TheSuper Mariogamesare generally defined as a platforming adventure starring Mario and friends: Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, Toad, Donkey Kong, and more.
Sometimes, however, Mario himself is absent from these games. Maybe he’s off busy playing sports or having a party.
Mario needs some time off for whatever reason, but that doesn’t mean these games are worse for it. Sometimes, they’re just as good, or even better, than mostSuper Mario Games.
Today, we’re celebrating the best Mario games without Mario.
10Yoshi’s Story
Pop-up platforming
Yoshi’s Story
Nintendo has never been shy about experimenting with their non-Mario Mario games, andYoshi’s Storyis a perfect example of that.
Its gameplay is less similar to that of a traditionalSuper Mariotitle. Instead, it aims for a more accessible, straightforward approach thanYoshi’s Island.
What wins people over withYoshi’s Storyis its charm. It’s an adorable game that presents itself as a children’s pop-up book.
As a result, this is a great choice for an introduction to Nintendo gaming or a simple way to spend a day with an easy game, but don’t expect any serious meat on the bone here.
9Princess Peach: Showtime!
Lights, camera, action
Princess Peach: Showtime!
Peach has had two starring roles now, this andSuper Princess Peachfor the Nintendo DS, but we’re giving the nod to the Switch entry.
Not only does it present Peach as a protagonist worthy of a starring role, but it does so with the backing of a strong story and solid gameplay.
While its difficulty may not compare to some of the other games we’ll discuss, don’t let that dissuade you from enjoying it. There’s still plenty to see and do, andPrincess Peach: Showtime!is well worth the admission.
8Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3
Wario time!
Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3
After his introduction inSuper Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins, Wario is given his own game inWario Land: Super Mario Land 3for the original Game Boy.
The game is a culmination of everything Nintendo learned and refined from the pastSuper Mario Landgames, combined with plenty of new and unique ideas to help it stand out from other Mario games.
Super Mario Land 3is a faster-paced, more action-packed experience that feels familiar and unique. Its style of play is still inspiring the genre today, with games likePizza TowerandAntonblast.
7Donkey Kong 64
Walnuts, peanuts, pineapple smells
Donkey Kong 64
To callDonkey Kong 64a massive game is an understatement. This is an absolute beast of a game, brimming with expansive levels and infinite collectibles.
Some argue that the game is too big, but unlike the bloated nature ofBanjo-Tooie,Donkey Kong 64never feels like it lets the game get out of reach.
The one drawback is the lack of quality-of-life enhancements; being unable to switch between characters on the fly requires a lot of backtracking.
Despite this,Donkey Kong 64is a massive achievement in platforming that perfects 3D controls and provides hours upon hours of entertainment.
6Luigi’s Mansion 3
Luigi’s Mansion 3
The most recent entry in theLuigi’s Mansionfranchise not only refines what works from the first twoLuigi’s Mansiongames but also pushes the series forward.
While it may be more linear than its predecessors, it creates a gameplay experience that constantly keeps things feeling fresh and well-paced throughout.
The linear experience also allows for greater attention to detail. This is not only one of the best-looking games on Nintendo Switch but also one of the more well-thought-out ones.
Luigi’s Mansion 3is a tighter experience that removes some of its predecessors' bloat and down moments, delivering an enjoyable experience from start to finish.
5New Super Luigi U
The year of Luigi
New Super Luigi U
Nintendo declared 2013 “The Year of Luigi,” withNew Super Luigi Uas one of its marketing centerpieces.
The game is an expansion ofNew Super Mario Bros. U. While the gameplay feels familiar to its 2012 predecessor,New Super Luigi Udoes what otherNew Super Mario Bros. games fail to do: offer a unique, fresh experience.
Nintendo capitalizes on Luigi’s unique characteristics, particularly his ability to jump higher than Mario. This results in a familiar yet new experience that’s ultimately a much-needed breath of fresh air.
4Yoshi’s Woolly World
Well-crafted
Yoshi’s Storywas all about style and not enough substance.Yoshi’s Woolly Worldis the balance of style and substance that is desperately needed.
It’s one of the more accessibleNintendo platformerson the market, but plenty of challenges are still available for those seeking them out.
Yoshi’s Woolly Worldcapitalizes on its unique look and feel, combining the yarn aesthetic with gameplay elements that make sense and showcase its creativity.
Don’t let its looks deceive you. While its visual style is the draw,Yoshi’s Woolly Worldwill win you over with its unique ideas.
3Donkey Kong Country
Donkey Kong Country
With its iconic theme, cutting-edge 3D graphics, and exceptional gameplay,Donkey Kong Countryis a breakthrough platformer that showed the world the genre doesn’t belong solely to Mario.
With its wide variety of levels, excellent environmental design, impressive challenge, and precise controls,Donkey Kong Countryis the gold standard for the Super Nintendo-era platformer.
It provides an excellent change of pace from theSuper Mariofranchise, constantly throwing new ideas and challenges at the player.
Best of all, despite its difficulty, it never feels impossible, meaning once you finally complete a level, it’s an enriching experience.
2Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Cold as ice
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Before the release ofSuper Mario Odyssey, you can argue theDonkey Kong Countryfranchise was the better platformer.
Exhibit A isDonkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, which retains the foundation of theDonkey Kong Countryfranchise’s various levels and platforming challenges in a modern gaming experience.
Tropical Freezeavoids the pitfalls of theNew Super Mario Bros.games by offering an excellent balance of challenge and accessible platforming gameplay, all while keeping things fresh and constantly changing.
It knows how to push the genre forward rather than relying on nostalgia.
Puzzle platforming perfection
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
What began as a playable level inSuper Mario 3D Worldeventually became the best Mario game without Mario.
Captain Toad: Treasure Trackeris a delight in every sense of the way. Its puzzle platforming is an absolute treat, and its level design is some of the best seen in a Nintendo game.
Each level’s diorama style allows for an impressive amount of exploration. This includes traversing the level and utilizing the game’s camera to discover secrets.
Captain Toad: Treasure Trackeris a simple idea that’s executed flawlessly. If you missed out on the game for whatever reason, you owe it to yourself to go back and play through it.
