Wario : Le rival cupide et excentrique de Mario

Wario: Mario's Greedy and Eccentric Rival

1343 mots | Temps de lecture : 6 minute(s)

Wario is an essential character in the Super Mario universe, created by Nintendo. Recognizable by his stocky physique, his zigzag mustache, and his obsession with money, Wario embodies the ultimate anti-hero: greedy, cunning, selfish, but also strangely endearing. Over the years, he has established himself as a cult figure through his own game series, his numerous appearances alongside Mario, and even his incursions into the competitive world of multiplayer games.

Summary

Origin and First Appearances

Wario made his first appearance in 1992 in Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins on Game Boy. In this game, he is presented as the main antagonist who usurped Mario's castle during his absence. His creation stemmed from the developers' desire, led by Hiroji Kiyotake, to offer an enemy that was an "inverted version" of Mario: heavier, meaner, and above all, greedier.

The name "Wario" is a blend of "Mario" and the Japanese word warui (悪い), which means "bad". The idea was to create a dark reflection of Mario, as caricatured as he was powerful in his personality and appearance.

Character Profile

  • Full Name: Wario
  • Species: Humanoid
  • Emblematic Colors: Yellow vest, purple overalls, yellow hat with an inverted "W"
  • Personality: Greedy, egocentric, cunning but sometimes surprisingly brave
  • Voice (English VO): Charles Martinet from 1992 until his departure in 2023 (he also voiced Mario, Luigi and Waluigi), then Kevin Afghani since 2023

Physically, Wario is distinguished by his stocky body, his prominent chin, and his exaggerated movements, contrasting sharply with Mario's leaner, more athletic silhouette. This aspect largely contributes to his comedic appeal and his unique character in the Nintendo universe.

His Solo Games: The Wario Saga

Wario is not just a simple rival to Mario: he is also the hero of his own game series, focused on treasure hunting, gold collecting, and zany adventures based on his overflowing greed.

Wario Land Series

Launched with Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 in 1994, this series offered a new perspective on classic platforming gameplay:

  • Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 (1994)
  • Wario Land II (1998)
  • Wario Land 3 (2000)
  • Wario Land 4 (2001)
  • Wario Land: The Shake Dimension (2008)

Unlike Mario, Wario is often invincible, turning failure into opportunity through various humorous metamorphoses (crushed, flattened, on fire, etc.). Exploration and treasure collection are at the heart of the experience, reinforcing Wario's unique identity.

WarioWare Series

With WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$! (2003), Wario becomes the icon of a quirky universe where chaos and pure creativity reign:

  • Ultra-short microgames lasting a few seconds
  • Absurd and humorous themes, inspired by Japanese pop culture
  • Introduction of an original cast: Mona, Jimmy T., Ashley, 9-Volt, Dr. Crygor, etc.

The WarioWare series stands out for its ability to surprise and innovate, while remaining accessible and hilarious.

Wario in Spin-offs and Multiplayer Games

Wario is a pillar in many spin-offs and competitive games:

  • Mario Kart – Present since Mario Kart 64 (1996), he excels with heavy, high-speed vehicles.
  • Mario Party – Since 1998, he's known for his strategic dirty tricks and comical expressions.
  • Mario Tennis / Golf – A cunning and powerful opponent.
  • Mario Strikers – A brutal and unpredictable character.
  • Super Smash Bros. – Arrived in Brawl (2008) with his humorous attacks (motorcycle, "Wario Waft").

Personality and Defining Traits

  • Gluttonous: an absolute fan of garlic, which he considers a refined dish.
  • Greedy for riches: his main motivation is the accumulation of treasures.
  • Egocentric: acts primarily for himself, even if his actions sometimes benefit others.
  • Unintentional comedian: exaggerated physique, behavior, and lines make him hilarious.

Wario is an excellent example of a "rehabilitated villain": introduced as an antagonist, he becomes an ambivalent character, capable of good deeds... often without intending to!

Reception and Impact

Since his appearance, Wario has become one of Nintendo's most popular characters. He embodies a more irreverent and comical approach to the Mario universe, thus appealing to a wider, sometimes more adult, audience. His popularity has generated numerous merchandise products: figurines, plush toys, clothing, comics, etc.

Summary Card: Wario

First Appearance Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins (1992, Game Boy)
Creator / Studio Nintendo, design led by Hiroji Kiyotake
Origin of the Name Blend of "Mario" and the Japanese word warui (悪い, "bad")
Species Humanoid (exact species not specified)
Voice (English VO) Charles Martinet (1992-2023), then Kevin Afghani since 2023
Notable Solo Series Wario Land (since 1994) and WarioWare (since 2003)
Special Feature Greedy and garlic enthusiast; invincible in some Wario Land games (notably Wario Land II and 3)
Mario Plush - Wario - 21cm
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FAQ

  • When did Wario first appear?
    In 1992 in Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins on Game Boy, where he is the main antagonist who usurped Mario's castle.
  • Where does the name "Wario" come from?
    It's a blend of "Mario" and the Japanese word warui (悪い), meaning "bad." The idea was to make him a dark reflection of Mario, symbolized by the "W" on his cap (an inverted "M").
  • Who voices Wario?
    In the English original version, Charles Martinet lent him his voice from 1992 until his departure in 2023; since then, it's Kevin Afghani. Martinet also voiced Mario, Luigi, and Waluigi.
  • What are Wario's own game series?
    The Wario Land series, launched in 1994 with Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 (released in January 1994 in Japan), and the WarioWare series, launched in 2003 with WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$!.
  • Why is Wario considered a "rehabilitated villain"?
    Introduced as an antagonist, he became an ambivalent character, capable of good deeds, often without intending to, which has made him very popular with players.

Conclusion

Wario is much more than just a rival to Mario: he is a unique character, capable of embodying both chaos, greed, and a strange form of bravery. Thanks to his multiple facets, his original spin-off series, and his eccentric personality, he has become an essential pillar of the Nintendo universe, as loved for his flaws as for his rare moments of generosity.

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