Nintendo has developed an extensive cast of characters for theSuper Mariofranchise since the popular plumber made his solo console debut on the NES in 1985. From staple characters like Mario’s brother Luigi and Princess Peach to later additions likeSuper Mario Sunshine’s Bowser Jr. andSuper Mario Galaxy’s Rosalina, it’s not hard to find someone to like. However, given the disconnected nature of many games in the series, spin-offs such as the recently released Switch titleMario Golf: Super Rushare the most common place to see them all together.
There has been more of an effort to see characters other than Mario share the spotlight in mainline platformer titles over the last few years.Super Mario 3D Worldsaw the return of playable characters Luigi, Peach, and Toad from the AmericanSuper Mario Bros. 2alongside Rosalina, and its Switch re-releaseSuper Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Furyadded Bowser Jr.to the mix. Much less was done in the 3D sandbox gameSuper Mario Odysseythough, outside of Pauline returning from the originalDonkey Kongarcade game as the brand-new mayor of New Donk City.
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This version of Pauline also appears inMario Golf: Super Rush, as does oddball returning characterKing Bob-omb fromSuper Mario 64. The charm that these and every other golfer exhibit in the sports game is evidence that more longtime castmates should appear in sandbox titles to followOdyssey, as Nintendo has more than demonstrated their staying power and likeability.
Mario Golf: Super Rushhas 17 characters, with each aforementioned representative alongside Wario and Waluigi, Princess Daisy, Yoshi, Donkey Kong, Bowser, Boo, Chargin' Chuck, and customizable Mii golfers. With the exception of the more generic enemy characters, Yoshi, and Donkey Kong, everyone gets unique attire for the game that says a little about their personalities. Wario’s outfit has a cowboy hat, Waluigi’s is reminiscent of 1920s gangster fashion, Toad looks like a valet with a sweater vest, and Bowser Jr.’s hat looks like the Koopa Clown Car.
However,Speed Golf and Battle Golf modesare really where the personalities stand out. These let players challenge one another outside the slower, turn-based confines of traditional golf while adding an emphasis on special shots and dashes that vary and speak to each characters' style. It’s a lot more hectic than every character simply putting, but from Rosalina summoning her Luma to Pauline using her singing and affiliation with fireworks, it’s hard not to fall for each wacky denizen of the Mushroom Kingdom and beyond.
Sports games,Mario Kart, andMario Partyare where many of these characters have shined. Daisy took on more of her tomboy personality from games likeMario Golfas opposed to her original appearance in 1989’sSuper Mario Land,andfan-favorite character Waluigiwas introduced to be Wario’s doubles partner in 2000’sMario Tennis. But those who have not appeared in traditional sandbox Mario games either recently or at all should get the opportunity to display their quirks and personalities more openly.
As previously mentioned, Nintendo has gotten better in games likeOdyssey, seen via the re-introduction of Paulineand the opportunity for both Peach and Luigi to spread their wings more by trying different outfits and activities. It’s easy to imagine aSuper Mario Odyssey 2that brings Mario back to places like Sarasaland so fans can finally see Daisy in her fully realized natural habitat, or giving characters like Yoshi and Donkey Kong the chance to re-integrate their developed universes back into a 3D sandbox world.
Once that happens, the opportunity to bring back less-recognizable characters like theBeanbean people fromMario and Luigi: Superstar Sagacould be discussed too - as unlikely as that may seem. While it’s good to see Nintendo continue to experiment with newer additions like the Broodals inOdyssey, after 35 years it would also behoove the Japanese gaming giant to give fans more of the colorful cast they’ve come to know and love.
Mario Golf: Super Rushis available now on Nintendo Switch.
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