For what seems like ages, people have been clamoring for a mobile Mario game. To fill that void, they turned to a plethora of Mario look-a-likes, knock-offs, and "inspired-bys" as an alternative.
However, with Super Mario Run now just over the horizon, the market for these games is vanishing, and is sure to disappear altogether with the massive content purge Run is sure to bring.
So here's a list of games that better watch out. Some are actually pretty good, while others... definitely aren't.
Super Run Mario Boy Adventure
Okay so, this game isn't awful by shovelware standards, but it's definitely not very good. Though just being "not good," is kind of a compliment for a game like this one.
The art style is cute, but every screen is so jam-packed with enemies and obstacles that it's hard to react to anything, let alone appreciate the artwork.
Also, Mr. "Run Mario Boy" here looks exactly like the actual Mario. How has this not been pulled already?
Lep's World
One could argue that Lep's World is actually a pretty good game. Sure, it's no masterpiece, but the bright visuals and simple gameplay are great for when you need that platforming itch scratched on the bus or something.
But, once the real Mario is out there, I don't really see people ever coming back to Lep.
It's kind of a shame, too. With three games and just under 175 million downloads, it seems like they had a little franchise going.
Super Boy Run-Jungle World Adventure
"World" games seem to occupy a massive part of the iTunes App Store and, when I say there's going to be a massive content purge, I mean there's going to be a massive content purge of these games.
Most of them are just trash that you can rely on your brain to skip over, but this one has the audacity to be trash twice.
The App Store actually has this game two times, and the only difference between them is that one is called Boy Run Adventure and has you collecting apples instead of coins. The Post-Super Mario Run launch App Store would never allow for these kinds of shenanigans! I hope.
Also, this game's mascot looks like a Super Why version of Mario.
Rufio Adventures
No, not that Rufio.
This game could be way, way worse. But it could also be way, way better. It's basically Super Mario Bros. 3 with random levels, some new power-ups and neat backdrops. It doesn't have the music, sound effects and functioning control scheme.
It's easy to see that this game didn't want to be a straight-up clone, but the laziness of the developers wound landing it in a weird in between-zone, where it's not really a clone, but it's not really its own game, either.
Super Androix
Is it an homage? Is it a clone? Is it possible to be both?
Featuring eight randomized worlds with twelve levels each, boss battles, and the exact same map layout as Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Androix is basically a Mario game already. Except, y'know, it's Androix.
Super Androix, though legitimately fun and challenging, because it straddles that line between tribute and knock-off. Unfortunately, there's little to no chance that anyone will play it once the real Mario hits mobile.
And that's it for this list! There are a ton of Mario wannabees out there. And -- like all things -- some are good, some are bad, and some are unbearably ugly.
But, it's not like it'll matter once Super Mario Run comes out. Nothing can top the original -- hopefully.
What's the worst Mario clone you've ever played? Let us know in the comments!
Published: Oct 30, 2016 05:09 pm