This is a fascinating - and important - piece for all developers I think. I was recently watching a documentary that identified this as a core problem with Super Mario Bros. 2 (Japanese version), and a core reason why Nintendo of America didn't want to bring that version to the USA initially.

Even at that time when video games were still fairly new as a medium, Nintendo recognised the importance of welcoming new players who may not be familiar with the franchise; even if it's a huge juggernaut like Mario.