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is an educational point-and-click adventure game developed by The Software Toolworks and released in 1993. It offers a unique twist on the traditional Mario formula by focusing on educational content, specifically geography, while still integrating characters from the beloved Mario universe. This game stands out as one of the first attempts to blend entertainment and education within the gaming realm, particularly for younger audiences.

Story

takes a departure from the usual rescue-the-princess narrative that fans might expect from a Mario title. In this game, Bowser has concocted a nefarious plan to melt Antarctica and flood the world by using a fleet of hairdryers. To fund this scheme, he sends Koopas to steal precious artifacts from famous cities around the globe. Mario, Luigi, and Yoshi are deployed to stop Bowser’s plot; however, during their mission, Mario is captured by Bowser. The responsibility then falls on Luigi to save his brother and thwart Bowser’s plans.

The game begins with Luigi traversing different cities, recovering stolen artifacts, and returning them to their rightful places. As Luigi, players must gather clues and information to identify the locations of these artifacts, which educates the player on various cultural and geographical facts. The narrative is simple yet effective, embedding a sense of urgency as Luigi races against time to save Mario and restore order.

Gameplay

The gameplay mechanics in Mario is Missing diverge significantly from traditional Mario platformers. Instead of platforming action, players engage in exploration and problem-solving. The game is set in various real-world cities, such as Rome, Paris, and New York, and players must navigate these urban landscapes to find and return the stolen artifacts.

Exploration and Puzzle Solving

Players control Luigi as he walks around the city, interacting with locals and gathering clues. The goal is to correctly identify which artifacts belong to specific landmarks. To do this, players must talk to non-playable characters (NPCs) scattered throughout the city who provide hints and educational tidbits related to geography and history.

Artifact Retrieval

Once players have identified the correct location for an artifact, they must visit the corresponding landmark and return it. Successful returns earn players points and progress them closer to the ultimate goal of finding Mario. The process encourages players to learn about the significance of each landmark and its cultural importance.

Yoshi as a Companion

Yoshi plays a supportive role, aiding Luigi in his quest. Players can summon Yoshi to help traverse the cities more quickly, adding an element of strategy as they decide when to use him effectively. The inclusion of Yoshi provides familiarity and comfort to players accustomed to the traditional Mario series.

Educational Focus

The primary intent of the game is educational. Each city serves as a mini-lesson on geography, history, and culture. The game is designed to teach players about famous landmarks, local customs, and cultural facts, making it particularly appealing to educators and parents seeking an engaging learning tool for children.

Graphics and Sound

was released during the early 1990s, a period when video game graphics were transitioning from 8-bit to 16-bit. The game features colorful, cartoonish graphics that are reminiscent of other Mario titles of its time. Given its educational nature, the visuals are simple yet effective, providing clear representations of the cities and landmarks explored throughout the game.

Visuals

The game utilizes a side-scrolling perspective, with detailed backgrounds depicting each city’s unique architecture and landmarks. The sprites for Luigi, Yoshi, and the various NPCs are well-designed, maintaining the charm and aesthetic familiar to fans of the Mario series. Although the graphics may not have pushed technical boundaries, they are sufficiently detailed to support the educational aspects of the game.

Sound and Music

The soundtrack of Mario is Missing is composed of upbeat, catchy tunes that accompany players as they explore each city. The music is consistent with the lighthearted and educational theme of the game. Sound effects are minimal but effective, ensuring that the focus remains on the educational content rather than auditory distractions.

Legacy and Reception

Upon its release, Mario is Missing received mixed reviews. Critics and players were divided on its effectiveness as both a game and an educational tool. While some praised its innovative approach to combining education with gaming, others felt it lacked the excitement and challenge typically associated with Mario titles.

Critical Reception

– Critics noted the game’s educational value, appreciating its efforts to integrate learning with interactive entertainment. However, some argued that the lack of traditional gameplay elements might not appeal to fans of the action-packed Mario series.
– The game was often used in educational settings, where its focus on geography and culture was valued as a teaching aid. It found a niche audience among educators and parents looking for an engaging way to teach children about the world.

Impact on Educational Gaming

Mario is Missing is considered one of the early pioneers in the educational gaming genre. It demonstrated that video games could be more than just entertainment; they could also serve as valuable educational tools. The game’s legacy is evident in the subsequent development of other educational games that sought to entertain and educate simultaneously.

Market Performance

Despite its mixed reception, Mario is Missing achieved moderate commercial success, largely thanks to the strong brand recognition of the Mario franchise. Its unique premise and educational focus helped it stand out in the market, attracting a diverse audience interested in both gaming and learning.

Conclusion

Mario is Missing holds a unique place in the history of the Mario franchise and educational gaming. While it may not have achieved the same level of critical acclaim or popularity as other Mario titles, its attempt to blend education with entertainment was pioneering. The game demonstrated the potential for video games to serve educational purposes while retaining engaging gameplay elements.

As one of the early examples of edutainment, Mario is Missing paved the way for future titles that sought to combine learning with fun. Its legacy continues to influence the development of educational games, highlighting the versatility and potential of video games as a medium for learning. Despite its mixed reception, the game remains a notable part of the Mario series, remembered for its ambition and innovation in the realm of educational gaming.