"Why a man plays Mario"

This one is for you Matt: http://kotaku.com/5458678/why-a-man-plays-mario

Write up on why a "mature" gamer still plays Mario after all these years. Rather interesting analysis of the Nintendo audience, notably the dichotomy of how the games are seemingly marketed towards young players whilst containing within them references to over 2 decades of gaming history that only players over the age of 20 would have a full appreciation for.

I still remember the day my older brother brought home a Nintendo Entertainment System with Super Mario Bros., from that day I was lost in the world of interactive environments. Also interesting to ponder is why i return to the games of my youth so much; I can't count the number of times I've completed the numerous Mario games. Is it simply nostalgia? I surely don't get anything new out of the experience; I know the games better than i know my own thoughts.

I do enjoy the way every new Mario game brings an instant feeling of familiarity, related to the characters and environments. Every game is kind of like a return trip down the rabbit hole; the Mushroom Kingdom is kind of like my Wonderland.