10 Video Game Spin-Offs That Surpass The Original

1. Super Mario (Donkey Kong)

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Nintendo

Due to Super Mario's literal star power, it's easy to forget Nintendo's moustachioed mascot wasn't always a big name. Heck, he didn't have a name at first!

Debuting in 1981's Donkey Kong, "Jumpman" had to dash across hazardous platforms to rescue his girlfriend, Pauline, from the titular barrel-tossing ape. After DK's success, a spin-off was created in 1983, simply called Mario Bros.

Although Mario was a popular character, the coin-collecting hero wasn't a powerhouse IP yet. That all changed upon the release of Super Mario Bros. Due to the precision of the controls, the catchy jingles, and the astoundingly addictive gameplay, Mario became a household name overnight.

SMB was such a game-changer, it'd still be considered among the most influential creations in gaming, even if the franchise never took off.

Thankfully, it did. For 40 years, Mario has consistently remained a pioneer, influencing the industry time and time again. Even though Donkey Kong held his own for a time, he hasn't maintained the same level of consistency as the Mushroom Kingdom's saviour.

Mario has become such a titan, he's fittingly spawned his own myriad of spin-offs, including Mario Kart, Paper Mario, WarioWare, Luigi's Mansion, Yoshi's Island, and countless more.

And with the glowing reviews of 2023's Super Mario Wonder, it's obvious the overall-sporting handyman is still in his element.

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James Egan has been with Whatculture for five years and prominently works on Horror, Film, and Video Games. He's written over 80 books including 1000 Facts about Horror Movies Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about The Greatest Films Ever Made Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about Video Games Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts About James Bond 1000 Facts About TV Shows