#yoshi's universal gravitation

[lore-of-the-mushroom-kingdom]

Bowser Is A Conqueror

An often forgotten fact is Bowser is a conqueror, and doesn't only kidnap Peach.

Starting with the original Super Mario Bros. Bowser didn't originally kidnap Peach out of love, but rather to prevent her from undoing the spell he cast with her magic in his conquest of the Mushroom Kingdom. And that it wouldn't be until later games would he gain feelings for Princess Peach.

In Super Mario Bros. 3 Bowser kidnapped Peach at the end of the game mostly out of spite for the Bros. foiling his plan.

In Super Mario Bros. 4: Super Mario World Bowser was already invading Dinosaur Land and trapping the inhabitants the Yoshies in eggs with his magic. He only kidnaps Peach in this game as an afterthought.

In Tetris Attack Bowser is trying to take over Yoshi's Island and in Yoshi Tospy Turvy he is terrorizing Eggland.

In Yoshi's Safari Bowser is trying to take over Jewelry Land and Peach has Mario help stop Bowser and the Koopalings.

In Mario Party 5 Bowser tries to take over the Dream Depot.

In Super Mario 3D World Bowser kidnaps the Sprixies and tries to takeover the Sprixie Kingdom.

In Super Mario Bros. Wonder he steals a Wonder Flower and tries to take over the Flower Kingdom.

Finally in Super Mario Odyssey we see Bowser's Kingdom/Country which appears to be another Kingdom he has successfully conquered.

[doyouknowthisgame]

[galaxy-sundae]

Alright Guys, Hear me Out

It's this theory I had for a while. By for a while, I mean like a year or so ago.

Anyways, the theory is that Yoshi Topsy Turvy originated by two different game concepts that have been merged together.

Game 1 was about Yoshi but Game 2 was (most likely) about something else entirely. The Spirits still played huge roles/had the same roles as they did in Yoshi Topsy Turvy.

The only piece of evidence I have for this theory would be the two enemies that only showed up in Yoshi Topsy Turvy: Igarashi-Kun and Daruma Otoshi-kun. Perhaps they were originally going to appear in Game 2 before becoming enemies for Yoshi. The same thing can be applied to the gravity mechanic and the gimmicks that came with it in the now merged game.

These are just some thoughts of mine I had for some time.

[whenzdaylunch]

Smokin dat shit that made Yoshi's gravitation universal

[weirdmarioenemies]

Name: Igashira-kun

Debut: Yoshi Topsy-Turvy

Today we have for you another episode of Yoshi Topsy-Turvy Creature Without A Localized Name! A friend to Daruma Otoshi-kun! You remember Daruma Otoshi-kun, right? Splendid! I can always count on you specifically!

Igashira-kun is a Spike Ball. Just a Spike Ball. This is no ordinary Spike Ball! It's got personality! First, it has eyes, which is not really all that notable for a Yoshi Thing, but it has a delightful jagged mouth that's even sort of asymmetrical! That simple addition gives it such personality. It's not quite sure about this whole situation. Which situation? You know! *gestures vaguely*

HEY! LISTEN UP because I have an important announcement to make! You'd better BE QUIET because Igashira-kun is sleeping. Isn't that precious? Even an indestructible weapon that can kill whatever it comes into contact with needs to sleep! You may be tempted to put a nice blanket over it, but please leave this spike ball visible as a courtesy to others. If you don't see it, you might end up stepping on it, and then you would say AIIIIEEEE! and jump up so high into the air, and then fall and die from impact. And that is why sea urchins do not sleep under blankets. The only reason.

Oh yeah, this is about a thing in a game. If you tilt the game it will wake up and roll! Wheee

Igashira-kun can be found sleeping on the ground or sleeping while hanging on a rod, but some are active, like an old person who walks laps around the park! These ones move back and forth on set paths, and are often found in areas where Yoshi has turned into a hot air balloon. Hot Air Balloon Yoshi, quite frankly, disgusts them. They think it's just ridiculous. I mean, I get it. Look at that thing. But not worth killing someone over! Calm down!

Just like that. Very good. Good night, my complicated friend.

[sharcys]

Scribbled this in a panic before it left my brain forever

[mario-fax]

In Europe, Yoshi Topsy-Turvy is known as “Yoshi’s Universal Gravitation”.

(Mario Fax|Source)

[tngmpersonal]

I can't be the only one who dislikes the direction the Yoshi series goes in in terms of story and lore. Sure, the cute, artsy presentation really works for the series, but I feel having a majority of Yoshi's platformers be prequels to the main Mario series (Topsy-Turvy/Universal Gravitation being the exception) cheapens the whole thing and defeats the purpose of a spin-off. Also the uncomfortable feeling of beating up a literal baby for most final boss fights, even if it is Bowser.

[david-de-bergerac]

Still sometimes I think about Yoshi's Universal Gravitation like that name implies yoshi has much greater power over our universe than I think they intended. Who made them name it that

[riddlegecko]

i made a yoshi games poll but i'm saving it in my drafts for now bc i don't know how to tag it and i'm worried it won't get many votes if i tag it insufficiently. which is a shame bc i wanna subject more people to the knowledge that yoshi topsy-turvy for the gba is called yoshi's universal gravitation in europe as soon as possible.

[cc-plays-mario]

Mario Game list

I'm playing my way through all the Mario games I can get my hands on. As there are so many, I'm not listing party and sport games as I'm not interested in playing them. Games that cross multiple consoles will only be listed once. If it's green I've completed it. List under the cut

Switch

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (2017)

Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle (2017)

Super Mario Odyssey (2017)

Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker (2018)

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe (2019)

Yoshi's Crafted World (2019)

Luigi's Mansion 3 (2019)

Paper Mario: The Origami King (2020) - 100%

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury (2021)

Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope (2022)

Super Mario Bros. Wonder(2023)

Luigi's Mansion 2 HD (2024)

Princess Peach: Showtime! (2024)

Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door (2024)

Wii/Wii U (I'm waiting for the online emulator)

Super Mario 3D World (2013)

Dr. Luigi (2013)

Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars (2015)

Yoshi's Woolly World (2015)

Paper Mario: Color Splash (2016)

Super Paper Mario (2007)

Super Mario Galaxy (2007)

Dr. Mario Online Rx (2008)

Mario Kart Wii (2008)

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (2009)

New Super Mario Bros. Wii (2009)

Super Mario Galaxy 2 (2010)

3DS, DSI, DS

Super Mario 3D Land (2011)

Mario Kart 7 (2011)

New Super Mario Bros. 2 (2012)

Paper Mario: Sticker Star (2012)

Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon (2013)

Mario and Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move (2013)

Mario & Luigi: Dream Team (2013)

Yoshi's New Island (2014)

Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars (2015)

Dr. Mario: Miracle Cure (2015)

Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam (2015)

Poochy & Yoshi's Woolly World (2017)

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions (2017)

Luigi's Mansion (2018)

Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey (2019)

Super Mario 64 DS (2004)

Yoshi Touch & Go (2005)

Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time (2005)

Mario Kart DS (2005)

Super Princess Peach (2005)

Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis (2006)

New Super Mario Bros. (2006)

Yoshi's Island DS (2006)

Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem (2010)

Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again! (2009)

Dr. Mario Express (2009)

Wario: Master of Disguise

Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3

GameCube

Super Mario Sunshine (2002)

Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (2003)

Wario World

Game Boy Advance

Super Mario Advance (2001)

Mario Kart: Super Circuit (2001)

Super Mario Advance 2: Super Mario World (2001)

Super Mario Advance 3: Yoshi's Island (2002)

Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 (2003)

Dr. Mario & Puzzle League (2005)

Mario vs. Donkey Kong (2004)

Mario Pinball Land (2004)

Yoshi Topsy-Turvy (2004)

Yoshi's Universal Gravitation (2004)

Wario Land 4

N64

Super Mario 64 (1996)

Mario Kart 64 (1996)

Yoshi's Story (1997)

Paper Mario (2000)

Dr. Mario 64 (2001)

SNES

Super Mario World (1990, SFC; 1991, SNES)

Super Mario Kart (1992, SNES)

Mario Paint (1992, SNES)

Mario & Wario (1993, SNES)

Mario is Missing! (1993, SNES)

Mario's Time Machine (1993, SNES)

Super Mario All-Stars (1993, SNES)

Yoshi's Cookie (1993, SNES)

Yoshi's Safari (1993, SNES)

Tetris & Dr. Mario (1994, SNES)

Wario's Woods (1994, SNES)

Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island (1995, SNES)

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars (1996, SNES)

Game Boy

Wario Land II

Wario Land 3

Wario Land 4

Super Mario Land (1989, GB)

Dr. Mario (1990, GB)

Yoshi (1991, GB)

Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins (1992, GB)

Donkey Kong (1994, GB)

Super Mario Bros. Deluxe (1999, GBC)

[lore-of-the-mushroom-kingdom]

Mario Timeline Part 3

Part 2

Super Beginnings Era

Super Mario Bros. Bowser invades the Mushroom Kingdom in conquest. Many Goombas sided with Bowser becoming his minions. While many Toads are turned into blocks, bricks, and horsetail plants by Bowser's magic. Bowser kidnaps Peach to prevent her from using her powers to reverse the spell, and takes the Mushroom Retainers captive. Mario and Luigi arrive in the Mushroom Kingdom after the events of the previous game; and having heard of the Kingdom's plight set out on a journey to rescue the Princess, the Toads, and defeat the evil King Koopa.

Super Mario Bros. 2: The Lost Levels Soon after the previous game Bowser kidnaps the Princess again and drags her to a parallel world the Lost Levels. Mario and Luigi set out again to rescue Peach in the Lost Levels where Poison Mushrooms are in abundance.

Super Mario Bros. (Game & Watch)(1986) Probably not too long after the previous 2 Super Mario Bros. games Bowser kidnaps Peach again. However, having expended his resources and worn out most of his troops in his previous attempts to conquer the Mushroom Kingdom he is limited. This is because the only minions he has at his disposal are Bullet Bills and Lakitus with hammers instead of Spinys. Part of the reason I place it after the last 2 games is because those are the only 2 invasion attempts where Bowser could have expended his resources before Mario had switched to his Modern Outfit. This is because in this game Mario is still wearing his Classic Outfit.

Super Mario Bros 2 USA(Super Mario USA) One night Mario has a dream where the Subcons ask Mario for help in defeating King Wart in the realm of Subcon. The next day while at a picnic with Luigi, Peach, and Toad and having told them about the dream. They end up finding a cave with a stairway leading to a door that leads to Subcon. While there is no exact placement for this game believe it goes around here. This is because while the sprites particularly in All Stars depicts Mario with blue overalls, all the official art of the games has Mario using his Classic Outfit. Also, somehow characters who didn't take part in this adventure know of it, recalling it as a strange dream.

BS Super Mario USA After the events of the previous game Mario and Friends are called back to Subcon again. King Wart is trying to takeover the various dream worlds and collecting up golden Mario statues in each one with his cronies. The art of this game still depicts Mario using his classic outfit. After the defeat of King Wart characters like Birdo and the Shy Guys would leave Subcon using the door from the first game, and begin to live in the Mushroom Kingdom.

Donkey Kong 94 While it was implied to originally have been intended to be the DKA but expanded upon. But due to the chronology, further world building, certain things that probably wouldn't work, in addition to the Classic Outfit being canonized. DK94 more than likely can be considered a separate event. I think it fits well here since Mario has finally dawned his Modern Outfit, Mario is more than likely still living in Big City, Pauline and Mario might still be together, and Mario probably doesn't have to worry about dealing with a recovering Koopa Troop. Donkey Kong Senior and Donkey Kong Junior more than likely decided to come back and give Mario trouble again.

Yoshi Topsy-Turvy(Yoshi's Universal Gravitation) Having worn out the Koopa Troop Bowser takes some Shy Guys who weren't part of SMB and decides to try to conquer another location aka Yoshi's Island. Since the Koopalings don't show up it's probably before Bowser recruited them into his army.(Note yes the Koopalings don't show up in every scheme). Bowser is defeated by Yoshi and swears revenge. Eventually the Koopa Troop would find him and set him him free. This would probably be his motive to go after Yoshi and friends in the future. So… if this game could be placed elsewhere probably before Tetris Attack and not SMB4SMW. This is because the lack of enemies in Bowser has in this game, and the implied amount of time between SMB3 and SMB4SMW.

Game & Watch: Mario the Juggler Mario juggles in this game with some Toad retainers present. The Koopa Troopa in this game doesn't is still on all 4, and Hammer Bros. don't have shoes either. Mario also has his Modern Outfit as well. Due to whose present this is probably the Koopa Troop interacting with Mario bored due to a missing leader.

Super Mario Bros. 3 Bowser now free and with a fully recovered Koopa Troop alongside new minions and having recruited the Koopalings and Boom Boom sets out on another conquest scheme. Bowser and the Koopa Troop go about taking over various lands under of the Mushroom Kingdom. Peach has the Bros. deal with Bowser, and the Bros. swiftly take down the Koopalings. However, during this Bowser kidnaps Peach and the Bros. must rescue her again. Mario has his Modern Outfit of course, and the Koopa Troopas still are on all 4s and Hammer Bros. still don't have shoes. This game is when the Koopalings first make their appearance. This game might have been made into a stage play in universe, or it might not have been.

[miloscat]

[Review] Pac-Man & Galaga Dimensions (3DS)

Past, present, and future...

My AV receiver is in the shop, so in lieu of Sin & Punishment 2 I’ve skipped ahead to a portable rail shooter. Pac-Man & Galaga Dimensions contains six games, one of which is such. Out of the many Namco collections of classic games, this one takes an interesting three-era approach.

The token inclusion of the original arcade Pac-Man and Galaga aren’t very exciting. There’s a few display modes with upright and cocktail cabinet frames as well as a no-frills MAME-style window. You can’t credit-feed but you can choose to start from any round you’ve reached. The added inclusion of an achievement system on the bottom screen is a nice motivation to have a go and try different things, but I didn’t spend too long with these.

The collection jumps ahead now to 2007/8, with what were at the time five-year-old revival attempts: Pac-Man Championship Edition and Galaga Legions. CE is more engaging than the original to be sure with its dynamic dot arrangements and pulsing neon visuals, but it doesn’t have that many modes especially compared to its much-lauded sequel that predates this collection by six months. It’s a solid reimagining of the classic maze gameplay but doesn’t have much ambition beyond that.

Galaga Legions feels much more new, focused on a unique gimmick where enemies can flood the screen from any direction in swirling formations, and you can manually drop two turret pods facing in your chosen cardinal orientation. While the visuals and overlays can be disorienting, if you focus through it it’s pretty interesting. Likewise your shots must cut through the chaff and take out the larger pink ships to scupper whole formations, while the occasional black hole gives you a squad of enemy fighters to bolster your turrets as long as you conserve them. I found this one pretty cool but couldn’t get more than a few levels in before losing all my lives to the swarm each time.

The main reason to pick up this collection would have to be the two brand-new games, which uniquely use features of the 3DS while experimenting with new gameplay styles. Pac-Man Tilt uses designs from the then-upcoming Ghostly Adventures cartoon (there’s also a trailer for the show as a headline item in the menu… hrm), in the context of a side scrolling platformer with heavy use of a gyro-controlled gravity-tilting mechanic and some light pinball elements. For me this immediately called to mind Yoshi’s Universal Gravitation on the GBA, which I feel like got more fun out of the idea despite only having binary tilt states.

Pac-Man can move independent of the level of tilt, but his jump isn't worth a damn unless you're plumb-neutral. While tilted you can get into a rolling state, but can easily blunder into hazards, or get an angle off a flipper that's not exactly, precisely right and thus die. Pac only takes one hit to perish and although there are checkpoints, I rarely had more than two lives so when later levels ramp up the difficulty more and more I found myself redoing levels through gritted teeth. There's 25 levels in all plus bonus stages unlocked by getting medals for good/perfect?? performance, but I didn't finish them all. I couldn't! The idea has potential but it fails to account for just how dodgy motion controls are for precision; YUG simplified the degrees of tilt you had to deal with and was better for it. Also, the game is all about rating your run through of a level; it doesn't need a life counter! Get rid of it!

Galaga 3D Impact is more light-gun gallery shooter in feel than rail shooter since you don't control a character's movement. Rather, you move the 3DS around in real space (groan) to aim your crosshair on aliens passing by. But! Luckily, they've allowed for use of the circle pad as a crutch, which meant I played by holding my console as still as possible and just using the pad to aim, since you can't turn gyro off. It worked ok?!

With only five stages, it's nice as a little bonus game for this collection but don't expect anything too grand. Your ship moves along through spacey zones like a theme park ride, classic Galaga baddies fly past, and you shoot them. It actually does something really cool with the enemy types though. You have a sort of capture beam that has to be charged, but any enemy you hit with it gets absorbed (although I had trouble getting the right timing for the stronger types). Different varieties give you new weapons and tools, and further captures add to an experience bar to upgrade it. Each new ability (bomb, shield, time stop, etc.) gets a new button with its own cooldown, and as your arsenal grows you'll be juggling them all in a fun way while keeping an eye out for specific baddies to capture.

3D Impact was my highlight of the collection thanks to these fun mechanics contained in a very digestible arcadey campaign. Also, I could ignore the gimmicky motion controls! Do I have to mention how antithetical they are to trying to use the stereoscopic 3D visual mode? Pac-Man Tilt tries but misses the mark, while the creaky arcade games can be played a thousand different ways at this point. Pac-Man CE seems to have been obsoleted by its successors and even some ports have added modes not in this version; and Galaga Legions likewise got an expanded rerelease mere weeks before this collection came out. So it's an underwhelming selection, especially on the 3DS's dinky screen. And as solid as Galaga 3D Impact is, it can't carry a full-price game on its own... luckily, this game isn't for sale any more and it's easier than ever to try out things like this via alternate means. Wink. (I did buy this game on cartridge a few years ago, for the record.)

[galaxy-sundae]

An attempt at trying to draw the Spirit of Kindness. Her design is so gorgeous, but it was at first a nightmare to try to draw her.

Nonetheless, I'm still glad I did her justice (or tried my best anyways).

[hifi-walkman]

Yoshi's Topsy Turvy? Very fun name for a yoshi game, totally fits, very fun

Yoshi's universal gravitation? What even is that name!? Is yoshi taking college classes? What dark force compelled you to do something so utterly strange?

An interesting find at Hyper Japan! Yoshi’s Universal Gravitation for the GBA! #yoshi #nintendo #gba #retrocollectiveuk

[birds-pigs-and-animatronics]

Gotta post this one before the end of the day! It's cute, awesome AND educational! What more can you ask for?