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.

Why Does Vincent Brooks Keep Cheating With Catherine?

Disclaimers:

This article contains a few spoilers from the PlayStation 4 port of Catherine: Full Body that are included mostly for analytical purposes. Feel free to avoiding reading it if you are a Catherine crusader who is looking forward to purchasing and playing the Nintendo Switch port in July 2020.  

This is an analysis of a theory about a video game character that will involve discussing serious and triggering topics, such as female-on-male rape and signs of abuse in a relationship. Reader discretion is advised, along with the strong recommendation to call the relationship abuse helpline in your country if you are being abused in a relationship.

UK – 0808 2000 247

USA – 1-800-799-7233

Australia – 1800 737 732

There is only one month left until Catherine: Full Body, the enhanced port of a twisted tale of fear, lust and indecisiveness becomes available for the Nintendo Switch [27] [28] [29]. Ever since 2011, many of those who played the original version of the tale for the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360 have questioned why Vincent Brooks, the tale’s protagonist just would not simply tell the beautiful woman he woke up next to that he already has a girlfriend [6] [12] [33]. I believe I have a theory for why he can hardly put the temptress aside for his girlfriend and that is no other than the possibility of him having Stockholm syndrome, similar to how I have theorised that Pauline from a certain classic arcade game from the early 1980s could have a serious fear of heights and that Sam-I-Am from the cartoon adaption of Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss on Netflix could have bipolar disorder [35] [36] [41] [42]. I also remember when some Western Catherine crusaders have theorised that Rin was going to be a cis female for the Western release of Catherine: Full Body back in early and mid-2019 after the story eventually revealed that he is a cross-dressing male in the Japanese version [11] [26] [39] [40].

After being critically and cautiously acclaimed on the Playstation 4 and PlayStation Vita in 2019 [8], Catherine: Full Body will soon be ready to bring some erotic horror into the Switch era [28]. [27] [29]

Interestingly enough, there will be some free DLC for the Japanese version of the Switch port of Catherine: Full Body that provides three brand new voices for the temptress [8], along with her other ten voices for the Japanese PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita ports. Aside from that, let us explain why her target has fallen in love with her, not just because of her good looks. [9]

Stockholm syndrome is a mental disorder that leads to strong attachment to a person who has caused a traumatic experience, such as a kidnapping [23] [24] [30]. Those with Stockholm syndrome cannot be bitter towards their captors, no matter how terrifying the trauma they caused was. Harley Quinn, the Joker’s longtime “love interest” from Batman: The Animated Series, the Batman comics and so on is a prime example of a fictional character who has been suspected to have Stockholm syndrome [3] [14] [15] [16] [34]. Surely some Disney desirers have theorised that Belle from the animated adaption of Beauty and the Beast from 1991 has Stockholm syndrome [22] [25] [30] [32], but Emma Watson, the actress who played the role of her in the film’s live-action remake from 2017 denied it due to how she identified signs of the character maintaining her independence [2] [20]. But as for the black-haired bachelor in Catherine, he seems to be more likely to consist of Stockholm syndrome due to how indecisive he is and how he lacks much ambition [12]. How Vincent ended up in a troublesome love triangle may not have been a kidnapping [5] [6], but there is an aspect of the hookup and so on that has unnerved plenty of Catherine crusaders.

Harleen Quinzel on the front cover of her new graphic novel. No matter how ruthless the Joker has been to her, there just seems to be no signs of the cycle ever ending [34]. Could the same technically apply to Vincent and Catherine? [14]

I may be very relieved that there have been no accusations of pedophilia against the Brookster’s love for Rin who is considered to be old enough to work at a bar in Full Body [11] [39] [40], but I am rather skeptical about his love for Catherine [12], whether she will speak in any of her alternate voices or not [8]. [11]

The portrayal of Catherine as Vincent’s forbidden lover is highly questionable at times. Catherine may be cheerful and carefree in an alluring way, but the way she assaults him after he attempts to dump her for Katherine McBride is alarming [5]. Furthermore, some Catherine crusaders have suspected that their night in bed together was...not consensual as he was drunk at the time [1] [5] [12] [19] [21]. Although it is unclear if the two have actually had sexual intercourse or not [5] [12], it is still rather intimidating how the sex symbol warns her target that there will be some serious consequences if he slips up [5] [33]. Poor Vincent is too weak-willed to “man up” about the affair and deeply cares for all three of his lovers, including the one who could possibly be his rapist [12] [33]. The symbolism of the logo on his pink T-shirt could be a red flag. Even though I believe that the possibility of Catherine being Vincent’s rapist backs up my theory on him having Stockholm syndrome [5] [6] [12], I still would not want it to have definitely been true in the game’s story overall as it would be in very poor taste to include the premise of rape in a story solely for shock factor. 

How Catherine assaults Vincent in the toilets at the Stray Sheep could be a clear sign of him having Stockholm syndrome if he does not fully resist her after trying to dump her for Katherine [23] [24] [30]. His depression, kind nature towards Catherine and traumatic nightmares about her could also be related to him having Stockholm syndrome [23] [30]. [5]

The way Catherine threatens to Vincent with acts of brutality is also abusive, similar to how Darwin was threatened in his relationship with Jamie in a certain horrible episode of The Amazing World Of Gumball [31]. [5]

It can be argued that Vincent does not have Stockholm syndrome since he has at least tried to end his affair with Catherine as he thinks about either Rin or Katherine and is far more likely to have mild depression due to guilt from cheating, which is what I agree with due to how he has displayed signs of it throughout the game [12] [26]. Moreover, his misery continues when the overbearing beauty with beige-blonde hair breaks up with him in a rational manner [6] [10]. At least when the player chooses the Rin route, the reason why Katherine’s attitude towards Vincent’s supposed affair with Rin seems more positive must be because she is a supporter of LGBT rights and is quite happy that her former partner does not have to try to hide his bisexuality to avoid intolerance anymore [17] [26]. But as for the regular route from the original Catherine, the possibility of Vincent having Stockholm syndrome can be avoided, as long as the player tries to bring his destiny to regular human life with Katherine since she befriended him back in their high school days and they started a happy and healthy relationship when they were both about twenty-seven years old [4] [10] [13].

A happy and healthy relationship between Vincent and Katherine McBride from a lustrum ago. [13]

The same avoidance of Vincent having Stockholm syndrome can apply to leading him to Rin in Full Body since the talented pianist is far too pure-hearted to be an abusive and manipulative partner. [11]

So, does the Brookster really have Stockholm syndrome? I guess it depends on which path the player chooses. And the path that would truly diagnose him with the disorder is the one that sinfully leads him to the fantasy of “freedom” with Catherine [5] [6]. Surely plenty of Catherine crusaders did not take too kindly to the sings of being abusive the femme fatale displayed [5]. Nevertheless, she eventually becomes more sincere and far less manipulative to Vincent in three of her good endings, including an extra one in Full Body [6] [7] [8] [9] [18]. As an alternative to how I believe the talented people at Atlus can expand on the Catherine franchise in the future of gaming by establishing how the succubus appears to other men at another bar apart from Vincent at the Stray Sheep [37] [38], maybe there can be a potential semi-reboot of the original game that takes place in the alternative timeline she created in her exclusive ending from Full Body [7] [8] [18]. But whether you might have Stockholm syndrome or not, an abusive relationship should not be taken lightly. In real life, innocent victims of abuse should stand up for themselves and get help by calling the relationship abuse helpline in their country [31].

I absolutely adore Catherine’s appearance in a new timeline established in her exclusive ending in Full Body [18], but this image right here could be a red flag of how she still might be potentially abusive with a recollection of the original timeline, thus leading to Vincent having Stockholm syndrome. [7]

Until next time, Catherine crusaders and Nintendo nerds who will be ready to guide the Brookster throughout a series of nightmares on the Switch this July [27] [28] [29]. Stay golden. [7]

References

1. Access. (2012). Film: Domestic Abuse- English - Stop Blaming the Victim Campaign -- Welsh Government. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1FXbuhmnM4. Last accessed 29th May 2020.
2. Beauty and the Beast, dir. by Bill Condon (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, 2017).
3. Birds of Prey and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn, dir. by Cathy Yan (Warner Bros. Pictures, 2020).
4. BuffMaister. (2019). Catherine Full Body When Vincent Getting Some. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fymVCV4bvvI. Last accessed 1st Jun 2020.
5. Catherine Wiki. (2011). Catherine. Available: https://catherine.fandom.com/wiki/Catherine. Last accessed 29th May 2020.
6. Catherine Wiki. (2011). Catherine (game). Available: https://catherine.fandom.com/wiki/Catherine_(game). Last accessed 1st Jun 2020.
7. Catherine Wiki. (2019). Catherine Alternate Ending. Available: https://catherine.fandom.com/wiki/Catherine_Alternate_Ending. Last accessed 1st Jun 2020.
8. Catherine Wiki. (2018). Catherine: Full Body. Available: https://catherine.fandom.com/wiki/Catherine:_Full_Body. Last accessed 1st Jun 2020.
9. Catherine Wiki. (2012). Catherine Good Ending. Available: https://catherine.fandom.com/wiki/Catherine_Good_Ending. Last accessed 1st Jun 2020.
10. Catherine Wiki. (2011). Katherine McBride. Available: https://catherine.fandom.com/wiki/Katherine_McBride. Last accessed 1st Jun 2020.
11. Catherine Wiki. (2018). Rin. Available: https://catherine.fandom.com/wiki/Rin. Last accessed 1st Jun 2020.
12. Catherine Wiki. (2011). Vincent Brooks. Available: https://catherine.fandom.com/wiki/Vincent_Brooks. Last accessed 29th May 2020.
13. CorePixels. (2019). [4K] Catherine: Full Body - 5 Years Ago: Romantic Date. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViOmVhD47Kc. Last accessed 1st Jun 2020.
14. DC. (2020). Harleen. Available: https://www.dccomics.com/reader/#/comics/450270. Last accessed 1st Jun 2020.
15. DC. (2020). Harley Quinn. Available: https://www.dccomics.com/characters/harley-quinn. Last accessed 1st Jun 2020.
16. DC Kids. (2017). Batman: The Animated Series | Batman vs. Harley Quinn | DC Kids. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fczoPJt8FmE. Last accessed 1st Jun 2020.
17. DismArchus. (2019). Catherine: Full Body- The Cathedral [Rin Route] (8th Day) [English] | Standard-Normal [Perfect]. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VyNMsggT-0&t=765s. Last accessed 1st Jun 2020.
18. DismArchus. (2019). Catherine, Katherine & Qatherine [All New True Endings] | Catherine: Full Body. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYMlZUaGNaw. Last accessed 1st Jun 2020.
19. DisrespectNoBody. (2016). Consent vs Rape | Disrespect NoBody. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuRPCc-C-uo. Last accessed 29th May 2020.
20. Entertainment Weekly. (2017). Emma Watson Responds To Claims That Belle Has Stockholm Syndrome | Entertainment Weekly. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51NxeWInaxI. Last accessed 1st Jun 2020.
21. GameZone. (2011). Catherine 'Part 2' Cutscenes Only. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3D4pn9t4vA. Last accessed 1st Jun 2020.
22. Guli, N. (2015). If Your 20 Favorite Disney Movies Had Honest Titles. Available: https://www.explosion.com/108228/20-favorite-disney-movies-honest-titles/. Last accessed 1st Jun 2020.
23. Holland, K. (2019). What is Stockholm Syndrome and Who Does it Affect?. Available: https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/stockholm-syndrome#symptoms. Last accessed 29th May 2020.
24. Layton, J. (2020). What Causes Stockholm Syndrome?. Available: https://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/mental-disorders/stockholm-syndrome.htm. Last accessed 1st Jun 2020.
25. Maverick, J. (2019). Beauty and the Beast (1991) Scene: 'The West Wing'. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oa8PR8W7cLI. Last accessed 1st Jun 2020.
26. Naughty Gaming. (2019). Catherine Full Body Love Interests & Friends React To Vincent Being Gay/Bisexual. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URXJ2LuQwAs. Last accessed 1st Jun 2020.
27. Nintendo. (2020). Nintendo Switch - Catherine Full Body - Announcement Trailer. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYxAwmXWS4E. Last accessed 1st Jun 2020.
28. Official ATLUS West. (2020). Catherine: Full Body - Announcement Trailer | Nintendo Switch. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VoEfx38aUE. Last accessed 1st Jun 2020.
29. Official ATLUS West. (2020). Catherine: Full Body - Fall Into Temptation Trailer | Nintendo Switch. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BcDoDBzPmo. Last accessed 31st May 2020.
30. Psych2Go. (2019). What is Stockholm Syndrome? Psych 101 ep1. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-6VkeBv3G0. Last accessed 1st Jun 2020.
31. Strider, J. (2018). Top 6 Worst Gumball Episodes. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uZnGklwJsw. Last accessed 31st May 2020.
32. The Disney Wiki. (2019). Beauty and the Beast (1991 film) English. Available: https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/Beauty_and_the_Beast_(1991_film). Last accessed 1st Jun 2020.
33. WatchMojo.com. (2016). Top 10 Worst Heroes in Video Games. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fs6mKkrX7vE. Last accessed 1st Jun 2020.
34. WhatCulture Comics. (2017). 10 Worst Things The Joker Has Ever Done To Harley Quinn. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jprnzUQlCk. Last accessed 1st Jun 2020.
35. Williams, L. (2020). Another Green Eggs and Ham Season? Acclaim and Ambition Are The Reason!. Available: https://laurasambitiouswriting.wordpress.com/2020/01/26/green-eggs-and-ham-season-1-throwback/. Last accessed 1st Jun 2020.
36. Williams, L. (2020). Another Green Eggs and Ham Season? Acclaim and Ambition Are The Reason!. Available: http://laurawritesaboutcartoons.blogspot.com/2020/01/green-eggs-and-ham-season-1-throwback.html. Last accessed 1st Jun 2020.
37. 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 1st Jun 2020.
38. 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 1st Jun 2020.
39. Williams, L. (2019). Could Qatherine Have A…Regional Difference?. Available: https://laurasambitiouswriting.wordpress.com/2019/03/09/catherine-rin-theory/. Last accessed 31st May 2020.
40. Williams, L. (2019). Could Qatherine Have A…Regional Difference?. Available: https://laurawritesanarticle.blogspot.com/2019/03/catherine-rin-theory.html. Last accessed 31st May 2020.
41. Williams, L. (2019). The Perils And Powers Of Pauline, Mario’s Ex-Girlfriend. Available: https://laurasambitiouswriting.wordpress.com/2019/01/06/pauline-evolution/. Last accessed 31st May 2020.
42. Williams, L. (2019). The Perils And Powers Of Pauline, Mario’s Ex-Girlfriend. Available: https://laurawritesanarticle.blogspot.com/2019/01/pauline-evolution.html. Last accessed 31st May 2020.