Anyone can create an article at Bitmob just by clicking the “New Post” button at the upper-right corner of the web page. Some writers, however, need a helping hand with choosing their first topic. Each month, the Bitmob Writing Challenge gives our community a new subject to write about and hone their skills. The series helped me out when I first started, and hopefully this month's Crossover Appeal challenge does the same for you. 

What made Super Mario Kart a success besides having Mario in it? While other racing games of the time were fairly straightforward, Mario Kart introduced jumps, shortcuts, and items players could use to win races. Because of those mechanics, Mario Kart tracks operated in the same way that levels in Super Mario World worked. Drivers can hop over hazards, attack and overtake their rivals with items, and use shortcuts in the same manner as the secret routes of its cousin. Super Mario Kart was not only a racing game with Mario characters, but it also carried over the platforming mentality the franchise is known for.

When you enjoy two games from different genres, sometimes both titles contain common elements that appeal to you. For example, part of why I like the Star Ocean series is because you could combo attacks together like in fighting games. But the connection is deeper than that, and it’ll be your job to find out what it is.

The rules are:

• Write a 400-800 word article on the similarities between two games of different genres. Madden and Halo: Combat Evolved. Tetris and Guitar Hero. Is there a common bond that makes you like both?
• For the purposes of this article, use the broadest definition of the word “genre” possible. Mario Kart and Gran Turismo are both about racing. StarCraft and Advance Wars are both strategy titles. I won't punish people because their subjects are too similar, but make an effort to have them be as different as possible.
• You can use two games that are technically within the same franchise, such as the Super Mario Kart example above. Just make sure you discuss gameplay and not how much you love Yoshi.
• Post the article by May 31st, 2011. Include "Bitmob Writing Challenge" in the tags, not the prompt title, so that I can find them in a search.

Here is an example piece I've written about Final Fantasy 13 and Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes if you need more inspiration. Keep in mind that any article you post for the next two months will also be in the running for the Super Bitmob Giveaway contest, where you can win at least five games and a load of swag.

Good luck.