Mario

September 13th marked the 25th anniversary release of Super Mario Bros.

Already covered at many blogs and sites:
Gizmodo
Gamespy

Nintendo is also releasing a 25th Anniversary Collection for the Nintendo Wii!!

Mario. I actually wasn't into Super Mario bros when it first came out on the NES, although I do recall seeing it at Chucky-cheeses. I was too young (not enlightened) to appreciate the glorious Goomba pounding goodness and instead spent my time playing the cheesy carnival games and collecting tickets to redeem for prizes.  I also remember playing Super Mario Bros 2 at a friends house. Interestingly enough, I was astute enough to notice that Mario 2 seemed to be a completely different game. (It turns out that is IS a different game)

Then came..... Super Mario Bros 3. This game single-handedly opened my eyes to the world of video games. I loved everything about this game. The giant level, riding in a shoe, even the silly movie The Wizard, which showed us that it can be COOL to be into video games. Wouldn't it be awesome if i drove around in my car wearing the Power Glove? And of course, the whistles!!

So many Mario games that bring back fond memories. Super Mario World.... my all time favorite. I can get to Star 96 in under 3 hours. Super Mario RPG, Super Mario Kart, Mario Party etc..

To all of the gamers out there, veteran novice alike. Even those of you who think Halo 3 is the all time greatest game (You guys don't know S***)

Go out and play Mario 1, 2 or 3. Enjoy it. Love it. Play at least 25 minutes.

Mario.... Thank you for those 25. Here's to 25 more.