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Since its release, Mario Maker has become a success amongst critics and fans.
In a short period of time, the game has amassed a huge online community, creating their own levels and sharing them with other users.
For this reason and more, Mario Maker is already one of the best spin-offs of the iconic plumber’s main series. As a result this week’s Four of a Kind will detail four great Mario spin-off games.
Two rules apply to the list, the games presented allow players to continuing playing as Mario and these are not crossover titles.
1. Dr. Mario (NES, Gameboy)
An interesting gaming fact, before becoming the iconic plumber Mario was originally a carpenter in Donkey Kong. Occupation change has occurred more than once as Nintendo’s mascot has previously impersonated a physician, primarily in Dr Mario.
Cynics could argue Dr Mario is a Tetris clone and, to some extent, that would be correct. However the key difference between the two titles is the former created an objective for clearing blocks. In Dr Mario players have to eliminate multicolour viruses, in the same manner as Tetris’ coloured blocks, therefore creating a tangible goal for each stage.
Similar to Tetris the game is addictive and even more so do to numerous modes. For example Versus mode allows players to place lingering viruses on to their opponents’ side, thus making for tense experiences and strains on friendships.
2. Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door (Gamecube)
Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door improves on its N64 predecessor in almost every area.
Issues can be found in the constant switching of style, Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door offers a balanced mix of; Mario familiarities, unique personalities, a nice focus on Luigi and a compelling battle system that rivals most RPG games. The game also introduces Paper abilities, enabling Mario to transform into four forms in order to progress through certain sections.
Each ability correctly reflects what can be done with actual paper, demonstrating great thought behind them. Side quests do not only serve as a method of prolonging the game’s plot but some create interest plot points.
Finally the game contains many references to other Mario and Nintendo game essentially creating a fun, intriguing and in-depth experience.
3. Mario Tennis (N64)
Mario Tennis implements the basic core of tennis and applies both classic Mario tropes and an arcade feel.
Controls are very precise, responsive and simplistic. The graphics are classic Mario/Nintendo and in-game mechanics are strong. All aspects of the game are natural within the context; from delivering a well-placed return serve to blasting an animated power shot passed an opponent.
Animations are good and each character on the roster has a unique feel/approach consequently affecting the style of play for a match. Finally the impressive amount of modes included and court designs, ranging from standard tennis courts to Mario inspired playing fields, add enough variety to maintain longevity. Mario Tennis is not just a cash-in on a popular sport; it is a very good tennis game.
4. Mario Kart DS
Though it is a difficult decision, Mario Kart can be said to be the strongest entry in the series owing to a variety of reasons, the first being track design. Each of the original 16 tracks is brilliantly created and visually stunning.
Fundamentally each track has a purpose as well as showcasing a great sense of imagination. One of the compelling facets of Mario Kart DS is Mission Mode, a new feature to the series, allowing players to experience a new take on Kart racing.
Mission mode is very addictive with each mission using logic to prove it is not just an attached gimmick.
Lastly Battle Mode returns, tweaking the formula slightly due to the method of blowing into the internal microphone in order to inflate lost balloons as a method of survival.
That concludes this week’s Four of a Kind. As always feel free to leave a comment discussing the games listed above or titles that have been omitted.
Honourable Mentions: Mario Paint (Snes), Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga (Gameboy Advance), Super Mario Strikers (Gamecube), Mario Party 3 (N64), Mario Golf (N64) and Mario Hoops 3 vs 3 (DS)