3 Mario Spinoffs That Accidentally Became Better Than the Main Games

Mario has always been the face of Nintendo since its venture into the video game industry. He has defined platformers and is a name that is synonymous with gaming itself. His mainline adventures have brought joy to generations of gamers and as Nintendo continues to expand the platforming genre. Not only this, but Mario and the Mushroom Kingdom feature a developed cast of iconic characters that support Mario in their own games and others. Mario’s success has led to other spin-off series, most notably the Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros. series, that have charmed players around the world.

One of the best aspects of these spin-off games is that they allow Nintendo to experiment outside of the platforming genre. Experimenting in this way has even allowed some of these spin-off games to surpass Mario’s own games thanks to unique mechanics, deeper narratives, and fresh perspectives on the franchise fans know and love. These three Mario spin-off games have proven they can stand toe-to-toe with Super Mario Odyssey, Super Mario 64 or Super Mario Bros. Wonder.

3) Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle

Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle was the biggest surprise for Nintendo fans. When the crossover was first revealed, no one thought it would work. Mixing Mario with Ubisoft’s bizarre Rabbids was one thing, but turning the whole thing into an Xcom-style strategy game? That sounded even more out of left field and did not leave many hopeful.

Against all odds it worked, and worked so well it got a sequel and almost a third game. Ubisoft captured the heart and charm of Mario and combined this with the chaos and humor of Rabbids to create one of the biggests hits on the Nintendo Switch. It offered a gameplay Mario had never attempted before, which is saying a lot considering how diverse Mario’s lineup is. But more than a gameplay twist, it offered a fresh perspective on the iconic franchise while honoring its identity.

Instead of racing through levels, players were plotting moves and chaining combos together. Mario’s platforming genes translated into fun movement, the Mushroom Kingdom environments were beautifully twisted with Rabbids shenanigans, and the humor from character interactions felt natural. Many expected this spin-off to be a failure, but it showed how experimenting with even long-established universes can be done correctly with the right vision.

2) Super Mario RPG

Square Enix started a new trend for Mario when it collaborated with Nintendo to create Super Mario RPG. The Paper Mario and Mario & Luigi series would never have existed had this title not been released. The two studios collaborating allowed Mario to leave his 2D world behind and adopt turn-based combat and stat-based progression, two things Square Enix had mastered through its own RPG series.

The combat system blended traditional RPG mechanics seen in RPGs with action-based button presses that felt true to Mario’s platforming experience. This foundation would not only influence Mario’s other RPG series, but go on to inspire modern titles like Sea of Stars and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a Game of the Year contendor. Beyond its combat and gameplay mechanics, the world of Super Mario RPG was such a refreshing take on the Mushroom Kingdom.

Characters felt more alive, had more depth, and dialogue carried more weight. Mario was more than just a guy in overalls running and jumping through levels. It gave Mario’s world a beating heart by deepening existing characters and introduced original characters like Geno who have become fan favorites today. More than this, Super Mario RPG showed Mario could thrive in games that weren’t platformers, and opened the door for more possibilities for Nintendo’s mascot.

1) Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

If Super Mario RPG opened the door, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door strutted through that door and redefined what a spin-off could be. This GameCube game was a masterclass in storytelling, design, and charm. Both it and its first game, Paper Mario, are some of the most beloved games in Nintendo’s history, which is a shame considering the direction the Paper Mario series has taken, but that’s a tale for another day.

What stands out most is the game’s storytelling, but its wit, paper aesthetic, and gameplay are all big parts of The Thousand-Year Door’s success. Its world feels so alive and full of charm and its characters, like Koops and Vivian, are heartfelt and authentic. From quirky companions to bizarre villains, the game balances humor with genuine emotional stakes. This is paired with a combat system that built upon and expanded those of its predessecors, creating an engaging gameplay loop.

For many fans, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is the best Mario spin-off game. Its impact is so enduring, fans demanded a remake for years until Nintendo finally listened. The Paper Marioseries has a legacy of captivating stories, unique themes, and colorful worlds waiting to be discovered. The remake showed how powerful this legacy is, and fans are hopeful the Nintendo Switch 2 Paper Mario game will go back to the first two games’ roots.

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