Mario vs. Sonic
A Versus tale by Misterebony
 
 
Background: These are two of video games most legendary icons. They have been around for some time, battled in the 90s, and are now two of the most popular characters on Smash Bros. Brawl. But now the score is settled once and for all: WHO IS THE BETTER VIDEO GAME HERO?
 
CHALLENGERS
 
Mario: Hero of the Mushroom Kngdom and Nindendo's mascot, Mario is easily one of the most recognizable characters in video gaming, with the difinitive outfit and mustache. He has been in many video game genres from action to arcade to even role playing. In BRAWL, he has proven to be a balanced fighter. He has brought three items and an ally for this fight: The super mushroom, the fire flower, the starman, and his trusty dino friend Yoshi (Luigi was too scared to come)
 
Sonic: Full of attitude and able to speed past many an obstacle, Sonic is easily the more famous of the two. SOnic has done so not just by video games and a strong fan base, but through toys and cartoons that are still popular today. Sonic began life on the Genesis, making him the younger of the two, but easily with no less experience in crossing the genre gap. He has brought three items of his own, plus his sidekick Tails: His impenetrable sheild item, the hyper shoes, and the Chaos Emeralds.
 
 
ROUND 1: HEALTH ITEMS (mushroom vs. shield)
 
WINNER: SONIC. Sonic wins hands down with the shield. While it does not grant new powers like the mushroom can (Allows to break blocks), it DOES not offer any hinderance either (like being big for Mario can). Moreover, the fact that Sonic is just as powerful without shows an incredible inner strength. Without the mushroom, Mario is kind of weak.
 
 
ROUND 2: ABILITY BOOST (fire flower vs. hyper shoes)
 
WINNER: MARIO. Sonic's hyper shoes may boost speed but they also reduce acuracy and ability to jump and move well. Mario's fire flower gives him striking range, and a flame so strong it knocks many foes down with one hit, and even works underwater. SOnic is an in close fighter, and while he can get there quickly, he better watch for fire.
 
 
ROUND 3: SUPREME POWER (starman vs. Chaos Emeralds)
 
WINNER: SONIC. The two items grant similar abilities: invincibility for a set amount of time. But while Mario's is more common by a landslide, Sonic's is FAR more long lasting, and therefore can turn the tide of battle. If Sonic goes SUPER SONIC, Mario better run and pray.
 
ROUND 4: ALLY (Yoshi vs. Tails)
 
WINNER: MARIO. Tails may be fast, mechanically inclined, and a genius, one thing he is NOT is yucky. That is bad when going against Yoshi, whose long tounge would easily snatch him up as a snack. Once eaten, The ally of Sonic becomes an explosive enemy. Plus, unfortunetly, Yoshi is almost as fast as Sonic with the right fruit in his mouth.
 
 
FINAL BATTLE
 
WINNER..........................MARIO!
 
 
Mario has experience, useful items... and Yoshi. The dino is what turns the tide in my opinion. Tails may be able to distract Yoshi and Mario, but basically he and Sonic ar eone and the same in style.
 
But it is a close fight. Without Yoshi, Mario would be in for the fight of his life. based on performace in Brawl alone, Sonic and Mario are both capable fighters, but Sonic is faster and more skilled. That being said, the items make the difference. Sonics improve his abilities, but Mario's give him new ones. That is what turns the battle in this case, that adaptility.
 
When the battle ends, two eggs, one blue and one brown, are left behind, and Yoshi is full and happy. Sonic might win in a fight without the dino, but when Mario and Yoshi team up, it is almost no contest.