mario – Gamer Peak

Who is the Double Jump master?

There was one Jedi ability in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order that I found so underwhelming that it gave me pause for thought. The protagonist, Cal Kestis, can Force rag-doll stormtroopers with ease, he can lazily block blaster bolts and boomerang his lightsaber across the battlefield.

On the other hand, the boy can’t Force Jump.

When he does ‘remember’ how to use the Force to get more elevation, the result is disturbingly wimpy. At the apex of his normal leap, Cal does a tumble in the air, spinning forwards a few more feet. I mean, it’s impressive (I’m not saying I can do better) but for a Jedi he’s definitely under-performing. For a video game character… it’s a little blasé; a front-flip as a double jump? Seen it.

Not that the Jedi jumps are better in Battlefront…

Continue reading “Who is the Double Jump master?”

The Execution of Yoshi Cromwell

The stage is set. Mario’s desire for a male child is an ever-growing concern. His first wife, Pauline, has failed to produce the heir he craves. Age and stress have taken a toll on her body. Mario wants a new, younger wife that will secure his succession, and the vibrant Princess Peach has presented herself as an appealing alternative. A major barrier stands between Mario and his new wife: Bowser refuses to allow Mario and Peach to marry. How will Mario solve his Great Matter?

Last week I introduced a revision lesson that I use with Sixth Form students studying the reign of Henry VIII. The lesson uses the Mario games as an analogy for Henry VIII and the impact his actions had on the English Church. It’s a great lesson for everyone involved and the students recall a huge amount of information through the activity.

Mario and Henry VIII

I try to be very careful when mixing gaming with education. These are two of my major interests but not every student will appreciate gaming references punctuating every lesson. Nevertheless, a comparison between video game and subject matter is sometimes too tempting to pass up. In the case of the infamous King Henry VIII, there is a clear and definable connection with the affable Super Mario.

I’ll admit, the two characters are quite different at first glance. Whilst the two men are portly in stature, one is a high-jumping plumber and visitor of a magical kingdom, whilst the other rules over a much more traditional kingdom, occupying his time with women and wars with France. If you dig a little deeper though, you’ll soon realise that these two people have a lot in common. Those similarities make for a great lesson.

Has Mario been lying to all of us?

I don’t own a Wii U, and I have only recently become the owner of a 3DS. This means that my knowledge of more recent Super Mario games is limited. Last week, I discovered a startling fact about Super Mario 3D World – this time Bowser does not kidnap Princess Peach.

Now this may not have made waves with you, but I… well I was appalled. How could this happen? How could Bowser do this to Peach? After all they have been through? And after everything that Mario has done for him?