Level of technology in the Marioverse. (spoilers)

[Kamikaze Koopa]

I think this is one of the most hotly debated topics when it comes to Mariology. The basis of the question is: how technologically advanced are the races of the Marioverse? In the first game (SMB) it seems as though both the Mushroom Kingdom as well as the Koopa Klan where in a form of medival/renaissance of sorts. But as the series progressed, it became apparent that the kingdoms, at least the Koopa Klan, were more advanced that originally thought, being able to build their infamous Doomships, an entire legion of tanks, and an armada of sea ferring vessels in SMB3. Not to mention the types of weapons that they had developed (i.e. cannons, flamethrowers, ect). Continuing even more forward, however, it appeared that the Mushroom Kingdom had advanced beyond the dark ages as well, developing jet engines, automobiles, and even bringing rise to at least two known Information Age cities: Mushroom City, and Twilight City. It is uknown whether or not Diamond City from the Wario series is part of the Mushroom Kingdom or not.

But it doesn't stop there! In M&L: SS, when inside Woohoo Hooniversity, we see a myriad of technological advancements made by the Beanbean Kingdom including robotics, laser technology, computers, and even what appears to be forms of gene therapy.

Now one question I have personally asked myself repeatedly is "how did they develop such technology in such a short amount of time?" Did they simply have the assistance of very intelligent members of the species? Did the Mushroom Kingdom gain their technology from treaties with the Beanbean Kingdom? Does Professor Gadd have something to do with this ?

Well, here's you're chance to discuss it. ^_^

[Kamikaze Koopa]

Ok, in that case I'll just tell my theory on the whole scenario. I think that when Mario and Luigi first arrived in the Mushroom Kingdom they were in a medival era. However, when the Mario bros came into the pitcure they began to explain technology to all of the governments and, in affect, bringing about a sort of industiral revolution. Considiring the industriusness of the toads and the other races, they were able build entire cities and expand upon less advanced forms of technology in a matter of a few years. This process was also aided by Professor Elvin Gadd, although I'm not sure whether he was born in the Marioverse or whether he came through from the real world like the Mario brothers did, and if so, I'm not sure whether he was there before them or whether he came in afterwards. In any case, taking into account the ingenuity of Professor Gadd and the teachings of the Woohoo Hooniversity the technology was able to spread in an extremely short amount of time.

[Claws]

This would make sense. And the towns that are still medieval in nature are probably towns where the technology hasn't spread, or where it has been rejected. But the residents still keep and use vestiges of their old society, such as the castles.

[Kamikaze Koopa]

Yes, exactly. I've actually begun comparing the economy and environments of the Marioverse to that of Final Fantasy VII. They use both large cities as well as small rural villages AND they have magic and technology combined in a single universe. I think we have a good analogue going there. ^_^

[TakuTheSamurai]

It does seem odd taht the tech advancement is prone to... shall we say... Bursts? It is my idea that MK society has finally overcome social taboos regarding the use of seemingly alien technology. Mario & Luigi are harbringers of this great advancement, obviously. As for the Koopas, I beleive they captured adn/or converted a number of MK denizens, and added their technology to their own, but remaing in the somewhat cramped style of Medival castles/fortresses.

[Claws]

It also adds to their viciousness. Recall the lack of foreboding that the X-Nauts had compared to that of the Koopa Klan and their deadly castles. They definitely have the technology; Kamikaze pointed out their many advancements in military technology, a form of Post-industrial age progress that doesn't lose its atrocity in the translation to modern. So in keeping with the rugged, medieval image when it comes to their society and government, they serve to preserve their barbarity.

[Kamikaze Koopa]

Unfortunately, I have yet to play PM: TTYD so I don't have any stand point on the X-Nauts.

[Claws]

Well, they're very technologically advanced. This appearance, however, keeps them from being as intimidating as the Koopa Klan. And if you can, you reallly should play PM: TTYD, Kamikaze. It's the best Mario title out.

[Kamikaze Koopa]

I would if I had the time/money. Right now I'm spending everything I have of both on school and food. ^_^()

[Claws]

Yeah, right now I'm paying for a fender bender ($600!!) I committed a month ago. Luckily, I bought Paper Mario before all of this happened, so I'm currently enjoying it.

[Kamikaze Koopa]

lol, Lucky dog. About the game, not the fender bender.

Hmmm, I hadn't really considered that the Koopas were keeping their medival image simply to seem more threatening. That's definately something worth noting.

[Claws]

Well, I can't think of any other reason why they would. Upgrading all of their facilities and living quarters would definitely make life easier for them.

[Kamikaze Koopa]

I guess we also have to keep in mind that the Koopa Klan is under the tyrannical rule of Bowser, and he probably wants the keep them in discomfort simply to make it easier to bend them to his will. Although, I'm surprised there hasn't been an insurrection yet.

[Kamikaze Koopa]

I just had an epiphany! What if all the technology that suddenly sprouted out of nowhere wasn't actually developed, so much as found? What I'm saying is that, since you all probably already know my stance on the origins of warp pipes, what if the same race who built the pipes had built cities and machines as well? What if all the advanced technology that has suddenly been employed through out the Marioverse is actually a result of excavations of these cities and machines?

[Claws]

I think that's a possiblility. But I think that once they found the derelict technology and cities, they learned its architecture and began developing their own. Look at how lively Mushroom City is. I think they'd have to know what they're doing to keep the place that vital.

[Kamikaze Koopa]

Oh, absolutely. I'm not saying that they're just using what they found, I'm saying they learned from it and started to create their own machinery using the ancient sciences. Plus, given the fact that Mario and Luigi are from Earth, they might know just a little bit more about the tech than the rest of the Mushroom World does, thus giving them even more of a jump start.

[Claws]

Yeah, we know the Mario Bros. were skilled carpenters, plumbers, and construction workers (Mario even being a doctor), so I'm sure they helped get the information age going in the Mushroom Dimension.

[Kamikaze Koopa]

Or at least a civilization like it.

[Kamikaze Koopa]

lol, I'm not the only one who can make new threads. If you want to make a new thread about it, go right ahead.

[Yoshi Master]

The humans already in the Mushroom World contributed information on inventions.