In every Mario game, Mario and his friends are typically portrayed as the good guys and the Koopa Troop as the bad guys. However, if we examine the history and the true motives, this does not seem to be the case. For example, just what position are the Koopas in? The Koopas have been forced to live in the resourceless Dark World, having to rely solely on technology and magic to survive. On the other hand, the Mushroom people live in the beautiful Mushroom Kingdom. The Koopa Troop can hardly be blamed for wanting to return to the Mushroom Kingdom.
Yes, I did indeed say return. After all, it makes perfect sense to think that the Koopa Troop had originally inhabited the Mushroom Kingdom. In fact, it was the Goombas who bestowed the name of "Mushroom" to the land. This is due to 1) Goombas look like mushrooms and 2) the Goombas were the native governors of the Mushroom Kingdom.
Hundreds of years ago the Goombas lived peacefully in the Mushroom Kingdom with the other members of the present-day Koopa Troop, and even a small number of humans. However, as the number of humans rose, humans gained, the majority and decided they wanted dominion over the Mushroom Kingdom. To make their intentions realized, the humans exiled all other sentient species to the dilapidated Dark World.
The outcast citizens were certainly not happy about this and sought to return to their homeland. They began by using peaceable methods of negotiation, but it was to no avail. Aggressive resistance seemed meaningless. After all, though they were the majority of the exiled citizens, the Goombas were physically weak and overall incapable of reclaiming their homeland. However, there was an exceedingly power minority of a species called Koopa. The Koopas were extraordinarily more intelligent than their peers and more adept in the use of magic. The first thing the Koopas did was provide a rudimentary energy source in the Dark World and make the disgusting place somewhat habitable. For their efforts and power, a family of Koopas was appointed as the leaders of the Dark World, and the general Koopa species would be held in high regards in society.
The years following consisted of many more peaceful attempts to return to the Mushroom Kingdom. Then came threats, and finally overall war. Much of present-day Koopa tactics consist of casting immensely powerful spells that only Princess Toadstool is capable of reversing. To ensure their attacks on the Mushroom Kingdom, the Koopa Troop (particularly, Bowser) kidnap the Princess, thereby preventing her from using the power stars and reversing their spells.
Today, in an effort to save its image, the Mushroom Kingdom has allowed obedient non-human species to live in select areas of the Mushroom Kingdom, usually a distance away from Princess Toadstool's castle. However, Koopa Troopers who want a high standing among the Mushroom people are forbidden to enter the Mushroom Kingdom, especially the Koopa King himself (not that they can keep him out, anyway).
The Koopa Troop has grown in numbers and power, and has even managed to reclaim some areas of the Mushroom Kingdom. However, the Koopa Troop has developed a mean edge and desire more than justice. They want what is rightfully theirs, and then some. Headed by their greatest leader to date, King Bowser Koopa, the Koopa Troop is posing a major threat to the Mushroom Kingdom's present way of life.
Despite its accomplishments, the Koopa Troop has met an overwhelming resistance: the Super Mario Bros. While it seems ludicrous that simple plumbers could pose any kind of threat to such a great army, the Mario Bros. are hardly average. Despite the odds, the Mushroom Kingdom has triumphed over the Koopa Troop time and time again.
Mushroom Kingdom propaganda has fueled the image that the Koopa Troop is bloodthirsty and evil. History has been obscured and the truth has been distorted. Most believe that the return of the Koopa Troop equates to certain doom. However, both sides believe that their goals are just. In the end, which side are you rooting for?
I expect this to start a lot of controversy so, I say to you, bring it on : ) I love hearing what other people have to say, so feel free to let me know what you think. You can e-mail me at GameAngel64@aol.com.