When Claudio Santamaria shares his extensive history with Super Mario games, long before he lent his voice to the character in the first animated film, his sincerity is instantly believable. His passion is undeniable: his eyes light up as he recalls the hundred lire coins he’d insert into arcade cabinets, where as a boy he would spend hours on early platformers—a genre that remains his favorite today. This same enthusiastic, almost technical approach shines through when the conversation shifts to Mario Kart; he immediately asks “which one?” before delving into discussions about ideal game configurations and group play dynamics.
“I’ve played all Super Mario games, from the arcade to Kart”: Interview with Claudio Santamaria, the voice of Mario in Super Mario Galaxy
By Connor Westbrook
Connor Westbrook brings his dynamic energy to Liverpool's sports scene, where he's been making waves in sports journalism for the past eight years. With a background in semi-professional football, he offers unique insights into the tactical aspects of the game.