MarioWiki:References

MarioWiki:References is a guideline to help users decipher what is a reference, and what is not. References are made quite frequently throughout different forms of media, be it literary, in a film, or in a game. Because Mario has become such a famous character, he – along with his corresponding game series on occasion – is commonly referenced. The following content is designed to inform any and all users as to what will constitute a "reference" on this wiki.

If you need further help deciphering what is and what isn't a "reference", please contact an administrator or an experienced member of the Super Mario Wiki.

Guidelines
Because Nintendo is commonly referenced as well, it can create some confusion as to what constitutes a "reference" to the Mario series. To break it down simply, if one were to see any character, object, or place from the Mario series in a game outside of the Mario series, it would be considered a reference. As an example, if Yoshi was seen in a The Legend of Zelda game, that would constitute a reference. However, Mario subjects featured in a Super Smash Bros. game are not considered references, for Super Smash Bros. games are within the reach of the Mario series. The Super Smash Bros. series also contains subjects that did not originate within the Mario series, and whose appearances outside of the Mario series (including Super Smash Bros.) do not count as Mario references. For example, Samus Aran originated in the Metroid series, has been in every Super Smash Bros. game, and has also cameoed in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, all of which is covered by the Super Mario Wiki; however, her appearance in Kirby’s Dream Land 3 is not covered, since she is not a Mario character nor is that a Mario game. Similarly, Nintendo consoles or other devices that Mario games were released on don't count as being part of the Mario series either, and so if a Nintendo 64, for example, appeared in a game, it would not constitute a reference.

Nintendo's many series are known for being referenced in one another. For example, The Legend of Zelda series has had numerous Mario reference throughout its many installments. This does not make The Legend of Zelda series directly related to the Mario series, and vise-versa. This is why the Super Mario Wiki uses the term "reference".

Breakdown
The following content contains rules as to what can and will be considered a reference. References will only be considered so if featured outside of the Mario franchise – this excludes the Donkey Kong, Yoshi, Wario, and Super Smash Bros. series and franchises. '''NOTE: Constant misuse of the reference guideline will result in a warning and/or a block. It is highly advised that you read this section thoroughly to understand what is and what isn't considered a reference.'''

What are references?

 * Any character that originated in the Mario series, that has appeared or has been mentioned/referenced in some way in a game series outside of the Mario series.
 * Any item that originated in the Mario series that meet the above qualifications.
 * Any location that originated in the Mario series that meet the above qualifications.
 * A physical resemblance that is close enough to a Mario character, item, or place will also be considered a reference, just as long as the resemblance isn't too unseemly.

What aren't references?

 * Any character, item, or place that originated outside of the Mario series, that has appeared or has been mentioned/referenced in someway in a game series outside of the Mario series.
 * Any object originally manufactured by Nintendo featured within or outside of the Mario series. (This includes objects such as consoles, remotes, or other hard merchandise manufactured by Nintendo.)
 * A physical resemblance in a game outside of the Mario series that is too unseemly. (For example, if a non-fictional mushroom were to appear in a game outside the Mario series, it would not constitute a reference. If a Mario series Mushroom appeared, it could be considered a reference.)
 * A real life event that references the Mario series. (This applies solely to personal experiences. For example, if you were to see a license plate with "MARIO" embossed on it, this would not constitute a reference whatsoever.)

References to other games and references in later games
The sections References to other games and References in later games are sections located in game articles, and describe references made to past Mario games (or games in another series) and references made to the game in later Mario games, respectively. The rules for deciding whether something is a reference to another Mario game or not are:

What are references?

 * When a unique sprite, design, or music theme from a past game reappears. Example: a character's sprites and the design of ground blocks from Super Mario Bros. are very recognizable if they appear in a more recent game.
 * A character, location or enemy that was notable exclusively in one game is brought back someway; a particularly strong reference would go so far as to mention the happenings from that earlier game. Example: Goombella and the University of Goom are mentioned in Paper Mario: Sticker Star, clearly referencing to Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door.

What aren't references?

 * Any passing physical or gameplay resemblance where there is no actual proof that the purpose was to make a reference. Example: unless an official source proves otherwise, Super Mario 3D World doesn't refer to Wario Land 4 just because Bowser's car bears a little resemblance to the Wario Car.
 * Follow-up games aren't references to the original ones. Example: Super Mario Galaxy 2 isn't a reference to Super Mario Galaxy.
 * When a character, location, object or enemy that became common to the series reappears. Example: Shy Guys appearing in Paper Mario: Sticker Star isn't actually a reference to their debut game, Super Mario Bros. 2.