Repeating the Cycle

I had a quick thought today, and here it is in word form.

Look at the Nintendo/Mario gaming influence in the 1980's:

Super Mario Bros. is released, and revolutionizes the industry, creating a genre-defining game in the process.

Super Mario Bros. 2 is released, and strays far from the original game's platforming paradigm, changes the location and familiar characters, but enjoys moderate success.

Super Mario Bros. 3 is released, and marks a return to Mario's initial gaming glory: strong platforming with an emphasis on new worlds and constant action.

Now flash forward to 1996, where I feel the same cycle has taken place, albeit over a much longer time span.

Super Mario 64 is released, revolutionizes the industry, and creates a genre-defining game (particularly in the field of 3D).

Super Mario Sunshine is released, and strays from the precedent that Mario 64 set. While a strong platformer in its own right, the new worlds, unfamiliar faces, and quirky presentation bring it to only moderate success.

Super Mario Galaxy is released, and is generally a return to Mario's initial 3D gaming glory: strong platforming, familiar faces (although in new places), and a strong emphasis on constant action.

In other words, Super Mario Galaxy is the Super Mario Bros 3 of this generation (perhaps a nod to this is given in game, as much of the game features enemies and music from SMB3). Either way you look at it, it's one hell of a game.

Next up in the blogging world, I revisit some notes from Event Horizon.