Have you ever wondered how a humble Italian plumber just minding his own business became Super Mario? Some are born to greatness, while others have greatness thrust upon them. Mario was already a good guy, the type who will always help someone in need. But then a gorilla kidnapped a princess, and Mario's life took a sharp turn. The reluctant hero.
Not only is it a great story, it's also a break from the trope of high adventure for the elites who have spare time, and those lowly but handsome characters who are later revealed to be secretly born of royalty or genetically gifted with the Force. We all like to think that if a short round guy with a pronounced accent can save the princess, any of us can be heroes. Except maybe Luigi.