10 Times Video Games Made You Fight Yourself
9. Shadow Mario (Super Mario Sunshine)
The Mario franchise has long history of clones. Mario’s own brother Luigi, after all, started life as a palette swapped version of Mario.
In subsequent appearances, Luigi’s design became more distinctive and he became recognisable as Mario’s taller, lankier, more cowardly younger brother we know and love. Luigi even got his own clone in the unsettling form of Gooigi from the Luigi’s Mansion series.
However, whereas Gooigi is a solid bro - Shadow Mario is a menace.
Shadow Mario first appeared as the principal antagonist in Super Mario Sunshine in 2002. Mario’s holiday to Isle Delfino is ruined when someone matching Mario’s description is seen defacing numerous landmarks with graffiti. This is later revealed to be Shadow Mario: a translucent light blue Mario with glowing red eyes.
Shadow Mario appears throughout the various game worlds, where Mario is tasked with pursuing and apprehending the villain. In their final confrontation, Shadow Mario is revealed as none other than Bowser Jr. in disguise.
Since 2002, other versions of Shadow Mario character have appeared in subsequent titles, including Mario Galaxy and Super Mario 3D World.