By pipe-bending his way into audience’s heart’s everywhere, Nintendo’s Mario has remained a prominent figure in the gaming community. However, as Nintendo becomes more exclusive and other gaming platforms become more accessible, purchasing only Mario games seems limiting-- not to mention a serious drain on your bank account. Luckily, there are many accessible and affordable alternatives to Super Mario Bros, Mario Kart, RPGs like Paper Mario, and 3D platform games like Mario Sunshine. Wanna know where to find and download them? Follow our list for the 10 best alternatives to Mario games.
10. Giana Sisters
Giana Sisters is a platform game alternative to the classic Super Mario Bros series. With 80 new and 32 classic levels, you can run and jump to your heart’s content. Beat levels, battle dragons, and collect diamonds to help Giana save her sister. Download on the Apple/Google Play store for $1.99.
Giana faces fire to save her sister.
9. StarDash
Stardash is another platform alternative to the classic Super Mario Bros series. Missing the retro atmosphere of classic platforms? Look no further. Run, jump, collect coins, and discover secret temple levels to 90’s chiptunes and graphics. Download on the Apple/Google Play store for 1.99.
Dash through game boy advance like levels.
8. Super Dangerous Dungeons
Super Dangerous Dungeons is the 3rd platform alternative to Super Mario Bros series. Look for treasure and figure your way through 60 challenging courses. Dodge spikes, solve puzzles, run and jump to reach the legendary treasure. Download on the Apple/Google Play store for free.
Timmy the treasure hunter dodges blades and skeletons.
7. Alto’s Odyssey
Alto’s Odyssey is an innovative platform game with fresh gameplay, stunning graphics, and clever controls. Sandboard across vast deserts, sprawling canyons, and hidden temples. Battle the elements and board through wind vortexes, rising water, and sandstorms. Uncover mysteries. Download on the Apple/Google Play store for $4.99
Alto soars across a stunning landscape.
6. Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
Crash Bandicoot is possibly one of the most successful 3D platform games, spanning across several platforms. Spin, wump, and jump your way across three games and several adventures. Dodge rockets, climb skyscrapers, and battle robots in the new future tense level. Available on the Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox 1, and PC.
5. Sonic Forces: Racing Battle
Sonic Forces: Racing Battle is an innovative racing game alternative to Mario Kart. Run, sprint, attack, dodge, and set traps across several courses. Play single player or compete with players around the world to prove your merit. Download on the Apple/Google Play story for free.
4. Monster Galaxy: Exile
Monster Galaxy is an inventive RPG alternative to the Paper Mario and Pokemon games. Battle and tame several monsters and explore 14 spectacular worlds to overthrow the evil king Otho. Download to your PC from Amazon for free.
3. Black Magic II
Black Magic II is an up-and-coming platform/combat game from Roblox. Jump, dodge, dash, hop and block to defeat enemies. Wield weapons, perfect battle techniques, and uncover a vast mythology. Play on Roblox.com for free after signing up.
2. The Disney Afternoon Collection
The Disney Afternoon Collection is an alternative to the classic Super Mario Bros platform games. Unlike the previous games, The Disney Afternoon Collection is a compilation of 6 classic games. Jump, run, look for gold, be a hero, fight crime, fly, and take down the fat-cat. Play as 6 disney characters across several games. Available on the PS4, XBOX, and PC.Donald Duck almost loses his tail in a course filled with spikes and soldiers.
Donald Duck shoots a life saving shot.
1. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Possibly the best alternative to Super Mario Bros also comes from Nintendo. Donkey Kong Country has remained one of the most unique platform games. The latest edition, Tropical Freeze for the Nintendo Switch, is well worth your hard earned cash. Go bananas and destroy icy enemies. Travel across several islands as Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Cranky Kong, Dixie Kong--and now, Funky Kong! Available for purchase on the Nintendo Switch.
