Mario gets a makeover
Posted by Andrew Farinella on April 2, 2008With clothes over 20 years old now, Mario is ready to take on a new, fresh look possibly backed by one of the world’s top designers.
Since the release of the Nintendo Entertainment System in the mid 80s, Mario has always been adorned in his trademark blue overalls and red hat. However, Nintendo is of the impression that it’s time for the once dull outfit to get an overhaul, and in a major way.
“Sure, we all know and love Mario,” says Shigeru Miyamoto, creator of Nintendo’s mascot, “but I think it’s time he changed to keep up with the times. We’ve seen other franchises make those changes, like Shadow the Hedgehog, and that game was huge, right?”
Gun-totting hedgehogs aside, though, there has been much talk in the Nintendo ranks over the new direction to take the aging plumber. Many feel that a loss of the overalls and even the old and ratty hat might be the best way to go. It is this crowd that wishes to get a big-name international fashion designer behind the project. Pat Merch of Nintendo America explains.
“As a young, hip business executive, it should be obvious that I would know more about what gamers really want than some group of aging nerds. Mario should be like me, trendy, healthy, devoid of anything that could possibly be considered human or original.” Merch’s sentiments have made waves through Nintendo America and even Nintendo’s home base in Japan. While there are those who side with Merch, there are more still that oppose his views.
Neil Neilson, Chief Executive of Internal Sales and Marketing, feels that Mario is fine how he is, that his image shouldn’t change because it is such a strong institution that changing it would alienate millions of consumers and fans of the company.
“This is why I make $100k a year and Neilson has a made-up job title” remarks Merch when asked about Neilson’s opinion. “That guy is so out of touch with reality.”
No word yet on what designers have been approached, if any, over the the project, but sources say that there have been plans to speak with a number of top American designers. Until then, Neilson says he will continue to fight what he sees as an injustice to the name of Mario and hopefully get the situation with his job title corrected. He’s pessimistic about the latter.
Related posts:
Leave a Reply
