Video Gallery: 25 Years of Super Mario Madness

Super Mario Bros. turned 25 this year. In honor of this landmark, Wired.com put together a video trip through Mario's history, from his early days jumping on turtles all the way up to his current adventures jumping on turtles in space.

The character, which first appeared in Donkey Kong, has stolen the spotlight in a string of Nintendo hits over the years. Here are the highlights.

Above:

Donkey Kong (1981)

Before Mario became the plumber we all know and love, he was simply a carpenter named "Jumpman" in Donkey Kong. Avoiding the barrels thrown by his giant monkey nemesis, he saved his lady friend (and collected her lost purse and umbrella, too, because he's such a gentleman).