Yoshi: The faithful dinosaur of the Super Mario universe

1047 mots | Temps de lecture : 5 minute(s)

Yoshi is one of the most beloved characters in the Super Mario franchise, first appearing in 1990. This colorful, cheerful dinosaur is famous for his extendable tongue , his ability to lay eggs , and his unwavering loyalty to Mario. With his cute design , multiple variations, and unique gameplay, he has influenced several generations of players and has become a video game icon .

Yoshi's Beginnings

Yoshi makes his debut in Super Mario World (1990, Super Nintendo), where he accompanies Mario throughout his adventure in the dinosaur kingdom. He is the result of an early idea by Shigeru Miyamoto , who wanted Mario to be able to ride a creature since the days of Super Mario Bros. 3 , but the NES technology did not yet allow it.

Designed by Shigefumi Hino , Yoshi was originally intended to resemble a crocodile or a horse, but his appearance evolved into a small, round, and endearing dinosaur . His popularity was immediate , to the point that he became the star of a full-fledged game the following year, with Yoshi (1991, NES/Game Boy puzzle game).

Yoshi's Characteristics

• Species: Fictional dinosaur called "Yoshi"
• Emblematic color: Green , but available in many shades (red, blue, yellow, black, pink, etc.)
• Special Abilities: Extendable tongue , floating jump, egg laying, transformations via objects or fruits
• Mario's Mount: Can be ridden and used to reach otherwise inaccessible areas

His floating jump is particularly distinctive, as are his signature cry ( “Yoshi!” ) and the cheerful sounds that accompany his movements. Yoshi embodies accessible fun and creativity, whether playing solo or alongside Mario.

Yoshi: From Companion to Hero

Yoshi soon has his own adventures:

• Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island (1995) – One of the greatest classics of the 2D platformer , Yoshi protects baby Mario and demonstrates his ingenuity through levels with a pencil-like aesthetic.
• Yoshi's Story (1997) – A more child-oriented experience, with light storytelling and art direction based on fabric and textures .
• Yoshi's Woolly World (2015) – A charming and inventive wool game, praised for its art direction.
• Yoshi's Crafted World (2019) – Cardboard universe, in-depth gameplay with the possibility of revisiting levels from a different angle.

These titles offer gentler gameplay , based on exploration and precision rather than speed or intense challenges, making them ideal for a younger or more relaxed audience.

Yoshi in the main Mario games

Beyond his dedicated games, Yoshi remains a recurring ally of Mario :

• Super Mario Galaxy 2 – Yoshi accompanies Mario across several galaxies, introducing new mechanics related to his fruit transformations.
• Super Mario Odyssey – Yoshi appears in the post-game, playable via Cappy's Hat transformation on Rest Island.

Its role is always thought of as a valuable and original support, offering new options for mobility and interaction .

Presence in spin-offs

• Mario Kart – Yoshi is one of the most popular characters, thanks to his good balance between acceleration and maneuverability.
• Mario Party – A recurring character, loved for his cheerful look and ease of use.
• Sports Games – Featured in every Mario Tennis , Golf , or Strikers game, with a fast-paced and playful style.
• Super Smash Bros. – Playable in all games, using his tongue , eggs and agility to surprise the opponent.

Relationship with Mario

The relationship between Yoshi and Mario is built on complete trust . Yoshi doesn't just follow Mario around: he protects him, carries him around, and saves him on numerous occasions. Starting in Yoshi's Island , he becomes Baby Mario 's guardian, establishing a strong symbolic connection.

A famous moment: In Super Mario World , Mario is sometimes forced to " sacrifice " Yoshi to reach certain platforms, creating a mixture of dark humor and guilt in the collective imagination.

Why is Yoshi so loved?

• Engaging design : smiling face, relaxed posture, childlike voice — a memorable character.
• Distinctive gameplay : It doesn't play like Mario or Luigi, and that's what appeals.
• Versatility : hero, support, mount or exploration tool, Yoshi can do it all.
• Symbol of innocence and joy: a universe dominated by good humor.

Yoshi in other media

Yoshi appears in the 90s animated series ( The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3 , Super Mario World ) and in several comics published by Nintendo or third-party publishers. He is also one of the most used characters in Nintendo merchandising (plush toys, t-shirts, figurines, backpacks, etc.).

In The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023), a Yoshi egg is seen at the end, hinting at a highly anticipated arrival in a potential sequel. Fans are already eager to see how this iconic character will be adapted for the screen.

Conclusion

Yoshi isn't just Mario's sidekick : he's a key figure in the Nintendo universe. His charm , unique gameplay , and ability to adapt to any style of game make him a unique character, beloved by young and old alike. Whether exploring , protecting , or simply making people smile , Yoshi will always be there, faithful to his post... and ready to launch himself into a new adventure.