PlayingMariogames for the plot often seems like an oxymoron, even to the most dedicated fans of this iconic Nintendo franchise. Admittedly, most iterations do follow the same formula. Peach is kidnapped, more often than not by Bowser, and Mario must journey through varying platform levels to save her. But despite this tried-and-true storyline remaining fairly unchallenged, there are manyMariogames that also offer something more compelling.
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Whether it’s introducing new characters, expanding upon established backstories, or exploring brand-new worlds within the universe, there are several games in the franchise that successfully do something a little different. Some even feature plot twists that the most eagle-eyed players weren’t expecting.
7Super Mario Bros 2
After the smash hit success of the originalSuper Mario Brosgame in 1985, Nintendo needed to quite literally up their game for the sequel. Though another game much closer to the original would release under the same title in Japan, Nintendo America insisted on something different.Super Mario Bros 2features several game mechanics that set it apart from its predecessor, namely the option to choose from four characters to complete each level.
In terms of story, this game makes a few big changes too. Princess Peach, then known as Princess Toadstool, is no longer a damsel in distress and is instead an active protagonist. This departure from the classic rescue-the-princess formula was quitesignificant for the arcade era. And, though the “It was just a dream…” trope can be considered overdone in modern media, it was a startling discovery to fans at the time.
6Mario & Luigi: Partners In Time
The extensiveness of theMariofranchise means that there are many different game styles and genres within its plethora of titles. One of the more common genres Nintendo has introduced is theturn-based action RPG. As many gamers will know, RPGs naturally lend themselves to better storytelling elements than more traditional platformers.Mario & Luigi: Partners in Timeis one such RPG.
The core story of thisMariogame features time travel, an alien invasion, and baby versions of some of the most beloved characters in the series.Mario & Luigi: Partners in Timeintroduce the antagonistic race of Shroobs who have fled their own dying planet and invaded the Mushroom Kingdom in the past. Peach, Mario, and Luigi all journey into the past to put an end to this invasion and must team up with the infant versions of themselves to defeat the Shroobs.
5Super Mario RPG: Legend Of The Seven Stars
The earliest of Nintendo’sMarioRPGs isSuper Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Starswhich was released for the SNES in 1996. It was designed by the fantasy RPG juggernaut Square Enix, then known as Square. Though the game starts out with the classic Peach kidnapping scenario, the game evolves into a grand quest to save the entire Mushroom Kingdomfrom new foes.
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The Smithy Gang are primary antagonists of this game and take the form of anthropomorphic weapons. Mario, Peach, and Bowser make an unlikely pact to work together to defeat these foes in order to restore the status quo to their world. Mario and his allies also unite with two new characters, Mallow and Geno. With its new friends, new foes, and new challenges,Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Starshas an impressively rich storyline.
4Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga
Like its successor title,Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time,Mario & Luigi: Superstar Sagais one of only a few turn-based RPGs in the franchise. Released in 2003 for the Game Boy Advance, the game is the first title in theMario & Luigiseries of games. The game itself is set in an entirely new region ofthe Mushroom Kingdomthat appears only in this title.
The main plotline of the game is that Mario and Luigi must journey to the Beanbean Kingdom to recover Peach’s stolen voice. Within this new land are the Beanish people led by Prince Peasley and Queen Bean. The main antagonists are the witch Cackletta and her devoted follower Fawful. ThroughoutMario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, players are introduced to unique characters, an elaborate new world, and complex layers of disguise.
3Super Mario Sunshine
Super Mario Sunshinehas long been a fan-favorite within theMariofranchise. It’s one of the best-selling games for the Nintendo GameCube, which was the platform it was released for in 2002.Super Mario Sunshinereceived critical acclaim following its release for the depth of its gameplay and its fun, distinct design.
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Though its story revolves around the same central formula of rescuing Princess Peach,Super Mario Sunshinerefreshes the concept with the compelling story elements it adds. With thedebut of Bowser Jr.in this game,Super Mario Sunshinetells a surprisingly poignant story about fatherhood through the relationship between Bowser and his son.
2Super Mario Galaxy
Much likeSuper Mario Sunshine,Super Mario Galaxywas a refreshing entry into the franchise due to its unique cosmos-centered design and gameplay. It remains one of the keyWii games that has aged incredibly wellover the years and also has plenty of replay value. In the years since its release, it’s been widely considered one of the greatest video games of all time, and earned itself a port to the Nintendo Switch throughSuper Mario 3D All-Stars.
In addition toSuper Mario Galaxy’simpressive graphics and accolades, it contains one of the best storylines in the franchise too. The game introduces players to Princess Rosalina, a powerful figure whose main task is to watch over the cosmos and the Lumas. Her backstory is one of the most emotional in the entire series, and she is undoubtedly one of thebest Nintendo parentsaround.
1Super Paper Mario
ThePaper Marioseries is renowned for having some of the best storylines in theMariofranchise. However, from the list of this series’ titles,Super Paper Mariotakes the ultimate crown. Its writing is humorous and full of insider references to gaming culture, which makes it easy for players to connect with the story.
Super Paper Mariofeatures a forbidden romance, a malicious universal threat,a complicated villain, and even a journey to heaven and hell. The story contains enough twists and turns to make Shakespeare envious and even begins with a comical forced marriage between Peach and Bowser. All is well by the end, of course, as Mario and his friends help to renew a couple’s love for one another and save the universe from destruction in the process.
