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[WiiRevolution1]

I would almost say that SMO is a retelling of Arcade Donkey Kong if it wasn't for the city beng named after him and other Kong references. The mayor would get kidnapped by Donkey Kong, who is maybe possesed by Bowser's own hat if such a thing exists, Mario climbs tower to rescue her, and this is actually Mario & Peach's first meeting. Along with possibly Bowser possesing Mario and kidnapping DK later on to retcon Mario being a villain.

It probably won't be in the end, but it actually does seem like they care about story and timeline with this game. And I hope the final game reflects that.

 

[thefro]

I just remembered something: The Donkey Kong in the original was said to be the grandfather of the Donkey Kong we're all familiar with from Mario Party and the Country series so...shouldn't she be a lot older than she looks, or did she just age well? That aside, having an older woman in the Mario series would be a neat diversion from the usual side characters one would find in a support role for a Mario platformer

The events at the end of Super Mario Galaxy reset the entire timelne though.

 

[JusDoIt]

Dat pantsuit.

 

[rpmurphy]

I just remembered something: The Donkey Kong in the original was said to be the grandfather of the Donkey Kong we're all familiar with from Mario Party and the Country series so...shouldn't she be a lot older than she looks, or did she just age well? That aside, having an older woman in the Mario series would be a neat diversion from the usual side characters one would find in a support role for a Mario platformer.

That just raises even more questions: What has this kingdom been up to during the intervening games? Was Pauline always a resident of this kingdom, or did she leave the Mushroom Kingdom to pursue a career in politics? Who is their head of state if they're a kingdom? Do they have trade relations with the Beanbean Kingdom?

In the Mario vs. DK games, I think she was some kind of celebrity and was helping Mario market his wind-up toys.

 

[AlexFlame116]

Pauline is in cahoots with Bowser to marry off Peach and recover Mario for herself

I shamelessly want this. So in!

 

[NightwingRebirth]

The events at the end of Super Mario Galaxy reset the entire timelne though.

This is a good point, lol. There really is no real "timeline" anymore (not that there really was anything worthwhile to call a timeline anyways).

As for DK and New Donk City sharing names, it's definitely interesting to think about. I mean, why would the Mayor of the city name things after her old kidnapper? Did he ever kidnap her at all anyways? And regardless of whether he did or didn't, it doesn't explain the references to Diddy and Dixie and such.

But I think it's for that reason that we shouldn't think about it too much, since there's probably no in-universe reason for any of this.

 

[Nerdkiller]

I just love how she's basically a hybrid of the Clintons, in the political, fashion, and yes, music sense. Just swapping out the sax for being a soprano.

 

[ffdgh]

It was a great moment when(if) you realized it was her at the end of the new video and the one that was singing the main theme despite her back being to the camera.

 

[Neiteio]

I wonder how Donkey Kong will factor into this. The city is named after him as well...

While it's true that New Donk City is named after DK in real life, I actually think that in the Mario lore it's the other way around: Donkey Kong was named after the city where he once lived. Can't prove it, but it makes more sense. After all, the city was already around when DK romped through it back in the '80s!

 

[reelbigtink]

This image never made me cackle until now

 

[Iksenpets]

I need to know if she's reconciled with the Kongs, or if she actually took their city as some sort of vengeance.

 

[NightwingRebirth]

While it's true that New Donk City is named after DK in real life, I actually think that in the Mario lore it's the other way around: Donkey Kong was named after the city where he once lived. Can't prove it, but it makes more sense. After all, the city was already around when DK romped through it back in the '80s!

Wow, that makes sense. I feel kinda stupid for not even thinking about that.

 

[Robdraggoo]

It would be great that at the end of the game when you beat bowser, mario picks up Peach in her wedding dress and then just drops her at bowsers feet. Then takes Paulines arm and just walk off into the sunset while that cool trailer song plays.

 

[ExVicis]

Donkey Kong is her lover, I'm calling it now.

Real Ending of Odyssey. Mario stops the Bowser-Peach Marriage and she realizes she doesn't want to marry anyone. Random Wedding Preperations around going to waste.

Suddenly Donkey Kong appears and proposes to Pauline, Surprise, now it's a Donkey Kong and Pauline Wedding as the end.

Spoiler

Bonus: The Wedding reception they play the DK Rap.

 

[DXB-KNIGHT]

Isn't here entire song a bait to seduce Mario and get him back?

 

[Green Mamba]

While it's true that New Donk City is named after DK in real life, I actually think that in the Mario lore it's the other way around: Donkey Kong was named after the city where he once lived. Can't prove it, but it makes more sense. After all, the city was already around when DK romped through it back in the '80s!

Used to be called Big Ape City though.

 

[Neiteio]

BTW, I was skateboarding with Koizumi earlier today when he told me the ending to Odyssey. Spoiler alert.

So yeah, the game ends with the classic movie trope of Peach and Bowser about to be wed. Waluigi, who is the priest officiating the wedding, says "Wah wah WAH," which translates to "If anyone objects, speak now or forever hold your peace." And that's when Mario bursts through the doors and says "MAMA MIA," which translates to "I object!!"

Mario then defeats Bowser and proposes to Peach.

Next scene, Mario and Peach are about to be wed. Father Waluigi resumes the ceremony, but when he gets to the line — "Speak now or forever hold your peace" — that's when Pauline bursts through the door and screams, "I object!" Everyone then starts dancing to the game's vocal theme, and Pauline booty-bumps Peach out the open window, and then proposes to Mario.

In the next scene, Mario and Pauline are about to be wed. A tired Waluigi continues, repeating the line... and this time, Donkey Kong bursts through the door. "OOO OOO AHH AHH!" he howlers, which translates to "I object!" DK then throws Mario out the open window and proposes to Pauline.

Waluigi then sighs, closes his bible and goes home.

 

[Mr. Smiley]

Peach is worried sick Mario is going to run her big day.deep inside she knows all preparations are hopeless.

"Rescuing" Peach is the only excitement Mario knows in his loveless relationship.

 

[Clefargle]

Used to be called Big Ape City though.

Even old New York
Was once new Amsterdam
Why they changed it I can't say
People just liked it better that way

 

[Menitta]

"Rescuing" Peach is the only excitement Mario knows in his loveless relationship.

Dat peck on the cheek tho.

 

[RRockman]

Dat peck on the cheek tho.

What if they actually got hitched in this game? Tbh I don't think it would change much at all.

 

[Hilarion]

A world without fall damage is a world in which recreating the original DK arcade game as a big 3D setpiece would be trivially easy to beat. The challenge of DK came in knowing that if Jumpman landed significantly lower down than where he jumped, he'd die.

Also, DK falling into a cage at the end might be a bit of a downer given how DK is now a beloved friend in this series.

 

[RagnarokX]

From helpless, sexualized damsel in distress to famous singer/Mayor of New Donk City. There's something genuinely endearing about how she turned her life around after being effectively replaced by Princess Peach in the main series. Plus, she even talks about how she fixed up the city after a unspecified massive disaster (talk about lore, lmao).

I wonder how Donkey Kong will factor into this. The city is named after him as well...

The disaster she's talking about is the Mecha Wiggler fight, which is the first thing you do in New Donk City. It was draining the city's electricity and scared away her band.

This game probably takes place long after those in the Mario timeline....if such a thing exists.

In Mario vs DK games Pauline is a famous starlet and helps promote a toyline based on Mario's adventures. There are even Peach toys.



Pauline: A Brief History.

In the original Donkey Kong she was just known as "the lady"

She was first called Pauline in the Saturday Supercade cartoon:

And the Gameboy version of Donkey Kong was the first game to use the name Pauline and updated her appearance to the look she's had ever since:

With the Mario vs DK series she used her status as a starlet to help Mario promote toyline based on his adventures. She first appeared in the second Minis game in this role where DK kidnaps her because she chose Mario's toy instead of his. In the last game she was in in 2015 she and DK faked her kidnapping to throw Mario a surprise party.

This happened in the 2nd Minis game with her:

And now she's mayoring it up:

 

[Nanashrew]

While it's true that New Donk City is named after DK in real life, I actually think that in the Mario lore it's the other way around: Donkey Kong was named after the city where he once lived. Can't prove it, but it makes more sense. After all, the city was already around when DK romped through it back in the '80s!

Makes the most sense tbh.

Let's also add all this stuff to the lore too

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqmewkYwxTM&list=PLLDY_jB5qI-2NKQFX1YHPHQ1v_btEXFHf&index=2

 

[Neiteio]

And this is just the start of Pauline's newfound relevance. Landing a gig in a mainline 3D Mario title means you're set, you've got it MADE. Next she'll be in Mario Kart, Mario Party, Mario Golf, Mario Tennis, etc. Armor-clad Strikers Pauline? Yes please. Pauline in Smash? If nothing else, Sakurai has to include her vocal theme in a New Donk City stage.

 

[Dryk]

I mean she was still a distressed damsel recently in most Mario vs. DK games.

I just realised how fucked up this situation is considering that this is the grandson of the original DK

 

[RagnarokX]

Real Ending of Odyssey. Mario stops the Bowser-Peach Marriage and she realizes she doesn't want to marry anyone. Random Wedding Preperations around going to waste.

Suddenly Donkey Kong appears and proposes to Pauline, Surprise, now it's a Donkey Kong and Pauline Wedding as the end.

Spoiler

Bonus: The Wedding reception they play the DK Rap.

Nah. The obvious ending is that instead of Mario rescuing Peach, he cap-tures her and finally gets to fulfill his dream of marrying Bowser. Turns out all this time he wasn't saving Peach from Bowser but just keeping Bowser from marrying someone else.

 

[NightwingRebirth]

What if they actually got hitched in this game? Tbh I don't think it would change much at all.

They could end it with an engagement, if Nintendo wanted to finally commit, without marrying them off.

Or they could just not do anything, have the usual stuff and let the wedding plans go to waste.

 

[jooey]

Plus, she even talks about how she fixed up the city after a unspecified massive disaster (talk about lore, lmao).

I wonder how Donkey Kong will factor into this. The city is named after him as well...

donkey kong fell 200 feet onto his head, he's dead dude

 

[Neiteio]

Nintendo employees, if you're reading this, please work your connections and get us the official art of Pauline in Odyssey. I know you guys got a render somewhere over there.

Nah. The obvious ending is that instead of Mario rescuing Peach, he cap-tures her and finally gets to fulfill his dream of marrying Bowser. Turns out all this time he wasn't saving Peach from Bowser but just keeping Bowser from marrying someone else.

:-O

 

[PK Gaming]

I just realised how fucked up this situation is considering that this is the grandson of the original DK

Straight out of Naruto

 

[ExVicis]

Nah. The obvious ending is that instead of Mario rescuing Peach, he cap-tures her and finally gets to fulfill his dream of marrying Bowser. Turns out all this time he wasn't saving Peach from Bowser but just keeping Bowser from marrying someone else.

All their conflict was really just years of Mario jealousy and finally now Mario can live his dream.

...until Bowser notices the big handlebar Mustache on Peach.

 

[Mushroomer25]

I hope she moves up a level every subsequent game until she becomes the President/Prime Minister

I like this concept. Turn her into the Mario universe's resident political leader - rocking a pantsuit and looking professional as hell while she drives go-karts, plays tennis, parties, etc.

 

[Nightfall]

That's just wrong, like a human marrying some kind of giant turtle.

Or a ... hedgehog perhaps?

 

[Zekes!]

Pauline is Mario's side chick for real

 

[Pizza]

Pauline calls up Kranky Kong (they're aight now) and he hulks out like master roshi just in time for Mario to posses him and fistfight giant bowser in downtown new donk

 

[Catman]

Pauline is Mario's side chick for real

Or maybe Mario is just her boy toy

 

[RedBoot]

As far as the DK/Grandson of DK stuff goes, I always assumed Kongs aged/matured faster than humans. So current DK is an "adult" but might only be like 6 years old. So arcade Donkey Kong happened like 4-5 years prior to current Mario time, and since then original DK has aged into Cranky, and our current DK grew up. Meanwhile Mario went through his various job phases in Wrecking Crew and Mario Bros (possibly Tennis, Punch Out, and Dr. Mario as well) and ended up as a plumber and found his way to the Mushroom Kingdom. The earlier Mario games take place as current DK grows up.

There's an issue with that, though. Much like TV or comics, etc, you can assume all current Mario games take place on a sliding timeline, meaning not much time has passed between, say, Mario 3 and Mario Odyssey. So DK doesn't age much. But if we ever had a timeskip, we could see further generations of Kongs.

(I always thought the more sensible theory was that arcade Donkey Kong was the father of current DK, who was DK Jr at the time, Cranky was already old, and current DK just grew to adulthood while original arcade DK mysteriously vanished)

 

[JackelZXA]

Man her design is so much improved from the Mario vs DK games.

I hope she shows up in mario kart and party games now as a 4th "princess". Her current design is "best girl" material. (Actually for reals though.)

 

[Omega Kirby]

This game probably takes place long after those in the Mario timeline....if such a thing exists.

The Fallen Mario timeline or the Child Mario Timeline?

 

[Neiteio]

Man her design is so much improved from the Mario vs DK games.

I hope she shows up in mario kart and party games now as a 4th "princess". Her current design is "best girl" material. (Actually for reals though.)

It's refreshing to see a human Mario-verse girl dressed in something other than a flowing princess gown. Dat red suit!

 

[Dusk Golem]

I never knew Daisy worshiped the devil.

Where's Daisy tho. I'm actually starting to feel sorry for her lol

She's in purgatory with Waluigi.

 

[PK Gaming]

Man her design is so much improved from the Mario vs DK games.

I hope she shows up in mario kart and party games now as a 4th "princess". Her current design is "best girl" material. (Actually for reals though.)

No need to shoehorn into the princess role

She's a Mayor, the most noblest of jobs

 

[NightwingRebirth]

As far as the DK/Grandson of DK stuff goes, I always assumed Kongs aged/matured faster than humans. So current DK is an "adult" but might only be like 6 years old. So arcade Donkey Kong happened like 4-5 years prior to current Mario time, and since then original DK has aged into Cranky, and our current DK grew up. Meanwhile Mario went through his various job phases in Wrecking Crew and Mario Bros (possibly Tennis, Punch Out, and Dr. Mario as well) and ended up as a plumber and found his way to the Mushroom Kingdom. The earlier Mario games take place as current DK grows up.

There's an issue with that, though. Much like TV or comics, etc, you can assume all current Mario games take place on a sliding timeline, meaning not much time has passed between, say, Mario 3 and Mario Odyssey. So DK doesn't age much. But if we ever had a timeskip, we could see further generations of Kongs.

(I always thought the more sensible theory was that arcade Donkey Kong was the father of current DK, who was DK Jr at the time, Cranky was already old, and current DK just grew to adulthood while original arcade DK mysteriously vanished)

Again tho, Galaxy reset the timeline.

It's entirely possible that the entire timeline was pushed forward a great number of years and the events were completely different. Maybe Cranky Kong was never involved with Mario or Pauline, and it was the current DK that did it, before learning his lesson and chilling at the jungle. Or maybe Mario and Pauline were like 10 or 12 years old in this timeline's version of those events.

(I feel like we're putting too much thought into this, but that's probably why I'm enjoying this so much).

 

[matrix-cat]

Pantsuit Pauline Amiibo when?

 

[Kangi]

She was the highlight of the trailer for me.

She's basically some type of Carmen Sandiego-Hillary Clinton hybrid and I can dig it. I fully expect Baby Pauline to be a Mario Kart character before Diddy Kong.

 

[L Thammy]

BTW, I was skateboarding with Koizumi earlier today when he told me the ending to Odyssey. Spoiler alert.

So yeah, the game ends with the classic movie trope of Peach and Bowser about to be wed. Waluigi, who is the priest officiating the wedding, says "Wah wah WAH," which translates to "If anyone objects, speak now or forever hold your peace." And that's when Mario bursts through the doors and says "MAMA MIA," which translates to "I object!!"

Mario then defeats Bowser and proposes to Peach.

Next scene, Mario and Peach are about to be wed. Father Waluigi resumes the ceremony, but when he gets to the line — "Speak now or forever hold your peace" — that's when Pauline bursts through the door and screams, "I object!" Everyone then starts dancing to the game's vocal theme, and Pauline booty-bumps Peach out the open window, and then proposes to Mario.

In the next scene, Mario and Pauline are about to be wed. A tired Waluigi continues, repeating the line... and this time, Donkey Kong bursts through the door. "OOO OOO AHH AHH!" he howlers, which translates to "I object!" DK then throws Mario out the open window and proposes to Pauline.

Waluigi then sighs, closes his bible and goes home.

I would have thought Waluigi would have left earlier, considering that he's a devout Evangelical while Mario is a Roman Catholic.

 

[Fancolors]

I think it's easier to think of Mario characters as animated actors. Kinda like Disney's House of Mouse or Tezuka's recycling of characters where everyone exists but with small differences to fit the narrative.

 

[RedBoot]

Again tho, Galaxy reset the timeline.

It's entirely possible that the entire timeline was pushed forward a great number of years and the events were completely different. Maybe Cranky Kong was never involved with Mario or Pauline, and it was the current DK that did it, before learning his lesson and chilling at the jungle. Or maybe Mario and Pauline were like 10 or 12 years old in this timeline's version of those events.

(I feel like we're putting too much thought into this, but that's probably why I'm enjoying this so much).

True, though a lot of that would have happened before Galaxy. I also assumed Galaxy's reset mostly just stopped the whole cataclysm from happening and kept everything generally the same. Basically just a reset to before Galaxy happened, with all prior events the same. Though a "streamlining" of past events would certainly be interesting (basically a comics-style retcon).

And putting too much thought into it is the point!

 

[wanders]

I hope the game recreates the original Donkey Kong and we have to save Pauline