Mario

How Mario joined the Tourney
Years before video gaming exploded into mainstream popularity, prominent game designer Shigeru Miyamoto designed the original arcade game Donkey Kong in 1981, debuting Mario as the main playable character and Donkey Kong as his in-game nemesis. Mario's character design was heavily influenced by the extreme technical limitations of digital games at the time; as a small batch of pixels, Mario was given a mustache under his big nose to show he had a face, and suspenders with his shirt to show a distinction between his arms and body. In this game Mario was originally known as "Jumpman" in the initial Japanese release, and he was portrayed as a carpenter whose girlfriend Pauline (originally "Lady" in Japan) was held captive by the colossal ape Donkey Kong, and must jump his way over the barrels and flames DK throws at him to rescue Pauline.

Character Select Screen Animation
Mario runs up to the camera saying "It's-a me, Mario!".

Fireball (Neutral)
Mario's red fireballs fall to the ground, losing momentum with each bounce. As such, they are more effective when fired from higher locations and toward downward slopes, traveling further. When firing at a wall or upward slope, the balls will bounce backward, a more defensive maneuver for brief protection from oncoming foes, perhaps in the air or from behind. Mario's fireballs can be spammed, though with some difficulty (and at a slower rate of fire than Luigi's), and are a decent approach tactic. The move can be more efficient when used in the air, falling to meet the enemy at ground level, while still moving, and negating lag.

Super Cape (Side)
This reverses projectiles and enemies.

Super Jump Punch (Up)
Mario soars upwards, dragging along enemies.

F.L.U.D.D. (Down)
Mario sprays water that does nothing but push.

Power of the Stars (Hyper Smash)
A Starman appears, then Mario grabs it and becomes invincible. He then becomes slower, bigger, and stronger for 12 seconds.

Mario Finale (Final Smash)
Mario unleashes a torrent of flame sideways.

Bonus Costume
Mario's Bonus Costume is actually his doctor persona, Dr. Mario. To unlock this costume, one must either play 5 VS Mode matches with Mario or clear Classic Mode with Mario.

Victory Animations

 * 1) Mario does a short spin-jump and lands in a strong-man pose going "WAHOO!".
 * 2) Mario winds up for a punch and steps forward while punching in front of the screen.
 * 3) Mario makes fire explode from his palm and strikes a pose saying "Yes! I'm the winner!".

On-Screen Appearance
Mario jumps out of a Warp Pipe punching his right fist in the air saying "Let's-a go!".

Trivia

 * Mario and Wario are the only veteran characters to possess a Bonus Costume.
 * Mario shares his voice actor with Luigi, Wario, and Waluigi.
 * Evil Red is Mario's rival during Super Smash Bros. Tourney.