Mario Teaches Typing

File:Mario_Teaches_Typing_gameplay.png

Mario Teaches Typing lets the player enter a name, select either Mario, Luigi, or Princess Peach as the player character, and set their target words per minute (WPM) rate. In the base mode, the player must type out a given text without additional decor. There are three difficulty levels of typing challenges based on Super Mario World: the chosen character continuously runs to the right until encountering an obstacle or enemy adorned with a letter (level 1), word (level 2), or sentence (level 3). Entering this string correctly allows the character to proceed. At the end of either mode, the game presents the player with statistics, including the reached WPM and error rate.{{Cite news |title=Is Mario Your Type? |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103144565/the-richmond-and-twickenham-informer/ |date=1993-07-02 |pages=21 |access-date=2023-01-31 |work=Richmond and Twickenham Times |archive-date=2023-01-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131161311/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103144565/the-richmond-and-twickenham-informer/ |url-status=live|via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite web |url=https://killscreen.com/previously/articles/pokemon-takes-typing-tutor-game-sub-genre/ |title=Pokémon Takes On the Typing-Tutor Game Sub Genre |date=2012-08-21 |access-date=2023-01-31 |website=Kill Screen |last=Crouch |first=Henry |archive-date=2023-01-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131161313/https://killscreen.com/previously/articles/pokemon-takes-typing-tutor-game-sub-genre/ |url-status=live}}{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/PC-Player-German-Magazine-1993-05/page/n23/mode/2up |title=Lass tippen, Mario |language=de |trans-title=Let's type, Mario |first=Heinrich |last=Lenhardt |magazine=PC Player |date=May 1993 |publisher=DMV Daten- und Medienverlag |pages=24–25 |via=Internet Archive |access-date=September 21, 2023}} Localized versions exist, such as a German release that supports QWERTZ keyboards and umlauts.

File:Brian Fargo – Game Developers Conference China 2011 (cropped2).jpg' Brian Fargo (shown in 2011) conceived the game and approached Nintendo about licensing Mario.]]

Mario Teaches Typing was conceived and developed by Brian Fargo, who was the head of Interplay Entertainment at the time. Fargo was acquaintances with Les Crane, a talk show host and radio announcer, who had developed the educational typing game Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing. The game's success inspired Fargo to create a typing game of his own. He had heard that the majority of the purchases were by parents wanting to teach their children how to type. After considering who could be the face and teacher of the game, Fargo concluded that Mario would be a good fit. Fargo pitched the idea to Nintendo, who was enthusiastic about the concept and agreed to Mario's inclusion.{{Cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/06/20/interplay-founder-on-working-with-nintendo-on-mario-teaches-typing-a-ign-unfiltered |title=Interplay Founder on Working With Nintendo on Mario Teaches Typing — IGN Unfiltered |date=2017-06-20 |access-date=2023-01-30 |website=IGN |last=Osborn |first=Alex |archive-date=2019-07-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714033317/https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/06/20/interplay-founder-on-working-with-nintendo-on-mario-teaches-typing-a-ign-unfiltered |url-status=live}}{{cite AV media| url = https://www.ign.com/videos/interplay-founder-on-working-with-fallout-nintendo-and-blizzard-ign-unfiltered-20-episode-2| title = Interplay Founder on Working With Fallout, Nintendo, and Blizzard| date = June 21, 2017| website = IGN |series = IGN Unfiltered| number = 20| people = McCaffrey, Ryan (host) and Fargo, Brian (interviewee)| accessdate = April 30, 2025}} At the time, Nintendo felt that a few educational computer games would not damage their industry dominance.{{cite book |last= Ryan| first= Jeff |year = 2012|title= Super Mario: How Nintendo Conquered America|location= |publisher= Penguin Publishing Group|page= 140|isbn= 9781591845638}} Mario's creator, Shigeru Miyamoto, was not involved with the Mario Teaches Typing{{'}}s development.{{cite book |last= Ryan| first= Jeff |year = 2012|title= Super Mario: How Nintendo Conquered America|location= |publisher= Penguin Publishing Group|page= 142|isbn= 9781591845638}} The software reuses the title theme from Super Mario World. The game was first released in the United States in 1992 and later in the United Kingdom in 1993.{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103144213/daily-record/|title=What's New|newspaper=Daily Record|page=26|date=September 12, 1992|accessdate=June 4, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=June 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220604155253/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103144213/daily-record/|url-status=live}} An enhanced CD-ROM version was produced in 1995 by Thomas R. Decker. A Macintosh version of the game was developed by Presage Software, who had also developed the 1995 Mario's Game Gallery for Interplay.{{cite web|url=http://www.presage.com/pMTTyping.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/19970614015024/http://www.presage.com/pMTTyping.html|title=Presage Products - Mario Teaches Typing|website=Presage Software|archivedate=June 14, 1997|accessdate=December 3, 2023}}

Mario Teaches Typing was the first time the Mario character spoke in a game. Ronald B. Ruben provided the voice for the MS-DOS version and was replaced by Charles Martinet for the CD version.{{cite web| url = https://www.npr.org/2021/01/07/953936034/sweater-design-gin-rummy-typing-these-are-the-mario-games-youve-never-heard-of| title = Sweater Design? Gin Rummy? Typing? These Are The Mario Games You've Never Heard Of| first = Brittany| last = Vincent| date = January 7, 2021| website = NPR| accessdate = January 26, 2025}} He also performed the motions and expressions for the character through virtual actor tracking sensors.{{Cite news |title=Microfile |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103141168/the-guardian/ |last=Schofield |first=Jack |date=1995-04-20 |work=The Guardian |access-date=2023-01-31 |archive-date=2023-01-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131155516/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103141168/the-guardian/ |url-status=live|via=Newspapers.com}} Martinet considered Mario Teaches Typing to be one of his favorite projects using the voice, as well as one of the most important; it helped him understand the character from a child's perspective. He declared that Mario would never be in a negative headspace, and when he saw the script containing criticism for failing, such as "Oh that wasn't very good, try again", he suggested that the dialogue encourages the user to continue trying, such as, "Not as good this time, but you're gonna do it better this time, let's go!'"{{Cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/legendary-mario-voice-actor-charles-martinet-on-his-favorite-characters-and-why-he-now-dreams-in-2d/ |title=Legendary Mario voice actor Charles Martinet on his favorite characters and why he now 'dreams in 2D' |date=2022-01-03 |access-date=2023-01-30 |website=GamesRadar+ |last=Fisher |first=Andrew |archive-date=2023-03-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325140440/https://www.gamesradar.com/legendary-mario-voice-actor-charles-martinet-on-his-favorite-characters-and-why-he-now-dreams-in-2d/ |url-status=live}}

{{Video game reviews

|rev1=Aktueller Software Markt

|rev1Score=11/12{{cite web|first=Gerda|last=Arnold|url=https://www.kultboy.com/index.php?site=t&id=3005|title=Tippen mit Mario|magazine=Aktueller Software Markt|language=de|trans-title=Typing with Mario|date=1993|accessdate=June 4, 2022|archive-date=April 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423072715/https://www.kultboy.com/index.php?site=t&id=3005|url-status=live}}

|rev2=All Game Guide

|rev2Score=3.5/5{{cite web|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=34673&tab=review|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141115201222/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=34673&tab=review|title=Mario Teaches Typing|website=All Game Guide|archivedate=November 15, 2014|accessdate=July 23, 2023}}

|rev3=Evening Sentinel

|rev3Score=80%{{cite web|first=Steve|last=Fountain|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103141216/evening-sentinel/|title=Mario keys into the typing pool|newspaper=Evening Sentinel|page=27|date=May 6, 1995|accessdate=June 4, 2022|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=June 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220604144922/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/103141216/evening-sentinel/|url-status=live}}

|rev4=Electronic Games

|rev4Score=B+{{cite web|first=Laurie|last=Yates|url=https://archive.org/details/electronic-games-1994-10z/page/n119/mode/2up|title=Mario Teaches Typing|magazine=Electronic Games|page=120|date=October 1994|accessdate=February 20, 2025}}

|rev5=MacUser

|rev5Score=4/5{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/MacUser9312December1993/page/n127/mode/1up|title=The MacUser 100|magazine=MacUser|page=132|date=December 1993|accessdate=September 17, 2024}}

|rev6=PC Review

|rev6Score=5/10{{cite web|first=Sue|last=James|url=https://archive.org/details/pc-review-014/page/100/mode/2up|title=Mario Teaches Typing|magazine=PC Review|page=100,101|date=December 1992|accessdate=February 20, 2025}}

|rev7=Play Time

|rev7Score=73%{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/play-time-1993-06/page/n31/mode/2up|title=Mario Teaches Typing|magazine=Play Time|language=de|page=32|date=June 1993|accessdate=February 20, 2025}}

|rev8=PCMag

|rev8Score=3/4{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IfAR4gyw8RsC|title=After Hours|magazine=PCMag|date=August 1994|accessdate=February 20, 2025}}

}}

The title sold more than 800,000 copies.{{cite web|url=http://www.learningco.com/news/news98/980406a.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/19981203045526/http://www.learningco.com:80/news/news98/980406a.htm|title=The Learning Company Announces Exclusive Distribution Agreement With Interplay For Mario Teaches Typing|website=The Learning Company|archivedate=December 3, 1998|date=April 6, 1998|accessdate=June 4, 2022}}{{cite web|url=http://www.brainstormfun.com/press/mtt2.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/19980131173157/http://www.brainstormfun.com/press/mtt2.html|title=Best-Selling Children's Typing Software Doubles The Fun With Mario Teaches Typing 2|website=Brainstorm|archivedate=January 31, 1998|date=March 31, 1997|accessdate=June 28, 2023}} According to PC Data, Mario Teaches Typing was the tenth best-selling Macintosh game of June 1996{{cite web|url=http://www.pcdata.com/html/top_sellers/jun96_mac_home_ed.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/19980629000655/http://www.pcdata.com:80/html/top_sellers/jun96_mac_home_ed.html|title=PC Data Hits List of Top Selling Software June, 1996|website=PC Data|archivedate=June 29, 1998|date=June 1996|accessdate=July 2, 2023}} as well as the eighth top selling software in the first half of 1996 for the Macintosh.{{cite web|url=http://www.pcdata.com/html/top_sellers/fh96_mac_home_ed.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/19980628235903/http://www.pcdata.com:80/html/top_sellers/fh96_mac_home_ed.html|title=PC Data Hits List of Top Selling Software - First Half 1996|website=PC Data|archivedate=June 28, 1998|accessdate=August 20, 2024}} The game ranked the 5th best selling educational software for the week ending December 19, 1992 at Software Etc chain of stores.{{cite web|url=https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA12898645&v=2.1&it=r&sid=bookmark-GPS&asid=008a269d|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20241128064324/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA12898645&v=2.1&it=r&sid=bookmark-GPS&asid=008a269d|title=Software Etc. Bestselling Titles|website=PR Newswire|archivedate=November 28, 2024|date=December 22, 1992|accessdate=November 28, 2024|via=Gale Research|url-status=live}}

Mario Teaches Typing was well-received by contemporary publications. Steve Fountain of the Evening Sentinel reviewed the Windows CD version. While pointing out that the premise seemed out-of-character, he wrote that the program is not as enjoyable as a normal computer game but a "better than ploughing through a dull typing manual". Fountain also criticized Mario's voice, calling the Italian accent "ridiculous". Heinrich Lenhardt, the co-editor-in-chief of German magazine PC Player, regarded Mario Teaches Typing as a competent alternative to ten-finger typewriter courses, although he believed its usefulness would be limited to hobbyists as it could not satisfy the needs of experienced typers like secretaries. Writing for Electronic Games, Laurie Yates noted that Mario Teaches Typing stood out among the rise of kid-focused typing programs at the time and recommended the title, saying that it is a contender as the sole typing program for families.

The Oregonian writer Randy Chase praised the software for being engaging for kids as well as still practical for adults. He summarized his review commenting that the game can comfortably transition kids from familiar video games to the "sometimes intimidating world of home computers".{{cite web|first=Randy|last=Chase|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-oregonian/155473638/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917171331/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-oregonian/155473638/|title=Software Review|newspaper=The Oregonian|page=21|archivedate=September 17, 2024|date=October 13, 1992|accessdate=September 17, 2024|via=Newspapers.com|url-status=live}} Cameron Crotty of Macworld praised the software for providing challenges to all levels of typists while lessening the "drudgery".{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/MacWorld_9312_December_1993/page/n43/mode/2up|title=Mario Teaches Typing|magazine=Macworld| first = Cameron| last = Crotty| page=43|date=December 1993|accessdate=September 17, 2024}} Writing for the The Daily Gazette, Michael Himowitz noted that his kid enjoyed the title. He further complimented the inclusion of the 3D Mario head that offered guidance. Conversely, he criticized the character's Italian accent when speaking.{{cite news |last= Himowitz| first= Michael| date= September 11, 1994| title= Typing remains a crucial skill for students in the computer era| work= The Daily Gazette|location= Schenectady, New York, United States| page = C7}} Lonnie Brown of the Lakeland Ledger compared the game to Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing, noting that while Mario Teaches Typing would appeal to children more, the other title provides more thorough lessons. He also commented that younger audiences would enjoy the 3D Mario head.{{cite news |last= Brown| first= Lonnie| date= October 16, 1994| title= Computer programs help teach typing| work= Lakeland Ledger|location= Lakeland, Florida, United States| page = 6C}}

Fargo considered Mario Teaches Typing a success. After its release, Crane expressed dissatisfaction at Fargo for creating a title that was a successful competitor against Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing. Following his performance in the game, Martinet would go on to become the official voice actor for Mario, voicing the character for decades in over 150 games. Fargo noted that Miyamoto was happy with the game. The success of Mario Teaches Typing prompted Nintendo to explore educational computer games further. Interplay continued its relationship with the company, releasing additional Mario titles: Mario's Game Gallery and a direct sequel, Mario Teaches Typing 2. However, Nintendo ceased all such endeavors, including with Interplay, after another outside company produced a game that was not up to its standards.

The title has received an overall positive retrospective reception years after its release as well. In a 2016 retrospective of Mario games on non-Nintendo platforms, Vincent Ingenito praised the title for its use of the Mario franchise and being a capable typing tutor.{{cite web| url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/09/09/8-mario-games-released-on-non-nintendo-platforms| title = 8 Mario Games Released On Non-Nintendo Platforms| website = IGN| first = Vince| last = Ingenito| date = September 9, 2016| accessdate = April 30, 2025}} Writing for NPR in 2021, Brittany Vincent noted that the inclusion of a kid-friendly character like Mario in an educational game makes sense now but acknowledged that it was strange at the time. She commented that one of the strange parts was the "creepy" 3D floating Mario head. In 2022, Dalton Norman of Screen Rant praised Interplay for integrating familiar Mario imagery. While he stated that Mario Teaches Typing could never be as exciting as a typical Mario game, the presentation was a "fair approximation of Nintendo's signature style".{{cite web| first=Dalton| last=Norman|url=https://screenrant.com/every-educational-mario-game-ranked/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220904011040/https://screenrant.com/every-educational-mario-game-ranked/|title=Every Educational Mario Game, Ranked|website=Screen Rant|archivedate=September 4, 2022|date=September 3, 2022|accessdate=February 20, 2025|url-status=live}}

{{reflist}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/19961220002412/http://www.interplay.com/games/salemari.html Mario Teaches Typing] at Interplay Productions
• {{official website|https://web.archive.org/web/19981205182528/http://www.macplay.com/website/titles/marittc.html}} (archived)
• {{moby game|id=/3914}}

{{Mario educational games}}

Category:Mario educational games

Category:Children's educational video games

Category:1992 video games

Category:Interplay Entertainment games

Category:Typing software

Category:Classic Mac OS games

Category:DOS games

Category:Windows games

Category:Video games developed in the United States

Category:Single-player video games

Category:Presage Software games