Well, I have to say Mario not attratcing hardcore fans is a lie. In my school, most of my friends that play Gears,Halo, and mostly all those third person shooters love Mario. As hard as it to beleive Mario pertains to the hardcore fanbase. The majority of hardcore gamers play Mario and Zelda more than a shooting game. Lets not forget Mario and Zelda are veterans in the gaming industry compared to the characters in hardcore games.

id say platformers are usually more casual.. since theyr designed to let anyone pick up a contoller n run/jump easily without any headache..

@arsen

a. Duh Blast Processing
b. Mario Strikers V_V
c. Captain Rainbow?
d. next gen
e. Virginity first, children second.

@dib8rman

a. post sonic 3?
b. did the game only star mario?
c. not M rated
d. which is pretty much in tune with the ps2/dual shock.
e. or in sega's case:twins first, puberty after

Please tell me where this online board is lol

Anyways, casual is a term HD fanboys use as an excuse for losing :P

What a sad definition of adulthood you have. Growing up is severely overrated if it means having to put aside the "childish" things.

if you mean it has mature themes then no it doesn't.
If you mean it has hours and hours of gameplay than yes it does.

i'm with this guy.

The main platforming series is no doubt hard core.
(>'.')>

Mario can be made easy (60 stars in SMG) or hardcore (purple coins/mirror Mario Kart), so it's fo everyone, including hardcore.