There are dozens of successful video game series that have helped Nintendo build its legacy in the industry, but few can truly compete with the universal acclaim of the super mario franchisee. It never struggles to incorporate new and radical gameplay mechanics while staying true to its roots.
The endless enemies trying to stop Mario’s progress is one of the most compelling elements of the super mario franchisee. A collection of old and new antagonists appear in each Mario title, but some of these enemies are so cute that the audience wants to hug them instead of hurting them.
10/10 Nabbit continues to steal the hearts of Super Mario fans
Nabbit is a newer addition to the Mushroom Kingdom that has only been around for a little over a decade, but it has already become a popular obstacle and has been super mario games and spin-offs.
Nabbits First Appearance Is In The Wii Us New Super Mario Bros. YOU as a mischievous figure who can steal items from players. Nabbit draws many traits from classic Super Mario characters like Shy Guys, but has a distinct attitude of its own. He is destined to become even more popular in the coming years.
9/10 Cataquacks are too cute to be annoyed
The GameCubes Super Mario Sunshine remains a polarizing mainline super mario title, but if nothing else, the game’s new environment, Delfino Island, is full of new visuals and original enemies. Everyone who has played Super Mario Sunshine has experienced the frustration of a Cataquack waddling at Mario and then throwing him in the air and ruining his plans.
Cataquacks are definitely some of the more annoying enemies to be introduced to the game, but they’re also undeniably cute. Their clumsy behavior and the wacky noises that come out of it soften the blow somewhat when they get one on Mario.
8/10 Wiggler has warmed hearts even when he’s in a bad mood
A huge anthropomorphic caterpillar doesn’t necessarily sound like a cute contender, and yet Wiggler has a pleasing expression that makes the character seem more a part of nature than an active antagonist. Wigglers contains a terrifying reservoir of rage that will unleash itself and reveal a horrifying new side of this enemy.
Some are trembling with fear at Wiggler’s faster, agitated stage, but it’s also pretty cute to watch the creature get so excited. Mario has assumed a playful relationship with these enemies and it is difficult for gamers to see them as a major threat.
7/10 Cat Goomba is a fun, feline update of a Mushroom Kingdom classic
Cat fever has taken over lately super mario games, and Super Mario 3D World, as well as the improved Switch port, brings both Cat Mario and Cat Bowser prominently into the mix. There is also a wide variety of cat subspecies for most of the Mushroom Kingdom’s signature enemies.
This includes Cat Koopa Troopa, Cat Banzai and the cutest of the lot, Cat Goomba. Goombas already have a silly look to them, but the addition of fur, ears and cute paws makes them the kind of enemy that demands that they be made into a hug.
6/10 Super Mario World’s Rex Don’t Let A Crushed Body Slow It Down
When it comes to dinosaurs in the super mario franchise, no one will ever be able to replace Yoshi. However, the introduction of the character in Super Mario World‘s Dinosaur Land comes along with several other dino enemies that are often overlooked.
Rex is a common enemy that Mario encounters in this SNES adventure, but his design is so nice that most audiences probably wouldn’t mind if Yoshi looked like that. The extra detail that makes Rex cuter than most Super Mario World enemies is that he will continue to scurry around in a crushed state after Mario jumps on him.
5/10 Ninji are cute martial artists who pose a pointed threat
Video games have a real obsession with ninja, and Super Mario Bros. 2 offers Nintendo’s own kid-friendly take on the trope. Ninji are star-shaped creatures that are actually quite demonic in nature, but they look more like a small child who wants to play pretend.
Ninji have some decent attacks, but they are never treated as a truly dangerous presence. These enemies have only gotten cuter in their most recent appearances, even leading to Ninji becoming a playable character in 2021 Mario Golf: Super Rush.
4/10 Paper Mario’s Amazy Dayzee is a fun flower enemy
An important selling point of the Paper Mario subseries of games is the adorable visual makeover that Mario and his world are getting. This 2D papercraft version of the Mushroom Kingdom results in lots of cute updates to classic characters. There are also plenty of original enemies that take advantage of this aesthetic.
Amazy Dayzee is a cheerful flower that seems not far from the ultra-optimistic iconography of Yoshi’s story. Amazy Dayzee is technically an enemy, but no one is afraid of this ray of sunshine.
3/10 Monty Mole are classic creatures that are nice and nostalgic
Super Mario World brings out some rodent nuisance common to levels, and the resilient Monty Mole is definitely on the nicer side of threats. These moles seem more unconscious than evil, and the ways in which they shoot into the air from the ground and assert their authority are quite alluring.
Monty Mole is a welcome appearance that is an easier change of pace from some of the more challenging enemies that arise. Monty Mole has also become more popular in recent years, earning coveted positions in several Mario sports spin-offs.
2/10 The Bashful Boo are Super Mario’s signature ghosts
There is a surprisingly intense poltergeist epidemic being experienced around the world super mario series. Ghosts have become such a problem that there is even a trilogy of them Luigi’s Mansion games directly aimed at the extermination of these supernatural spirits.
There are some really terrifying ghosts in these games, but the basic Boo Mario is used to probably won’t scare anyone to death. Granted, Boos attack in groups and can outnumber Mario, but the embarrassment they experience when viewed makes them feel like they’re the ones in danger.
1/10 Bowser Jr. is the little terror that makes his father proud
Mario has faced many determined enemies during his platforming adventures, but Bowser is by far the most prominent of the bunch. Bowser has acquired many talented minions over the years, be it the Koopalings or Bowser Jr. are making its debut in the Gamecube’s Super Mario Sunshine.
Bowser Jr. is just as mean as his father, but his small size and bandana-clad clothes are more endearing than intimidating. It’s another example of an enemy feeling like he’s posing as a villain and putting on an act.
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