Best Games to play if you love the Super Mario Franchise in 2024 (2024)

The Super Mario franchise has captivated gamers for decades with its timeless adventures, colorful worlds, and engaging gameplay. Whether you're hopping over Goombas or exploring the expansive Mushroom Kingdom, Mario games offer a unique magic. If you're a fan of the Super Mario series and want to explore more of the best adventure games that capture that same sense of fun and adventure, this guide has you covered. From classic platformers to creative indie titles, there's something here for everyone who enjoys Mario's charm.

After exploring the best games for fans of the Super Mario franchise, you might also want to upgrade your gaming experience with top-notch accessories. For instance, having the right controller can make a huge difference in your gameplay. Check out these best gaming controllers to have the perfect tools to master your favorite games.

Game Rant's Best Games to Play if You Love the Super Mario Franchise

Best Overall Game for Super Mario Fans

Hollow Knight

Forge your own path in Hollow Knight! An epic action adventure through a vast, ruined kingdom of insects and heroes. Hollow Knight is a classically styled 2D action adventure across a vast interconnected world. Explore twisting caverns, ancient cities and deadly wastes; battle tainted creatures and befriend bizarre bugs; and solve ancient mysteries at the kingdom's heart.

Forge your own path! The world of Hallownest is expansive and open. Choose which paths you take, which enemies you face and find your own way forward. Evolve with powerful new skills and abilities! Gain spells, strength and speed. Leap to new heights on ethereal wings. Dash forward in a blazing flash. Blast foes with fiery Soul!
Equip Charms! Ancient relics that offer bizarre new powers and abilities. Choose your favourites and make your journey unique! An enormous cast of cute and creepy characters all brought to life with traditional 2D frame-by-frame animation.
Over 140 enemies! 30 epic bosses! Face ferocious beasts and vanquish ancient knights on your quest through the kingdom.Chart your journey with extensive mapping tools. Buy compasses, quills, maps and pins to enhance your understanding of Hollow Knight’s many twisting landscapes.
A haunting, intimate score accompanies the player on their journey, composed by Christopher Larkin.

Metroidvania

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating:90/100 Critics Recommend:99%

Franchise

Hollow Knight

Platform(s)

Nintendo Switch , PC , PlayStation 4 , Xbox One , macOS , Linux

Released

February 24, 2017

Developer(s)

Team Cherry

Publisher(s)

Team Cherry

ESRB

E10+ for Everyone 10+: Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood

How Long To Beat

27 Hours

X|S Enhanced

No

PS Plus Availability

Extra & Premium

File Size Xbox Series

7 GB (November 2023)

Engine

Unity

Pros

• Engaging story and characters
• Beautiful, hand-drawn art style
• Available on multiple platforms

Cons

• High difficulty level
• Occasional backtracking

See Also

Street Fighter 6 Tier List: Ultimate Guide to Top Characters 💥

See at Official Site$15 at Steam$15 at Xbox Games Store$15 at Playstation Store$46 at Walmart$35 at Best Buy$15 at Nintendo eShop

Hollow Knight, developed by Team Cherry, is the best overall game for the fans of the Super Mario franchise, offering a captivating experience with its beautifully hand-drawn art and deeply engaging story. Available on PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, macOS, and Linux, this game presents an expansive world brimming with secrets and challenges, making it ideal for fans of the Super Mario franchise.

Although it features high difficulty and occasional backtracking, Hollow Knight's extensive gameplay length and character depth contribute to its standout status. The game's intricate level design and rewarding exploration keep players engrossed for hours. Hollow Knight remains the best overall game for the fans of the Super Mario franchise.

Best Nintendo Switch Game for Super Mario Fans

Ori and The Blind Forest

4.5

Moon Studios'Ori and the Blind Forest is a Metroidvania that focuses on platforming rather than combat. Ori, a guardian spirit, heads out on a journey to bring balance back to Nibel's forest. Originally released on Xbox One and PC, the game's Definitive Edition was eventually ported onto the Nintendo Switch.

Platformer

Adventure

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating:90/100 Critics Recommend:96%

Platform(s)

Xbox One , Switch , PC

Released

March 11, 2015

Developer(s)

Moon Studios

Publisher(s)

Microsoft Game Studios

ESRB

E For Everyone due to Mild Fantasy Violence

How Long To Beat

9 Hours

X|S Enhanced

No

File Size Xbox Series

9 GB (November 2023)

Engine

Unity

Pros

• Stunning visual design
• Engaging platforming challenges
• Emotional storytelling

Cons

• A long learning process
• Occasional difficulty spikes

See at Official Site$20 at SteamSee at Xbox Games Store$20 at Nintendo eShop$27 at Walmart$37 at AmazonSee at Best Buy

Ori and the Blind Forest is the best Nintendo Switch game for fans of the Super Mario franchise. This Metroidvania platformer, developed by Moon Studios and published by Microsoft Game Studios, emphasizes intricate platforming challenges over combat. The game's captivating design and emotional story have won over both players and critics. It's available on various platforms, including Xbox, PC, and Nintendo Switch, making it widely accessible.

While the game does have some difficult sections, its engaging gameplay and beautiful visuals make up for any challenges. Players can look forward to around 9 hours of compelling adventure, featuring skill-testing moments and touching experiences. For fans of the Super Mario franchise, Ori and the Blind Forest stands out as the best Nintendo Switch game.

Best Playstation 5 Game for Super Mario Fans

Animal Well

Shared Memory's Animal Well is a Metroidvania with exploration, puzzles, and platforming. Billy Basso's game takes place in a dense labyrinth filled with animals.

Metroidvania

Puzzle

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating:89/100 Critics Recommend:98%

Platform(s)

PS5 , PC , Nintendo Switch

Released

May 9, 2024

Developer(s)

Shared Memory

Publisher(s)

Bigmode

ESRB

E For Everyone Due To Mild Fantasy Violence

How Long To Beat

7 Hours

PS Plus Availability

Extra & Premium

Engine

Proprietary Engine

Pros

• Beautiful, atmospheric visuals
• Challenging puzzles
• Engaging exploration

Cons

• Approximate 7-hour playtime
• No spoken dialogue

$25 at Playstation Store$25 at Steam

As the best PlayStation 5 game for fans of the Super Mario franchise, Animal Well captivates players with its impressive Metroidvania-style exploration and puzzle-solving mechanics. Developed by Shared Memory and published by Bigmode, the game invites gamers into a complex maze filled with diverse animals and intriguing environments. The engaging gameplay and atmospheric design have been widely praised, earning a notable top critic rating of 89, with 98% of critics recommending it.

Though the game is relatively brief, with an estimated completion time of 7 hours, its depth and passion are evident throughout. The lack of spoken dialogue lets the visual storytelling shine, providing a distinctive and emotionally resonant experience. Available on platforms such as PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch, Animal Well is a must-play for fans of exploration and puzzle genres, making it the best PlayStation 5 game for fans of the Super Mario franchise.

Best RPG Game for Super Mario Fans

NieR: Automata

5.0

Invaders from another world attack without warning - unleashing the machine lifeforms. To break the deadlock, a new breed of android infantry is sent into the fray: the YoRHa squad. Highly-acclaimed and award winning NieR:Automata™ is a fresh take on the action role-playing game (RPG) genre that gracefully blends mesmerizing action with a captivating story.

NieR:Automata tells the story of androids 2B, 9S and A2 and their battle to reclaim the machine-driven dystopia overrun by powerful machines. Humanity has been driven from the Earth by mechanical beings from another world. In a final effort to take back the planet, the human resistance sends a force of android soldiers to destroy the invaders. Now, a war between machines and androids rages on... A war that could soon unveil a long-forgotten truth of the world.

Action RPG

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating:89/100 Critics Recommend:93%

Franchise

NieR

Platform(s)

PS4 , Xbox One , PC , Switch

Released

March 7, 2017

Developer(s)

Platinum Games

Publisher(s)

Square Enix

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood, Partial Nudity, Strong Language, Violence

How Long To Beat

22 Hours

Engine

Proprietary Engine

Pros

• Stunning art design
• Engaging combat
• Customizable gameplay

Cons

• Technical issues
• Requires prior series knowledge

See at Official Site$40 at Steam$40 at Xbox Games Store$40 at Playstation Store$40 at Nintendo eShop$35 at Walmart$40 at Best Buy

NieR: Automata stands out as the best RPG game for fans of the Super Mario franchise. It captivates players with its stunning art design and compelling storytelling. Developed by Platinum Games and published by Square Enix, this action RPG delves into the enigmatic NieR universe through the perspectives of Androids 2B and 9S. The game's combat is both engaging and customizable, offering a rewarding experience that keeps players invested.

While there are some technical issues and a bit of required background knowledge, NieR: Automata's philosophical themes and beautiful soundtrack elevate it to a remarkable level within its genre. These qualities solidify its reputation as the best RPG game for fans of the Super Mario franchise.

Best Single-player Game for Super Mario Fans

Hades 2

The first-ever sequel from Supergiant Games builds on the best aspects of the original god-like rogue-like dungeon crawler in an all-new, action-packed, endlessly replayable experience rooted in the Underworld of Greek myth and its deep connections to the dawn of witchcraft.

BATTLE BEYOND THE UNDERWORLD
As the immortal Princess of the Underworld, you'll explore a bigger, deeper mythic world, vanquishing the forces of the Titan of Time with the full might of Olympus behind you, in a sweeping story that continually unfolds through your every setback and accomplishment.

MASTER WITCHCRAFT AND DARK SORCERY
Infuse your legendary weapons of Night with ancient magick, so that none may stand in your way. Become stronger still with powerful Boons from more than a dozen Olympian gods, from Apollo to Zeus. There are nearly limitless ways to build your abilities.

MINGLE WITH (MORE) GODS, GHOSTS, AND MONSTERS
Meet a cast of dozens of fully-voiced, larger-than-life characters, including plenty of new faces and some old friends. Grow closer to them through a variety of new interactions, and experience countless unique story events based on how your journey unfolds.

EVERY RUN IS ITS OWN ADVENTURE
New locations, challenges, upgrade systems, and surprises await as you delve into the ever-shifting Underworld again and again. Reveal the mysteries of the Arcana Altar, tame witchy familiars, and gather reagents using Tools of the Unseen to get closer to your goal.

THE PERKS OF IMMORTALITY
Thanks to a variety of permanent upgrades and the return of God Mode, you don't have to be a god yourself to experience whatHades IIhas to offer. But if you happen to be one, you can brave escalating challenges for greater rewards, and prove just how divine you really are.

Action

Roguelite

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating:90/100 Critics Recommend:100%

Franchise

Hades

Platform(s)

PC

Released

2023-00-00

Developer(s)

Supergiant Games

Publisher(s)

Supergiant Games

Engine

Proprietary Engine

ESRB

t

Pros

• Engaging story and presentation
• Top-notch aesthetic and voice acting
• Familiar mechanics with new changes

Cons

• Some mechanics may require relearning
• Not available on consoles yet

See at Official Site$30 at Steam$30 at Epic Games Store

As the best single-player game for fans of the Super Mario franchise, Hades II is a remarkable follow-up to the cherished original. It continues the story with the same compelling narrative and high-quality presentation that fans love. Additionally, as a Roguelite action game available on PC, it offers familiar mechanics and new elements that keep the experience engaging and exciting.

Some mechanics may take a bit of time to master, adding to the challenge and enjoyment of the game. The exceptional aesthetic and voice acting enhance the immersive experience, making it feel more complete than many recent AAA titles. Hades II reflects Supergiant Games' commitment to quality, bringing Kronos' end to an epic conclusion. It is undoubtedly the best single-player game for fans of the Super Mario franchise.

Best Multiplayer Game for Super Mario Fans

Stardew Valley

You’ve inherited your grandfather’s old farm plot in Stardew Valley. Armed with hand-me-down tools and a few coins, you set out to begin your new life. Can you learn to live off the land and turn these overgrown fields into a thriving home? It won’t be easy. Ever since Joja Corporation came to town, the old ways of life have all but disappeared. The community center, once the town’s most vibrant hub of activity, now lies in shambles. But the valley seems full of opportunity. With a little dedication, you might just be the one to restore Stardew Valley to greatness!

RPG

Simulation

Systems

OpenCritic Reviews

Top Critic Rating:90/100 Critics Recommend:99%

Platform(s)

PC , Xbox One , Android , iOS , PS4 , Switch

Released

February 26, 2016

Developer(s)

ConcernedApe

Publisher(s)

ConcernedApe

Multiplayer

Local Multiplayer , Online Multiplayer

Engine

Proprietary

ESRB

E for Everyone (Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Simulated Gambling, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco)

How Long To Beat

53 Hours

Steam Deck Compatibility

Verified

X|S Enhanced

No

File Size Xbox Series

1 GB (November 2023)

Split Screen Orientation

Vertical or Horizontal

Number of Players

1-4

Local Co-Op Support

1-4 Players

Cross Save

cross-progression is only available between the PC and mobile versions of the game

Cross-Platform Play

Stardew Valley does not currently support crossplay between different consoles and PC

Pros

• Supports both local and online multiplayer modes
• Rich blend of RPG and simulation genres
• Compatible with multiple platforms

Cons

• Time management can be stressful
• Simulated gambling elements

See at Official Site$15 at Steam$15 at Xbox Games Store$15 at Nintendo eShop$15 at Playstation Store$35 at WalmartSee at Best Buy

Stardew Valley is the best multiplayer game for fans of the Super Mario franchise. Crafted by ConcernedApe, this indie title skillfully blends RPG and simulation elements, delivering a captivating and immersive experience. The game is accessible on a variety of platforms, including PC, Xbox One, PS4, Switch, Android, and iOS. It features both local and online multiplayer modes, offering flexibility for different gaming preferences.

While the time management aspects can introduce some stress, they also add a layer of challenge that keeps the gameplay engaging. Frequent updates from the developer and a multitude of activities and discoveries mean that players are always presented with new content to enjoy. Stardew Valley remains the best multiplayer game for fans of the Super Mario franchise, showcasing how an indie game can offer a rich and enjoyable multiplayer experience.

Choosing the Best Games if You Love the Super Mario Franchise

When selecting a game to play as a fan of Super Mario, it's essential to consider:

• Gameplay Style: Look for games that offer similar platforming mechanics and adventure elements.
• Character Appeal: Games with charming and memorable characters that capture the same charm as Mario and friends.
• Creativity and Level Design: High-quality level design and creative environments that keep the experience fresh and engaging.

FAQ

Q: What makes these games a good fit for Super Mario fans?

These games share characteristics with Super Mario, such as engaging platforming mechanics, colorful graphics, and creative level designs.

Q: Where can I find these games?

Most of these games are available on popular gaming platforms like Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. Check digital stores or physical retailers for availability.

Q: What types of games are similar to the Super Mario series?

Look for platformers that emphasize creative level design, vibrant worlds, and engaging mechanics. Games that feature exploration, jumping puzzles, and colorful graphics are often great alternatives.