10. Sonic the Hedgehog
Sonic is such a great game to play for many kids and adults. Play as Sonic, a blue hedgehog, and travel the world in sonic speed. The goal is to defeat Dr. Eggman in his mischievous plans and save the day. This game is similar to Mario as it is a platform game.
The game is also similar because it includes friends you can play with such as Amy, or Knuckles.
The game's goal is to collect as many rings as possible while going super fast to get an A on every level. Move through levels as fast as lighting in order to get to Dr. Eggman.
9. Effie
This game is perfect for someone who wants to discover something new but still wants comfort.
Effie is a race against time to the fullest. A man is cursed with a life of old age. Play as Galand in his quest to get his youth back. Solve puzzles, complete challenges, and fight monsters.
This game is similar to “Super Paper Mario”, with all of the challenges and puzzles to discover. Not to mention the impactful lore in the game.
The goal of the game is to speed as fast as you can on your skateboard-like machine and defeat monsters on the way all to retrieve your youth.
8. Psychonauts
Follow a boy named Raz, as he escapes the circus to join a summer camp for special kids.
These special kids all have psychic abilities, along with Raz. All of the kids are training to be Psychonauts, which are spy kids.
This game is similar to Mario as it is a platform game.
This game also includes quirky side characters similar to Mario. The goal of the game is to explore the camp while fighting monsters. Do you have what it takes to become a Psychonaut? Find out while playing this fantastic platformer.
7. Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
The 3 classic Bandicoot games come together on the switch!
Play as Crash who explores missions in order to defeat Doctor Neo Cortex. Use spinning and jumping to attack monsters and smash crates to retrieve items.
This game is similar to Mario considering Crash and Mario both have jump and spin attacks. They also both have an enemy. Mario has Bowser as an enemy, and Crash has Doctor Neo Cortex.
The goal of this game is to defeat challenges and levels, to get to the boss. Explore different places and collect items along the way.
6. Banjo Kazooie
Join a bear named Banjo and a red bird named Kazooie on a marvelous adventure.
Discover puzzles and exploration throughout the levels in order to complete a job. That job is to defeat Gruntilda, an evil witch who is out to get you.
This game is similar to Mario with its silly adventures and enemies. Another similarity is the lore, it’s plain and simple just like the original Mario games. Go through levels and defeat the enemy.
The goal of this game is very simple, go through levels and defeat Gruntilda in a boss battle.
5. The Great Giana Sisters
Meet Giana, a fighting warrior who goes on a quest.
Though these quests aren't what they seem, all of the levels are her own nightmares. Travel through 33 different levels to help Giana fight for her sister Maria.
This game is heavily based on Mario and you can see it just through the game's art style. Not only is it a platformer just like Mario, but you also collect coins (that take the shape of crystals) along the way.
The goal of the game is to beat all of the levels in her nightmare and save her sister Maria. Only then, will she be awakened by her sister.
4. Fortune Street
This game is very similar to Monopoly, as you play on a color-coated board representing districts.
Buy shops and expand them and even become a part of the Stock Market. Stocks can be purchased at the bank or Stockbroker Square.
This game is very similar to Mario Party but with a twist. The classic Mario characters are in the game and you roll the dice to determine the player's moves just like Mario Party.
The goal of the game is to collect as many shops and districts as the player can before the game is over. Don’t forget to check out Stocks along the way to boost your chances of winning.
3. Donkey Kong Country
You have to play this highly-rated platform game starring Donkey Kong and the famous Diddy Kong (Donkey Kong’s little brother).
Join them on a journey to stop King K. Rool from stealing their hoard of bananas. Walk, run, or roll through many different environments with help from Donkey Kong’s Pound to discover new items.
This game is very similar to Mario considering the one who started it all, Donkey Kong, is the star of the show. Another similarity is that they are both heroes trying to stop an evil villain.
The goal of this game is to beat all 40 levels and bring home the bananas for Donkey and Diddy.
2. Super Princess Peach
Join Peach, away from Mario, on a special journey.
Mario and Luigi are captured by Bowser for the first time and it is Peach’s job to save them. With her trusty Parisol Perry, and her ability to internalize emotions into power (like fire when she’s angry, and tears to grow plants when she’s sad) there’s nothing to stop this girl's power.
This game is very similar to Mario as it is a platform game. Another similarity is evil Bowser back at it again, and the plan to stop him.
The goal of the game is to beat all of the levels, defeat Bowser, and head home with your loved one and Luigi.
1. Super Luigi U
Beat new and old favorite Mario levels, while playing as Luigi.
This “Year of Luigi” celebration game is a fan favorite. The level designs are more difficult and they only start at 100 seconds on your clock.
This game is very similar to Super Mario Bros. U considering it has a very similar level structure and includes Bowser's kids. Not to mention it also has a time limit similar to the one Mario has.
The goal of the game is to go through each world and battle each of Bowser’s kids one by one. Finally, beat Bowser in the final boss battle. Do you have what it takes to beat Bowser as Luigi?
These were the best games like Super Mario and I’m sure you found one that catches your eye. Take into consideration how different, or similar these games are but they all have one thing in common. Their similarities to Mario.
Overall these games took a big inspiration from Mario and will be in the history of games for a long time. Whether or not you found a game that meets your needs, I’m sure of one thing and that is I believe you can find a good game out there.
