A Blast from the Past – If you were a kid in the ’90s, you probably remember heated debates on the playground about who was better – Mario vs Sonic. These two iconic characters ruled the gaming world back then, and they’ve remained fan favorites through countless adventures and even feature films. While the rivalry seemed to fade as both mascots moved into the world of 3D gaming, it’s now making a strong comeback.
For the first time in more than 30 years, both Mario and Sonic have released games in the same week, rekindling the classic debate. The last time this happened was in 1992 when “Super Mario Land 2” and “Sonic 2” both launched in the UK.
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The Nostalgia Factor(Mario vs Sonic)
For gamers who grew up with these beloved characters, it’s a trip down memory lane. Argick, a Scottish Twitch streamer, describes it as “literally like being back in the ’90s.” He fondly recalls the excitement of unboxing a little cube CRT TV and a Mega Drive, which marked the beginning of his gaming adventures. Both “Sonic Superstars” and “Super Mario Bros Wonder” evoke a wave of nostalgia for fans like Argick.
You might think these new games were developed by the same team, given their striking visual similarities. Both are side-scrolling platformers where players navigate through levels filled with obstacles and enemies. Plus, both games offer multiplayer modes for up to four players.
Different Strokes for Different Folks
Gaming journalist Helen Ashcroft points out that while these games may look similar, they play quite differently. “They are both platformers but take very different approaches to things,” she says. “While the characters have similar roots, they’ve evolved in different ways and these days feel like very unique experiences.”
Sonic’s Return to Roots
Sonic’s journey back to its roots goes beyond visuals. The game’s soundtrack is composed by Jun Senoue, who worked on 1993’s “Sonic 3,” and the original designer is also part of the development team. Naoto Ohshima, who hadn’t worked on a Sonic game in two decades, aimed to bring the franchise back to its classic speed-focused gameplay.
“When it comes to Sonic, the thing that comes to mind first has got to be his speed and how good it feels to race through levels,” Ohshima explains. “Creating maps that capitalize on that classic sense of speed and that allow for iconic pinball action was extremely important for us.”
Mario’s Evolution
In contrast, Takashi Tezuka, a 39-year veteran of Mario games, set out to create an evolution of the series with “Super Mario Bros Wonder.” It’s a 2D game filled with hidden surprises and a more forgiving approach.
“We’ve designed it so that players can conquer the game with their ideas and use their heads, not just their skills, to progress,” Tezuka states.
Both games have introduced tutorials and new features to cater to beginners. While Sonic focuses on making the gameplay accessible, Mario offers a wealth of hidden delights.
A Win-Win for Gamers
So, which game will come out on top in this revived rivalry? Well, for fans like Argick, it might not matter. “Nobody tries to make a bad game,” he says. “Honestly, I want both games to be good, and both communities get to enjoy it – because it means I get two great games to play.”
The clash between Mario and Sonic might have defined a generation, but today, gamers of all ages can embrace the best of both worlds. As the competition heats up once again, players can expect thrilling adventures from these iconic characters. So, whether you’re Team Mario or Team Sonic, get ready to jump, spin, and race through exciting new challenges in the world of gaming.