What If There Will Be A Tomb Raider Game...Without Guns?

Disclaimer:
This is an idea for a video game that expresses concerns over the devastating effects of mass shootings in real life. Along with a strong recommendation to give condolences and kindness to those who have been affected by such tragedies, reader discretion is advised.

It has been a while since we discussed how a spin-off of the Tomb Raider franchise can appeal to players with hearing difficulties by introducing a new character who communicates with BSL (British Sign Language) [38] [39]. Considering how specific changes have been established in media throughout the years to catch up with society’s evolving standards [4] [35], I believe one specific could eventually happen in a new game that could take place in a few years after the events of Shadow of the Tomb Raider as a spin-off of the reboot trilogy [31]. The only difference could be that a slightly older Lara Croft will NOT be using twin pistols at all during the gameplay. Shocking, right? Not too long ago, I have posted a poll on Twitter to see how many of my followers either supported, opposed or were neutral towards the idea [41]. Before any of you dear tomb raiders outside of my Twitter following who oppose that idea write my name in a burn book [13], please allow me to state why the possibility of Lara raiding a tomb without her guns could happen in a future instalment, despite how the likeliness of that ever happening seems low.

“Wait! First Elmer Fudd and Yosemite Sam [3], now Lara Croft?! Who’s next? Deadpool [5] [6]?!” exclaimed some of my dear readers before allowing Laura Williams to elaborate on why such an establishment could occur in the future of gaming. [32]

Although the concept could be rejected for the sake of maintaining the usual tomb raiding flow [21], the most legitimate reason for establishing a Tomb Raider game without any type of gun would be to further ensure respect towards innocent victims of traumatic mass shootings, especially for American audiences today. There have been too many tragic shootings throughout modern history in real life already and plenty of folks out there are hoping that no more of them will occur in this new decade [8]. To ensure that the player further understands the motive of removing guns from the experience, there ought to be a cutscene of the beautiful and intelligent Lara hearing about another tragic massacre somewhere in America from a news report and deciding not to bring any of her guns before arriving there. That way we can clearly see her sense of humanity that was especially portrayed in the reboot timeline and still root for her as she remains fiercely independent and adventurous on another daring quest [26] [43] [44], along with how such a premise can be viewed as still convincing yet ultimately respectful by innocent American gamers who have been affected by a tragic shooting at some point in their lives.

An establishment of Lara’s motivation for temporarily leaving her guns behind would be a new and interesting take on her character development, especially if the game that establishes it takes place a few years after the events of Shadow of the Tomb Raider as her ability to be empathic and compassionate to her friends was shown in the first game in the reboot trilogy [26] [28]. [29]

Since the Legend incarnation of the brunette archaeologist only killed to defend herself and consisted of a kinder side as the loss of a human life saddens her [25], seeing her sacrifice the need to bring guns to America at some point within the Survivor timeline or at least sometime set after it can be an element of her likability. I am not saying that just because my Lara Croft cosplay did not consist of realistic-looking toy guns two years ago [38]. [33]

I know what my dear readers must be thinking. Tomb Raider without twin pistols would be like Spider-Man without webs [19] [20]. Surely Elmer Fudd did not have his traditional rifle in Looney Tunes Cartoons: Dynamite Dance [34], but at least the younger Lara Croft had another form of defence in the reboot of the franchise that was established in 2013, which was archery [29]. Additionally, the classic Lara was able to use a crossbow in Tomb Raider IV - The Last Revolution and Lara Croft: Relic Run [21] [36]. She also could use a spear in Lara Croft GO [37]. As for Dynamite Dance, I can still appreciate the other forms of classic cartoon slapstick, despite the absence of Elmer’s rifle [34]. As someone who nailed the archery section of The Bear Grylls Adventure in early 2019 [2] [41], I can only imagine that replacing the twin pistols mechanics with a bow and arrow method can provide that refreshing element of the reboot and the movie based on it [23] [29]. Besides, why would I suggest Nerf guns for Lara’s bullet-free assignment unless it was in an advert for a forthcoming game that also promotes a new Nerf product [9], quite similar to how the old school Lara once advertised Lucozade [12] [24]?

The absence of Elmer Fudd’s rifle was only a small part of the charm of the original Looney Tunes cartoons missing as part of my motivation for discussing how there could be a Tomb Raider game without guns. I can tell that the removal of Fudd’s signature weapon was meant to not offend viewers who have been affected by a mass shooting while providing other forms of slapstick [3]. [34]

And of course, the way Lara Croft advertised Lucozade back in about 1999 was awesome [12] [24]. Perhaps there could actually be a Tomb Raider-themed Nerf product in association with promoting a new game if the idea of Lara raiding a tomb without guns gets rejected, quite like how there were Fortnite-themed Nerf weapons that were released in 2019 [10]? Nonetheless, I still believe that a Tomb Raider game without guns can work if planned out carefully. [24]

Even though I can understand why a Tomb Raider game without the usage of guns can be beneficial for gamers who have personally been affected by the events of a school shooting or a mass shooting at another type of public place [8], I am aware that slightly too much political correctness can degradingly affect the overall feeling of an iconic franchise [3] [45] [46]. Furthermore, I think the absence of Ms. Croft’s guns ought to be only for just one new game if enough amount of backlash that discourages it occurs after its release and sales. In theory, perhaps not many Nintendo nerds were satisfied with the first-person driver mode in Mario Kart 7 [14] [22], which could explain its absence in Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe [15] [16]. Of course, I do not solely blame violence in video games for violence in real life as many of us gamers are wise and humane enough to not act upon a character’s brutality outside of gaming. Nonetheless, I would still understand why a new Tomb Raider game would not feature any usage of guns if Ms. Croft raids a tomb somewhere in America, no matter which platform it would be available on.

I am not saying that Lady Croft should permanently refrain from slaughtering foes with guns, nor that I believe that it would definitely be rejected because I believe that the premise of her raiding a tomb without any should only be established as just simply a potentially political experiment on the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series or iOS and Android [17] [21] [47] [48]. [28]

As previously mentioned, she can always rely on her bow and arrow for those who adore the reboot timeline. [29]

In conclusion, I believe that a new Tomb Raider that does not consist of pistol mechanics in its gameplay can only work if the archery mechanics from the reboot are present for at least some form of defence [27] [29]. Not only can it show respect to those affected by a tragic shooting, but it can be a refreshing take on Lara’s development. And of course, even though I am not saying that such a concept will definitely happen, it should not be a permanent change just in case it ends up reducing overall satisfaction. After all, plenty of tomb raiders would prefer a sincere start of a new trilogy in the 2020s that takes place after the reboot trilogy and could lead to the return of the old school Lady Croft from 1996 [31]. Surely most Sonic supporters would prefer something like a new anime series based on Sonic the Hedgehog [10] [18], which should not be an unnecessary continuation of Sonic X in my opinion [1], but can perhaps feature a new story in a few years’ time. If you strongly disagree with my suggestion for a gunless Tomb Raider game, free to slap my wrist...and roast me in a burn book.

Speaking of a new Sonic anime, I think I know what I would like to discuss with my fear readers really soon. [1]

As for the possibility of a Tomb Raider game without guns in the future of gaming, I would be certainly up for it as a one-shot experiment…unless it excels to some degree and results in some potential for a continuation. [30]

References

1. Anime! on TMS Official Channel. (2015). [OFFICIAL] SONIC X Ep1 - Chaos Control Freaks. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CGih4gMRlk&list=PLzgL5XDbyA4UbO8r9v9Xj3lrqTKsg4WxZ&index=1. Last accessed 27th Sept 2020.
   
2. Bear Grylls Adventure. (2018). TARGETS Archery. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=az5e5miC-7k. Last accessed 27th Sep 2020.
   
3. CBS Miami. (2020). Trending: Elmer Fudd. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Feb2OvJffWE. Last accessed 27th Sep 2020.
   
4. Cinemaniacs. (2016). Disturbingly Racist Moments in Cartoons. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cftUIdSr_T8. Last accessed 28th Sep 2020.
   
5. Deadpool, dir. by Tim Miller (20^th Century Fox, 2016).
6. Deadpool 2, dir. by David Leitch (20^th Century Fox, 2018).
7. Eidos Interactive. (2007). Tomb Raider: Anniversary. Nintendo Wii. London, England.
8. Follman, M, Aronsen, G and Pan, D. (2020). US Mass Shootings, 1982-2020: Data From Mother Jones’ Investigation. Available: https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2012/12/mass-shootings-mother-jones-full-data/. Last accessed 27th Sep 2020.
   
9. Hasbro. (2020). Nerf. Available: https://nerf.hasbro.com/en-gb. Last accessed 27th Sept 2020.
   
10. Jones, E. (2020). Playing Sonic Mania! (feat. Skye Rocket). Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_ca2KlgfHM. Last accessed 26th Sep 2020.
    
11. Laliberte Cinemas. (2019). Fortnite x Nerf at Vidcon 2019. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5PTO80TY0c. Last accessed 27th Sep 2020.
    
12. Lara Croft Tomb Raider Gaming Channel. (2009). Lara Croft - Lucozade Commercials. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmakPfwcJkY. Last accessed 27th Sept 2020.
    
13. Mean Girls, dir. by Mark Water (Paramount Pictures, 2004).
14. Nintendo. (2011). Mario Kart 7. Nintendo 3DS. Tokyo, Japan.
15. Nintendo. (2014). Mario Kart 8. Nintendo Wii U. Tokyo, Japan.
16. Nintendo. (2017). Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Nintendo Switch. Tokyo, Japan.
17. PlayStation. (2020). PS5 Hardware Reveal Trailer. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkC0l4iekYo. Last accessed 28th Sep 2020.
    
18. Sonic News Network. (2014). List of Sonic X episodes. Available: https://sonic.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_Sonic_X_episodes. Last accessed 27th Sept 2020.
    
19. Spider-Man: Far From Home, dir. by Jon Watts (Sony Pictures Releasing, 2019).
20. Spider-Man: Homecoming, dir. by Jon Watts (Sony Pictures Releasing, 2017).
21. Square Enix. (2015). Lara Croft: Relic Run.  iOS. Tokyo, Japan.
22. Super Mario Wiki. (2012). First-Person View. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/First-Person_View. Last accessed 27th Sept 2020.
    
23. Tomb Raider, dir. by Roar Uthaug (Warner Bros. Pictures, 2018).
24. Tomb Raider Collector. (2013). Tomb Raider "Lucozade Advertisement" (TV Commercial, Spot, 1999). Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbtNHRu3z_w. Last accessed 27th Sept 2020.
    
25. Tomb Raider Wiki. (2017). Lara Croft (Legend Timeline). Available: https://tombraider.fandom.com/wiki/Lara_Croft_(Legend_Timeline)#Personality. Last accessed 27th Sept 2020.
    
26. Tomb Raider Wiki. (2016). Lara Croft (Survivor Timeline). Available: https://tombraider.fandom.com/wiki/Lara_Croft_(Survivor_Timeline)#Personality_and_Traits. Last accessed 27th Sep 2020.
    
27. Tomb Raider Wiki. (2016). Rise of the Tomb Raider/Screenshots. Available: https://tombraider.fandom.com/wiki/Rise_of_the_Tomb_Raider/Screenshots. Last accessed 27th Sept 2020.
    
28. Tomb Raider Wiki. (2019). Shadow of the Tomb Raider/Screenshots. Available: https://tombraider.fandom.com/wiki/Shadow_of_the_Tomb_Raider/Screenshots. Last accessed 28th Sep 2020.
    
29. Tomb Raider Wiki. (2014). Tomb Raider (2013 Game)/Screenshots. Available: https://tombraider.fandom.com/wiki/Tomb_Raider_(2013_Game)/Screenshots. Last accessed 27th Sep 2020.
    
30. Tomb Raider Wiki. (2017). Tomb Raider: Anniversary/Artwork. Available: https://tombraider.fandom.com/wiki/Tomb_Raider:_Anniversary/Artwork. Last accessed 27th Sep 2020.
    
31. Tomb Raider Wiki. (2018). Tomb Raider Games. Available: https://tombraider.fandom.com/wiki/Tomb_Raider_Games. Last accessed 27th Sept 2020.
    
32. Tomb Raider Wiki. (2016). Tomb Raider: Legend/Artwork. Available: https://tombraider.fandom.com/wiki/Tomb_Raider:_Legend/Artwork. Last accessed 27th Sep 2020.
    
33. Tomb Raider Wiki. (2016). Tomb Raider: Legend/Screenshots. Available: https://tombraider.fandom.com/wiki/Tomb_Raider:_Legend/Screenshots. Last accessed 27th Sep 2020.
    
34. Warner Bros. TV. (2019). Looney Tunes Cartoons: Dynamite Dance. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK541L5x_IY. Last accessed 26th Sep 2020.
    
35. WatchMojo.com. (2015). Top 10 Shocking Ads That Would Never Be Published Today. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JIJa3QFoj8. Last accessed 28th Sep 2020.
    
36. WikiRaider. (2015). Crossbow. Available: https://www.wikiraider.com/index.php/Crossbow. Last accessed 27th Sep 2020.
    
37. WikiRaider. (2015). Spear. Available: https://www.wikiraider.com/index.php/Spear. Last accessed 27th Sep 2020.
    
38. Williams, L. (2020). A Tomb Raider Game With Sign Language?. Available: https://laurasambitiouswriting.wordpress.com/2020/04/07/tomb-raider-for-deaf-gamers/. Last accessed 26th Sep 2020.
    
39. Williams, L. (2020). A Tomb Raider Game With Sign Language?. Available: https://laurawritesanarticle.blogspot.com/2020/04/tomb-raider-for-deaf-gamers.html. Last accessed 26th Sep 2020.
    
40. Williams, L. (2018). Available: https://twitter.com/LauraOnDuty/status/1043562958754852864. Last accessed 27th Sep 2020.
    
41. Williams, L. (2019). Available: https://twitter.com/LauraOnDuty/status/1099786524768550914. Last accessed 27th Sep 2020.
    
42. Williams, L. (2020). Available: https://twitter.com/LauraOnDuty/status/1309780483497230336. Last accessed 27th Sep 2020.
    
43. Williams, L. (2019). Rara Kurofuto: What To Expect In A New Tomb Raider Anime. Available: https://laurasambitiouswriting.wordpress.com/2019/05/14/rara-kurofuto-anime-idea/. Last accessed 27th Sept 2020.
    
44. Williams, L. (2019). Rara Kurofuto: What To Expect In A New Tomb Raider Anime. Available: https://laurasgamesintoanimeblog.blogspot.com/2019/05/rara-kurofuto-anime-idea.html. Last accessed 27th Sept 2020.
    
45. Williams, L. (2020). Would You Love An LGBT Version Of Leisure Suit Larry?. Available: https://laurasambitiouswriting.wordpress.com/2020/04/13/leisure-suit-larry-lgbt-version/. Last accessed 28th Sep 2020.
    
46. Williams, L. (2020). Would You Love An LGBT Version Of Leisure Suit Larry?. Available: https://laurawritesanarticle.blogspot.com/2020/04/leisure-suit-larry-lgbt-version.html. Last accessed 28th Sep 2020.
    
47. Xbox. (2020). Xbox Series S - World Premiere Reveal Trailer. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHLfCFMKxPg. Last accessed 28th Sep 2020.
    
48. Xbox. (2020). Xbox Series X - World Premiere - 4K Trailer. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tUqIHwHDEc. Last accessed 28th Sep 2020.

Celebrating Thirty-Five Years Of Super Mario In Several Ways

Dear Mario, please help lighten things up in late 2020. Nintendo has a special 35^th-anniversary celebration for you [28]. Yours truly, Laura Amy Williams and her fellow Nintendo nerds [72]. That is right, dear gamers! We are finally at the point of celebrating the 35^th anniversary of the release of Super Mario Bros. for the Nintendo Entertainment System that has charmed many retro gamers as an 8-bit best-seller since 1985 [30] [58]. Ever since every single announcement that occurred last week, we are all blissfully aware of the epic and highly ambitious celebration lasting from September 2020 to March 2021 [72], even when we heard Gen Hoshino sing “Souzou / Create” in honour of it [7] [79]. It is outstanding how Nintendo has remained proactive and creatively ambitious in preparation for another big spark of hope in the devastation and chaos of 2020 [5] [6]. While many fellow bandicoots are starstrucked by Tawna’s new look and character development from an alternate universe in another preview of Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time [8] [44], I hope the moustached man appreciates the small note I have sent him. And no, I have not been held hostage by Bowser…or in the internet’s late 2010s case, Bowsette [10].

The official logo of Mario’s 35th anniversary in motion. [16]

Firstly, a sweet yet healthy dose of nostalgia awaits Nintendo nerds who want to jump into three re-releases on the Nintendo Switch [55]. Super Mario 3D All-Stars is a forthcoming compilation that proudly provides ports of:

•        Super Mario 64 [23]
•        Super Mario Sunshine [23]
•        Super Mario Galaxy [23]

It is too bad a re-release of Super Mario Galaxy 2 could not make it to the compilation [63], but at least we get some rehashes rather than none at all. As someone who has played the original port of Super Mario 64 on a blue Pikachu-themed Nintendo 64 as a child [26] [34], adores the white summer dress that Princess Peach only wore in Super Mario Sunshine and eventually played Super Mario Galaxy on the Nintendo Wii [31] [64], I do not doubt that it seems like quite an honourable trip to 3D Mario Memory Lane that will be available a little later this September, similar to how a re-release of Super Mario All-Stars for the Nintendo Wii was something special to honour the red-hatted hero’s 25^th anniversary in late 2010 [43] [57]. For late 2021, I think there can be an HD re-release of Sonic Colours for the Switch in honour of Sonic the Hedgehog’s 30^th anniversary [47].

Of course, a compilation of three successfully acclaimed games from previous gaming eras ought to consist of higher resolutions and smooth and reliable controls in functional compatibility with the current console [23]. An example of this would be pressing the Y button on the right joy-con or shaking it to make Mario spin in the re-release of Super Mario Galaxy [55]. [23]

Aside from the Super Mario Kart tour in Mario Kart Tour [35], the concept of Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit is quite fantastically advanced [28] [32] [39] [57]. The way the view of the cameras built in a toy of Mario or Luigi in a kart is displayed on the screen reminds me of the technology established in Microsoft Hololens that brought a teenaged version of Conker the Squirrel into reality in Young Conker [9] [28] [39] [57] [65]. Unfortunately, there will need to be plenty of space in the room for the racing to remain thrilling when the camera in the toy films the environment for the gameplay. Nevertheless, it is still a creative way to turn your home into a racing track that will be available this October [28] [32] [39] [55]. Since the idea of bringing a platforming adventure from the main Mario games to real life has been covered by some technically advanced LEGO figures modelled after Mario that I like to call “Mariobob Plumberpants” [21] [76], the ambitiously fascinating Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit sets quite a unique idea of bringing a Mario Kart race into reality [28] [32] [39] [57]. If the fascinating concept succeeds in sales, there could be a Peach kart and a Yoshi kart for bringing their perspectives into a live-action course [20].

Are the money-hungry aspects of Mario Kart Tour still getting you down [13]? If so, feel free to put down the smart device and combine Mario Kart racing with reality once you tune into Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit! Just make sure there is enough room in your house or local club! [32]

Alternatively, feel free to take part in the Super Mario Kart tour in Mario Kart Tour if you wish, especially if you remember playing Super Mario Kart [77]. [35]

Aside from a splatfest between Super Mushroom Minions and Super Star Soldiers in an online battle of Splatoon 2 that will take place in January 2021 [28] [61], a way for some Nintendo nerds to compete in October 2020 would be Super Mario Bros. 35 [28] [29] [60], a challenge for a Nintendo Switch owner to play a port of Super Mario Bros. against…thirty-four other players?! Mamma mia! The goal of the event is to be the one remaining 8-bit Mario left to win until time runs out, but it will not be easy as competitors will send enemies to each other’s gameplays. Luckily, an item roulette and a list of four strategies can help increase the chance of winning. While plenty of mid-2000s teens will dine on a fetch limited edition of Toaster Strudel pastries inspired by Mean Girls [67], the quotable 2004 chick flick [12], many of Nintendo Switch Only members in groups of thirty-five will face the wildness and insanity of the competitive twist added to the usual experience of playing the original Super Mario Bros. game [28] [29]. Too bad the event will only last until the end of March in 2021 [60], but it could be re-established again at some point after enough strong demand.

I never thought it would be possible for an online competition to be that ambitious when it comes to getting another taste of side-scrolling nostalgia! [60]

Other than that, many Mario makers ought to get ready for a special Ninji Speedruns event in Super Mario Maker 2 this November, along with a Mario-themed tournament in Super Smash Bros Ultimate [61]. [29]

Even though this surprise will be available at some point in Early 2021 [25] [56], its announcement is still associated with Mario’s 35^th anniversary, so let us discuss the details of it too. Super Mario 3D World, a 3D platforming adventure that was released for the Nintendo Wii U back in late 2013 will be ported to the Switch [24] [25]. Surprisingly, a twist titled “Bowser’s Fury” will be available as content exclusively for the port [56]. I have a bad feeling about it as Bowser’s name is in the exclusive content’s title. Apart from that, the exclusive content reminds me of how the special Switch port of New Super Mario Bros. U introduced Peachette, a fusion of Toadette and Princess Peach that is summoned when Toadette wears a Super Crown [70] [71]. Alongside with it, the Switch port of Super Mario 3D World will also provide compatibility with amiibos as it will also be released with amiibo figures of Cat Mario and Cat Peach [38]. It looks like amiibos will not be going out of style just yet [2]. I will be more than interested to find out what will be exclusively featured in Bowser’s Fury in the first half of 2021 [25] [56].

DUN DUN DUUUUUUUUUUN [11]!!! [25]

Meow! [38]

A special edition of the Game & Watch, Nintendo’s first handheld gaming system that was a predecessor to the Game Boy looks beautifully nostalgic with its colourful screen [16] [34] [37] [49]. I like how a control pad has been added for make it more comfortable for our fellow 2000s kids who were infatuated with games for the Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS [68]. It is also interesting how there is a clock system [16] [34] [37], similar to the Animal Crossing clock and the Mario clock for DSiWare [3] [15] [17] [52]. And for old time’s sake, there is a chance to play as Mario in a new version of Ball [48]. Nintendo nerds who are up for a more advanced and daring challenge better brace themselves if they wish to play Super Mario Bros: The Lost Levels, otherwise known as the true Super Mario Bros. 2 [34] [37] [62]! Coming to sales this November, plenty of game collectors better be cautious that it will only be available until March 2021 [49], yet I am still up for a special 2020s edition of the Game Boy called “Game Girl” that features a colourful screen like the Game Boy Color [50], along with possibly a built-in camera for taking photographs like the Nintendo DSi [1] [41] [45] [46] [69].

The amazing early 2020s edition of Game & Watch at least seems more necessary than the Game Boy Micro from 2005 and would be far more likely to sell better for its special anniversary-exclusive features [40] [49]. It looks like the 30th anniversary of Game & Watch is being celebrated too [37]! [16] [34]

Last but not least, there is also a range of merchandise in association with Mario’s 35^th anniversary, including:

•        New plushies [22]
•        T-shirts [22]
•        Mugs [22]
•        Drink flasks [22]
•        Fabric carrier bags [22]
•        Super Mario-themed Splatoon 2 T-shirts [61]
•        Super Mario-themed Splatoon 2 keychains [61]
•        A watch range from Alba in Japan [36]
•        RS-Dreamer Super Mario 64-themed basketball trainers [50]
•        Pins that each represent a different main Mario instalment [50]

Plenty of our Nintendo nerds ought to stay fashionable with T-shirts, pins and carrier bags that have been designed to honour the plumber’s 35^th anniversary. I can see many content creators giving voices to any of the new Mario plushies in their videos in the near future, such as Matthew Montane who is also known as “LuigiFan00001” on YouTube [14] [22] [66]. As for our animal crossers who have spent a good portion of 2020 building their islands in Animal Crossing: New Horizons [4], plenty of them can say that its forthcoming update for March 2021 technically counts as expanding on the merchandising for the anniversary as it will consist of Mario-themed items for an animal crosser to place in their home [28] [61]. Any amount of merchandising is great for celebrating the anniversary of a successful video game franchise outside of the gaming.

I bet some Nintendo nerds would fancy a game of Monopoly or Jenga with some Mario vibes later this year [61]. [27]

Besides that, y’all ought to stay trendy and have fun when collecting coins and throwing fire balls [30]! [22]

In conclusion, as someone who has been proactively discussing forthcoming events with the red-hatted plumber since the releases of some trailers for Mario Party: The Top 100 back in late 2017 [18] [19] [73], I wish him, his brother and his royal sweetheart a happy 35^th anniversary in late 2020 after so much conflict many of us have been through [5] [6]! Of course, this is quite like how many Pac-players and I have wished Pac-Man a happy 40^th anniversary [74] [75]. I also still hope that the Mario Party series will not become stale by the time there is an instalment of it titled “Mario Party 64” [71]. While plenty of Xbox players are looking forward to getting their hands on an Xbox Series S [78], this motivating occasion hosted by Nintendo is quite like Mario’s 25^th anniversary in 2010, his 30^th anniversary in 2015 and the Year of Luigi in 2013 all over again [42] [59] [61]. I may never want to live in a year like 2020 ever again, but here is to another decade of Super Mario mayhem, including the 40^th anniversary of the franchise in 2025, my dear fellow gamers! Koopa shells up as we all propose a toast!

Cheers! For thirty-five years of rescuing the princess [30]! [27]

References

1. 20thcenturymase. (2010). Game Boy Camera. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vI9tLvbifPc. Last accessed 9th Sep 2020.
   
2. Amiibo Wiki. (2015). List of amiibo. Available: https://amiibo.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_amiibo. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
   
3. Animal Crossing Wiki. (2019). Animal Crossing Clock. Available: https://animalcrossing.fandom.com/wiki/Animal_Crossing_Clock. Last accessed 3rd Sep 2020.
   
4. Animal Crossing Wiki. (2018). Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Available: https://animalcrossing.fandom.com/wiki/Animal_Crossing:_New_Horizons. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
   
5. Avenue Beat. (2020). avenue beat - F2020 (lyric video). Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZj8lrSZHsE. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
   
6. Heart Of The City. (2020). Marvelous - Fuck You 2020 (Official Video). Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=442SNyde_jw. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
   
7. Hoshino, G. (2020). Available: https://twitter.com/gen_senden/status/1301662533145620482. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
   
8. IGN. (2020). Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time - Official Trailer. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCum266l1vY. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
   
9. IGN. (2016). Young Conker Official Trailer. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvPN_zdszEg. Last accessed 4th Sep 2020.
   
10. Know Your Meme. (2018). Bowsette. Available: https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/bowsette. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
    
11. magnets99. (2007). Dramatic Look. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8Kyi0WNg40. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
    
12. Mean Girls, dir. by Mark Waters (Paramount Pictures, 2004).
13. MojoPlays. (2019). How Mario Kart Tour MANIPULATES You. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0w-a2jWT3A. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
    
14. Montane, M. (2016). Super Plush Mario: The Boocorcist (Ft. PhantomStrider). Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrk54G2mveE. Last accessed 9th Sep 2020.
    
15. Nintendo. (2009). Animal Crossing Clock. DSiWare. Tokyo, Japan.
16. Nintendo. (2020). Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. - Announcement Trailer. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhrLoM6UqGI. Last accessed 3rd Sep 2020.
    
17. Nintendo. (2009). Mario Clock. DSiWare. Tokyo, Japan.
18. Nintendo. (2017). Mario Party: The Top 100 - Announcement Trailer - Nintendo 3DS. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHTCnDycWYg. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
    
19. Nintendo. (2017). Mario Party: The Top 100 – Mario & Friends Trailer - Nintendo 3DS. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WW9PXNXTzJw. Last accessed 7th Sep 2020.
    
20. Nintendo. (2008). Mario Kart Wii. Nintendo Wii. Tokyo, Japan.
21. Nintendo. (2020). NEW LEGO Super Mario Power-Up Packs!. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9Dp3I3723s. Last accessed 5th Sep 2020.
    
22. Nintendo. (2020). Register your interest – Super Mario Bros. 35th Anniversary merchandise. Available: https://store.nintendo.co.uk/super-mario-35th-anniversary/super-mario-bros-35th-anniversary-collection-nintendo-tokyo-exclusive-collection.list. Last accessed 4th Sep 2020.
    
23. Nintendo. (2020). Super Mario 3D All-Stars - Announcement Trailer - Nintendo Switch. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPJcaGWoO2c&t=4s. Last accessed 4th Sep 2020.
    
24. Nintendo. (2013). Super Mario 3D World. Nintendo Wii U. Tokyo, Japan.
25. Nintendo. (2020). Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury - Announcement Trailer - Nintendo Switch. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPAQA_P_RQY. Last accessed 5th Sep 2020.
    
26. Nintendo. (1996). Super Mario 64. Nintendo 64. Tokyo, Japan.
27. Nintendo. (2010). Super Mario All-Stars – 25^th Anniversary Edition. Nintendo Wii. Tokyo, Japan.
28. Nintendo. (2020). Super Mario Bros. 35th Anniversary Direct. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_UcjEq2Dgk&t=209s. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
    
29. Nintendo. (2020). Super Mario Bros. 35 - Announcement Trailer - Nintendo Switch. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8DJpeCy8CQ. Last accessed 5th Sep 2020.
    
30. Nintendo. (1985). Super Mario Bros. Nintendo Entertainment System. Tokyo, Japan.
31. Nintendo. (2007). Super Mario Galaxy. Nintendo Wii. Tokyo, Japan.
32. Nintendo. (2020). The world of Mario Kart is racing into yours!. Available: https://mklive.nintendo.com/. Last accessed 5th Sep 2020.
    
33. Nintendo 64 Wiki. (2014). Pokemon Console. Available: https://nintendo64.fandom.com/wiki/Pokemon_Console. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
    
34. NintendoAU. (2020). Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. - coming November 13th!. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrCI0Z-_o5E. Last accessed 5th Sep 2020.
    
35. Nintendo Mobile. (2020). Mario Kart Tour - Super Mario Kart Tour Trailer. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJhuQGgRj4Y. Last accessed 9th Sep 2020.
    
36. Nintendo 公式チャンネル. (2020). スーパーマリオブラザーズ35周年 Direct. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5nqRrqFFZI&feature=youtu.be&t=7m57s. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
    
37. Nintendo UK. (2020). A closer look at Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros.. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-deki4gIgc. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
    
38. Nintendo UK. (2020). Available: https://twitter.com/NintendoUK/status/1301510302845071360. Last accessed 6th Sep 2020.
    
39. Nintendo UK. (2020). Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit – Coming October 16th! (Nintendo Switch). Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkVQM9ZD-KY. Last accessed 3rd Sep 2020.
    
40. Nintendo Wiki. (2019). Game Boy Micro. Available: https://nintendo.fandom.com/wiki/Game_Boy_Micro. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
    
41. Nintendo Wiki. (2019). Nintendo DSi Camera. Available: https://nintendo.fandom.com/wiki/Nintendo_DSi_Camera. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
    
42. Nintendo Wiki. (2013). The Year of Luigi. Available: https://nintendo.fandom.com/wiki/The_Year_of_Luigi. Last accessed 6th Sep 2020.
    
43. NriapiaTV. (2011). Nintendo Super Mario Bros. The Nriapia Family in 25th Anniversary. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqpqGY2eLfk. Last accessed 6th Sep 2020.
    
44. PlayStation. (2020). Crash Bandicoot 4 – Tawna Gameplay Reveal | PlayStation Underground. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOQyI3CfZj8. Last accessed 9th Sep 2020.
    
45. RGTV. (2019). Game Boy Camera "Fun-Tography" (Game Boy/Game Boy Pocket/All Short Commercial). Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2TILSgV16U. Last accessed 9th Sep 2020.
    
46. Rugrats Wiki. (2020). Rugrats: Totally Angelica. Available: https://rugrats.fandom.com/wiki/Rugrats:_Totally_Angelica#Gallery. Last accessed 8th Sep 2020.
    
47. SEGA. (2010). Sonic Colours. Nintendo Wii. Tokyo, Japan.
48. Super Mario Wiki. (2020). Gallery:Super Mario Bros. 35th Anniversary. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Gallery:Super_Mario_Bros._35th_Anniversary. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
    
49. Super Mario Wiki. (2013). Game & Watch. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Game_%26_Watch. Last accessed 3rd Sep 2020.
    
50. Super Mario Wiki. (2020). Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros.. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Game_%26_Watch:_Super_Mario_Bros.. Last accessed 9th Sep 2020.
    
51. Super Mario Wiki. (2006). Game Boy Color. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Game_Boy_Color. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
    
52. Super Mario Wiki. (2019). Mario Clock. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Mario_Clock. Last accessed 3rd Sep 2020.
    
53. Super Mario Wiki. (2020). Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Mario_Kart_Live:_Home_Circuit. Last accessed 9th Sep 2020.
    
54. Super Mario Wiki. (2015). Mario Party (series). Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Mario_Party_(series). Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
    
55. Super Mario Wiki. (2020). Super Mario 3D All-Stars. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Super_Mario_3D_All-Stars. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
    
56. Super Mario Wiki. (2020). Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Super_Mario_3D_World_%2B_Bowser%27s_Fury. Last accessed 6th Sep 2020.
    
57. Super Mario Wiki. (2010). Super Mario All-Stars Limited. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Super_Mario_All-Stars_Limited_Edition. Last accessed 9th Sep 2020.
    
58. Super Mario Wiki. (2008). Super Mario Bros.. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Super_Mario_Bros.. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
    
59. Super Mario Wiki. (2015). Super Mario Bros. 30th Anniversary. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Super_Mario_Bros._30th_Anniversary. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
    
60. Super Mario Wiki. (2020). Super Mario Bros. 35. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Super_Mario_Bros._35. Last accessed 9th Sep 2020.
    
61. Super Mario Wiki. (2020). Super Mario Bros. 35th Anniversary. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Super_Mario_Bros._35th_Anniversary. Last accessed 6th Sep 2020.
    
62. Super Mario Wiki. (2007). Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Super_Mario_Bros.:_The_Lost_Levels. Last accessed 4th Sep 2020.
    
63. Super Mario Wiki. (2010). Super Mario Galaxy 2. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Super_Mario_Galaxy_2. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
    
64. Super Mario Wiki. (2013). Super Mario Sunshine. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Super_Mario_Sunshine. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
    
65. THEGAMEVEDA. (2016). Micrososoft HoloLens : Young Conker part 1. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMA8Ec_TtQM. Last accessed 3rd Sep 2020.
    
66. The YouTube Wiki. (2019). LuigiFan00001. Available: https://youtube.fandom.com/wiki/LuigiFan00001. Last accessed 9th Sep 2020.
    
67. ToasterStrudel. (2020). Available: https://twitter.com/ToasterStrudel/status/1301136442832322561. Last accessed 5th Sep 2020.
    
68. Wikipedia. (2019). Nintendo video game consoles. Available: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_video_game_consoles#Handheld_consoles. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.
    
69. Williams, L. (2019). 2019: The Year Of Awesome Anniversaries. Available: https://laurasambitiouswriting.wordpress.com/2019/12/10/anniversaries-in-2019/. Last accessed 8th Sep 2020.
    
70. Williams, L. (2018). Another Deluxe Delight For Mario’s Switch Era Is On Its Way. Available: https://laurasambitiouswriting.wordpress.com/2018/09/24/newsupermariobrosudeluxe/. Last accessed 9th Sep 2020.
    
71. Williams, L. (2018). Another Deluxe Delight For Mario’s Switch Era Is On Its Way. Available: https://laurawritesanarticle.blogspot.com/2018/09/newsupermariobrosudeluxe.html. Last accessed 9th Sep 2020.
    
72. Williams, L. (2020). Available: https://twitter.com/LauraOnDuty/status/1302359473311363074. Last accessed 5th Sep 2020.
    
73. Williams, L. (2017). Could Mario Party: The Top 100 Be A Delightful Dedication?. Available: https://laurawritesanarticle.blogspot.com/2017/10/could-mario-party-top-100-be-delightful.html. Last accessed 7th Sep 2020.
    
74. Williams, L. (2020). Forty Years Of Eating Pac-Pellets With Pac-Man. Available: https://laurasambitiouswriting.wordpress.com/2020/05/22/pacman-40-years/. Last accessed 5th Sep 2020.
    
75. Williams, L. (2020). Forty Years Of Eating Pac-Pellets With Pac-Man. Available: https://laurawritesanarticle.blogspot.com/2020/05/pacman-40-years.html. Last accessed 5th Sep 2020.
    
76. Williams, L. (2020). Mario Will Become A Lego Adventurer Outside The Switch. Available: https://laurasambitiouswriting.wordpress.com/2020/03/13/lego-mario/. Last accessed 5th Sep 2020.
    
77. Xbox. (2020). Xbox Series S - World Premiere Reveal Trailer. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHLfCFMKxPg. Last accessed 9th Sep 2020.
    
78. ZiaMonic. (2020). Super Mario 35th anniversary song (Souzou / Create) by Gen Hoshino. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLJWPpJ59Yg. Last accessed 10th Sep 2020.