Did you know there is a game called Super Lario on the store? As you could imagine, it’s just a re-skin of the iconic original. The best Super Mario-like games for Android is composed of platformer games. They all are varied but share some traits with the Nintendo giant. I tried to include games that are side-scrolling and contain some references — either aesthetically or gameplay wise — to Super Mario. I grew up playing games in the Mario Franchise, so I know what makes a game Super Mario-like. Note: The best Super Mario-like games for Android were tested on a Samsung Galaxy Note III smartphone. Some of the games required an internet connection to run. There were no problems faced during the testing. The games ran smooth, and no bugs were uncovered. I played each game for 30 minutes.
1. Leo’s Fortune
This one of most polished games I have played in a long while. The graphics are simply amazing looking, and the character animations are breathtaking. I think this is a 2.5D video game, but I might be wrong, still the game looks incredible regardless. The gameplay is controlled by very simple on-screen buttons that allow you to move sideways as well as jump, but the mechanics are amazing. The game involves a mustached fluff ball with an orthodox accent. The game also involves some of the best physics puzzles seen on an Android game. The puzzles are of brain teasingly good quality, and the game can make a place on the 10 best puzzle games for Android list as well. Paid Version
2. Manuganu
Manuganu features a small tribal boy who has to run around collecting coins of some sorts. If you think this premise is a bit absurd. Just remember that you liked a game involving a fat Italian plumber. This game is very simple because there are very few buttons to press. The movement is handled quite well, and the game runs extremely smooth. There is not much challenge in the initial stages, but some parts can be tricky if you are aiming for a 100 percent competition of a level. Free Version
3. BADLAND
Do you like Flappy Bird-like old school games? Well, here is another side-scrolling masterpiece. BADLAND is a game that takes a simple concept and makes it 50 times better. The visuals are incredible looking, and the game runs very smooth. The 2D design of the game is top-notch. The great visual components helped this game receive much praise from almost every video game review and gaming website. The single player campaign comes with 100 great levels but of course, not all are free. The first world is completely free, and I’m sure you will be purchasing the next bundles soon after you finish the first world. Free Version
4. Swordigo
Embark on an epic adventure full of action and magic in Swordigo. The game is a 2.5D adventure with a blocky looking protagonist and a heavy old school vibe. The controls are simple, and the graphics are even simpler. But the gameplay is engaging and fun. You are a generic hero who needs to save the world from an overpowered enemy. But you will get to level up and kill things with your trusty sword too. There are magic spells and upgrades abound in this good side-scrolling game for Android. Free Version
5. LIMBO
LIMBO is one of my most favorite games of all time. I first played the game back when it released for play on the PC; it was a haunting yet endearing experience. You play as a creepy looking boy who runs around avoiding giant spiders and overcoming obstacles. The gameplay is simple with on screen controls for running as well as jumping. The game translates well to the smaller screens of Android, but the graphical fidelity remains intact. LIMBO is a somewhat dark game that I don’t recommend for children, especially those who are scared of spiders. Free Version
6. Wind-up Knight
Wind-up Knight is a fast paced 2.5D platform game for Android. The game is rendered in 3D but is a side scrolling one (this is called 2.5D). It features a mechanical knight who is going somewhere to do some heroic things. Seriously the story is laughable so I’ll spare you the details. But the game is fast and surprisingly challenging the further you go. There are over 50 levels for you to complete and you will need your fingers fast if you are to get through them all. Jump, wall slide, dive, roll and double jump your way to victory. Free Version
7. Give It Up!
Give It Up! is the most unique game in the best Super Mario like Games for Android list. The game is purely music based and features some of the catchiest tunes I’ve heard. The closest game I can think of is either Patapon or Loco Roco both of which are not available on Android. The premise is simple, tap the buttons with the rhythm of the song playing in the background. That’s it. The game does get challenging after a while so you will need to stay alert. Free Version
8. Benji Bananas
This is a fun little game about a monkey who likes to collect bananas. Generally speaking, all monkeys want in life are bananas and Benji is quite good at collecting them. You press a button and Benji will look for a nearby view to grab. Let him swing and release when he is at the peak to gain momentum. This is a simple game that revolves around timing the grabs and releases as well as collecting bananas. Free Version
9. Cordy
Need a Super Mario-like game for Android but want to have some relaxing fun? Well, this is not the game for you. The game combines the platforming brilliance of Super Mario with the speed of Sonic the Hedgehog. Cordy is a cute little… robot thing I guess who needs to power up his world. This little robot will run, jump and save puzzles to achieve his target. The thing is, there are a lot of obstacles in his way, and he will need you to be your best. The levels grow bigger and complex as the game progresses so it will be equally engaging throughout. Free Version
10. Sword of Xolan
This newly launched sides-scrolling 2D adventure has a lot of heart. The pixel art style suits the game well and gives it a retro look. As we are already looking for Super Mario like games on Android, the pixelated screens of Sword of Xolan are simply perfect. The game comes with 30 great levels and 9 challenge levels. The standard levels are well designed and seemed to be hand crafted. The challenge levels are all time based if you are looking to challenge yourself. The game also comes with around 30 different enemies to slay, which are a lot more than Super Mario. One of the best things about the game are the customizable touch controls. Sword of Xolan also comes with great controller support. Free Version
Conclusion
It’s a shame Nintendo doesn’t bring its games to the most wide-spread gaming platform in history. Even if they are priced high, I’m sure many will jump at the chance of playing Super Mario-like games for Android in a heartbeat. I for one would love to pay more than 20 dollars for a true Pokémon game on our beloved platform. Do you have questions, comments or suggestions? Feel free to type them in the comments below. Featured Image Credit
