Playing Mario games 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 in order to save her. But despite this tried-and-true storyline remaining fairly unchallenged, there are many Mario games that also offer something more compelling.
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.
7 Super Mario Bros 2
After the smash hit success of the original Super Mario Bros game 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 2 features 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 quite significant 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.
6 Mario & Luigi: Partners In Time
The extensiveness of the Mario franchise 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 the turn-based action RPG. As many gamers will know, RPGs naturally lend themselves to better storytelling elements than more traditional platformers. Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time is one such RPG.
The core story of this Mario game features time travel, an alien invasion, and baby versions of some of the most beloved characters in the series. Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time introduce 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.
5 Super Mario RPG: Legend Of The Seven Stars
The earliest of Nintendo’s Mario RPGs is Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars which 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 Kingdom from new foes.
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 Stars has an impressively rich storyline.
4 Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga
Like its successor title, Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga is 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 the Mario & Luigi series of games. The game itself is set in an entirely new region of the Mushroom Kingdom that 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. Throughout Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, players are introduced to unique characters, an elaborate new world, and complex layers of disguise.
3 Super Mario Sunshine
Super Mario Sunshine has long been a fan-favorite within the Mario franchise. It’s one of the best-selling games for the Nintendo GameCube, which was the platform it was released for in 2002. Super Mario Sunshine received critical acclaim following its release for the depth of its gameplay and its fun, distinct design.
Though its story revolves around the same central formula of rescuing Princess Peach, Super Mario Sunshine refreshes the concept with the compelling story elements it adds. With the debut of Bowser Jr. In this game, Super Mario Sunshine tells a surprisingly poignant story about fatherhood through the relationship between Bowser and his son.
2 Super Mario Galaxy
Much like Super Mario Sunshine, Super Mario Galaxy was a refreshing entry into the franchise due to its unique cosmos-centered design and gameplay. It remains one of the key Wii games that has aged incredibly well over 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 through Super Mario 3D All-Stars.
In addition to Super Mario Galaxy’s impressive 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 the best Nintendo parents around.
1 Super Paper Mario
The Paper Mario series is renowned for having some of the best storylines in the Mario franchise. However, from the list of this series’ titles, Super Paper Mario takes 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 Mario features 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.