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Da illmatic Genius: When we talk about legacy, where do you think your name belongs.

Mario: Numero Uno! It all started with me and 20 years from now I’ll still be featured. Master chief may be the flavor this year but will he span 3 decades; I think not.

Da illmatic Genius: There seems to be a little bitterness with the Master Chief.

Mario: No bitterness. I’ve seen talent like Chief & Solid Snake go and come.

Da illmatic Genius: Who do you think is number 2?

Mario: I would love to say my brother Luigi but he just can’t sale like me. Samus from the “Metroid” series is a solid number 2.

Da illmatic Genius: I thought you were going to say Sonic the Hedgehog.

Mario: Sonic is okay but he tries too hard.

Da illmatic Genius: I wouldn’t be a good journalist if I didn’t ask you to elaborate.

Mario: See, Sonic has always wanted to be like me and since Sonic could never master his niche he had to reinvent himself. I would of kept things simple. Sonic could have been somebody. Now he needs to be packaged with me in order to sale.

Da illmatic Genius: So you have never reinvented yourself.

Mario: All I need to be successful are pipes, mushrooms and a princess.

Da illmatic Genius: Do you think Nintendo depend on you too much?

Mario: I’m a living legend Mr illmatic. If Nintendo did not use me it would be foolish. Think what would happen if I go under contract with Sony or Microsoft.

Da illmatic Genius: What would happen?

Mario: Mass confusion! The galaxy would split in half and guess who would fix it. Here’s a hint, it wouldn’t be a frozen Spartan with AI in his brain.

Da illmatic Genius: It’s hard for me not to notice your cynicism.

Mario: Can we talk about something else?

Da illmatic Genius: Sure. What games are you excited about in 2008?

Mario: Of course Brawl and there is a new Rygar being released this August. Rygar is a cool dude. I am excited about Bionic Commando.

Da illmatic Genius: Bionic Commando was originally a product of Nintendo.

Mario: And Metal Gear, Rygar, Final Fantasy. Fact is people give the PS2 more credit than it deserves. Sure the PS2 had a cheap DVD but just imagine if the Game Cube had a DVD and my titles. That’s money baby!

_Part III of this interview will be posted next week. Mario talks more about the PS2,PS3 and Microsoft XBOX. He also discuss a topic dear to his heart.