This study presents Super Mario Bros. for analysis to demonstrate the effects of reality-based storytelling on a classic platformer. It experiments with the effects of a modified game environment on aesthetics and playability when introduced into an otherwise straightforward and familiar game with recognized and established gameplay and mechanics.

Research methodology consisted of qualitative research, including applied visual, historical and ethnographic research. Visual or image-based research included screenshots, lifestyle observation through analysis of photos from 1980s New York, and artistic styles prevalent in that era, including street art.

The aim of this thesis is to reimagine Super Mario as a character and retell his story, bridging the game with real life by referencing actual historical events. This thesis also consists of an experiment in achieving results by utilizing tools and techniques that could save a significant amount of time in production, therefore building a game environment through rapid prototyping using inexpensive or free resources where applicable.

This project demonstrates one option for transforming an established game and narrative in a side-scrolling game platform with straight-forward gameplay to a more sophisticated 3D environment that accurately reflects historical, architectural and geographical information in an approximated version of the real world.