10 Video Game Characters Before They Were Famous

10. Wario

First Appearance: Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins (1992)

Wario games have always been deceptively satirical social commentaries. Where his current line of micro-distractions is clearly a statement on the state of the easily-digestible but quickly disposable nature of modern media (hello pot), Mario Land 2 was a prescient parable for the crisis of affordable housing.

Just look at the plot. Even though he's supposed to be Mario's childhood friend, Wario is still forced to curse his plumber pal's castle just to have a place to call his own. Desperation makes devils of us all.

And don't miss the subtle allusion to the housing market crash; it takes Mario only the paltry sum of six coins to buy his home back. Astute.