The different games in theMariofranchise are some of the most iconic games in video game history. Originating from the firstDonkey Konggame and only known as ‘Jumpman’, Mario would soon become the world’s most beloved plumber, and have his name on many game titles.
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There are several series that fall under theMarioumbrella which includes the platformerSuper Marioseries, a few puzzle games,several role-playing games, sports games, party games, and more. Most people can find a game from the franchise that they like, even if they aren’t into platformers. This wide variety of game genres isthanks to Shigeru Miyamotoand Nintendo taking chances andexperimenting with different things to make theMariogames enjoyable for everyone.
8Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga
The games in theMariofranchise don’t tend to get too heavy, there will be intense moments during battles or touching moments between Mario and his friends, but the game generally stays lighthearted.Mario & Luigi: Superstar Sagais different from other games in that there is an even bigger emphasis on humor and lightheartedness.
The names of locations in the game like Chateau de Chucklehuck, andenemies like Blablanadonemphasize that the game is meant to be silly and whimsical. It’s also the very first game in theMario & Luigiseries where players have to control both brothers at the same time.
7Super Mario Maker Series
There are certain courses ofMariogames that either make players weep for joy or out of frustration. And whenSuper Mario Makerwas released it gave fans the power to make courses that bring out those same emotions. TheSuper Mario Makerseries lets players create courses using the styles and gameplay of manyMariogames.
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Different enemies, objects and other elements were used and manipulated to create unique courses. Players were also able to share their courses online and let others from around the world, play them. TheSuper Mario Makerseries has led to several creative and detailed courses and has even given companies the opportunity to advertise in the game, like with theinfamous Arby’s LevelinSuper Mario Maker 2.
6Dr. Mario
When people think of what type of gameplay they can find in aMariogame they probably first think of the platforming elements or of the party games.Marioas a puzzle game probably doesn’t come to people’s minds, unless they’re familiar with theDr. Mariogame series.Dr. Mariowas released in 1990, and it took Mario out of his overalls and put him in a lab coat.
Dr. Mariois a falling block puzzle game where the “blocks” are different colored vitamin capsules that the player has to use to destroy the virus of each level. Itbecame a huge successand led to the creation of several otherDr. Mariogames, including a remake of the original game for the Nintendo 64 and aDr. Luigigame.
5Super Mario RPG: Legend Of The Seven Stars
Until 1996, the games in theMariofranchise have been mostly either platformers or puzzle games. That all changed whenSuper Mario RPGwas released.Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Starswas the first RPG game in the franchise, and it was also the last Mario game to be made for the SNES.
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The game was developed by both Nintendo and Square, and it took heavy inspiration from the gameplay of Square’s RPG games, likeFinal Fantasy. Players start off with just Mario but as the game progresses characters like Princess Peach ane even Bowser, will join their party.
4Paper Mario: Sticker Star
AfterSuper Mario RPG, thePaper Mariogame series took up the mantle of RPGs in the franchise. The games in thePaper Marioseries all share a similar paper cutout art style and has Mario traverse through 3D paper craft environments.Paper Mario: Sticker Staris apart of thePaper Marioseriesbut differs greatly from the games before it.
Where the previous games used things like an experience point system, special move points, badges, etc. to progress and move through obstacles, inSticker Star, Mario has to collect stickers to gain new abilities. Stickers are a very important gameplay element as they are needed to solve puzzles and are Mario’s main method of attack.
3Bowser’s Fury
Bowser’s Furywas released in 2021 and bundled with the Switch release ofSuper Mario 3D World. With cover art that sets it apart from most otherMariogames with how dark and intense it is, it is the firstMariogame to be considered open-world. Games likeSuper Mario 64andSuper Mario Odysseydrifted close to what an open-worldMariogame would feel like, andBowser’s Furycomes even closer.
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After playing through the tutorial, players can go collect Cat Shrines at the different islands that make up the archipelago of Lake Lapcat. Players can go to any of those islands in any order they like. There is also the new gameplay element where a kaiju-sized Bowser appears in the world and changes the daytime into a nightmarish and fiery nighttime setting. It happens every few minutes with no set pattern and can happen at anytime. Players can wait out the Fury, collect a Cat Shrine to end it or try their luck and fight Bowser head on.
2Mario Is Missing
It’s undeniable that Mario is the main character of the franchise, but there are several other characters who make the franchise what it is today. There’s Princess Peach, there’s Bowser and of course there is Mario’s brother, Luigi. Luigi being second fiddle to Mario is a widely held belief among fans of the series despite Luigi being a main character since the firstMario Brosgame in 1983.
But it wouldn’t be until 1993 that Luigi gets to star in his own game.Mario Is Missingis part of a collection of educational games in the franchise. Players have to help Luigi return stolen treasures from all over the world to rescue his brother from Bowser. While the game isn’t the most celebrated in the franchise, without it, fans may have never gotten othergames with Luigi as the main characterlikeLuigi’s Mansion.
1Super Princess Peach
The vast majority of other titles in the franchise feature the titular character and his brother working together to save the world and, more often than not, Princess Peach.Super Princess Peachbreaks the mold by flipping the script, putting Peach into the position of rescuer, while Mario and Luigi become the damsels in distress who have been captured by Bowser.
Released in 2005,Super Princess Peachis a traditional platforming game that keeps the heart of Mario alive, but with some extra benefits that come fromplaying as the princess, such as infinite lives. To this day, it’s among the fifty best-selling games for the Nintendo DS.
