Mario's Time Machine : quand Mario voyageait dans l’Histoire

Mario's Time Machine: When Mario Traveled Through History

852 mots | Temps de lecture : 4 minute(s)

Published on June 1, 2025

In 1993 , Nintendo released a game that would make its mark with its originality: Mario's Time Machine . Far from traditional platforming, this educational title took our mustachioed plumber on an extraordinary journey through the eras of human history . A look back at this unique time-travel adventure in the Mario universe.

Summary

A revolutionary concept for the time

Mario's Time Machine represented a completely new approach to the Mario franchise. Developed by The Software Toolworks and published by Nintendo , this educational game transformed Mario into a time traveler tasked with repairing history itself.

The story centers on Bowser , who, in one of his most diabolical schemes, has created a time machine called the " Timer ." King Koopa uses this device to steal crucial historical artifacts , disrupting the course of history. Mario must travel to different eras to retrieve these artifacts and return them to their rightful owners.

Innovative educational gameplay

Unique game mechanics

  • Navigate through different historical eras
  • Interact with historical figures
  • Solve puzzles based on real events
  • Collect clues and fill in the blanks

Iconic historical figures

  • Leonardo da Vinci
  • Napoleon Bonaparte
  • Abraham Lincoln
  • Thomas Edison
  • Joan of Arc

The different versions and platforms

NES version (1993)

Top-down view with platform elements. Graphics adapted to the technical limitations of the NES, with a distinct atmosphere for each era.

SNES version (1993)

Improved graphics , enriched soundtrack, smooth animations and slightly different gameplay with more interactions.

PC version (1993)

Richer text , optimized interface, refined graphics and deeper educational content. The most pedagogically advanced version.

Mario's Time Machine Version Comparison Chart

Platform Year Highlights Boundaries
NES 1993 Simplicity, accessibility Limited gameplay and content
SNES 1993 Enriched visual, more interactive Less deep than the PC version
PC (MS-DOS) 1993 Rich interface, comprehensive educational content Difficult to restart without emulator

Educational impact and reception

An innovative educational approach

The title succeeded in the difficult challenge of making learning history entertaining, using Mario's fame as an educational vehicle . It covered a vast historical period from Antiquity to the 20th century .

Mixed critical reception

  • Positive points: Original concept, historical richness, educational value
  • Weaknesses: Repetitive gameplay, slow pace, sometimes poorly balanced difficulty

The Legacy of Mario's Time Machine

This game paved the way for other licensed educational titles and proved that learning could be achieved through play . It remains a testament to Nintendo's willingness to explore new creative horizons.

Why play Mario's Time Machine again today?

  • Nostalgic value: a memory of a time of rare educational games
  • Historical interest: always relevant for introducing young people to history
  • Unique experience: a Mario without platforms or mushrooms, but full of knowledge

FAQ: Mario's Time Machine

  • Is this game canon in the Mario universe? No, it's a non-canonical educational spin-off.
  • How can I play it again today? Using NES/SNES emulators or with DOSBox for the PC version.
  • Is there a sequel? No, but it forms an educational duology with Mario is Missing!.
  • Is the content still relevant? Yes, most of the historical facts presented are still valid.

Conclusion: an unforgettable journey through time

Mario's Time Machine remains a fascinating project in the history of video games. By transforming Mario into a history teacher , Nintendo created a unique experience that deserves to be rediscovered. This game reminds us that video games can also be a powerful vehicle for knowledge .

Back to blog