Once upon a time, in the Mushroom Kingdom, our beloved hero Mario decided to take a little detour from his usual adventures of saving Princess Peach. Instead, he thought it would be fun to manage hotels! And thus, Hotel Mario was born.
In this peculiar puzzle/platformer game, players are immersed in the wacky world of hotels, with each stage taking place in a different hotel. The objective is simple: close all the doors on every floor. However, this task is easier said than done, as pesky enemies are constantly interfering and reopening those doors.
To navigate each hotel, Mario must make use of the elevators, which are the only way to travel between floors. Strategically planning Mario's movements and using the elevators at the right time is crucial to successfully closing all the doors.
Hotel Mario features a total of seven hotels. The first six hotels have ten stages each, presenting players with increasingly challenging puzzles. However, the seventh hotel takes it up a notch, offering fifteen stages that will truly test Mario's hotel management skills.
Unfortunately, despite Mario's charm and the unique concept of Hotel Mario, the game didn't achieve the success it deserved. One of the main reasons for its low sales was the lack of interest in the CD-i system, the platform it was released for. Many gamers preferred other consoles, leaving Hotel Mario unnoticed by a large audience.
In addition, the game received mainly poor reviews from critics. While some praised the creativity and humor of the game, others felt that the controls were clunky and the gameplay repetitive. Despite the mixed reception, Hotel Mario still managed to gather a dedicated fan base who appreciated its quirky charm.
One of the standout aspects of Hotel Mario is its sense of humor. The game is filled with comical moments and witty dialogue, adding a lighthearted touch to the otherwise challenging gameplay. Whether it's Mario's humorous remarks or the enemies' cheeky taunts, there's never a dull moment in this hotel adventure.
The visuals of Hotel Mario are also worth mentioning. Despite being released on a less powerful platform, the game managed to capture the colorful and vibrant essence of the Mushroom Kingdom. Each hotel is uniquely designed, presenting players with visually distinct challenges.
While Hotel Mario may not have achieved the widespread recognition of other Mario games, it remains a delightful and offbeat addition to the franchise. For those willing to embark on a puzzling hotel management adventure with our favorite plumber, this game offers a unique and entertaining experience.
So, if you're looking for a break from the traditional Mario adventures and want to try your hand at hotel management, join Mario in his unusual quest in Hotel Mario. Close those doors, outsmart those enemies, and make Mario the true hotel champion of the Mushroom Kingdom!
