N-Philes

In Super Mario Sunshine, Princess Peach Toadstool saw a disturbing image of Mario spreading destruction throughout Isle Delphino. In that moment, a terrible memory from before her legal name change resurfaced. She recalled the time when Donkey Kong kidnapped her, and how Mario came to her rescue. And then, how Mario himself became... villianous.

It didn't end with Pauline's rescue at Mario's hands. Mario was bent on getting revenge on her captor. He delved deeply into the jungles adjoining the Mushroom Kingdom and found his ape, and then with a gaze that can only be described as "bridesque" (Kill Bill, people), Mario stunned Donkey Kong and trapped him. With the mighty ape under heavy guard, it was up to his son to defeat Mario once and for all.

Mario will do anything to prevent Donkey Kong's son from springing him free. He and his kinky whipping ways forced local fauna, largely klap traps and neckies, to attack Junior. Of course, by the last stage, Mario got nervous and heavily locked DK up. But when Junior succeeded at freeing his father, Mario was tossed to the ground and died.



Tasting the dark side taught Mario an important lesson: when it comes to videogames, the bad guy is ultimately defeated. This epiphany brings Mario back to life (off screen) so that he can dedicate his life to being the good guy. And mushrooms.

Donkey Kong lived happily ever after. Mario lived happily ever after. What of Junior? Check out Interactive Entertainment Tonight's "Child Game Heroes: Where are they now?" segment tonight at 7:00 (unless you're in the camp that believes Donkey Kong becomes Cranky Kong, and Junior becomes Donkey Kong... if you are, that's because you crazy!).