The Gift that Shaped my Life.

The scene is Christmas. The year is 1991. A 5 and 7 year old dance excitedly around a small tree as their mom hands them a large, grey wrapped present. Warmly clad in 90s attire, they tear at the wrapping to reveal a brand new Nintendo Entertainment System complete with Mario Bros./Duck Hunt. The two children screech with delight. They had played a Nintendo at daycare, you see, so they knew the depth of this treasure. The mom hands out two smaller gifts, one to each squealing girl, who then rip them open in unison. Both packages contain NES games; one is revealed to be the The Little Mermaid, the other is Barbie. They stand proud on that cold December night, armed with games and a thirst to play. For that 5 year old, the thirst has never been quenched.

 

My sister and me about to open a bomb shell.

As you might have guessed, that 5 year old was me. Is me! I am still that 5 year old. Sort of. You know what I mean. Nintendo has been my jam, my one true love, for nearly my entire life. I still have that NES! It even still works since I replaced the PIN connector inside of it. It sits proudly on display along with my SNES, GameCube, N64, Wii, Wii U, Gameboy, Gameboy SP, and my variety of DS systems.

When I tell people that we had Mario, Barbie, and The Little Mermaid for our NES they usually laugh and remark on the "girlie" games. The truth is that The Little Mermaid was a solid adventure title with plenty of challenges and level diversity. The day that we finally defeated Ursula was a proud one, and I honestly think it's the first game that I ever finished. Barbie, on the other hand, is the game of demons and monsters. Whoever designed it didn't like children and wanted to watch them suffer. It was a platformer with timed puzzles and was hard. as hell. We never did beat that one! I'll never forget the shopping mall level with its random bits of flying clothing that would pelt you to death. Sometimes I think about going back and giving it one last chance, and then I think, "Not today."

 

I wish we still had the original boxes.

I remember playing a lot of Duck Hunt. Somewhere, somehow, we acquired two additional Zappers. Two of them sit on my shelf and the third is in a box. I can still hear the twangy clack of the trigger pull and see the dog giggling. I also have fond memories of my grandma playing it with us. She'd sit very still on the couch, hike her glasses up to her forehead and press the butt of the Zapper up to her eye and take careful aim. She was no slouch!



When we got our hands on Super Mario Bros. 3 we abandoned all other games. My sister and I played it straight into the ground but never actually beat it. I know the first three worlds well, and if we were having a particularly good day then we would grace worlds 4 and 5 with our presence! But, those were rare occurrences. Being the younger child I always had to be Luigi. I hated that for the longest time, but eventually grew to develop a kindred connection with the green dressed brother. Nowadays whenever I play Mario games with other people I'm player 1 because I own the console, and consequently I'm Mario. I like him just fine, but I do miss being Player 2.

 

My sister on her 8th birthday.

With the release of virtual consoles for the Wii, Wii U, 3DS, and the re-releases of NES games on the GBA, it's certainly not difficult to get old school kicks fulfilled and satisfied. I have all of the NES/SNES Mario games on GBA and a few of them on my Wii and it's great. Really! But, nothing beats the fuzzy *ponk* of turning on an old tube TV, sitting on the floor, blowing hard into a cartridge, and holding my breath in hopes that the little red power button on the Nintendo won't simply flash on and off. Even the hard, angular controller digging into my palms is comforting, combined with the squeaking twist of indestructible plastic as I push harder in an attempt to jump higher and go faster. Excuse me, I have some games to go and play.



What are your NES stories?



-MJ

 

This article is inspired by the NEStalgia prompt from Gamerwife!

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Ten Underrated (and Adorable) "Mario Bros" Villains

When you think of a villain, the words "adorable" and "silly" aren't usually the first to pop into your head. Unless we're talking about the world of Mario, in which case, ugliness does not exist. This universe is one of the very few that make you squeal with delight at the cuteness of the bad guys. We all know Boo, the adorable fluffy (two-faced) ghost. The Koopa Troopas (a personal favorite) are too much to handle with their little sneakers and precious waddle. And of course, even the ugliest big boss is still cute; Bowser is just about as lovable as a puppy.

There are a few villains out there who are not as widely spoken of, however. I think they deserve some time to shine, and dazzle us all with their charm and preciousness.

10. Mecha-Koopa

We first see these silly wind-up Bowser clones in the last level of Super Mario World. They are literally just little robots, but will, of course, hurt Mario on contact. They are easy to incapacitate, but will only need to wind themselves back up to get a move on again. At the last battle, you will need to use Bowser's own cute little robot clones to defeat him. Isn't it ironic?

 

Don't you think?

9. Pidgit

This little guy was taking us on a magic carpet ride way before Aladdin was. Making his debut in the ever-bizarre Super Mario Bros. 2, Pidgit the bird rode in on a flying carpet and stole our hearts. Like, literally. He flies into you, and you die. So, yeah, he's kind of a jerk. But he's so fat and happy looking, and he just loves his little Persian rug!

 

Every turn a surprise!

8. Mouser

Technically, this cool bad guy made his first appearance in Yume Kojo: Doki Doki Panic. Which is really just the original version of  Mario Bros. 2. In Yume Kojo, Mouser works for Wart, the evil Frog King. Mouser uses explosives to destroy others' good dreams. But I think he looks like a pretty chill dude.

 

Bro, let's go blow stuff up.

7. Wiggler

These sweet, wiggly caterpillars make their first appearance in Super Mario World. They're pretty adorable with their 8 tiny shoes and that daisy sticking out of their heads. But beware: these cuties have a temper! Jump on them and they turn a frightening red, charging with a powerfully furious demeanor. Oh, Wiggler. You're so cute when you're mad!

 

The original twerker.

6. Blargg

This villain is goofy as hell. It just had to be said. But goofy as it is, Blargg is a ferocious badass, swimming around in lava by day, snarling and eating plumbers by night. They mostly reside in the Vanilla Dome of Super Mario World, but have made appearances in other physical forms (from blob-like to humanoid) in other Mario games.

 

Like I said, goofy as hell.

5. Thwomp

Making his debut in Super Mario Bros. 3, this stone cold, spike-encrusted meanie will pound you into a pancake if you cross his path. It has been suggested that they are born from volcanic activity, which would explain the volcanic temper. But there's just something so charming about that furrowed brow.

 

Okay, Thwomp. Take a chill pill.

4. Birdo

Also originating from Yume Kojo: Doki Doki Panic/Mario Bros. 2, Birdo is a sassy gal who spits eggs or fireballs at her enemies. Birdo has made multiple appearances in newer Mario games as well, and apparently is married or engaged to Yoshi (?). At any rate, she's super weird, and adorable to boot.

 

Yoshi liked it, so he put a ring on it.

3. Ludwig Von Koopa

That hair! That buck-toothed grin! And I just can't get over the fact that he's based on one of the best musicians of all time. Like his namesake (Ludwig Van Beethoven), he likes to compose "Koopa Symphonies".  Ludwig Von Koopa appeals to my inner child, inner gamer, and inner history buff. We can spot him first in Super Mario Brothers 3, and again in Super Mario World.

 

I don't think spikes were in style in the 1700s.

2. Blooper

With a name that is an onomatopoeia for the sound it makes, Blooper is an adorable squishy squid that floats gracefully through the waters of the Mushroom Kingdom. It is one of the original baddies from Super Mario Bros., stalking Mario through treacherous waters. It can only be defeated by fireballs, but it will leave you alone if you swim away quickly enough. Cute is taken to a whole new level in Super Mario Bros. 3, when you can spot "Blooper Nanny", a full-grown Blooper with three or four baby Bloopers!

 

Bloop!

1. The Viruses

Found groovin' to the music in Dr. Mario, these three little germs are causing an epidemic in the Mushroom Kingdom. Red causes fever, Blue causes colds, and Yellow causes mutation. All Dr. Mario has to do is line up the Megavitamins just so, and Red, Blue, and Yellow will throw adorable temper tantrums as they're sent back into hibernation. Next time you're playing Dr. Mario, pay close attention to their little dances and facial expressions. They're so cute and funny, I like to think they are what's swimming around in my bloodstream when I'm feeling under the weather.

 

I feel sick, but I also feel like dancing.

Did I forget any? Let us know what your favorites are!

-Rachel

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Video Game Character Spotlight: Luigi

If you've ever played video games with an older sibling, then you probably know what it means to be Player 2. So while they got to go first and share their adventures with Mario, you got the distinct pleasure of playing second as everyone's favorite unsung Mario brother, Luigi. Luigi is the younger (sometimes described as fraternal twin) brother of Nintendo's legendary Super Mario series. Along with his brother, Luigi is one of the heroes of Mushrooom Kingdom, traveling through the world and taking on adventures for the sake of the kingdom. But as he is the younger sibling, he is often the lesser of the duo, often times existing in the shadow of Mario. Despite this, Luigi is nearly the same, having the same type of clothing, moves and starting out as a simple plumber. He's even gone on to have a Barbie-esque number of other jobs, ranging from construction worker, ghost hunter, and brainwashed criminal mastermind.

“Now if he only had his own dream house-Oh wait...”

Originally starting out as a mere color swap for Mario “Jumpman,” Luigi was just a means of distinguishing between Player 1 and Player 2. He was identical in shape and form to his older brother and it wasn't until Super Mario Brothers 2 that his creator, the talented and sexy Shigeru Miyamoto, saw to change up his appearance. He made Luigi taller and thinner than Mario and gave him his signature green shirt and blue overalls that he still wears to this day. Over time, this distinction was refined until Luigi became his own separate person from Mario, complete with his own, more filled out mustache and the “L” adorned atop his cap. He was so popular now that he got played by the most handsome actor known to Hollywood in the “Super Mario Brothers” live-action film: John Leguizamo.

 

“We should all count ourselves lucky if we ever get played by “The Pest,”

Interestingly enough, just as Luigi's appearance changed over time, so did his personality. Throughout the different installments of the Mario games, Luigi is often portrayed as the cowardly, clumsy Mario brother. In this sense, he is frightened by even the least threatening enemy he comes across. But other times he is described as jealous of Mario and all the attention that he is neglected standing next to his shadow. But ultimately, despite his cowardice or his shade of jealousy, Luigi to his heart is a caring, brave hero who lives up to his family name. And when the time comes, he steps up to save the kingdom, the princesses and sometimes even his own brother.

 “Because blood is thicker than water level,”

So with this, and the timely coincidence that Nintendo has declared 2013 “The Year of Luigi,” we commemorate Luigi and his stylish green brand of heroism. For he is the patron hero of younger siblings everywhere, reminding us that even though we may play second, we can still be Number 1.

-Tom

Header Image Source 1, Source 2.

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Gamer Tattoos: Raccoon Mario Edition

Today's gamer tattoo belongs to my friend Rachel. She got hers in March of 2011 from Silver City Tattoo in Poulsbo, Washington. My group of friends and I are fans of Brandon Stewart's work, and he happens to be a gamer himself, so he especially enjoys our requests.

 

Classic Raccoon Suit Mario with a terrified Koopa Troopa.

Here's a little bit of information on Rachel's tattoo from the lady herself:

"Growing up I played outside or I played my Nintendo. I can't remember most of my childhood friend's names, but I can remember playing Mario for hours on end until my mom told me that dinner was ready. For me, those are happy memories, and so I wanted to get this tattoo as a nod to my childhood and what I spent my time doing. Mario wasn't the only game I played, but it was certainly my favorite and I thought this particular illustration was appropriate because I loved Mario, I loved getting the raccoon tail, and of course Koopa Troopas are my favorite villain.

Half of the people I show my tattoo to are super excited about it and think it's great, and the other half don't understand and they think it's just some stupid tattoo I got of a video game character. But for me it actually has meaning.

I'm a lifelong gamer, but it's always sort of been in the closet until recently. My husband has really brought out the inner geek in me and certain friends who are typing this right now [editor's note: I transcribed this as she spoke :>] also inspired me to let out my geek and be proud of this hobby of mine." - Rachel

When she and I met she was so excited when she saw my Blooper tattoo. She told me how she wanted a Mario one but had met with less than favorable responses from a variety of people. My response was that if she wanted a Mario then she should get one, and to ignore the people who told her it was a bad idea. People will understand it or they won't, and there was no reason to forgo her loves and interests for the sake of someone who would never "get" it.

-MJ

*Header and preview images from here, here, and here!

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Tattoos of a Gamer

(note: this article originally posted on abitofgeek.blogspot.com in January of 2013. I started a mini series on gamer tattoos, but didn't finish it before taking my hiatus. I've moved the existing entries here and will continue the rest of the series here as well)

Until the age of twenty I constantly swore that I'd never get any tattoos. I insisted there was nothing I liked so much to want it on my body permanently, I couldn't decide where it would go anyway, and there was that crippling, hypothetical paranoia that it would turn out poorly. But bring on age twenty, and my best friend and I started talking about getting Triforce tattoos. We had been friends for so long, and we both loved the Legend of Zelda dearly. After a year of talking, planning, and deciding, we finally went for it. On top of the Triforce having a pleasant and simple design, it has such a wonderful meaning. The symbol for power, wisdom, and courage, and the possessor, if their heart be pure, having the ability to bring the world into a golden age of prosperity.

Please enjoy this dark, out of focus photo of us showing off our new tattoos.

Silver City Tattoo in Poulsbo, Washington.

Prior to the big day I encountered a fair amount of grief from outsiders regarding my tattoo of choice. They simply couldn't believe that something from a video game was a worthy subject for permanent body art. It was difficult to explain to them what, exactly, the Triforce meant to me. It was more than a game, it was also a symbol of my friendship with Jacki, my childhood, and a representation of good in the world.

People could get onboard with the friendship thing (although some still found that to be a bad idea. "What if you stop being friends?"), but mostly they thought the game-based aspect to be absurd ("What if in twenty years you don't play that game anymore?").

There's no way for me to know what's going to happen, or how I'm going to feel, in twenty years. I can only know how I think and feel now. I love video games so much, they are a huge part of my life, and I've played them since I could hold a controller. I've had my Triforce for over five years now and I don't regret it. It makes me smile, it brings me happiness. I'm reminded of fond memories of playing Ocarina of Time, and of my best friend and everything we've been through together. For my 22nd birthday I acquired a second gaming related tattoo, my beloved Blooper.

 

Tattoo by Brandon Stewart at Silver City Tattoo in Poulsbo, Washington.

People didn't question this decision nearly as much as they did for my Triforce. I guess once you have one gaming tattoo, it's not a big deal to get a second. They did wonder why Blooper, though. My answer for that is two fold: 1. Mario is awesome, and 2. I love sea life. I like to joke that it was a thrifty two-in-one tattoo, taking care of the need for a Mario piece and sea life at the same time. Bloopers also happen to be my favorite enemy in the Mario series. And I love this little guy! I don't wear tank tops a lot, so whenever I do I feel pleased knowing that he's behind me staring at everyone that I pass. I also frequently forget that he's there, so sometimes I'll catch him in a mirror and spin around startled to get a better look. People ask me, "What is your tattoo?" to which I reply, "It's a Blooper, the squid enemy from Mario." It elicits strange looks from a fair number of inquirers, but at the very least everyone can agree that he's a cutie.

Check back through the next two weeks, because I'll be showcasing more gamer tattoos from my friends! See their art and hear their stories, and if you have a tattoo and story of your own please feel free to share it here!

-MJ

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Decorating in Style. Geek Style!

While decking the halls with a fellow gamer friend, she showed me some super cute Super Mario Bros. ornaments that she owned. They added a lot of fun to the otherwise traditional decorations in her home and on her tree, and I started thinking about what other kinds of geeky ornaments exist in the world!

(This all dovetails nicely with the Ocarina of Time note ornaments that I included in my 'gift' post from last week.)

Without having specific products in mind to search for, I had to go with a generic 'geek Christmas', or 'geek decorations' search. I bet the internet holds more treasures still, but here are the fun things that I found!

-Custom TARDIS/Doctor Who holiday stocking from geekabyebaby on Etsy

-Hand painted Creeper festive platter from sweetpeapaint on Etsy

-Digital gaming wreath from ThinkGeek

-Super Mario Bros. puffy ornament set from bowlerhatbudgie on Etsy

-Pixel snowman mug from ThePeachPoppy on Etsy

-Invincible Star tree topper from jinglebells0424 on Etsy

-Star Wars Yoda lights from ThinkGeek

There are more options still for those who prefer a diy approach to their festivities. I found a few fun Mario Nutcrackers, for instance! Do you have any geek or gaming related holiday decorations in your house?

-MJ

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Geek Crafts Day: Mario Quilt!

This Christmas I'm taking the homemade route for as many gifts as possible, and for my five year old nephew I went with a blanket.

A Mario blanket!

Da-da-da-da-- wait, wrong game.

The little guy loves Spider-man and Mario just like his aunt (that'd be me!), so it was a real treat to put this quilt together for him. It's difficult to beat handmade gifts that are also functional, and who wouldn't want a warm blanket emblazoned with a pipe-jumping Italian?

I definitely want one.

I assembled it entirely from old t-shirts that I had saved up for various sewing projects. I wish I had had a darker color for his skin, but the clothes give away the basic idea of his 8-bit image. I've been meaning to make a Mario quilt for myself and I think this'll be the push that I need. If I didn't love my nephew so much I'd probably keep this for myself. Except it's tiny, so it really wouldn't do me any good.

Let's look at some brilliant geeky quilts from across the web and churn up some excitement and inspiration!

I just love the detail and spread of fabrics used in Mario, and the quilt on the right has such

 a fantastic array of characters. It's so vibrant and beautiful!

The non-patchwork aesthetic of the Goron quilt is gorgeous, and the Zelda quilt

has the teeniest, tiniest squares I've ever seen. My mind is blown.

The swirly stitching on the Black Mage works so well with the magic aspect! And a Tetris

quilt is an obvious (and wonderful) choice that also takes a lot of planning. But

the red piece is in the wrong spot, whyyyyyyyyyyy?!

Lastly, two total works of art: a stunning Pokemon quilt, and a video game 

conglomeration that hits the classics as well as the underdog hits. 

They're all amazing in their own way, and so straight and square! I'm a bit haphazard with my sewing, so my squares are always a bit crooked. Someday I'll make the quilt of my dreams and I'll be meticulous with it. Hopefully it'll look a lot like this:

Kuribo's Shoe has a very special place in my heart. Source

Who else out there does quilting? Have you done any geeky quilts before? If so then please post some photos!

-MJ

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