Super Marioplatformers are known for their consistency, which is one big reason that the franchise has thrived for so long. However, the IP ofSuper Marioalso has a remarkable level of flexibility that has helped it flourish. In the decades since Mario set off on his first adventure, the series has seen spinoffs tapping into genres from RPGs to racing games, and Nintendo continues to innovate in this department.Super Mariois also notoriously good at letting side characters take the spotlight, such as inLuigi’s Mansion.This latter skill is why Bowser, King of the Koopas, ought to be the solo protagonist of a future spinoff.
Games fromSuper Princess PeachtoWario Landhave given fans unique chances to controlSuper Mariocharacters without Mario or other facets of the Mushroom Kingdom taking center focus. Despite these diverse adventures, Bowser has largely been passed over when Nintendo makes these games. Bowser has certainly been a playable protagonist in a few notable titles, but he almost never appears as a leading character without otherSuper Mariocharacters around him. As a change of pace, Nintendo should give Bowser a game of his own that flips the script that he usually followers and explores his potential.
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Super Mario Needs to Use Bowser Differently
Unsurprisingly, nearlyall of Bowser’s appearancesput him in the same position. He acts as the rival to Mario and the enemy that players chase down and defeat to save Princess Peach. While that formula has worked as a vehicle forSuper Mariogames, it also means a lot of Bowser’s appearances blur together a little, especially in 2DMariogames with little dialogue and few character interactions. Bowser’s repeated, predictable role as Mario’s nemesis and Peach’s kidnapper means that his characterization isn’t always as engaging as it could be.
A few games provide notable exceptions to this. InMario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story,Bowser is one of the main playable characters, and he goes on a strikingly compelling journey to reclaim the Koopa Kingdom from Fawful, although he still has to share screen time with the Mario brothers. Similarly, inSuper Paper Mario,Bowser reluctantly joins Mario and Peach on their mission to save the universe from the Chaos Heart. Both of these games do wonders for Bowser by giving him a new objective and putting him in an unfamiliar position, making him a little more empathetic and showing off an oddly heroic side of him. They therefore provide an excellent case for a newSuper Mariospinoff that stars him.
The Possibilities of a Bowser Game
Somegames likeSuper Mario 3D Worldhave historically proven that kidnapping Princess Peach isn’t all that Bowser has on his mind. A new video game about Bowser could follow theWario Landformula and send the Koopa King off to distant lands in search of wealth or power, possibly landing him in the unexpected role of a hero in the process. Alternatively, a game that sends Bowser in search of Bowser Jr. could be pretty fun. Flipping theSuper Marioscript, a new villain could kidnap Bowser Jr., forcing Bowser to take on the unfamiliar role of rescuing his son from danger.
Along the way of an independent adventure, Bowser could explore new frontiers and get occasional assistance from the Koopalings, whether they’re playable characters or just NPC that provide support for Bowser. If Bowser Jr. doesn’t get kidnapped, or at least gets rescued fairly early in the game, it would be great to see some charming father-son interactions betweenBowser and Bowser Jr.to put both characters in a positive light for once.
It’s hard to say if Nintendo has any interest in using Bowser in this way sometime soon. WhileLuigi’s Mansionis still a successful spinoff series, otherMariospinoffs that de-emphasize Mario have petered out, giving way to bigger spinoff franchises like the various sports-centricMariogames andMario Party.Nevertheless, a new game focused on Bowser could be the best way to reignite interest in this type ofSuper Mariogame. After all, a game about Bowser wouldn’t just offer a new look at his character; it would be a highly entertaining chance to wreak havoc with the Koopa King’s incredible strength and fiery breath.
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