While Mario undoubtedly stands out as the flagship character of Nintendo, he is far from the only iconic mascot to have his own gaming adventures. In fact, a multitude of Nintendo characters have graced their own titles, each bringing unique charm and gameplay experiences to fans around the world.
Though some of these mascots have not shone as brightly in recent years, there remains a wealth of fantastic games featuring Nintendo’s beloved characters throughout the company’s extensive history. Before diving into the main feature, let’s pay homage to a few lesser-known mascots who are worthy of attention but have yet to enjoy the spotlight across multiple gaming titles.
- Toad: Captain Toad’s Treasure Tracker surprises with its engaging platforming mechanics, proving to be more delightful than anticipated despite its origins in Super Mario 3D World.
- Ness: While Ness has primarily appeared in Super Smash Bros., his sole titular game, Earthbound, is a cult classic that many hope will see a revival.
- Peach: Although Princess Peach: Showtime! is a fun, quick play, it lacks the depth needed for extensive engagement.
- Little Mac: The original Punch-Out with Mike Tyson continues to serve as the pinnacle of boxing games, delivering nostalgia and challenge in equal measure.
- Pit: Fans are eager for a sequel or a remastered edition of Kid Icarus: Uprising to bring this classic back into the limelight.
14 Inklings – Splatoon 3
Paint It Black
It’s fascinating that Nintendo ventured into the realm of team-based shooters, resulting in the creation of the Splatoon series. Each installment has impressively elevated the franchise, with Splatoon 3 emerging as a standout entry. Far from being a simplistic version of typical shooters, it combines engaging gameplay with a vibrant aesthetic.
Turf War uniquely emphasizes objective completion alongside combat, ensuring that matches remain exciting and dynamic. The level of polish, depth, and a compelling single-player campaign makes Splatoon 3 a testament to Nintendo’s innovative approach to game design in the competitive shooter arena.
13 Luigi – New Super Luigi U
An Underrated Platformer
New Super Luigi U elevates what could have been a forgettable Mario title into something truly remarkable. With the Luigi’s Mansion series gaining acclaim, it’s easy to overlook Super Luigi U, which stands out for its distinct features.
While maintaining familiarity with the New Super Mario Bros.series, it incorporates unique elements that take advantage of Luigi’s higher jump. Surprisingly challenging at times, it offers players a refreshing challenge compared to standard platformers.
Ultimately, Super Luigi U represents a necessary departure from the conventional Mario formula, refreshing the franchise with a new perspective.
12 Wario – WarioWare: Twisted!
Twist It!
The WarioWare series is celebrated for its collection of fast-paced and humorous mini-games. In the mid-2000s, WarioWare: Twisted! took the formula further by incorporating motion controls through a gyro sensor, setting a precedent for future Nintendo innovations.
The game offers one of the most creative and enjoyable collections of micro-games, establishing it as a defining title for the series and leaving a lasting impression on players. A revival of this innovative experience on the Nintendo Switch Online would undoubtedly rekindle enthusiasm among fans.
11 Kirby – Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Kirby’s Time to Finally Shine
Kirby’s journey has seen its share of ups and downs, but Kirby and the Forgotten Land represents a significant triumph. This game marks a major evolution for the franchise, transitioning seamlessly to 3D platforming while retaining the joy of strategic power-up acquisition through enemy absorption.
As Kirby embarks on this adventure, players experience a meticulously crafted world filled with charm and exploration. Although it may occasionally feel repetitive, the enchanting gameplay makes for an enjoyable experience from start to finish, especially with new content on the horizon.
10 Captain Falcon – F-Zero GX
Given New Life on Nintendo Switch Online
Fans have been eagerly awaiting a new F-Zero installment for far too long. While F-Zero 99 offers some nostalgic thrill, it doesn’t quite fill the void for a full-fledged new title. Luckily, F-Zero GX is now available on Nintendo Switch Online, allowing a new generation to experience this GameCube classic.
The game has aged remarkably well; its groundbreaking visuals and heart-pounding racing remain thrilling. While some aspects may show their age, the dynamic racing experience keeps players captivated. F-Zero GX sets a benchmark for futuristic racing games, leaving fans longing for the franchise’s revival.
9 Isabelle – Animal Crossing: New Leaf
The Best Animal Crossing Game
While Animal Crossing: New Horizons offered a delightful experience, it lacked the enduring charm that keeps players returning to Animal Crossing: New Leaf. This title remains my most played game in the franchise, surpassing even the original GameCube edition.
New Leaf set the standard with extensive content and player customization, introducing Isabelle, who quickly became a beloved mascot for the series. It captured my attention from day one, offering an immersive experience that eclipsed the excitement of new consoles like the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
No matter how much time passes, the nostalgia of New Leaf remains strong, representing the pinnacle of the Animal Crossing series.
8 Fox McCloud – Star Fox 64
Still A Great Arcade Shooter
Star Fox 64 holds a special place in many gamers’ hearts, including mine. Not only was it the first title I revisited when Nintendo 64 games hit the Switch Online catalog, but it was also my nostalgic choice during my honeymoon trip.
Although some may argue that the franchise hasn’t quite adapted to modern gaming, my affection for Star Fox 64 remains unwavering. The game is a timeless classic that deserves recognition, and its legacy continues to excite old fans and new players alike.
7 Link – The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
A Technological Achievement
As we shift into the heavyweights of Nintendo’s library, we find The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. This game truly stands as an incredible achievement, setting a high bar for action-adventure titles across the industry.
Tears of the Kingdom takes its predecessor, Breath of the Wild, and elevates it to new heights, offering an expansive world complete with floating islands and vast underground areas for players to discover. The innovative crafting system allows for limitless creativity, ensuring players can customize their approaches to obstacles in unique ways.
6 Captain Olimar – Pikmin 4
The Newest Pikmin Is Also The Best
For a long time, Pikmin 2 felt unbeatable, but Pikmin 4 successfully raises the bar. While the original title was limited by time constraints, its sequels have brought back the charm while navigating challenges in a more user-friendly manner.
Many players might find Pikmin 4 less punishing; however, this represents a once-frustrating design flaw, rather than a failure to challenge players. The game balances nostalgia and innovation impeccably and features engaging gameplay with added companions beyond the cherished Pikmin. And yes, there’s a lovable dog!
5 Mario – Super Mario Odyssey
Mario’s Best Outing
Just look at the image—where else can you be a T-Rex within the first moments of the game? Super Mario Odyssey is not just a platformer; it offers an exhilarating experience filled with exploration and creativity.
The gameplay feels extraordinarily fluid, allowing Mario to engage with the environment in ways only limited by players’ imaginations. With countless inventive mechanics, stunning visuals, an engaging soundtrack, and the added bonus of a co-op mode, it marks Mario’s pinnacle of gameplay design that resonates with both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Whether playing solo or with a partner, Super Mario Odyssey delivers joyful moments that captivate players throughout their journey. Every step in this imaginative world is a chance for adventure.
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