Mario Games you never though they existed!

Mon,Dec 09 ,2024

Over the years, the Super Mario franchise has expanded far beyond its iconic platforming roots, with some spin-offs and hidden gems that you might not have known existed. Here’s a look at some Mario games that are lesser-known or downright bizarre:

1. Super Mario Bros. 2 (Japan) – Lost Levels

• While most know Super Mario Bros. 2 as the quirky follow-up released in North America, the true Super Mario Bros. 2 was released only in Japan as Super Mario Bros. – The Lost Levels. This game was far more difficult than the international version, with tougher enemies, complex level designs, and new mechanics. It was too hard for Western audiences at the time, so it was shelved and replaced with the Doki Doki Panic reskin that became the Super Mario Bros. 2 everyone knows today.

2. Mario’s Hotel (1992)

• Released exclusively for the Game Boy in Japan, Mario’s Hotel is a strange, lesser-known game where Mario manages a hotel. It’s a strategy game where players help Mario run a hotel by organizing rooms, serving customers, and dealing with unexpected events. It’s a unique and puzzling game that doesn’t resemble anything in the main Mario series but still has Mario’s charm.

3. Super Mario Bros. Special (1986)

• Released for the NEC PC-8801 and other Japanese computers, Super Mario Bros. Special is an obscure version of the original Super Mario Bros. made for Japanese home computers. It was developed by Hudson Soft and wasn’t a direct port of the NES version. The game had some interesting changes, including different level designs and a heavier focus on time trials.

4. Mario Teaches Typing (1991)

• Released on the PC in the early ’90s, Mario Teaches Typing is an educational game designed to teach typing skills, starring Mario and Luigi. It’s a surprisingly charming and helpful game where Mario, Luigi, and other characters guide you through typing lessons and challenges. It might not be the first Mario game you’d think of, but it’s an interesting and unique part of the franchise’s history.

5. Super Mario’s Wacky Worlds (Cancelled)

• Super Mario’s Wacky Worlds was a game in development for the Philips CD-i console in the early ’90s. This game was supposed to be a 3D platformer with Mario and Luigi traveling through various themed worlds, but it was ultimately cancelled due to poor development. The Philips CD-i versions of Mario games (like Hotel Mario) are often remembered as some of the most bizarre and poorly received, but Super Mario’s Wacky Worlds was intended to be different.

6. Mario Paint (1992)

• Released for the Super Nintendo, Mario Paint was a creative software tool that let players create digital artwork, animations, and even simple music using a mouse-like controller. It wasn’t a traditional Mario game but featured Mario characters and a variety of creative tools, including a “Fly Swatter” mini-game. It’s one of those rare, quirky Mario spin-offs that didn’t focus on traditional gameplay.

7. Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars (1996)

• Though it’s now beloved by fans, Super Mario RPG was a strange experiment for the franchise. A turn-based RPG developed by Square (now Square Enix), it features Mario teaming up with unusual allies, including Mallow (a cloud prince) and Geno (a possessed puppet). The game mixes RPG elements with Mario’s platforming roots and remains a unique entry in the Mario franchise, despite its cult following.

8. Mario’s Time Machine (1993)

• Released for the Super Nintendo and later ported to the PC, Mario’s Time Machine is a history-based educational game where Mario travels through time to collect famous historical artifacts that Bowser has stolen. It’s an educational game that features Mario solving puzzles and learning about historical events. It’s definitely one of the stranger Mario titles out there, especially for players expecting a traditional platformer.

9. Mario and Wario (1993)

• This obscure game was released for the Super Famicom (Japan-only). In Mario and Wario, you control Wario as he tries to help Mario and his friends escape various dangerous scenarios. The gameplay revolves around guiding characters through puzzle-like levels using a special “headgear” to interact with obstacles. It’s an odd one but has some interesting ideas that set it apart from the typical Mario gameplay.

10. Mario Kart Arcade GP (2003)

• While many people know the Mario Kart series, not everyone is familiar with the arcade version of the game, Mario Kart Arcade GP. Developed by Namco, it featured unique mechanics, characters, and stages not seen in the home console releases. Characters from Namco’s Pac-Man series even appeared as playable characters, adding a fun crossover element to the game. The game spawned a few sequels, but these arcade versions never made it to home consoles.

11. Super Mario Bros. & Friends: When I Grow Up (1999)

• A very unusual game, Super Mario Bros. & Friends: When I Grow Up was released for the PC and aimed at young children. It’s an educational game where Mario and friends explore various careers and job opportunities, such as becoming a firefighter, doctor, or astronaut. The game was focused on helping children learn about different professions, all within the colorful and cheerful world of Mario.

12. Super Princess Peach (2005)

• While not completely unknown, Super Princess Peach for the Nintendo DS is a unique Mario game because it places Princess Peach in the lead role. The gameplay focuses on Peach’s emotions, and each emotion (such as happiness or sadness) has unique powers that help her solve puzzles and defeat enemies. It’s a fun twist on the typical Mario formula but isn’t often as talked about as other Mario titles.

13. Dr. Mario 64 (2001)

• Dr. Mario 64 is an often-forgotten title in the Mario franchise. Released for the Nintendo 64, it’s a puzzle game where Mario plays the role of a doctor trying to eliminate viruses by matching colored pills. While it shares many similarities with the original Dr. Mario on the NES, the 3D visuals and N64 controller make it feel fresh and different, but it never gained as much attention as other games in the Mario series.

14. Mario Sports Mix (2010)

• Mario Sports Mix was a 3D Mario sports game released on the Wii. While it included familiar sports like basketball, volleyball, and hockey, it also featured fantasy-style elements, with power-ups and crazy Mario-like twists. Despite offering some fun multiplayer action, it never became a major hit like Mario Kart or Super Smash Bros., and often gets overlooked in the massive catalog of Mario games.

Conclusion

These obscure Mario games show how the franchise has experimented with different genres and concepts over the years, from educational titles to RPGs, arcade games, and more. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the Mario universe, these titles offer a fascinating look at how Mario has branched out in ways you may never have imagined!