Mario's movement is an odd design. He runs like a hyperactive toddler, his arms flailing out to the sides. But his other moves, especially his advanced jumps, he does with the precision and grace of a gymnast. It's like a simultaneous expression of the fantasy of navigating the terrain through acrobatics and "weee, this is fun!" spontaneous whimsy.

If you look closely enough, Nintendo design is oddball, but very purposeful.