Summary
Voice acting inMariogames most often takes the form of a good wahoo here and there, and bless them for it. But there are a precious few that go beyond those percussive vocal stylings into the world of actually talking. The best of these can range anywhere from ‘wow’ to ‘wait, is that Mr. Zurkon?’
However, ‘best’ can sometimes take on different meanings, such as ‘most infamous’ or ‘most hilarious’ or ‘2009 YouTube compilation fodder’. The limited amount of Mario games with more substantial voice acting nevertheless runs this entire spectrum and farther, so why not dive in and see what they can offer?
8Honorable Mention: Super Mario Odyssey
“Don’t Fear, Don’t Shed A Tear, ‘Cause I’ll Be Your 1UP Girl”
Super Mario Odysseyis, overall, a very Mario game. It’s got the ‘ya’ and the ‘wa’ and everything else you’d expect from a solid entry, but it also has Jump Up, Super Star! and that’s worth remembering.
While the triumphantreturn of Pauline to the Mario gamesvia an unfairly good song doesn’t technically count as voice acting, it does come close enough to earn a mention. Pauline may not vocalize much else in the game, but her one shining moment remains arguably the biggest highlight of Super Mario Odyssey.
7Hotel Mario
“You Know What They Say: All Toasters Toast Toast!”
The Philips CD-i released games in the same way your local liquor store is a purveyor of fine wines. Technically true, but you’ll probably want to wipe it off before using it. Hotel Mario is one of several licensed games on the system that taught Nintendo a valuable lesson about trusting strangers.
Despite not being the worst Nintendo-licensed game on the CD-i, this door closing simulator is still not great, but it’s notable as one of the first times Mario spoke in any of his appearances. Voice actor Marc Graue, known for playing the recurring Ratchet & Clank character Mr. Zurkon, plays Mario, Luigi, and Bowser in this, albeit with a depressing lack of explosions and one-liners.
6Mario’s Game Gallery
“Would You Like-A To Play Checkers?”
While Hotel Mario enjoys the distinction of being an early voiced Mario game, Mario’s Game Gallery can claim the same, while also being pretty okay. This collection of traditional tabletop games may not be the most apt representation of the brand, but computer users couldn’t be picky in 1995.
Where Mario’s Game Gallery truly stands out is its status as the first timeCharles Martinet officially voiced Mario. That’s right, it wasn’t Super Mario 64, despite what those giant stacks of TVs at Best Buy may have made you think. So show a little respect for this forgettable game.
5Mario Teaches Typing 1 And 2
“I Know You’re Gonna Be A Great Typist. Hee Hee.”
Who doesn’t want a little encouragement when learning a new skill? That’s what Mario Teaches Typing offers, with Martinet’s still-fresh Mario voice helping you along as you discover your true calling as an internet commenter.
The games themselves are decent at what they do, and it might frankly be more difficult to mess up a typing game than get it right. So any kids feeling self conscious about their typing prowess can rest easy knowing that “Mario thinks you’re fantastic!”
4Mario Vs. Donkey Kong
“Come Back Here, You Big-A Monkey!”
In this honestly pretty genius continuation of the classic Donkey Kong arcade game, Mario has launched his own toy line in the Mushroom Kingdom only for Donkey Kong to steal them after all the stores have sold out. Whether or not the anti-capitalist message is intended, it’s really fun.
The gameplay itself of Mario vs. Donkey Kong on Game Boy Advance (and its Nintendo Switch remake) is satisfying enough to have spawned several sequels, but you’re here for the voices. Mario’s scolding of Donkey Kong in the intro cutscene remains pretty iconic in that out-of-context soundbite way. But it also deserves notice for Mario actually saying “Ah, that Charles Martinet. Nice Italian boy!”
3WarioWare Gold
“It’s Mine! Gold! I Love Gold! This Thing’s Heavy…”
Ever look at Wario and thought ‘Gosh, I wish that guy talked more’? WarioWare Gold has granted your wish, as the first in the WarioWare series to use full voice acting. This is a notable improvement in many ways, though diminished somewhat by Wario’s face enjoying far too many extreme close-ups.
The minigames in this 3DS title are just as fun as they always are in WarioWare entries, making the newly-voiced scenes even more enjoyable. It’s admittedly a little jarring hearing Wario speak with the cadence of a Rifftrax commentary, but that’s also part of its charm.
2Super Mario Sunshine
“Mario! How Dare You Disturb My Family Vacation?!”
Super Mario Sunshineis not exactly beloved specifically for its voice acting. That’s not to say it’s bad, but it is extraordinarily weird at times. To some fans, it’s the best kind of weird, such as hearing Bowser passionately berate Mario for ruining his vacation.
Everyone from Peach to Toad to Bowser and even the native Piantas are fully voiced during cutscenes. This is with the obvious exception of Mario who continues to yipee his way through each level like a champ. But it’s absolutely still a great game that holds up, and you’ll never find more refreshing-lookingvideo game waterwithout putting your GPU through the ringer.
1Super Mario Bros. Wonder
“Onward And Upward!”
Whether or notSuper Mario Bros. Wonderis a better game than Super Mario Sunshine is up for debate. They’re very different titles, after all. But the combination of Wonder’s tight gameplay and charmingly-voiced flowers is more than enough to give it an arguable edge.
Voice actor Mick Wingert knocks it out of the park as the only extended speaking role, voicing every talking flower in the English version. You’ll find these chatty blossoms in every level reacting, shouting hints, and simply giving character to the world. Don’t worry, you can turn them off, assuming you’re allergic to pure joy.
