Super Mario Bros. Plumbing isn’t your average plumbing service. The website boasts the services of Mario and Luigi, who come to unclog your pipes in their signature red and green overalls. But don’t get any weird ideas – this is all part of an elaborate movie marketing campaign. The website even features a real live van tour, complete with customized plumbing decals and a giant Mario statue on the roof.
From Miiverse to Twitter
One reviewer on the website, Pipe_Dreamz, writes “Amazing looking water courtesy of the brothers.” For those not in the know, Pipe_Dreamz is likely a reference to a Miiverse user named MARIO WiiU. This user spent years commenting on the graphical quality of video game water on Nintendo’s official forums. Their bio describes them as “a hardcore Nintendo fan” who has been playing the publisher’s games since 1985. Despite being a Nintendo gamer for over three decades, they specifically praised the water in games like Splatoon and Mario Kart 8.
Unfortunately, Miiverse was discontinued in 2017. But a new Twitter account claiming to be MARIO WiiU has emerged. It’s unclear whether this is the same person, as they’ve addressed the issue publicly. The original water commentator had posts that were unrelated to water, whereas the new account only tweets about water. It’s possible that the account is run by a fan of the water-loving user.
Nintendo’s Water Fan
Nintendo of America has recognized MARIO WiiU’s love of video game water before. In 2018, the publisher tweeted “Nice water” alongside a clip of Paper Mario: The Origami King. It’s unclear whether they were specifically referencing the Miiverse user or simply acknowledging the game’s impressive graphics.
But why is this such a big deal? Why do people like MARIO WiiU care so much about virtual water? It ultimately comes down to immersion. Video games strive to create a believable world for players to inhabit, and water is a crucial element of many landscapes. Whether it’s a serene lake or a raging river, realistic water can make all the difference in how we experience a game.
The Importance of Water in Video Games
Water has come a long way since the early days of video games. Back in the 8-bit era, water was little more than a blue background with some simple ripples. But as technology improved, developers were able to create realistic water effects that added to the overall atmosphere. Today’s games feature gorgeous water with complex physics and stunning reflections.
One of the earliest examples of impressive water graphics was in the Dreamcast game Seaman. Released in 1999, Seaman was a bizarre pet simulator where players took care of a fish-like creature with a human face. While the game’s graphics haven’t aged well, the water effects were praised at the time for their realism. Seaman was one of the first games to use vertex shaders to create realistic water ripples and reflections.
In more recent years, games like Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag and Uncharted 4 have set a new standard for water graphics. Black Flag’s sprawling seas are filled with dynamic waves and realistic spray, while Uncharted 4’s shoreline environments are stunningly rendered. The developers of these games understand the importance of water in creating a believable world, and they spare no expense in making it look as realistic as possible.
Water in Nintendo Games
Of course, Nintendo games are no exception when it comes to impressive water graphics. MARIO WiiU was particularly fond of Splatoon, a third-person shooter featuring squid-like characters who spray ink everywhere. The game’s water physics are impressive, with players able to swim and dive through ink-filled pools. Even older games like Super Mario Sunshine and Wave Race 64 have excellent water effects that still hold up today.
It’s clear that Nintendo understands the importance of water in video games. The company’s focus on fun and intuitive gameplay doesn’t mean that they skimp on the graphics, and water is no exception. When they tweeted “Nice water” alongside the Paper Mario: The Origami King clip, it was likely an acknowledgment of the effort that went into creating a visually impressive game.
Conclusion
Super Mario Bros. Plumbing might be a fake website, but it’s a testament to the enduring popularity of Nintendo’s famous plumbers. The fact that they have such dedicated fans like MARIO WiiU, who appreciate the graphical detail in their games, is a testament to the care that goes into each release. Water might seem like a minor detail, but it’s an element that can make or break a game’s immersion. As technology continues to evolve, it’s exciting to think about how water effects will improve in the future.