User:SkyTheWanderer/Sandbox
History and origin
Gameplay summary
A hack with the title "MARIO" was posted in the "Hacks waiting to be moderated" section on #smwc. Notably, the title screen lacked essential game information, such as the author's name and creation date. Upon downloading the hack, the author discovered two files: a .txt file filled with unintelligible symbols and an .ips[1] file named "MARIO." The gibberish within the .txt file contained a cryptic message.[2] The patched ROM displayed only the word "MARIO" on the title screen, and Mario's color palette appeared notably dull. When the author launches a new game, the introductory screen revealed a twist—the main antagonist was not Bowser, but Mario himself.
Throughout the exploration of the hack, various unsettling changes became evident. For instance, the level names were altered, and Yoshi's House was changed to "YOSHI'S." Exploring this modified level revealed a complete absence of its usual features, with a message box displaying binary code that read "notepad." Further exploration exposed a level named "never come back" that played an incredibly loud noise in a loop. This altered level featured missing enemies, uncollectible Dragon Coins, and a mysterious brown used block. As they progressed, they encountered an edited message box that read "MARIO 00005 Point of advice." The following message box was blank, except for "POINT OF ADVICE."
Upon reaching the Yellow Switch Palace, minor changes were noticeable, with the switch message now reading "MARIO WORLD." The journey continued with the discovery that Yoshi's Island 2 had been renamed "YOSHI'S HOUSE," featuring palette and background changes. Freeing Yoshi from a "?" block led to a message that stated "MARIO 00008 Mario trapped me."
Eventually, Mario entered a castle level, which led to a standard boss battle against Iggy. However, the post-level screen displayed a disturbing message, acknowledging about the "victim" and Mario's involvement. The main map disappeared, but the path to the next map Donut Plains remained. Upon entering Donut Plains 1, the author found more cryptic message boxes that seemed to present contradictory choices. Further exploration led to an invisible wall and an unusual transition, taking them to a new level with a black background, doors, and a mushroom power-up. The player continued but reached a dead end and discovered a way to move beyond the wall. The level transitioned to a room with a pit, a pipe, and a black screen, leaving Mario trapped in the "void."
