Not everyone is psyched about Super Mario 3D Land, which was released over the weekend. The People For the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has called out Nintendo, claiming that its new game sends a message that it's ok to wear fur, according to a Kotaku report.
One of Mario's power-ups for the game is a Tanooki suit, a raccoon-esque get-up that first appeared in Super Mario Bros. 3 and gives the famous mustached plumber gliding abilities. But PETA said it sends the wrong sentiment.
"When on a mission to rescue the princess, Mario has been known to use any means necessary to defeat his enemy–even wearing the skin of a raccoon dog to give him special powers," PETA said on its "Mario Kills Tanooki" Web site. "Tanooki may just be a 'suit' in Mario games, but in real life, tanuki are raccoon dogs who are skinned alive for their fur. By wearing Tanooki, Mario is sending the message that it's OK to wear fur."
On the site, PETA added a game that looks similar to Mario titles. However, in its game, Super Tanooki Skin 2D, the roles are reversed. Players take on the part of an angry skinned tanuki that chases Mario, who is clad in a bloody raccoon dog suit, in hopes of getting its fur back.
Nintendo has not commented.
Super Mario 3D Land is Mario's first full appearance on the Nintendo 3DS. PCMag junior analyst Will Greenwald gave in an Editors' Choice rating, calling it "one of the best 3DS games yet." For more, see the full review and slideshow below.
For more from Leslie, follow her on Twitter @LesHorn.
Oh PETA, when will you learn!
Can a mod fix the formatting please.
