Are Super Mario’s Mushrooms a Reference to Hallucinogenic Drugs?
Mentioned herein: Alice in Wonderland, Santa Claus, the Smurfs, Minnie Mouse, and 1970s toadstool decor.
Dr. Wily vs. Albert Einstein
Why does Mega Man’s evil scientist take his name from one of history’s greatest minds?
Organ Grinders, Kongs and Super Mario Monkey Business
An old New York tradition lives on in Nintendo’s biggest franchise — but only accidentally.
Did Time Magazine Declare Birdo Trans?
A Super Mario-themed special issue mentions Birdo’s gender — and Nintendo’s reluctance to comment on it.
The Chocobo Was Not Inspired by Nausicaä, Apparently?
Instead, Final Fantasy’s iconic bird shares a sweet connection with WarioWare’s Pyoro.
On the Origins of Chrono Trigger Character Names
Thirty years later, there’s meaning hidden in the characters who saved the world.
How WarioWare Brought the Satanic Panic to Nintendo
Ashley’s theme song briefly revived the hysteria about backmasking and the Devil.
Apparently ‘William F. Guile’ Is Street Fighter Canon?
That said, he still does not speak with a Belgian accent… yet.
Does Aerith Make a Stealth Cameo in Final Fantasy V?
And also why do the Final Fantasy games think ribbons are so powerful?
Final Fantasy vs. Dungeons & Dragons
And why has the Mindflayer endured when many “borrowed” monsters have not?
Secret of Mana’s Mysterious Blue-Haired Girl
Phanna, Pamela, Marley, Marie — she goes by many names.
Justice for Dyluck: Sacrifice and Star-Crossed Love in Visions of Mana
The Secret of Mana series wants you to die for the greater good… romance be damned.
Why on Earth Was This Final Fantasy Monster Named ‘Veteran’?
The mystery of a baffling localization choice for the recurring Ahriman enemy.
Wherefore Art Thou, Princess Prin Prin?
And is there a sex scandal surrounding the opening scene of Ghosts ’n Goblins?
Ghosts ’n Goblins vs. Nintendo’s Ban on Religion
How do you censor a video game that’s essentially set in hell?
The Devil in the Mushroom Kingdom
Nintendo’s early ban on religious imagery (Satan included) was inconsistent.
Is There a Wizard of Oz Reference Hidden in Super Mario Galaxy?
How Rosalina was supposed to be an homage to Glinda the Good Witch — and might still be.
The Wanted List: Video Game Names and Terms With Unknown Origins
Can you lend an etymology to some pixels and sprites in need?
Does the Tower of Babel Make a Cameo in Super Mario Bros. 3?
The Super Mario games generally don’t incorporate religious iconography, but…
Don’t Call Her ‘Titty’
How Martial Champion did an M. Bison-style name swap to eliminate boob jokes.