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'''Genres''' are different types of [[games|video games]] classified by gameplay. With over 200 entries, the [[Mario (series)|''Mario'' series]] has included a variety of different genres. The oldest Mario games started out as platformers, but with the introduction of the [[Super Nintendo]] and [[Nintendo 64]], many new genres of ''Mario'' games were created.
{{see also|List of games by genre}}
'''Genres''' are different types of [[List of games|video games]] classified by gameplay. With over 300 entries, the [[Super Mario (franchise)|''Super Mario'' franchise]] has included a variety of different genres. The first ''Super Mario'' games were platformers, but the series has since spun off into various other genres.


==Types of Genres==
==Platform games{{anchor|Platform}}{{anchor|Platformer}}==
===Platform===
[[File:SMB Super Mushroom Screenshot.png|thumb|left|[[Mario]] in [[World 1-1 (Super Mario Bros.)|World 1-1]] of ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'', one of the oldest and most popular 2D platformers]]
[[File:SM64BobOmbBattlefield.png|thumb|right|[[Mario]] running in the course [[Bob-omb Battlefield]], which is from ''[[Super Mario 64]]'', the first three-dimensional platform game in the ''Mario'' series.]]
'''Platform games''' (often called '''platformers''') require players to control a character who traverses [[level]]s consisting of a multitude of [[platform]]s of varying elevations to reach or attain a particular goal. A staple mechanic of platformers is the ability to [[jump]] or otherwise perform acrobatic techniques to cross environments, both of which are concepts that have become the foundation of the ''Super Mario'' franchise.


Platform games consist of going through levels to reach a goal. The majority of ''Mario'' games fit under this category. This genre can be divided into two sub-genres; Sidescrollers and three-dimensional platformers. Sidescrollers are the most common type of platform game and usually allow travel in only one or two directions. Three-dimensional platformers allow travel in any direction and usually consist of the newer ''Mario'' platform games. A sidescroller may have three-dimensional graphics, like ''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]'', but it is still classified as a sidescroller.
[[File:SM64BobOmbBattlefield.png|thumb|Mario running on the [[Bob-omb Battlefield]], which is a course from ''[[Super Mario 64]]'', the first three-dimensional platform game in the ''Super Mario'' franchise]]
Many games of the ''Super Mario'' franchise fall within the platformer genre, which itself can be divided into two sub-genres: two-dimensional and three-dimensional.


The 3D platformers have a feature that brings up a menu of what star to get whenever Mario enters an area (except ''[[Super Mario 3D Land]]''). The player can select a star they've gotten once before, and fight any of the bosses as many times as they want.
'''Two-dimensional''' (or '''2D''') '''platformers''' (also known as '''side-scrollers''') typically allow travel in only two directions, parallel to the player's view of the game. These infrequently feature some third-dimensional gameplay features (such as plane-hopping in ''[[Virtual Boy Wario Land]]''), and modern side-scrollers tend to be rendered with three-dimensional graphics, as in the [[New Super Mario Bros. (disambiguation)|''New Super Mario Bros.'' subseries]]. These are still considered side-scrollers, as their movement is still generally restricted to the lateral plane. Two-dimensional entries in the [[Super Mario (series)|''Super Mario'' series]] tend to feature linear, left-to-right gameplay objectives.


Most ''[[Mario (series)|Mario]]'' platformers are part of the ''Super Mario'' series. The only exception is ''[[Super Paper Mario]]'', which is the only platformer from the [[Paper Mario (series)|''Paper Mario'' series]], being a mixture of platformer and RPG genres.
'''Three-dimensional''' (or '''3D''') '''platformers''' allow travel across multiple horizontal axes, either with the use of three-dimensional graphics rendering (as in ''Super Mario 64''), or with clever parallel visual projection techniques applied to two-dimensional images (as in ''[[Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars]]''). Three-dimensional entries in the ''Super Mario'' series tend to explore more non-linear gameplay progression, although some entries such as ''[[Super Mario 3D Land]]'' are structured much like their side-scrolling counterparts.
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===Role Playing===
As the ''Super Mario'' franchise is rooted in platforming gameplay, most entries and genre spinoffs still include platforming elements, including those that do not typically feature platforming elements, such as puzzle games and RPGs. As a result, the series frequently blurs the lines between genre definitions.
[[File:Tubba Blubba's Heart Attack.png|thumb|left|A screenshot of the batlle with Mario and [[Bow]] versus [[Tubba Blubba's Heart]] in ''Paper Mario''.]]
Role playing games (often abbreviated as RPGs) place Mario in a major role. Common gameplay features in RPGs include detailed storylines, a large cast of [[character]]s and the ability to [[Level Up|level up]]. Mario's first appearance in a RPG was in ''[[Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars]]''. Later, the [[Paper Mario (series)|''Paper Mario'' series]] and [[Mario & Luigi (series)|''Mario & Luigi'' series]] were introduced. Another common feature in RPGs is the ability to use items and equip [[List of weapons in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars|weapons]], [[Armor (Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars)|armor]], [[clothing]], [[badge]]s, and [[Accessory|accessories]]. These items can be bought at [[Item Shop|shops]] or be found in [[block]]s and [[Treasure Chest|treasure chests]]. RPGs often have multiple playable characters with unique stats and [[Special Moves|abilities]]. ''Mario'' role playing games often contain platforming elements.


The battle system usually involves Mario, his partner(s), and enemies taking it in turns to attack, with action commands to every move. The ''Paper Mario'' series differs slightly from the other RPGs because the damage and HP ratio is lower and Mario and his partner will always attack first, and attack power is achieved by getting hammers and boots rather than leveling up. ''Paper Mario'' is also split into chapters for which stars Mario must get, and has chapter bosses, with minibosses along the way, while neither really exists in the other RPGs; only bosses, identifiable by different battle theme and higher HP (and often they are characters). ''Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars'' and ''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door'' make it possible to completely defend against attacks (excluding magic attacks in ''Super Mario RPG''), or at least reduce the amount of damage taken. In the ''Mario & Luigi'' series it is possible (and often necessary) to avoid enemy attacks altogether.
For the list of platform games, see [[:Category:Platforming games]].
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With the exception of ''[[Paper Mario]]'' and ''[[Paper Mario: Sticker Star]]'', [[Bowser]] is never the antagonist in RPG's, though he fights Mario in all of them. Two of them (''Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars'' and ''Super Paper Mario'') even have him join Mario's team (though usually his intent is to take over the world himself once the greater threat is out of the way). He is also a playable character in four of the RPGs: ''[[Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars]]'', ''[[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]'', ''[[Super Paper Mario]]'', and ''[[Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story]]''. Out of these four, only ''[[Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars]]'' and ''Super Paper Mario'' actually has him join forces with Mario, even though in ''Bowser's Inside Story'' he is fighting against the same enemies as Mario. ''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door'' simply had Bowser (and Peach) being playable in intermissions between the main chapters.
==Role-playing games{{anchor|Role-playing}}{{anchor|RPG}}==
[[File:MLSS BM Beanie battle.png|thumb|left|Mario and [[Luigi]] battling two [[Beanie]]s in the RPG ''[[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions]]'']]
'''Role-playing games''' (often abbreviated as '''RPGs''') are games where players act as Mario in a longform story. Traditionally, an RPG consists of two types of gameplay: an "overworld" portion where Mario moves around the game world and interacts with other game characters, and a "battle" portion where Mario fights enemies encountered in the overworld gameplay. RPGs commonly include detailed storylines and a large cast of characters. Battles usually assign all involved characters numerical stats, which are used in the battle to determine the results of attacks. [[level up|Leveling up]] is a common conceit, allowing the player to increase their stats to make the characters stronger. RPGs often have playable characters aside from Mario, who have different abilities and stats compared to him.


[[Luigi]] had major roles in all three ''Mario & Luigi'' games, and ''Super Paper Mario'', although the earlier games did not involve him as much. He only had small cameos in ''Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars'', and though he does appear in the first two ''Paper Mario'' games, Luigi has no role in the plot. He is off on his own adventure in ''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door'' and frequently recounts his experiences to Mario.
Another common feature in RPGs is the ability to equip weapons, armor, [[clothing]], [[badge]]s, and accessories. These items can be bought at [[Item Shop|shops]] or be found in [[block]]s and [[treasure chest]]s, and often have the effect of further increasing stats. Many games have special moves, which are stronger than the normal attacks that characters use. They are learned by the characters as the player progresses through the game and cost points (e.g., [[Bros. Point]]s in the ''[[Mario & Luigi (series)|Mario & Luigi]]'' series) in order to use them.


RPGs also feature good Goombas, Koopa Troopas, and other creatures who usually appear as enemies.
Mario's first appearance in an RPG was in ''Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars''. Later, the [[Paper Mario (series)|''Paper Mario'' series]] and ''Mario & Luigi'' series were introduced.  Role-playing games of the ''Super Mario'' franchise often contain platforming elements. For instance, Mario still jumps as his primary action in the "overworld" gameplay, and moving through areas sometimes requires jumping across platforms. Normal ''Super Mario''-franchise enemies, such as [[Goomba]]s and [[Koopa Troopa]]s, make appearances.
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===Party===
The battle system usually involves Mario, his [[party member|partner(s)]], and enemies taking turns to attack. Attacks usually have [[Action Command]]s, meaning that the attacks are more effective if the player makes an input at the correct time during the animation. Similarly, Action Commands can be used against enemy attacks, causing them to inflict reduced damage to the player characters.


Party games are multiplayer games usually involving short [[minigame]]s. This genre is dominated by the [[Mario Party (series)|''Mario Party'' series]], but the [[WarioWare (series)|''WarioWare'' series]] and ''[[Itadaki Street DS]]'' are also part of it. While most party games involve multiple players, some party games are single player, like certain ''WarioWare'' games. Luck is a large factor in party games, but [[player]]s must also have a certain degree of skill. Party games are rarely played competitively and are usually played casually, although many also have story modes that can be completed.
The ''Paper Mario'' series differs slightly from the other RPGs because the damage and [[Heart Point|HP]] ratio is lower and Mario and his partner always attack first. The characters' attack power is increased by collecting [[hammer]]s, boots, or [[HP-Up Heart]]s rather than leveling up. ''Paper Mario'' is also split into chapters for which stars Mario must get, and it has chapter bosses, with minibosses along the way, while neither really exists in the other RPGs; only bosses exist, identifiable by different battle theme and higher HP (and often they are characters).
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=== Racing ===
In the ''Mario & Luigi'' series, instead of using Action Commands to block attacks, gameplay revolves around avoiding enemy attacks. Many attacks can also be [[Counterattack|countered]], fully negating the attack and inflicting damage onto the opponent.  
[[File:4player DD.jpg|left|thumb|Multiple players racing in the versus mode of ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]''.]]
Racing games involve speedy competitions with other characters. The main objective in racing games is to reach the goal before the other racers and attain first place. Nearly all Mario racing games are part of the [[Mario Kart (series)|''Mario Kart'' series]], except for ''[[Diddy Kong Racing]]'', ''[[Diddy Kong Racing DS]]'' and ''[[Donkey Kong Barrel Blast]]''. All racing games in the Mario series involve [[item]]s or power-ups which can do various things like slow down the other racers or speed up the player. Racing games also build on this by providing battle modes in which items are used as weapons. Online racing was introduced with the release of ''[[Mario Kart DS]]'' and is integrated in every Mario racing game since.
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===Sports===
Various other games incorporate RPG elements, stats, and levels, but they are not traditional RPGs in the sense the aforementioned series are. ''[[Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition]]'' combines the puzzle genre with the RPG genre. Enemy characters can damage the player's characters with Skills after a certain number of turns have passed. By matching [[Orbs]] in the puzzle gameplay, the player's characters can damage the enemies. Other examples of games using RPG mechanics are some of the handheld games of the [[Mario Tennis (series)|''Mario Tennis'' series]] and [[Mario Golf (series)|''Mario Golf'' series]], namely ''[[Mario Tennis (Game Boy Color)|Mario Tennis]]'' and ''[[Mario Golf (Game Boy Color)|Mario Golf]]'' for the [[Game Boy Color]], ''[[Mario Tennis: Power Tour]]'' and ''[[Mario Golf: Advance Tour]]'' for the [[Game Boy Advance]], and ''[[Mario Golf: World Tour]]'' for the [[Nintendo 3DS]]. Players can purchase equipment and level up to increase their stats as they do in an RPG, which makes the characters stronger in the sport gameplay.  
[[File:MSM 1-1 Hockey.png|thumb|right|[[Mario]] in the sports game, ''Mario Sports Mix''.]]
Sports games, like the name implies, are games based on sports. Unlike most conventional sports games, ''Mario'' sports games feature items and obstacles. Racing and fighting games are sub-genres of sports games. The genre started with ''[[Golf]]'' for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]]. This genre of ''Mario'' games did not become well known until the release of the [[Nintendo 64]] with games like ''[[Mario Tennis (Nintendo 64)|Mario Tennis 64]]'' and ''[[Mario Golf (Nintendo 64)]]''. Currently, ''Mario'' sports games include golf, racing, tennis, soccer, basketball, fighting, baseball, and Olympic events. There is only one game that has four sports and that is ''[[Mario Sports Mix]]''.
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===Puzzle===
For the list of role-playing games, see [[:Category:Role-playing games]].
[[File:Warios_Woods.png|thumb|A screenshot from the NES version of ''[[Wario's Woods]]''.]]
{{br}}
Puzzle games test the player's reflexes and knowledge. The objective in most ''Mario'' puzzle games is to clear the screen of various objects similar to ''[[Tetris]]''. However, a few ''Mario'' puzzle games incorporate different types of gameplay such as ''[[Mario's Picross]]'' and [[Yakuman DS|mahjong]]. Games belonging to this genre include the ''[[Dr. Mario (series)|Dr. Mario]]'' series, ''[[Wario's Woods]]'', and ''[[Yoshi's Cookie]]''. Unlike most ''Mario games'', puzzle games do not have items. However, they generally have a large cast of characters.
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===Fighting===
==Party games{{anchor|Party}}==
[[File:Multiplayermelee.jpg|thumb|left|A basic VS battle in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', involving [[Mario]], [[Samus]], [[Ness]], and [[Fox]].]]
[[File:MPS Cast Aways.jpg|thumb|A screenshot of the minigame [[Cast Aways]] in the party game ''[[Mario Party Superstars]]'']]
Fighting games pit characters against each other in combat. The objective of most fighting games is to knock out the other characters. Fighting games are a sub-genre of sports games. This genre has exclusively been a part of the crossover ''[[Super Smash Bros. (series)|Super Smash Bros.]]'' series.
'''Party games''' are games usually involving short [[minigame]]s. This genre is dominated by the [[Mario Party (series)|''Mario Party'' series]], but the [[WarioWare (series)|''WarioWare'' series]], ''[[Itadaki Street DS]]'', and ''[[Fortune Street]]'' are also part of it. While most party games involve multiple players, some party games are single player, such as certain ''WarioWare'' games. Luck is a large factor in party games, but players must also have a certain degree of skill. Party games are usually designed for casual gameplay rather than serious competitive gameplay, although many also have story modes that can be completed.
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Mario's first appearance in a fighting game was as a referee in ''[[wikipedia:Punch-Out!!|Punch-Out!! (arcade game)]]'' (the [[wikipedia:Punch-Out!! (Wii)|latest installation]] in that series features [[Donkey Kong]] as an opponent). Mario's first playable role in a fighting game was in ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'', along with [[Luigi]], [[Yoshi]], and Donkey Kong. Fighting games in the ''Mario'' series have significant differences from arcade fighting games. [[Bowser]], [[Princess Peach]], and [[Dr. Mario]] later appeared in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', and [[Wario]] appeared alongside all of them (except Dr. Mario) in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''. Instead of depleting the enemy's health, the player must knock the enemy off the screen. Items and obstacle are also available whereas most fighting games do not.
==Racing games{{anchor|Racing}}==
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[[File:MK8D 4-Player Gameplay Screenshot.png|left|thumb|A race on [[GCN Yoshi Circuit|<small>GCN</small> Yoshi Circuit]] in ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'']]
'''Racing games''' involve speedy competitions with other characters. The main objective in racing games is to reach the [[finish line (object)|finish line]] before the other racers and attain first place. Nearly all ''Super Mario'' racing games are part of the ''[[Mario Kart (series)|Mario Kart]]'' series, except for ''[[Diddy Kong Racing]]'', ''[[Diddy Kong Racing DS]]'', and ''[[Donkey Kong Barrel Blast]]''. All racing games in the ''Super Mario'' franchise involve items or power-ups that can do various things such as slow down the other racers and speed up the player. Racing games also build on this by providing battle modes in which items are used as weapons. Online racing was introduced with the release of ''[[Mario Kart DS]]'' and is integrated in every ''Super Mario'' racing game since.


===Edutainment===
For the list of racing games, see [[:Category:Racing games]].
[[File:mariotype.jpg|left|thumb|The alternate game mode of ''[[Mario Teaches Typing]]''.]]
{{br}}
Edutainment games are meant to both educate and entertain the player. Compared to the other genres in the ''Mario'' series, the number of edutainment games is relatively small. The purpose of edutainment games is to solve mysteries or simply learn how to do something, like typing or math. Games belonging to this genre are usually developed by a third party company. Due to this, characters may have different personalities. For example, Mario has full dialogue in ''[[Mario's Time Machine]]'', despite the fact that he rarely speaks in other games.
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===Rail shooter===
==Sports games{{anchor|Sport}}{{anchor|Sports}}==
{{rewrite-expand}}
[[File:MSBLGameplay.jpg|thumb|Gameplay of the sports game ''[[Mario Strikers: Battle League]]'']]
Rail shooter games are games where the game follows a specific rout and that the player must shoot all the enemies on the screen. The only ''[[Mario (series)|Mario]]'' rail shooter game in date is ''[[Yoshi's Safari]]''. To play it, the player might use the [[Super Scope]].
The ''Super Mario'' franchise contains a large number of games based on sports. Unlike most conventional sports games, ''Super Mario'' sports games feature items and obstacles. Racing and fighting games are sub-genres of sports games. The genre started with ''[[Golf]]'' for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]]. This genre of ''Super Mario'' games did not become well-known until the release of the [[Nintendo 64]] with games such as ''[[Mario Golf (Nintendo 64)|Mario Golf]]'' and ''[[Mario Tennis (Nintendo 64)|Mario Tennis]]'' for the Nintendo 64. Currently, ''Super Mario'' sports games include [[Mario Golf (series)|golf]], [[Mario Kart (series)|racing]], [[Mario Tennis (series)|tennis]], [[Mario Strikers (series)|soccer]], [[Mario Hoops 3-on-3|basketball]], [[Super Smash Bros. (series)|fighting]], [[Mario Baseball (series)|baseball]], and [[Mario & Sonic (series)|Olympic events]]. In addition, separately from those series are the games ''[[Mario Sports Mix]]'' and ''[[Mario Sports Superstars]]'', which feature four and five sports, respectively.


For the list of sports games, see [[:Category:Sports games]].
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==Puzzle games{{anchor|Puzzle}}==
[[File:Dr. Mario Miracle Cure.png|thumb|left|A screenshot from the puzzle game ''[[Dr. Mario: Miracle Cure]]'']]
'''Puzzle games''' test the player's reflexes and knowledge. The objective in most ''Super Mario'' puzzle games is to clear the screen of various objects, similar to that in ''[[Tetris]]''. However, a few ''Super Mario'' puzzle games incorporate different types of gameplay, such as ''[[Mario's Picross]]'' and ''[[Yakuman DS]]''. Games belonging to this genre include the ''[[Dr. Mario (series)|Dr. Mario]]'' series, ''[[Wario's Woods (Nintendo Entertainment System)|Wario's Woods]]'', ''[[Yoshi's Cookie]]'', and ''[[Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition]]''. Puzzle games tend to feature no items and a relatively large cast of characters.
For the list of puzzle games, see [[:Category:Puzzle games]].
{{br}}
==Fighting games{{anchor|Fighting}}==
[[File:Match Start (Mario Galaxy).jpg|thumb|A basic VS. battle in ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]'', involving [[Mario]] and [[Bowser]]]]
'''Fighting games''' pit characters against each other in combat. The objective of most fighting games is to knock out the other characters. Fighting games are a sub-genre of sports games. This genre has exclusively been a part of the crossover [[Super Smash Bros. (series)|''Super Smash Bros.'' series]].
Mario's first appearance in a fighting game was as a referee in ''{{wp|Punch-Out!! (arcade game)|Punch-Out!!}}''; additionally, the [[Punch-Out!! (Wii)|Wii game of the same name]] features [[Donkey Kong]] as a bonus opponent. Mario's first playable role in a fighting game was in ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'', along with [[Luigi]], [[Yoshi]], and Donkey Kong. [[Bowser]], [[Princess Peach]], and [[Dr. Mario]] were later playable in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', and the former two returned in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', along with [[Wario]] and [[Diddy Kong]] appearing as newcomers. Dr. Mario was readded as a fighter along with all aforementioned characters in ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]'' and ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]'', which also introduced [[Rosalina]] and [[Bowser Jr.]] as fighters, and [[Princess Daisy]], [[King K. Rool]], and [[Piranha Plant]] made their appearances as newcomers in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. Instead of depleting the enemy's health, the player must knock the enemy off the screen. Items and obstacles are also available, whereas most fighting games do not have them.
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==Educational games{{anchor|Educational}}{{anchor|Edutainment}}==
[[File:Mariotype.jpg|left|thumb|A game mode in ''[[Mario Teaches Typing 2]]'', which teaches the player how to type and spell]]
[[File:Pink Kong Jr Math.png|thumb|Gameplay of ''[[Donkey Kong Jr. Math]]'', a game that teaches mathematics]]
'''Educational games''' (specifically '''edutaining games''') are aimed at younger players and are intended to educate as well as entertain them. The premise of educational games is generally to solve mysteries or simply learn how to do something, such as typing or math. A relatively small number of games in the ''Super Mario'' franchise are educational games (including the ''[[Mario Discovery Series]]''), most of which were developed by third-party companies.
For the list of educational games, see [[:Category:Educational games]].
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==Rhythm games{{anchor|Rhythm}}==
[[File:DDR Super Hard Difficulty Luigi.png|thumb|left|[[Luigi]] dancing in ''[[Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix]]'']]
'''Rhythm games''' are games where the player must time button presses on a game controller or {{wp|dance pad}} in order to match the beat of music played during the game and the timing of symbols that appear onscreen. There are a few ''Super Mario'' rhythm games: ''[[Mario Undōkai]]'' and ''[[Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix]]'' are based on the ''{{wp|Dance Dance Revolution}}'' series, and the [[Donkey Konga (series)|''Donkey Konga'' series]] (''[[Donkey Konga]]'', ''[[Donkey Konga 2]]'', and ''[[Donkey Konga 3 JP]]'') is based on the ''{{wp|Taiko no Tatsujin}}'' series by the same developers and utilizes the [[Nintendo GameCube#DK Bongos|DK Bongos]] as a controller. All of these games feature minigames in addition to the rhythm-based gameplay, and with the exception of ''Mario Undōkai'', they can be played with a standard [[Nintendo GameCube]] controller.
In addition to these games, characters from the ''WarioWare'' series make appearances in the game ''[[Rhythm Heaven Megamix]]''.
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==Rail shooters{{anchor|Rail shooter}}==
[[File:Yoshi's Safariscreenshot.png|thumb|Mario riding [[Yoshi]] in a first-person view in ''[[Yoshi's Safari]]'']]
'''Rail shooters''' are games played from a first-person perspective, where the player must shoot all the enemies on the screen while following a specific route. The only rail shooters in the ''Super Mario'' franchise are ''[[Yoshi's Safari]]'', which requires the use of the [[Super Scope]] in single-player mode, and ''[[Luigi's Mansion Arcade]]'', which uses the arcade machine itself as a controller.
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==Turn-based tactics games{{anchor|Turn-based tactics}}{{anchor|Tactics}}==
[[File:Mario Rabbids Sparks of Hope battle.png|thumb|left|Gameplay of the turn-based tactics game ''[[Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope]]'']]
'''Turn-based tactics games''' involve turn-based combat gameplay characteristic of an RPG, usually in a warfare-like scenario. The combat involves the player tactfully positioning their characters to attack and defend against enemies. The only games in the ''Super Mario'' franchise with this genre are those in the [[Mario + Rabbids (series)|''Mario + Rabbids'' series]].
The ''Mario Party'' series does also include game modes that merge aspects of both the turn-based tactics and party genres, specifically [[Mario_Party:_Star_Rush#Toad_Scramble|Toad Scramble]] in ''Mario Party: Star Rush'' and [[Super Mario Party#Partner Party|Partner Party]] in ''Super Mario Party''.
[[Category:Terms]]
[[Category:Terms]]

Latest revision as of 11:55, December 21, 2024

See also: List of games by genre

Genres are different types of video games classified by gameplay. With over 300 entries, the Super Mario franchise has included a variety of different genres. The first Super Mario games were platformers, but the series has since spun off into various other genres.

Platform games[edit]

Mario in World 1-1 of Super Mario Bros., one of the oldest and most popular 2D platformers

Platform games (often called platformers) require players to control a character who traverses levels consisting of a multitude of platforms of varying elevations to reach or attain a particular goal. A staple mechanic of platformers is the ability to jump or otherwise perform acrobatic techniques to cross environments, both of which are concepts that have become the foundation of the Super Mario franchise.

Mario running past Koopa the Quick in Bob-omb Battlefield.
Mario running on the Bob-omb Battlefield, which is a course from Super Mario 64, the first three-dimensional platform game in the Super Mario franchise

Many games of the Super Mario franchise fall within the platformer genre, which itself can be divided into two sub-genres: two-dimensional and three-dimensional.

Two-dimensional (or 2D) platformers (also known as side-scrollers) typically allow travel in only two directions, parallel to the player's view of the game. These infrequently feature some third-dimensional gameplay features (such as plane-hopping in Virtual Boy Wario Land), and modern side-scrollers tend to be rendered with three-dimensional graphics, as in the New Super Mario Bros. subseries. These are still considered side-scrollers, as their movement is still generally restricted to the lateral plane. Two-dimensional entries in the Super Mario series tend to feature linear, left-to-right gameplay objectives.

Three-dimensional (or 3D) platformers allow travel across multiple horizontal axes, either with the use of three-dimensional graphics rendering (as in Super Mario 64), or with clever parallel visual projection techniques applied to two-dimensional images (as in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars). Three-dimensional entries in the Super Mario series tend to explore more non-linear gameplay progression, although some entries such as Super Mario 3D Land are structured much like their side-scrolling counterparts.

As the Super Mario franchise is rooted in platforming gameplay, most entries and genre spinoffs still include platforming elements, including those that do not typically feature platforming elements, such as puzzle games and RPGs. As a result, the series frequently blurs the lines between genre definitions.

For the list of platform games, see Category:Platforming games.

Role-playing games[edit]

Mario and Luigi battle two Beanies in Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions
Mario and Luigi battling two Beanies in the RPG Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions

Role-playing games (often abbreviated as RPGs) are games where players act as Mario in a longform story. Traditionally, an RPG consists of two types of gameplay: an "overworld" portion where Mario moves around the game world and interacts with other game characters, and a "battle" portion where Mario fights enemies encountered in the overworld gameplay. RPGs commonly include detailed storylines and a large cast of characters. Battles usually assign all involved characters numerical stats, which are used in the battle to determine the results of attacks. Leveling up is a common conceit, allowing the player to increase their stats to make the characters stronger. RPGs often have playable characters aside from Mario, who have different abilities and stats compared to him.

Another common feature in RPGs is the ability to equip weapons, armor, clothing, badges, and accessories. These items can be bought at shops or be found in blocks and treasure chests, and often have the effect of further increasing stats. Many games have special moves, which are stronger than the normal attacks that characters use. They are learned by the characters as the player progresses through the game and cost points (e.g., Bros. Points in the Mario & Luigi series) in order to use them.

Mario's first appearance in an RPG was in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars. Later, the Paper Mario series and Mario & Luigi series were introduced. Role-playing games of the Super Mario franchise often contain platforming elements. For instance, Mario still jumps as his primary action in the "overworld" gameplay, and moving through areas sometimes requires jumping across platforms. Normal Super Mario-franchise enemies, such as Goombas and Koopa Troopas, make appearances.

The battle system usually involves Mario, his partner(s), and enemies taking turns to attack. Attacks usually have Action Commands, meaning that the attacks are more effective if the player makes an input at the correct time during the animation. Similarly, Action Commands can be used against enemy attacks, causing them to inflict reduced damage to the player characters.

The Paper Mario series differs slightly from the other RPGs because the damage and HP ratio is lower and Mario and his partner always attack first. The characters' attack power is increased by collecting hammers, boots, or HP-Up Hearts rather than leveling up. Paper Mario is also split into chapters for which stars Mario must get, and it has chapter bosses, with minibosses along the way, while neither really exists in the other RPGs; only bosses exist, identifiable by different battle theme and higher HP (and often they are characters).

In the Mario & Luigi series, instead of using Action Commands to block attacks, gameplay revolves around avoiding enemy attacks. Many attacks can also be countered, fully negating the attack and inflicting damage onto the opponent.

Various other games incorporate RPG elements, stats, and levels, but they are not traditional RPGs in the sense the aforementioned series are. Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition combines the puzzle genre with the RPG genre. Enemy characters can damage the player's characters with Skills after a certain number of turns have passed. By matching Orbs in the puzzle gameplay, the player's characters can damage the enemies. Other examples of games using RPG mechanics are some of the handheld games of the Mario Tennis series and Mario Golf series, namely Mario Tennis and Mario Golf for the Game Boy Color, Mario Tennis: Power Tour and Mario Golf: Advance Tour for the Game Boy Advance, and Mario Golf: World Tour for the Nintendo 3DS. Players can purchase equipment and level up to increase their stats as they do in an RPG, which makes the characters stronger in the sport gameplay.

For the list of role-playing games, see Category:Role-playing games.

Party games[edit]

Cast Aways from Mario Party Superstars
A screenshot of the minigame Cast Aways in the party game Mario Party Superstars

Party games are games usually involving short minigames. This genre is dominated by the Mario Party series, but the WarioWare series, Itadaki Street DS, and Fortune Street are also part of it. While most party games involve multiple players, some party games are single player, such as certain WarioWare games. Luck is a large factor in party games, but players must also have a certain degree of skill. Party games are usually designed for casual gameplay rather than serious competitive gameplay, although many also have story modes that can be completed.

Racing games[edit]

Screenshot of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
A race on GCN Yoshi Circuit in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Racing games involve speedy competitions with other characters. The main objective in racing games is to reach the finish line before the other racers and attain first place. Nearly all Super Mario racing games are part of the Mario Kart series, except for Diddy Kong Racing, Diddy Kong Racing DS, and Donkey Kong Barrel Blast. All racing games in the Super Mario franchise involve items or power-ups that can do various things such as slow down the other racers and speed up the player. Racing games also build on this by providing battle modes in which items are used as weapons. Online racing was introduced with the release of Mario Kart DS and is integrated in every Super Mario racing game since.

For the list of racing games, see Category:Racing games.

Sports games[edit]

Gameplay of Mario Strikers: Battle League.
Gameplay of the sports game Mario Strikers: Battle League

The Super Mario franchise contains a large number of games based on sports. Unlike most conventional sports games, Super Mario sports games feature items and obstacles. Racing and fighting games are sub-genres of sports games. The genre started with Golf for the Nintendo Entertainment System. This genre of Super Mario games did not become well-known until the release of the Nintendo 64 with games such as Mario Golf and Mario Tennis for the Nintendo 64. Currently, Super Mario sports games include golf, racing, tennis, soccer, basketball, fighting, baseball, and Olympic events. In addition, separately from those series are the games Mario Sports Mix and Mario Sports Superstars, which feature four and five sports, respectively.

For the list of sports games, see Category:Sports games.

Puzzle games[edit]

Gameplay
A screenshot from the puzzle game Dr. Mario: Miracle Cure

Puzzle games test the player's reflexes and knowledge. The objective in most Super Mario puzzle games is to clear the screen of various objects, similar to that in Tetris. However, a few Super Mario puzzle games incorporate different types of gameplay, such as Mario's Picross and Yakuman DS. Games belonging to this genre include the Dr. Mario series, Wario's Woods, Yoshi's Cookie, and Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition. Puzzle games tend to feature no items and a relatively large cast of characters.

For the list of puzzle games, see Category:Puzzle games.

Fighting games[edit]

The start of the match at Mario Galaxy. Here, Mario and Bowser are about to battle.
A basic VS. battle in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, involving Mario and Bowser

Fighting games pit characters against each other in combat. The objective of most fighting games is to knock out the other characters. Fighting games are a sub-genre of sports games. This genre has exclusively been a part of the crossover Super Smash Bros. series.

Mario's first appearance in a fighting game was as a referee in Punch-Out!!; additionally, the Wii game of the same name features Donkey Kong as a bonus opponent. Mario's first playable role in a fighting game was in Super Smash Bros., along with Luigi, Yoshi, and Donkey Kong. Bowser, Princess Peach, and Dr. Mario were later playable in Super Smash Bros. Melee, and the former two returned in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, along with Wario and Diddy Kong appearing as newcomers. Dr. Mario was readded as a fighter along with all aforementioned characters in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, which also introduced Rosalina and Bowser Jr. as fighters, and Princess Daisy, King K. Rool, and Piranha Plant made their appearances as newcomers in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Instead of depleting the enemy's health, the player must knock the enemy off the screen. Items and obstacles are also available, whereas most fighting games do not have them.

Educational games[edit]

The Magical Typewriter from Mario Teaches Typing 2
A game mode in Mario Teaches Typing 2, which teaches the player how to type and spell
Gameplay of Donkey Kong Jr. Math, a game that teaches mathematics

Educational games (specifically edutaining games) are aimed at younger players and are intended to educate as well as entertain them. The premise of educational games is generally to solve mysteries or simply learn how to do something, such as typing or math. A relatively small number of games in the Super Mario franchise are educational games (including the Mario Discovery Series), most of which were developed by third-party companies.

For the list of educational games, see Category:Educational games.

Rhythm games[edit]

"Underground Mozart" on Super Hard
Luigi dancing in Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix

Rhythm games are games where the player must time button presses on a game controller or dance pad in order to match the beat of music played during the game and the timing of symbols that appear onscreen. There are a few Super Mario rhythm games: Mario Undōkai and Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix are based on the Dance Dance Revolution series, and the Donkey Konga series (Donkey Konga, Donkey Konga 2, and Donkey Konga 3 JP) is based on the Taiko no Tatsujin series by the same developers and utilizes the DK Bongos as a controller. All of these games feature minigames in addition to the rhythm-based gameplay, and with the exception of Mario Undōkai, they can be played with a standard Nintendo GameCube controller.

In addition to these games, characters from the WarioWare series make appearances in the game Rhythm Heaven Megamix.

Rail shooters[edit]

Mario riding Yoshi in a first-person view in Yoshi's Safari

Rail shooters are games played from a first-person perspective, where the player must shoot all the enemies on the screen while following a specific route. The only rail shooters in the Super Mario franchise are Yoshi's Safari, which requires the use of the Super Scope in single-player mode, and Luigi's Mansion Arcade, which uses the arcade machine itself as a controller.

Turn-based tactics games[edit]

A screenshot of a battle in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
Gameplay of the turn-based tactics game Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope

Turn-based tactics games involve turn-based combat gameplay characteristic of an RPG, usually in a warfare-like scenario. The combat involves the player tactfully positioning their characters to attack and defend against enemies. The only games in the Super Mario franchise with this genre are those in the Mario + Rabbids series.

The Mario Party series does also include game modes that merge aspects of both the turn-based tactics and party genres, specifically Toad Scramble in Mario Party: Star Rush and Partner Party in Super Mario Party.

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