Super Mario 64

One of the quintessential low-poly games is Super Mario 64 (1996) on the Nintendo 64. It’s a title remembered for its chunky 3D Mario and charmingly blocky worlds. Mario 64 epitomizes the early low-poly charm, and it even spawned legends (like playground rumors of Luigi hidden in the game) due to the era’s graphical quirks. Decades later, fans are reimagining such classics in creative ways. A standout example is “Kindness Luigi,” a viral video released in 2025 by YouTuber foxwithguns2 (video). This fan-made music video modifies Mario 64’s low-poly visuals to insert Luigi (who never actually appeared in the original game) as a playable character – but not just any Luigi. He’s depicted as “Kindness Luigi,” a pink version of Luigi defined by his kindness. The project is a loving parody set to a parody of the Gorillaz song “On Melancholy Hill,” with new lyrics gushing about how kind Luigi is. Foxwithguns2’s video features modded Mario 64 gameplay, synchronized to the song. The result is both absurd and heartwarming: a low-poly musical tribute that revels in 1990s Nintendo nostalgia and wholesome “hopecore” vibes. Kindness Luigi struck a chord online, quickly garnering tens of thousands of views and inspiring fan art and plenty of cover versions. Singing in Luigi’s voice means that the song is more accessible for those who aren’t traditional singers, but who enjoy silly imitation, like an impressionist. It demonstrates how a retro aesthetic plus a dose of sincerity and positivity can create a uniquely uplifting form of nostalgia. By literally modding kindness into a classic game, the creator highlights the inherent innocence people often associate with that early 3D era.