Game Theory: Super Mario, Pipe Dreams

TL;DR

Mario's true heritage is called into question as evidence suggests he may have fewer American ties and more European influences than previously believed.

Transcript

Pull out your monkey wrench, and just say no to crack, 'cause we're going PLUMBING! [INTRO MUSIC] Hello, Internet, and welcome to Game Theory! Gaming's tangential learning experience! Since last week's -first- episode about theoretical physics was a LITTLE heavy, Today, we're going to lighten things up by spending some time with the world's most fa... Read More

Key Insights

• 👾 Mario's original profession was a carpenter, and he later became an Italian-American plumber in the game series.
• 🦀 Crabs known as "Trajan Crabs" thrive in the sewers of Italy but would struggle to survive in New York's sewer system.
• 😳 Folklore suggests that unwanted pets being flushed down toilets can survive and reproduce in the sewer, potentially including turtles.
• 🤨 Mario's signature adventures in the Mushroom Kingdom raise questions about the practicality of cleaning pipes with fireballs.
• 💚 The color of green pipes in the games can be explained by oxidation of copper or a marketing choice related to the green movement.
• 👾 New York's sewers are made of brick, which aligns with the sewer structures seen in Mario games.
• 🧑‍💻 Log pipes in Super Mario RPG have historical roots in England, where hollowed-out elm logs were used for water pipelines in the 13th century.

Questions & Answers

Q: Are there actually crabs and turtles running through sewer systems in New York?

While it is unlikely for crabs to survive in the cold conditions of New York sewers, crabs known as "Trajan Crabs" do exist in Italy's warmer climate. As for turtles, folklore suggests that unwanted pets being flushed down toilets can survive and reproduce in the sewer.

Q: Can pipes be cleaned out using fireballs like Mario does?

While it was not possible to find concrete information on cleaning pipes with fireballs, it is a fact that other unusual items, such as marijuana, have been found clogging sewer systems.

Q: Why are green pipes a weird color for pipes?

Green pipes can be explained by either copper pipes oxidizing and forming a green patina or companies using the eco-friendly color for their products. It is also possible that the Mushroom Kingdom's plumbing is made of copper or influenced by the green movement.

Q: Why are the underground parts of the Super Mario Bros games set in brick sewers?

The choice of brick sewers in the games may be influenced by the fact that New York's sewer systems are made of brick, while other regions used different materials like clay or cast iron.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Mario's first career was as a carpenter, but he later became an Italian-American plumber in the game "Mario Brothers."

• There is evidence of crabs thriving in the sewers of Italy, known as "Trajan Crabs," and folklore suggests turtles can survive in the sewer due to unwanted pets being flushed down toilets.

• Mario's signature adventures in the Mushroom Kingdom raise questions about cleaning pipes with fireballs and the color of green pipes.