to realize that, tall or short, lacking or lacking, everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses.
A little extra help never hurts!
Finally, it never hurts to get a little outside help. Mario doesn’t progress in the game alone. He possesses Yoshi and Luigi from time to time, using various power-ups along the way. While you can play the game alone, some stages require help, and the latest Mario game requires the full participation of his partner Cappy!
Therefore, getting help from others is not a bad thing and can make progress easier.
As always, thank you for reading! Please check out my other posts or leave a comment if you get a chance!