Wario: Mario's Greedy and Eccentric Rival

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

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

Origin and first appearances

Wario made his first appearance in 1992 in Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins for the Game Boy. In this game, he is introduced as the main antagonist who usurped Mario's castle during his absence. His creation was born out of the desire of the developers, led by Hiroji Kiyotake , to come up with an enemy that was a "reverse version" of Mario: heavier, meaner, and most importantly, greedier.

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

Character Profile

• Full Name: Wario
• Species: Humanoid
• Signature colors: Yellow jacket, purple overalls, yellow hat with an inverted “W”
• Personality: Greedy, self-centered, cunning but sometimes surprisingly courageous
• Voice (VF/VO): Charles Martinet (also voice of Mario, Luigi and Waluigi)

Physically, Wario is distinguished by his stocky body , prominent chin , and exaggerated movements , contrasting sharply with Mario's more slender and athletic build. This aspect contributes greatly to his comic capital and his unique character in the Nintendo universe.

His single-player games: the Wario saga

Wario isn't just Mario's rival: he's also the hero of his own series of games , centered around treasure hunting , gold gathering , and wacky adventures based on his boundless 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 transformations (crushed, flattened, set ablaze, etc.). Exploration and treasure collection are central to 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 micro-games 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 mainstay in many spin-offs and competitive games:

• Mario Kart – Present since Mario Kart 64 (1996), it excels with heavy vehicles at high speeds.
• Mario Party – Since 1998, he has been known for his strategic underhanded moves and comedic expressions.
• Mario Tennis / Golf – Cunning and powerful opponent.
• Mario Strikers – Brutal and unpredictable character.
• Super Smash Bros. – Arrived in Brawl (2008) with its humorous attacks (motorcycle, "Wario Waft").

Personality and distinctive features

• Gourmand : absolute fan of garlic , which he considers a refined dish.
• Greedy for wealth: His main motivation is the accumulation of treasure .
• Self-centered : Acts primarily for himself, even if his actions sometimes benefit others.
• Unintentional comedy : 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 wanting to!

Reception and impact

Since his debut, Wario has become one of Nintendo's most popular characters . He embodies a more irreverent and comedic take on the Mario universe, reaching a wider, sometimes more adult, audience. His popularity has spawned numerous merchandise offerings , including figurines, plush toys, clothing, comics, and more.

Conclusion

Wario is more than just Mario's rival: he's a unique character, capable of embodying chaos , greed , and a strange kind of bravery all at once. Thanks to his many facets , his original spin-off series, and his eccentric personality , he has become a staple of the Nintendo universe, loved as much for his flaws as for his rare bursts of generosity.