Summary
Since the franchise’s beginning in 1985,Super Mariohas become one of video gaming’s most iconic and well-loved franchises. Many of the games are applauded by players of all ages and critics alike and feature fun addictive gameplay set on colorful islands, vivid galaxies, and even, technically, massive paintings.
The cast ofMariois large, but the mainline series predominantly features a standard lineup of characters. Some fan-favorite minor characters do not appear except in games that are spinoffs, which consist of kart racing, sports, and party games. Certain characters, in particular, have personalities and backstories vastly untapped and explored by the mainline games to this day. Though some were invented primarily to serve as another’s partner, others weren’t received warmly by fans, and still, some names are largely forgotten by the mainline series and reduced to invited characters in thebestMario Kartgames.
Appearing as part ofthe Wii’s best 3D platformers, Lubba is a pilot and mechanic. It was he, along with his team of Lumas, who built Starship Mario and made Mario captain. Lubba offered Mario his assistance and worked with him in the pursuit of Bowser and the Power Stars, wanting greatly to help. He is known for offering a light-hearted casual approach to the game; his sense of humor is quite infamous, and he even tells jokes.
Lubba also has a caring side, watching over Mario on his adventure, even warning players when their Wiimote is low on battery. He also acknowledges rough times in the game, advising regular breaks and telling players to not get frustrated. He has several lines of dialogue, dependent on Star Bit Count or the time of day playing. Unfortunately, Lubba hasn’t appeared or gotten referenced in any mainline games since; he makes cameos in a few spin-off and crossover titles, but nothing more.
Daisy didn’t have the greatest of introductions: when she first debuted in 1989on the Game Boy, players and critics thought she was too identical to Princess Peach. In 1993, Daisy became central to the plot of the intentionally forgottenSuper Mario BrosMovie (Not to be confused with 2023’s Illumination movie), though this served to tarnish her already weak status, as the film quickly became a commercial flop. Then she went on a hiatus until the year 2000.
However, she has been a key part of the cast of Mario spin-off titles. Her personality was revised, making her more of a tomboy with a feisty and competitive streak. She’s good at sports, though hates to lose at anything. Daisy’s also a strong ruler of her kingdom Sarasaland, as she’s only kidnapped once which is more than can be said for Princess Peach. Still, though Daisy arguably has a more likable personality than Peach, she still lives in the shadow of the more famous princess. Thankfully though, Daisy has seen a recent mainline appearance, inSuper Mario Bros. Wonder.
The Koopalings are an interesting bunch and have made several appearances throughout the franchise. Lemmy is the smallest and most childish of the group, but this should not make him any less intimidating to players. He’s quite skilled, with a unique personality.
Interestingly, Lemmy loves the circus, so much he would rather perform for one than constantly be out to wreak havoc for Mario and Co. He is also more powerful than his size and nature may let on: he demonstrates incredible balancing skill with his ball, can breathe fire, and even creates clones of himself inMario and Luigi: Superstar Saga. He was somewhat relegated to being the first, and easiest, boss inNew Super Mario Bros. U, despite being one of the more difficult ones in previous games. However, though he appears a silly juvenile character, he’s gotmuch strength and skillof his own which should be acknowledged.
It’s unfortunate that Waluigi isn’t seen outside the series' party games involving kart racers, sporting events, and board games. The purple-capped character, who debuted on the Nintendo 64, has not just become a staple of Mario spin-off titles, but a fan-favorite character in his own right. He clearly has a distinct, unique personality that has largely been left untapped. He comes across as a troublemaker alongside Wario, as well as being very boastful, proud, and rude to others.
Most interestingly though, he’s very cynical, the most so of the franchise. How this came to be isn’t really explored. Though he has not yet appeared in any mainlineMariogame, Waluigi has proven his skills in various sports. Yet, having the chance to prove what he’s capable of as a unique personality would be a welcome addition to the franchise.
She may have only appeared in a few titles in the large Mario franchise, but Pom Pom quickly made herself welcome. InSuper Mario 3D Land, she’s seen to have a cheeky flair and hates to lose. She’s loyal to Bowser and one of the higher-ranking members of his army and has been described as the Koopa Troop’s lone female.
Pom Pom can create clones of herself to aid her inbattles against Mario. She also has an elegant streak to her fighting. She has many layers to her personality and strives to be elegant, but can easily lose her temper. As seen inSuper Mario Party, she performs stylish animations, but when she loses at any mini-game she pouts furiously, even jumping up and down. It would be nice to see this vibrant character included in more titles.
Toadette is a female Toad character with an upbeat personality. She was initially created to just be Toad’s partner inDouble Dash!!for the GameCube system, but she’s seen many an appearance in spin-off titles. Even appearing as the host in someMario Partygames, she most recently became a playable character in the mainline andexpansiveSuper Mario Bros. Wonder.
Her cheerful charming personality has arguably been a little tarnished by her sudden disappearance and then reappearance across certain titles over the years. In theMario Partyseries, she hopped from being playableto suddenly non-playable, meaning her unique traits couldn’t be appreciated to the fullest extent. Nevertheless, this cheeky Toad is a fun addition to any Mario game.
