10 Iconic Video Game Character Debuts
2. Mario - Donkey Kong (1981)
Nintendo superstar, Mario, surely has to be the world’s least reliable plumber. Seriously, have you EVER seen him do any plumbing beyond yeeting himself down a few pipes? Even then, we’re pretty sure that’s not how plumbing works. However, he has made quite a name for himself as a video game mascot.
Most of us will remember first seeing Mario in one of his many outings across various Nintendo platforms. From Super Mario Land, to Super Mario Bros, to Super Mario World, to Mario Kart, to Super Mario 64 and so on, there’s a Super Mario title for just about everyone.
Although, what many may not know is that Mario actually made his first appearance in 1981’s Donkey Kong arcade game. Originally going by the name of Jumpman, this debut game saw Donkey Kong capturing his girlfriend and Jumpman having to reach the top of the level to rescue her; all the while avoiding barrels being thrown at him by Donkey Kong.
This humble yet solid platformer was the beginning of something really special. Mario is undoubtedly the biggest name out of a number of huge names that have been produced by Nintendo. Maybe one day, he could even fix that leak under the sink.