Mario's Time Machine (USA)

In Mario's Time Machine, players take on the role of Mario in an educational quest to recover important historical artifacts that have been stolen by the Koopa Kids and scattered across different eras. Bowser, the mastermind, is using a time machine called the "Timulator" for this scheme, and Mario must use the very same machine to stop him.

The gameplay of Mario's Time Machine primarily focuses on adventure and educational elements, differing significantly from traditional Mario platforming games. Initially, Mario will be in Bowser's castle in the present day. He must collect stolen artifacts from various rooms. Each artifact provides a clue related to the historical time and place it belongs to.

After collecting an artifact, Mario uses the Timulator to travel through time. The player needs to select a specific year and location on a world map to travel to. Choosing the correct destination and time requires the player to rely on the clues gathered from the artifact and their historical knowledge. Upon arriving in the correct era, Mario will meet famous historical figures such as Leonardo da Vinci, William Shakespeare, Christopher Columbus, and many others. He will have to interact with them to gather more information and confirm where the artifact should be placed.

The educational aspect of the game is most evident when Mario has to answer questions about the artifact or historical figure to return the item to its rightful place. These questions test the player's knowledge of historical events, figures, and inventions. If answered correctly, the artifact is returned, and Mario can return to the present to continue his mission. The game encourages players to read and learn about history through the dialogues and information provided within the game. The ultimate goal is to return all artifacts and thwart Bowser's plan.