Mario has come a long way from the 1980’s. Back then there were only a handful of games and characters. There has since been dozens of games and hundreds of unique characters introduced. The Mario universe is packed with personality, and while Mario might be the face of the franchise, the supporting cast often steals the show.
Here are my top 10 favorite characters from the Super Mario Universe!
1. Yoshi
Yoshi isn’t just a loyal steed; he’s a powerhouse with a flutter jump that has saved us from many a bottomless pit. Plus, he is the star of his own series of games like Yoshi’s Island. He is always my top choice for Mario Party and Mario Kart.
2. Toad
Toads might get a bad rap for telling us our Princess is in another castle, but the little guy is fearless. Toads are friendly and their voice is iconic. They might be the most hilarious characters in the series, always finding themselves in chaotic situations.
3. Bowser Jr.
As a kid, Bowser Jr.’s reveal in Super Mario Sunshine was iconic. His encounters are always fun, and he has some cool fights. His use of his koopa clown car and machines like Megaleg and Megahammer, shows that he has a knack for machines which I find interesting.
4. Luigi
The ultimate player 2. The man in green is the most relatable character in the roster. He’s often terrified and lives in his brother’s shadow, and yet—he shows up anyway. Whether he’s “Mama Luigi” or giving a death stare, Luigi is always iconic.
5. Mario
The legend himself. You can’t have a list without him. He’s the gold standard of platforming and the perfect hero. Simple, iconic, and always ready for adventure.
6. Bowser
The King of the Koopas is one of the greatest villains in gaming history. He’s gone from a simple axe-throwing boss to a complex character who occasionally teams up with Mario when the world is ending. He loses so often, but he will always keep trying to achieve his goals, and that’s admirable.
7. King Boo
Boos have always been a standout adversary of the Mario brothers, so making a more powerful and villainous king Boo for Luigi’s Mansion was a genius move. He provides the perfect spooky aesthetic for the Luigi’s Mansion series and it’s cool to have a threat that isn’t Bowser.
8. Peach
Peach plays a major role in the Mario series. When she’s not kidnapped by Bowser, she’s been able to stand out, from her floating jump in Super Mario Bros. 2 to her recent starring role in Princess Peach: Showtime! She’s an iconic character and the Mario series could not exist without her.
9. Rosalina
The protector of the cosmos brought a bit of mystery and depth to the series. Her debut in Super Mario Galaxy gave us a beautiful, melancholic backstory that we don’t usually see in Mario games.
10. Wario
Every series needs a rival, and Wario is Mario’s. He’s greedy, crude, and hilariously over-the-top. Whether he’s hunting for gold or making weird microgames, Wario brings the chaos and comedy.
What do you think of my list? Who are your favorite Mario characters?
Let me know in the comments!
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