Nintendo has someiconic game franchisesthat are recognized by gamers all over the world. But none is more classic than the series of installments with the plumber brothers. With a red hat and overalls, Mario showcases Nintendo’s reach with a wide variety of game types. While some are decidedly better than others, there is no discussion that there are plenty of Mario installments worth the playthrough, being it as a singleplayer, co-op, or party adventure.
In general, the Mario games feature endings as iconic as their characters, with elements that have become a staple of the franchise. Yet, there are so many of the plumber’s installments that provide players with unique and emotional endings — be it through the last level and boss fight, alternative ending, credits, or its general ending sequence — that go beyond Peach giving Mario a thank-you kiss.
Super Mario Bros. Wonderis known for its unconventional take on the Mario Franchise, bringing forth new attributes, enemies, and levels. The game does not necessarily break the mold of previous Mario games, but it applies a colorful and groovy filter to the existing mold.
This is reflected in its ending, which offers a great boss fight and one of the most original credit sequences, applying the game’s quirkiness to the interactive display of credits for gamers to play.
Super Mario Galaxyis not only one ofthe best platformer of its release year; it also ranks high among games in the Super Mario Bros. franchise, as it lets creativity run wild with its gameplay and amazing story beats. The finale wraps up its creativity with a great last stage and boss fight, while the narrative ends with a memorable, moving, and thought-provoking sequence.
The culmination of music, gameplay, emotion, and originality really makes this one a true finale, especially when considering its darker themes and higher stakes as a black hole threatens to kill everyone. Yet its ending wraps up one of the best storylines in a Mario game.
Mario is not the only one that deserves the spotlightin his franchise, as Mario’s evil doppelgänger proves in multiple of his spin-off games. Overall, the Wario games tend to be comical, rewarding players for collecting treasure, yet the ending inWario Land 4proves to be different in the best way possible.
Playing on the Peach kiss that Mario gets at the end of a lot of his games,Wario Land 4features multiple endings, with Princess Shokora giving Wario a peck to thank him for his efforts. However, the form she takes in the ending sequence depends on how well the player fares, ranging from a child, a girl with a Wario face, all the way to a beautiful woman.
Although otherPaper Mariogames have great finales,Super Paper Marionot only ranks among the best Mario RPGs, but it also features a great ending. Representing the other installments in the series, the game has everything that makes a great ending.
With the eerie design of the last chapter with haunting music to match, theSuper Paper Mariofinale is filled with twists and unique art that make it stand out, bringing the amazing story to a beautiful end.
Definitely among thebest endings in Super Nintendo games,Yoshi’s Islandis in general a fun adventure that puts a fan-favorite in the spotlight. Not only does it give Yoshi the stage, but it has a beautiful crayon-esque feel to it that only enhances the end of the game.
A finale that includes a great final stage against Baby Bowser, beautiful art style, and contrasting somber credits, the ending ofYoshi’s Islandis definitely a memorable one, just like the rest of the game.
There is no Mario list without a Mario Bros. iteration, yet this one takes the cake, with a cake-less yet original ending for the franchise. The player is thrown into a world different from previous ones, with enemies never seen before, making this an overall fun and novel adventure.
Yet the ending reveals that the reason for all these changes stem from a dream that Mario has, wrapping up the dream-like playthrough. The game introduces characters and elements that later became part of Mario’s world in future installments, despite the not-so-real adventure.
Combining the best traits of both brothers,Bowser’s Inside Storyhas Mario and Luigi on a brotherly adventure with difficult bosses and great game variety. In particular, its unique ending is one of the main reasons why the game is considered one of thebest Mario games on the Nintendo DS.
This game not only shows a unique side of Bowser, who fights alongside the brothers against Dark Bowser and his dark forces, but its ending also has the iconic villain fighting against the brothers as his chance to kidnap Princess Peach. Yet this might be one of the few instances that the game ends with Peach sending Bowser a thank-you cake for saving the world.
It does not get more classic thanSuper Mario 64. Regarded by many as one of the best Mario adventures, this game has players collecting stars before defeating Bowser. With an epic tune that frames the Bowser Vs. Mario Showdown, it makes for a dramatic and iconic last stage.
With a stressful battle, original music, and traditional ending scenes, the game rewards its players with a beautiful and satisfying ending that showcases the worlds throughout. Mario not only gets a kiss from Peach but also a cake, thanking players for sticking with this adventure.
Even though Mario’s brother is considered by many a comic relief character, Luigi deserves to be appreciated just the same. TheLuigi’s Mansion’s games prove why the green-wearing brother should be in the spotlight more often, providing players with unique adventures.
Not only is it one of thebest ghost hunting games, butLuigi’s Mansionalso has an ending that matches its top-notch experience as he saves his brother from a painting. Although the endings in otherLuigi’s Mansioninstallments might deserve space on this list, the original game can represent the brother’s potential with an ending that makes players cry with laughter on an emotional yet haunted roller-coaster.
It’s no surprise thatSuper MarioOdysseyhas made its way to the top of the list, seeing that it not only features an unforgettable Mario finale, but also one of thebest endings in Nintendo history. The installment breaks so many of the conventions set by the Mario games.
Playing on Bowser’s quest to marry Princess Peach, the ending features Mario and the villain fighting for the princess, who rejects both of them. With a hilarious finale with both sad on the Moon,Super Mario Odysseywraps up an amazing game with a worthy and comical ending.
