Super Mario Quest is a themed retrospective that helps teams power up performance by exploring what to start, stop, and continue, all in a fun, game-inspired context.

When to use this template

Use this format at the end of a sprint or project phase when your team could benefit from a playful and energizing review that spotlights improvement, obstacles, and successful practices.

How to facilitate

Welcome the team and introduce the Mario Quest theme to get everyone into a playful problem-solving mindset.

Clarify the three columns: Grab New Power-Ups (new things to try), Dodge the Goombas (obstacles to avoid), and Collect More Coins (practices to keep doing).

Give team members time to add their thoughts to each column individually, encouraging everyone to draw from specific recent examples.

Invite the group to review the ideas together, discuss high-impact suggestions, and group similar items where relevant.

Facilitate a discussion to prioritize actionable items for each column—focus on a few improvements or experiments to try in the next sprint.

Wrap up by recapping agreed actions and celebrate the team’s successes—consider linking back to the Mario theme by celebrating ‘level-ups’ or ‘high scores’.

Pro Tips

Encourage team members to use playful language and references to make the experience memorable and boost engagement.

Use the Mario theme as a safe way to surface tough feedback—framing problems as ‘Goombas’ can lower defensiveness.

Encourage quieter team members to share their ideas first to balance voices before group discussion.

If possible, play short Mario sound effects or background music to create a fun atmosphere and draw energy into the session.

FAQ

How do I help the team focus on actionable improvements and not just playful ideas?

Guide the discussion towards concrete next steps for each column, and summarize with clear owners or actions. The theme is for energy, but results matter.

What if some team members aren’t familiar with Mario?

Quickly explain the main metaphors (power-ups=good habits, Goombas=problems, coins=successes) and emphasize that creative ideas are welcome whether or not they use the theme.

How do I keep the session on track and not overly distracted by the Mario theme?

Remind the team of the timebox and use the theme as a light wrapper; keep discussion focused on real team issues and actions.

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At a glance

Duration
30–40 min
Team Size
3-10 people
Columns
3 columns
Base Format
Start, Stop, Continue

Ready to get started?

Use this template to run your next retrospective

🍄🌟 Super Mario Quest

Level up your sprint with a Mario-themed adventure! Power-up your teamwork, avoid pitfalls, and keep collecting those coins of success as we journey to our next castle. Let’s see how we can make our quest even better!

Template Columns

🍄 Grab New Power-Ups

🚫 Dodge the Goombas

⭐ Collect More Coins

About this template