Genre: Difference between revisions

'''Genres''' are different types of [[List of games|video games]] classified by gameplay. With over 300 entries, the [[Super Mario (franchise)|''Super Mario'']] franchise has included a variety of different genres. The first ''Mario'' games were platformers, but the series has since spun off into various other genres.

The majority of ''Mario'' games fall within the platformer genre, which itself can be divided into two sub-genres: side-scrolling and three-dimensional. '''Side-scrolling platformers''' (or '''side-scrollers''') usually allow travel in only one or two directions towards a [[Goal Pole]]. '''Three-dimensional''' (or '''3D''') '''platformers''' allow travel in any direction and usually consist of objective-based level completion. Classification is based upon movement style, so games such as ''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]'' with modern three-dimensional graphics are still classified as side-scrollers.

Most ''Mario'' platformers are part of the ''[[Super Mario (series)|Super Mario]]'' series, with the exception of ''[[Super Paper Mario]]'', which mixes platforming and RPG elements.

'''Role-playing games''' (often abbreviated as '''RPGs''') place Mario in a major role. Common gameplay features in RPGs include detailed storylines, a large cast of characters, and the ability to [[level up]]. Mario's first appearance in an RPG was in ''[[Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars]]''. Later, the [[Paper Mario (series)|''Paper Mario'' series]] and [[Mario & Luigi (series)|''Mario & Luigi'' series]] were introduced. Another common feature in RPGs is the ability to use items and special moves and equip weapons, armor, [[clothing]], [[badge]]s, and accessories. These items can be bought at [[Item Shop|shops]] or be found in [[block]]s and [[treasure chest]]s, while special moves are learned by the characters as the player progresses through the game and consume points (e.g., [[Bros. Point]]s in the ''Mario & Luigi'' series) when used. RPGs often have multiple playable characters with unique stats and abilities. ''Mario'' role-playing games often contain platforming elements.

RPGs also feature normal ''Mario'' enemies, including [[Goomba]]s, [[Koopa Troopa]]s, and other common enemies. However, characters and locations originally found in an RPG rarely appear in other games.

'''Racing games''' involve speedy competitions with other characters. The main objective in racing games is to reach the [[finish line (object)|finish line]] before the other racers and attain first place. Nearly all ''Mario'' racing games are part of the ''[[Mario Kart (series)|Mario Kart]]'' series, except for ''[[Diddy Kong Racing]]'', ''[[Diddy Kong Racing DS]]'', and ''[[Donkey Kong Barrel Blast]]''. All racing games in the ''Super Mario'' franchise involve items or power-ups that can do various things such as slow down the other racers and speed up the player. Racing games also build on this by providing battle modes in which items are used as weapons. Online racing was introduced with the release of ''[[Mario Kart DS]]'' and is integrated in every ''Mario'' racing game since.

The ''Mario'' franchise contains a large number of games based on sports. Unlike most conventional sports games, ''Mario'' sports games feature items and obstacles. Racing and fighting games are sub-genres of sports games. The genre started with ''[[Golf]]'' for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]]. This genre of ''Mario'' games did not become well-known until the release of the [[Nintendo 64]] with games such as ''[[Mario Tennis (Nintendo 64)|Mario Tennis 64]]'' and ''[[Mario Golf (Nintendo 64)|Mario Golf]]'' for the Nintendo 64. Currently, ''Mario'' sports games include [[Mario Golf (series)|golf]], [[Mario Kart (series)|racing]], [[Mario Tennis (series)|tennis]], [[Mario Strikers (series)|soccer]], [[Mario Hoops 3-on-3|basketball]], [[Super Smash Bros. (series)|fighting]], [[Mario Baseball (series)|baseball]], and [[Mario & Sonic (series)|Olympic events]]. In addition, separately from those series are the games ''[[Mario Sports Mix]]'' and ''[[Mario Sports Superstars]]'', which feature four and five sports, respectively.

'''Puzzle games''' test the player's reflexes and knowledge. The objective in most ''Mario'' puzzle games is to clear the screen of various objects, similar to that in ''[[Tetris]]''. However, a few ''Mario'' puzzle games incorporate different types of gameplay such as ''[[Mario's Picross]]'' and [[Yakuman DS|mahjong]]. Games belonging to this genre include the ''[[Dr. Mario (series)|Dr. Mario]]'' series, ''[[Wario's Woods]]'', ''[[Yoshi's Cookie]]'', and ''[[Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition]]''. Other than the latter, unlike most ''Mario'' games, puzzle games do not have items. However, they generally have a large cast of characters.

'''Educational games''' are meant to both educate and entertain the player. Compared to that of the other genres in the ''Mario'' franchise, the number of educational games is relatively small. The purpose of educational games is to solve mysteries or simply learn how to do something, such as typing or math. Games belonging to this genre are usually developed by a third-party company. Due to this, characters may have different personalities. For example, Mario has full dialogue in ''[[Mario's Time Machine]]'', despite the fact that he rarely speaks in other games.

'''Rail shooters''' are games played from a first-person perspective, where the player must shoot all the enemies on the screen while following a specific route. The only rail shooters in the ''Mario'' franchise to date are ''[[Yoshi's Safari]]'', which requires the use of the [[Super Scope]] in single-player mode, and ''[[Luigi's Mansion Arcade]]'', which uses the arcade machine itself as a controller.