The Sixth And Final Wave Of Booster Course Pass Content For Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

The third Nintendo Direct of 2023 was a fantastic focus on forthcoming Nintendo Switch games set to be released in 2024, including Another Code: Recollection, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD, and Tomb Raider I, II, III Remastered [11] [13], as well as some reflections on previously revealed titles coming later this year [10], such as WarioWare: Move It! [11] [12] [13]. But before we can dare ourselves to those interactive challenges, including remasters of treasured memories, some of us have wondered what the sixth and final wave of downloadable content for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe will bring our Mario Kart racers [16] [25] [26]. The Booster Course Pass started with the first wave back in March 2022 with the Golden Dash Cup and the Lucky Cat Cup [16]. It got even better with new characters being added this year, starting with Birdo as part of the fourth wave [23] [24]. While our bandicoots crash the party in the second season of Crash Team Rumble and admirers of Apple Inc. rejoice over the releases of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro [1] [2], let us start up our karts again after racing through hopes for the sixth wave for the final time [11] [13]. Don’t you DARE launch at Spiny Shell once I am in first place [15]!

I am delighted to discuss the final wave of content in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass after tuning into one of Prince Stolas of the Ars Goetia’s zany adventures in Minecraft [11] [13] [14]. Without further ado, let us see who will be welcomed to the roster to satisfyingly fill in those gaps that were present since the releases of the fourth and fifth waves and reflect on how far Mario Kart 8’s legacy has come since its original Wii U port in 2014. [11] [13]

Previously, we welcomed a Wiggler, a Kamek and Petey Piranha onto the racetracks as they were part of the fifth wave [25] [26]. Who will be the fourth new racers as part of the sixth wave? Firstly, the arrival of Diddy Kong sure makes up for how much some of us have missed racing as him outside of Mario Kart Tour [5] [6] [8] [9] [11] [13]. Secondly, Funky Kong is sure to bring some of that funk of his onto the racetracks [9] [11] [13]. Thirdly, I rejoiced when I saw Pauline steering her kart in Daisy Circuit from Mario Kart Wii as I was hoping that she would be one of the final racers [8] [9] [11] [13]. Yes, that’s right! A remaster of Daisy Circuit will be a course in either the Acorn Cup or the Spiny Cup [11] [13] [16]. Lastly, there will be some additional girl power from Mario Kart Tour with Peachette, the fusion of Princess Peach and Toadette who debuted in New Super Mario Bros. Wii U Deluxe [8] [11] [13] [19] [20]. Aside from four new members of the roster to complete the collection, which courses from other Mario Kart titles can be adapted for the Acorn Cup and the Shiny Cup [16]? Perhaps there could be a brand new course based on The Last Resort in Luigi’s Mansion 3 [18]. It is incredible to see how far the Mario Kart series has come since Super Mario Kart back in 1992 [6] [7] [11] [13] [17].

Kart’s up, Funky! [11] [13]

Could this be the next Luigi Death Stare [4] [6]?! [11] [13]

The sixth wave of additional content will complete the entire Booster Course Pass this Winter [11] [13] [16]. But before that, some of us are craving some sushi recipes crafted by a diver named “Dave”, Detective Pikachu will return to solve another case and a new map awaits Crewmates, including the Impostor in Among Us this October [11] [13]. I am also delighted to hear that the official name of Princess Peach’s upcoming adventure with a new ally named “Stella” set in Sparkle Theatre is “Princess Peach: Showtime!” and the Nintendo Museum will open in Kyoto in Spring 2024. More adventures that await us in 2024 include a remake of Mario vs. Donkey Kong and a remake of Paper: Mario: The Thousand-Year Door as we remain hopeful for an outstanding sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie several years after the voices of those striking in Hollywood are rightfully heard [3] [27] [28]. In the meantime, best of luck to Poké players in the first part of downloadable content for Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet and ninety-nine racers in F-Zero 99 [11] [13]! Speaking of racing, Diddy Kong, Funky Kong, Pauline and Peachette are sure to show those CPUs what they got as the final four racers in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass.

Peach’s power-ups revealed in the second trailer for “Princess Peach: Showtime!” are the most epic things I have seen in this year’s third Nintendo Direct! [11] [13] Looks like Detective Pikachu is not the only detective around here [10]! [11] [13]

I may have decided to no longer go buy the username “LauraOnDuty” due to my departure from X, formerly known as “Twitter” and an impersonator harmfully misrepresenting me on YouTube for the fourth time [14] [21], but by the new username “LadyLaurapop” [22], I shall continue to follow my passion for writing, as well as my love for gaming. I cannot wait until my fiancé and I compete in the Acorn Cup and the Spiny Cup! He ought to not be surprised if I race as Pauline. [11] [13]

References

1. Crash Bandicoot. (2023). Crash Team Rumble™ - Season 2 Trailer. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCBp2dpH0kA. Last accessed 14th Sep 2023.
2. Ezarik, J. (2023). Hands on with NEW iPhone 15 and 15 Pros!. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxiC-eEyC78. Last accessed 14th Sep 2023.
3. FOX 11 Los Angeles. (2023). Thousands of striking writers and actors march through Hollywood. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XGgwzqzVIQ. Last accessed 14th Sep 2023.
4. Know Your Meme. (2014). Luigi's Death Stare. Available: https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/luigis-death-stare. Last accessed 14th Sep 2023.
5. Nintendo. (2011). Mario Kart 7. Nintendo 3DS. Kyoto, Japan.
6. Nintendo. (2014). Mario Kart 8. Nintendo Wii U. Kyoto, Japan.
7. Nintendo. (2017). Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Nintendo Switch. Kyoto, Japan.
8. Nintendo. (2019). Mario Kart Tour. iOS. Kyoto, Japan.
9. Nintendo. (2008). Mario Kart Wii. Nintendo Wii. Kyoto, Japan.
10. Nintendo of America. (2023). Detective Pikachu Returns - Nintendo Direct 6.21.2023. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAFr2iTy2sg. Last accessed 14th Sep 2023.
11. Nintendo of America. (2023). Nintendo Direct 9.14.2023 - Nintendo Switch. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfYfuAOKTxA. Last accessed 14th Sep 2023.
12. Nintendo of America. (2023). WarioWare: Move It! - Nintendo Direct 6.21.2023. Available:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4kkqicAeG0. Last accessed 14th Sep 2023.
13. Nintendo UK. (2023). Nintendo Direct – 14/09/2023. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkdhiquZ2Qw. Last accessed 14th Sep 2023.
14. Plushie Stolas. (2023). Stolas Plays Minecraft! 6 - Creeper, Canyon, Clay!. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkRAuuvp5rI&t=2685s. Last accessed 14th Sep 2023.
15. SMii7Y. (2023). Mario Kart with Blue Shells ONLY is Terrifying. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdyjCeQrPYo. Last accessed 14th Sep 2023.
16. Super Mario Wiki. (2022). Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Mario_Kart_8_Deluxe_–_Booster_Course_Pass. Last accessed 14th Sep 2023.
17. Super Mario Wiki. (2012). Super Mario Kart. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Super_Mario_Kart. Last accessed 14th Sep 2023.
18. Super Mario Wiki. (2019). The Last Resort. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/The_Last_Resort. Last accessed 14th Sep 2023.
19. 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 14th Sep 2023.
20. 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 14th Sep 2023.
21. Williams, L. (2023). Available: https://twitter.com/lauraonduty. Last accessed 14th Sep 2023.
22. Williams, L. (2023). LadyLaurapop. Available: https://www.youtube.com/@LadyLaurapop/about. Last accessed 14th Sep 2023.
23. Williams, L. (2023). Race With Birdo In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass This Spring. Available: https://laurasambitiouswriting.wordpress.com/2023/02/09/mario-kart-8-deluxe-booster-course-pass-wave. Last accessed 14th Sep 2023.
24. Williams, L. (2023). Race With Birdo In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass This Spring. Available: https://laurawritesanarticle.blogspot.com/2023/02/mario-kart-8-deluxe-birdo-dlc.html. Last accessed 14th Sep 2023.
25. Williams, L. (2023). Race With Wiggler, Kamek and Petey Piranha In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass This Summer. Available: https://laurasambitiouswriting.wordpress.com/2023/06/21/mario-kart-8-deluxe-dlc-wave-5/. Last accessed 14th Sep 2023.
26. Williams, L. (2023). Race With Wiggler, Kamek and Petey Piranha In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass This Summer. Available: https://laurawritesanarticle.blogspot.com/2023/06/mario-kart-8-deluxe-dlc-wave-five.html. Last accessed 14th Sep 2023.
27. Williams, L. (2023). The Promising Possibilities Of A Sequel To The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Available: https://laurasambitiouswriting.wordpress.com/2023/09/12/super-mario-bros-movie-sequel-theories/. Last accessed 14th Sep 2023/
28. Williams, L. (2023). The Promising Possibilities Of A Sequel To The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Available: https://laurawritesaboutcartoons.blogspot.com/2023/09/the-super-mario-bros-movie.html. Last accessed 14th Sep 2023.

Mamma Mia! Could Mario Teach Italian Someday?

Buongiorno! We all know that Mario and Luigi are an Italian-American duo by now, right [32] [38] [39]? Since the brothers have been known for speaking in Italian accents since the mid-‘90s, thanks to the talented Charles Martinet [33], I believe that sometime later this new decade can be a great opportunity for them to star in a new educational game that heavily focuses on teaching young children how to speak Italian. Do not get me wrong. I understand that “Mario Teaches Typing” and its sequel were not so great examples of a memorable educational game and the edutainment genre within the Mario franchise died out before the late ‘90s [31] [40], but there is always a chance to provide major improvements when it comes to giving an unsatisfactory genre another chance in a new era; the 2020s. I shall proceed to elaborate on what to expect in a passable educational game about the Mario brothers teaching mostly young children Italian, similar to how Rayman once aimed to teach children French in an educational spin-off of his first adventure and how The Powerpuff Girls: Princess Snorebucks featured Bubbles’ nightmare that taught me a bit of Spanish when I was a child [11] [24] [26] [43] [44].

“Mario teaching Italian, just like how Rayman taught French? No way!” exclaimed some of my dear readers. I know the idea of Mario teaching Italian is not an official one, but I am willing to explain how it can excel nonetheless. [26]

It is interesting enough that there is the possibility of a forthcoming Italian dub of the pilot of Hazbin Hotel being considered official and uploaded onto Vivienne Medrano’s YouTube channel [6] [7] [9], similar to how a talented Française team has developed an official French dub of the pilot [47] [48]. Furthermore, why not let there be a brand new educational game about Mario and Luigi teaching Italian to show that there is more to them being Italian than just their accents and love for spaghetti [12] [16]? [8]

The most essential thing of developing a game that encourages the player to learn a new language is providing very accurate translations or each word and sentence, similar to how a new Tomb Raider character could accurately display British Sign Language [49] [50]. The English translations for each sentence ought to be simple for a young audience to easily take in information for an at least enjoyable learning experience, such as “Stai bebe?”, which means “Are you okay?” and “Andiamo!”, which means “Let’s go!” [10] [29]. Of course, there needs to be plenty of words within specific categories to make the learning experience quite varied [43] [44], such as:

•         Greetings
•         Colours
•         Numbers
•         Clothing items
•         Weather
•         Animals
•         Places
•         Food

I know this sounds very stereotypical, but the food category of Italian words to learn might as well include spaghetti and pizza [12] [16]. Why not? The premise would be quite similar to how a smart device user would learn Italian or any other language, such as French or Spanish with the Duolingo app [3], but there does need to be some form of originality and excitement put into the experience of learning Italian of Mario and Luigi to make it at least fun for gamers and help it excel in sales.

I can imagine an updated version of this moment for “Mario Teaches Italian” already. [36]

An example of successfully translating in Duolingo. [3]

The idea of Mario and his comrades teaching a new language would be quite lacklustre without any engaging gameplay elements. In the nightmare Bubbles had in Princess Snorebucks, the player had to figure out which of the piñatas contained nuts for the squirrels [43] [44]. Hint: The piñata that resembled the correct term for the Spanish word displayed on a tree stump. In French With Rayman, Rayman was not able to progress in a level any further until he approached the correction for what word the announcer said [11]. Very similar progress of encouraging a young player to figure out each correct translation ought to apply to a game about Mario and Luigi teaching young Nintendo nerds on how to accurately say plenty of Italian words and phrases. The gameplay for that premise about ought to be the run-of-the-mill side-scrolling format that has been adored for thirty-five years [17]. There can be some other familiar characters available to be played as during a lively experience of learning Italian words, such as Toad and Yoshi. A platforming adventure that requires translating an Italian word or phrase correctly to progress in a level would make learning Italian with Mario encouraging, challenging and adventurous.

“Mario Teaches Italian” may not be an official idea for a game from the folks at Nintendo…yet, but the usual engaging gameplay of a side-scrolling adventure with the iconic plumber should be present to make the idea at least faithful to his legacy. [31]

The challenge of trying to guess the correct translation for each Italian word would do the idea of Mario teaching players how to speak Italian justice. [11]

Any other teachers besides the Mario brothers and their companions from old school Nintendo? Rosalina’s new summer outfit in the Marine tour in Mario Kart Tour is absolutely gorgeous [23]. She can also host a session of teaching some Italian words in her regular attire to further ensure that “Mario Teaches Italian” will fit in the aspects of the Super Mario we know today. Ever since Super Mario Galaxy, she has proven herself to a sweet and wise lady who would make a great teacher [19]. Or better yet, Pauline can also host a session as she has been doing great for herself ever since her grand return in Super Mario Odyssey as a mayor who can sing [20] [55] [56]. Nonetheless, it would be quite funny if she taught the player how to say “Please help me!” in Italian after she gets captured by Donkey Kong for old time’s sake [58]. Quite similar to how there was a section of Spanish words that were discovered in Bubbles’ nightmare in Princess Snorebucks that highly resembled a dictionary [43], there can be sections of Rosalina or Pauline providing images next to their English and Italian words as reminders of what has already been discovered during the prime gameplay.

This lovely lady would be a great teacher, even in a game that can teach young players Italian. [14] [46]

As much as I love Pauline in her fabulous New Year’s Eve outfit [14], I would love to see her as a teacher who can teach a category of Italian words in her regular red dress. At some point in the plot of “Mario Teaches Italian”, could she shout “Per favore mi aiuti!” in the clutches of Donkey Kong [55] [56]? [51]

So, which entertainment system should a game about Nintendo’s mascot and his brother teaching Italian be available for? I could suggest publishing it for the Nintendo Switch, but since the premise would be considered to be educational, it would seem quite out of place in the library of Mario games for the Switch to some Nintendo nerds [20]. Considering how the thing for educational games for computers seems to have been left in the past [1] [30], perhaps it could be a mobile app instead as Mario’s mobile app era began with Super Mario Run and continued to somewhat excel throughout the late 2010s [14] [18] [34] [42]. We are in an age of very young children being moderately attached to tablets. Heck, I remember that scene of a modern age equivalent of Baby Moana playing a game on her tablet in Ralph Breaks The Internet [13] [25]. A game about Mario teaching younger Nintendo nerds how to speak Italian can also be beneficial for teenaged and fully grown Nintendo nerds who wish to casually learn Italian words and phrases, which could further back up why I think it would be best to release it for mobile devices in the days after the acclaim of Mario’s mobile app trilogy [14] [18] [34] [42].

Despite how an adventurous experience of learning Italian with Mario for the Nintendo Switch Lite would seem out of place, it would at least be a suitable alternative option for the sake of bringing new concepts to the Switch era, especially for younger owners of the Switch Lite. [15]

Mario Kart Tour is still providing tours in Summer 2020 [22] [23], which is why the most suitable option for publishing “Mario Teaches Italian” would be for modern mobile devices. Perhaps it could be for foldable smartphones if they become successful enough [2] [27] [57]. [14]

I have a list of demands on how to make an educational game or app about Mario teaching Italian sometime in the 2020s more exceptional than Mario Is Missing! from 1993 and Mario Teaches Typing 2 from 1996 [21] [40] [41]. Here we go!

•       Make sure that the graphics are the lively and polished 3D ones from Nintendo today, not sloppy and cheesy 2D ones [5] [31]
•       Refrain from portraying Mario as a talkative disembodied head as that occupation belongs to Deadpool’s Head in this new age [31] [54]
•       Do not make the gameplay seem uninspiring, such as providing the method of having to type exactly what needs to be typed at the top of the screen [5] [21] [31]
•       Provide the timeless gameplay of a side-scrolling platformer with the challenge of guessing the correct translations for each Italian word or phrase instead [11]
•       Check errors within the learning material and fixing them for the final outcome [41]
•       Perhaps include a more convenient plot that does not involve a typewriter, especially a giant one that crushes a castle [5]

Sticking to requirements for huge improvements can help the “educational” genre of Mario games return gracefully [40]. As the old saying goes, those who do not learn from the past are doomed to repeat it.

Hopefully the young ones will not have to put up with this rather uninspired method of gameplay on modern mobile devices. [31]

Oh. And one more thing. Avoid making references to death and disasters at all costs! Educational games are meant to be family-friendly, for crying out loud! Some Elmo products have been called out for…questionable audio errors [28] [45]. [5]

In conclusion, I believe a new Mario game that revives the series’ “educational” genre could work pretty well to each mostly young children how to speak Italian reliably and imaginatively. As someone who once volunteered at a nursery, I will always support the idea of some computer games and mobile applications providing educational purposes for young children. I have played quite a lot of those good old computer games when I was a child, including Pocket and Tails Go To Town and Learning Ladder: Year 3 [1] [30]. In 2020, there have been a few signs of Nintendo running out of ideas for the Mario franchise by establishing uninspired additions, such as Mario, Luigi, Peach and Rosalina as fire doctors in Dr. Mario World and Gold Dry Bowser in Mario Kart Tour [4] [14] [37] [52] [53]. On the bright side, there can always be new ways for the franchise to at least revive long-forgotten concepts and bring them into new games in rather refreshing ways. Not only can “Mario Teaches Italian” be a sign of Nintendo trying something new, but it can show that there is more to Mario and Luigi being Italian other than their accents and appetites of spaghetti [12] [16]. Arrivederci!

“Andiamo, Luigi!” [35] [46]

Et au revoir! [11]

References

1. Avanquest Software. (2000). Learning Ladder: Year 3. PC. La Garenne-Colombes, France.
2. CNET. (2020). Samsung Galaxy Z Flip: 3 months later. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J72_7wxxgis. Last accessed 15th Jul 2020.
3. Duolingo. (2012). Duolingo. iOS. Pennsylvania, United States.
4. GameXplain. (2020). Dr. Fire Rosalina & Dr. Fire Luigi Coming to Dr. Mario World - Trailer (+ Boney Beetle Assistant!). Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvqiuK9ugIE. Last accessed 3rd Jul 2020.
5. Hargrave, A. (2018). Goodwill Games #6 - PBG. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zFjnnz0QBk. Last accessed 14th Jul 2020.
6. Hazbin Hotel ITA. (2020). HAZBIN HOTEL CLIP - One Little Brawl (Dub ITA). Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhuqbaKxjv8. Last accessed 15th Jul 2020.
7. Hazbin Hotel ITA. (2020). HAZBIN HOTEL CLIP - The Spider in the KinkyBoots (Dub Ita). Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwFnKNDO0NQ. Last accessed 15th Jul 2020.
8. hazbin_ita. (2020). Available: https://twitter.com/hazbin_ita/header_photo. Last accessed 15th Jul 2020.
9. hazbin_ita. (2020). Available: https://twitter.com/hazbin_ita?lang=en. Last accessed 15th Jul 2020.
10. ItalianLessons101. (2013). Italian/English Lessons: Andiamo/Let's go. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Yv1H4Sx5KQ. Last accessed 14th Jul 2020.
11. Jake "Ziggity" Steven. (2017). French with Rayman - 03 - Numbers and The Time. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiblYhie9Lw. Last accessed 1st Jul 2020.
12. LuigiBlood. (2009). Hotel Mario - Intro (English) (HD 1080i) (FIX). Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwpNg8pWoN0. Last accessed 15th Jul 2020.
13. Moana, dir. by Ron Clements and John Musker (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, 2016).
14. Nintendo. (2019). Mario Kart Tour. iOS. Tokyo, Japan.
15. Nintendo. (2019). Nintendo Switch Lite. Available: https://www.nintendo.com/switch/lite/. Last accessed 15th Jul 2020.
16. Nintendo. (1996). Super Mario 64. Nintendo 64. Tokyo, Japan.
17. Nintendo. (1985). Super Mario Bros.. Nintendo Entertainment System. Tokyo, Japan.
18. Nintendo. (2016). Super Mario Run. iOS. Tokyo, Japan.
19. Nintendo. (2007). Super Mario Galaxy. Nintendo Wii. Tokyo, Japan.
20. Nintendo. (2017). Super Mario Odyssey. Nintendo Switch. Tokyo, Japan.
21. NintendoComplete. (2015). Mario Teaches Typing 2 (PC) Playthrough - NintendoComplete. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjyChE4NFXk. Last accessed 14th Jul 2020.
22. Nintendo Mobile. (2020). Mario Kart Tour - Exploration Tour Trailer. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQk-10yadsE. Last accessed 15th Jul 2020.
23. Nintendo Mobile. (2020). Mario Kart Tour - Marine Tour Trailer. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJGTNQB4MyQ. Last accessed 1st Jul 2019.
24. Powerpuff Girls Wiki. (2013). Princess Snorebucks. Available: https://powerpuffgirls.fandom.com/wiki/Princess_Snorebucks. Last accessed 1st Jul 2020.
25. Ralph Breaks The Internet, dir. by Rich Moore and Phil Johnston (Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, 2018).
26. RayWiki. (2016). File:French with Rayman English.jpg. Available: https://raymanpc.com/wiki/en/File:French_with_Rayman_English.jpg. Last accessed 1st Jul 2020.
27. Samsung. (2020). Galaxy Z Flip: Official Introduction. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sx9ibZLwVNE. Last accessed 15th Jul 2020.
28. slvjm1. (2008). Who wants to die!?. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApG5s3PlSvc. Last accessed 15th Jul 2020.
29. Speechling - Speak Languages Better. (2019). How to say "Are you okay?" in Italian. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJQ8A4vFCvM. Last accessed 14th Jul 2020.
30. Softkey. (1994). Pocket and Tails Go To Town. PC. Massachuseets, United States.
31. Strider, J. (2016). Top 6 Worst Mario Games. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gt2I0xWw_KI&t=299s. Last accessed 1st Jul 2020.
32. Super Mario Wiki. (2009). Brooklyn. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Brooklyn. Last accessed 9th Jul 2020.
33. Super Mario Wiki. (2013). Charles Martinet. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Charles_Martinet. Last accessed 15th Jul 2020.
34. Super Mario Wiki. (2019). Dr. Mario World. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Dr._Mario_World. Last accessed 15th Jul 2020.
35. Super Mario Wiki. (2010). File:MLSSart.png. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/File:MLSSart.pn. Last accessed 15th Jul 2020.
36. Super Mario Wiki. (2018). File:MTT 1992 Results.png. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/File:MTT_1992_Results.pg. Last accessed 1st Jul 2020.
37. Super Mario Wiki. (2019). Gallery:Dr. Mario World. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Gallery:Dr._Mario_World#Doctors. Last accessed 3rd Jul 2020.
38. Super Mario Wiki. (2007). Luigi. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Luigi. Last accessed 9th Jul 2020.
39. Super Mario Wiki. (2007). Mario. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Mario. Last accessed 9th Jul 2020.
40. Super Mario Wiki. (2019). Mario Discovery (series). Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Mario_Discovery_(series). Last accessed 1st Jul 2020.
41. Super Mario Wiki. (2006). Mario Is Missing!. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Mario_is_Missing!#Mistakes_and_errors. Last accessed 15th Jul 2020.
42. Super Mario Wiki. (2016). Super Mario Run. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Super_Mario_Run. Last accessed 15th Jul 2020.
43. The Learning Company. (2003). The Powerpuff Girls Learning Challenge 2: Princess Snorebucks. PC. California, United States.
44. TopKirby8305. (2015). TK's Lets Play: Powerpuff Girls - Princess Snorebucks (PC) [Part 2]. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsG7XPW2RLk&t=359s. Last accessed 15th Jul 2020.
45. WFLA News Channel 8. (2008). Elmo's Death Threat. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KA1Ir5028-M. Last accessed 15th Jul 2020.
46. Wikipedia. (2020). Flag of Italy. Available: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Italy. Last accessed 15th Jul 2020.
47. Williams, L. (2020). A Language Of Love Spoken At Hazbin Hotel. Available: https://laurasambitiouswriting.wordpress.com/2020/05/10/hazbin-hotel-french-dub/. Last accessed 15th Jul 2020.
48. Williams, L. (2020). A Language Of Love Spoken At Hazbin Hotel. Available: https://laurawritesaboutcartoons.blogspot.com/2020/05/hazbin-hotel-french-dub.html. Last accessed 15th Jul 2020.
49. 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 14th Jul 2020.
50. 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 14th Jul 2020.
51. Williams, L. (2019). Available: https://twitter.com/LauraOnDuty/status/1207696762326208517. Last accessed 15th Jul 2020.
52. Williams, L. (2020). Dr. Fire Mario And Dr. Fire Peach - Is The Mario Franchise Running Out Of Ideas?. Available: https://laurasambitiouswriting.wordpress.com/2020/01/10/dr_fire_mario_and_dr_fire_peach/. Last accessed 3rd Jul 2020.
53. Williams, L. (2020). Dr. Fire Mario And Dr. Fire Peach - Is The Mario Franchise Running Out Of Ideas?. Available: https://laurawritesanarticle.blogspot.com/2020/01/dr-fire-mario-and-dr-fire-peach.html. Last accessed 3rd Jul 2020.
54. Williams, L. (2020). Keep Your Heads Up For Deadpool’s Head (Ft. Deadpool). Available: https://laurasambitiouswriting.wordpress.com/2020/06/28/deadpool-head/. Last accessed 14th Jul 2020.
55. 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 9th Jul 2020.
56. 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 9th Jul 2020.
57. Williams, L. (2020). Two Generations Collide With The Flip Smartphone As Another Form May Await. Available: https://laurasambitiouswriting.wordpress.com/2020/02/24/foldable-smartphone/. Last accessed 15th Jul 2020.
58. WordHippo. (2020). How to say please help me in Italian. Available: https://www.wordhippo.com/what-is/the/italian-word-for-please_help_me.html. Last accessed 15th Jul 2020.

The Perils And Powers Of Pauline, Mario’s Ex-Girlfriend

Remember the pixelated damsel known as “Lady” who would cry for help after being taken to a construction site by a big crazy ape [4] [13]? Well, the lady is nowadays known as “Pauline” and she is not a damsel-in-distress anymore...or at least in this generation of Nintendo gaming [5]. After thirty-seven years of her loyalty towards the iconic plumber, Mario’s original sweetheart will finally become a fully playable character in Mario Tennis Aces [6] [18]. With some analysis, both classic Nintendo nerds and modern Nintendo nerds can see that Pauline has changed and grew as a person throughout the eras of Nintendo gaming. Let us look at each step of the lovely woman in red’s outstanding evolution.

This was Lady Pauline back in the early 80’s. [13]

And this is Lady Pauline today. [18]

As previously stated, the first damsel-in-distress in video game history would just scream for help and...dance [4]? My theory for why the first interpretation of Pauline was so helpless is because she might have had a terrible fear of heights. Her sprite consisted of ginger hair in a braid and a long purple and white dress, causing her to look nothing like her official 2D artworks that feature blonde hair and a short red dress [4] [13] [14]. At least that was no big deal since Jumpman was in unconditional love with her before he stepped into the Mushroom Kingdom as “Mario”. Quite oddly, she was also named “Louise” in the Game & Watch version of the arcade masterpiece and “Paula” in the instruction packs for the Nintendo Entertainment system version [21]. If I get kidnapped by a gorilla, I’d better do a weird dance to increase my chance of being saved.

Where it all began. [13]

Dance for help, Pauline, dance for help! [13]

Speaking of blonde hair and a red dress, Pauline was the supportive sidekick of Mario in his first ever cartoon for television, Saturday Supercade [1] [3] [7] [21] [23]. And yes, she does get captured by the young Cranky Kong in the second opening [1] [11]. Nevertheless, she and Mario would chase the big ape in order to try and catch him and take him back to a circus [3] [7] [23]. Additionally, Pauline claims that he would not hurt a fly in one of the episodes, so I guess Pauline at least saw some good intentions from him [7]. If the cartoon was an anime, I guess her hair could have been wavy and her skin could have been paler, so that she would resemble her official Japanese artwork in a classy 80’s anime style [13] [25] [26].

Pauline’s 80’s cartoon appearance in Saturday Supercade. [14]

Pauline’s blonde locks eventually turned reddish brown in Nintendo’s own adaption of a pinball machine for the Nintendo Entertainment System [21] [22] [28]. In a long pink dress, she was safe from the original Donkey Kong’s clutches. However, she was only able to run left and right at the top of the bonus stage until the pinball broke the ground below her feet [28]. I guess this Pauline was just jogging left and right for a bit of exercise and to try and battle her fear of heights. After she falls, Mario will try and catch her with a white platform, then take her to one of the exits of the stage [28]. For some reason, she was simply named “Lady” once again [22]. The appearance of her Pinball sprite sure was indeed rather similar to Princess Toadstool’s sprite from Super Mario Bros. 2 and Super Mario. 3, which might have led nostalgic Nintendo nerds to the beginning of the comparisons between the two sweethearts of the iconic plumber [14] [15] [21] [22] [28].

The similarities between Lady and Princess Toadstool back in the NES days. [14] [15]

For the Game Boy port of Donkey Kong that was released back in 1994, Pauline’s sprite resembled her official artwork a lot more, especially as she cried out for help [9] [12] [14]. You can tell by the shape of her sprite, but let us leave Ed Sheeran out of this [10]. Since the Game Boy version of the timeless classic was meant to be expanded with nine other locations, Pauline’s expanded captivity might have at least provided some opportunities to see some nice sights [9] [12]. It was nice of her to give her ex a mushroom to pump up his strength back in the day. The official cover was the first time Pauline was seen wearing a short red dress AND having brunette hair [12], which showed that she was indeed a different kind of sweet and fair lady, compared to Princess Peach. 

The original Donkey Kong kidnapping a brunette Pauline. [11] [12] [14]

Pauline’s sprite in the Game Boy version of Donkey Kong from 1994. [14]

A dozen years later, Pauline returned in Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis, possibly just as Mario’s good friend [2] [8] [21]. She was shown to be quite business-minded in the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series, cutting a ribbon as a VIP and helping Mario run a theme park known as “Mini-Land” [2] [8] [20]. And yet, she was taken away by the mighty Donkey Kong a few times, just like back in the beginning [2] [8] [20]. Well, at least they did get along well in some moments, such as when Pauline accepted a Mini Donkey Kong and gave it a kiss, making Donkey Kong happy [8]. Perhaps a few gamers might have believed that Pauline was a little too forgiving towards the gorilla himself. Aside from that, go ahead and keep shipping Mario with Pauline if any of you want to.

Pauline as a special guest in Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis. [14]

The beginning of Tipping Stars. Just like back in the early 80’s when Cranky Kong was his grandson’s age. [11] [20] [21]

There Mario went, off the rails. It was time for a splendid surprise to raise its sails. A huge enrichment in Pauline’s character occurred in Super Mario Odyssey, the glorious masterpiece from late 2017 that brought back the sandbox-like gameplay from Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Galaxy [5] [21]. She went from a simple woman to the glamorous singer and mayor of New Donk City [5] [21]. I am not sure how she got into politics, but I absolutely adore her ability to sing [5] [16] [21] [27]. I would say her official debut in the main Super Mario series as a mayor and singer was totally worth it as the times of her captivity must have made her stronger and determined to somehow reinvent herself [21]. Is any fan of the 1-up girl up for some fried mushrooms or flower stew sometime soon [21]?

The pretty politician after she moved on from her days of being a circus gorilla’s hostage. [21]

And finally, Pauline’s debut of full playability was announced in late 2018 [6]. She is set to be a playable character in Mario Tennis Aces in early 2019, along with Luma, who has been a tennis player before and Boom Boom, who is also yet to play tennis for the first time [6] [18] [19]. In all honesty, I believe that she deserves it after her big upgrade in New Donk City. Her tennis player attire sure is elegantly trendy and her emblem is pretty cute [6] [18]. I am assuming that the reason why she will be a speedy type of tennis player is because of the jogging she did in Pinball [6] [18] [28]. The opportunity to be a determined sportswoman for Pauline in any of Mario’s sports series was perhaps long overdue and it will soon be about time they let her be a competitor in a sport.

Yeah! [6]

If a character can evolve and empower oneself, by all means, go ahead and allow that enhancement to happen. Could Pauline be playable for the second time in any future Mario games? It would be great if that would be on any of the next set of agendas for Nintendo’s future. Perhaps one of them could be a whole new installment of the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series that will feature her glorious title as the mayor of New Donk City with an angelic singing voice [16] [21] [28]. Another one could be making her an official racer in Mario Kart Tour, the Mario Kart installment that will park on Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android [17]. She could also be a singing captive in a special 40^th anniversary celebration of the arcade game that started it all [4]. But for early 2019, let us wait for Pauline, Boom Boom and Luma to hit the tennis court and show what they are made of. Maybe there could be a year of Pauline, like how 2013 was the year of Luigi [24].

She’s been on the Switch. Her singing is bliss. Oh, tennis awaits Pauline! [21]

References

1. CartoonsIntros. (2016). Saturday Supercade (1983) - Intro (Opening) - Version 2. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpUTGqAlskg. Last accessed 4th Jan 2019.
2. ElMasVag0. (2007). Intro Mario VS Donkey Kong 2 (DS). Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UporSboPAlY. Last accessed 4th Jan 2019.
3. happypranksgiving. (2009). Mario's first appearance in cartoons - Donkey King part 1 of 2 - REALLY bad. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPu0Zp1pK90. Last accessed 4th Jan 2019.
4. Nintendo. (1981). Donkey Kong. Arcade. Kyoto. Japan.
5. Nintendo. (2017). Super Mario Odyssey. Nintendo Switch. Kyoto. Japan.
6. Nintendo UK. (2018). Mario Tennis Aces - Pauline, Luma and Boom Boom (Nintendo Switch). Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0WcVcroDHc. Last accessed 6th Jan 2019.
7. Palmetto Swamp Fox. (2018). Saturday Supercade (Donkey Kong) How Much Is That Gorilla In The Window. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zyfayak2djo&t=330s. Last accessed 6th Jan 2019.
8. RumourMill g. (2016). Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2 All Cutscenes. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkKPQqZdO08. Last accessed 4th Jan 2019.
9. SaikyoMog. (2013). Game Boy Donkey Kong Video Walkthrough. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qNvux9KT3Y. Last accessed 3rd Jan 2019.
10. Sheeran, E. (2017). Ed Sheeran - Shape Of You [Official Lyric Video].Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dK2tDK9grQ. Last accessed 4th Jan 2019.
11. Super Mario Wiki. (2012). Cranky Kong. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Cranky_Kong. Last accessed 4th Jan 2019.
12. Super Mario Wiki. (2007). Donkey Kong (Game Boy). Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Donkey_Kong_(Game_Boy). Last accessed 3rd Jan 2019.
13. Super Mario Wiki. (2007). Gallery:Donkey Kong (game). Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Gallery:Donkey_Kong_(game). Last accessed 6th Jan 2019.
14. Super Mario Wiki. (2007). Gallery:Pauline. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Gallery:Pauline. Last accessed 3rd Jan 2019.
15. Super Mario Wiki. (2007). Gallery:Princess Peach. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Gallery:Princess_Peach#Sprites_and_models. Last accessed 6th Jan 2019.
16. Super Mario Wiki. (2012). Kate Higgins. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Kate_Higgins. Last accessed 4th Mar 2018.
17. Super Mario Wiki. (2018). Mario Kart Tour. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Mario_Kart_Tour. Last accessed 6th Jan 2019.
18. Super Mario Wiki. (2018). Mario Tennis Aces. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Mario_Tennis_Aces#Characters. Last accessed 3rd Jan 2019.
19. Super Mario Wiki. (2012). Mario Tennis Open. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Mario_Tennis_Open#Unlockable_characters. Last accessed 3rd Jan 2019.
20. Super Mario Wiki. (2010). Mario vs. Donkey Kong (series). Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Mario_vs._Donkey_Kong_(series). Last accessed 4th Jan 2019.
21. Super Mario Wiki. (2007). Pauline. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Pauline. Last accessed 3rd Jan 2019.
22. Super Mario Wiki. (2009). Pinball (game). Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Pinball_(game). Last accessed 4th Jan 2019.
23. Super Mario Wiki. (2009). Saturday Supercade. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Saturday_Supercade. Last accessed 3rd Jan 2019.
24. Super Mario Wiki. (2013). Year of Luigi. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Year_of_Luigi. Last accessed 6th Jan 2019.
25. TV Tropes. (2018). Anime / Doraemon. Available: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Anime/Doraemon. Last accessed 3rd Jan 2019.
26. TV Tropes. (2018). Anime / Magical Angel Creamy Mami. Available: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Anime/MagicalAngelCreamyMami. Last accessed 3rd Jan 2019.
27. unnamedboi. (2017). Jump Up, Super Star! (Full Ver. Official iTunes Release) Super Mario Odyssey Main Theme. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhciLj5VzOk. Last accessed 4th Jan 2019.
28. World of Longplays. (2013). NES Longplay [456] Pinball. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=786yrUhXVrk. Last accessed 4th Jan 2019.