Nintendo has had a long-standing reputation for creating some of the most beloved and iconic characters in video game history. From Mario and Luigi to Donkey Kong and Link, Nintendo has captured the hearts of gamers for decades. However, not all of their characters have been met with the same level of adoration. One such character is Blackie, a foreman character in the classic Nintendo game Wrecking Crew.
In 1984, Nintendo released Wrecking Crew, a unique action/puzzle game starring company mascot Mario before he acquired his “Super” status. The game featured Mario as a demolition worker, tasked with destroying various structures using a hammer. Blackie, the foreman character, oversaw the destruction and was depicted as a black-faced character with exaggerated features. This depiction sparked controversy and backlash, with many accusing Nintendo of perpetuating negative racial stereotypes.
Fast forward to 2021, and Nintendo has finally decided to change the controversial name of the Super Mario Bros foreman character from Blackie to a more neutral name, Crowber. The name change was announced on Twitter and was met with mixed reactions from fans. While some applauded the decision, others saw it as a pointless and unnecessary change.
The controversy surrounding Blackie's character is not the only instance of name changes in the Super Mario Bros franchise. Nintendo has recently announced on Twitter that they have finally decided to implement a name change of a character in the early Nintendo game Super Mario Bros 2. The character, formerly known as Birdo, will now be called Catherine.
However, the name change that has garnered the most attention in recent weeks is that of Spike. The character, who appears in several Super Mario Bros games, was originally named Gabon in Japan. The name change was made in time for The Super Mario Bros. Movie release in Japan, where he was previously known as Gabon. The decision was met with mixed reactions, with some fans expressing disappointment that the character's original name was changed.
Nintendo has long been known for its attention to detail and commitment to creating high-quality games. However, the company has also faced criticism for its handling of controversial characters and themes. The recent name changes in the Super Mario Bros franchise are just one example of how the company is trying to address these issues.
It is worth noting that the controversy surrounding Blackie's character is not unique to Nintendo. Many video game companies have faced similar criticisms for their depictions of race and ethnicity in their games. However, Nintendo has been praised for its efforts to address these issues and make changes where necessary.
In addition to the name changes in the Super Mario Bros franchise, Nintendo has also made changes to other games in its catalog. The company announced on Friday that it is standardizing the name of the character Spike across all regions. The character was previously known as Gabon in Japan and had different names in other regions. The decision to standardize the name was made to avoid confusion among fans.
Despite the controversy surrounding Blackie's character, Wrecking Crew remains a popular game among Nintendo fans. The game has even been re-released on several platforms, including the Nintendo Switch. While the character's name has been changed, the game's legacy lives on.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Blackie's character in Wrecking Crew is just one example of the challenges that video game companies face when creating characters and themes. While Nintendo has faced criticism for its handling of these issues, the company has also been praised for its efforts to address them. The recent name changes in the Super Mario Bros franchise are a step in the right direction, but there is still work to be done to ensure that video games are inclusive and respectful to all players.
