Summary
Nowadays, any video game fan can create their ownMariogame. Thanks to the release ofSuper Mario Makeron Wii U, followed up bySuper Mario Maker 2on the Switch, fans all around the world can play each other’s uploaded courses emulating the styles ofSuper Mario Bros.,Super Mario Bros. 3,Super Mario World, andNew Super Mario Bros. Wii.
However, some diehard fans have been making their ownMariogames for years, uploading their customized versions as ROM hacks to be downloaded on the internet. WhileSuper Mario Maker 2allows for a lot of variety, these hacks are often meant for the more hardcoreMariofans. These six great ROM hacks can be found online to this day.
6Mario Is Missing!: Done Right
Mario is Missing!is an oft-forgotten blip in the history of retroMariogames. Initially released for the MS-DOS and later ported to the NES and SNES, the educational game sawplayers take control of Luigi, who must travel the world and recover stolen treasures in order to rescue his captured brother, learning about geography and national landmarks.
While the game never found appeal with realMariofans,Mario is Missing!: Done Rightis a ROM hack that brings it closer to the series' roots. Doing away with the educational aspect of the game, it allows players to go on a classic platforming adventure in control of Luigi, complete with new courses styled after the GameBoy iteration ofSuper Mario Bros. 3.
5Super Mario Eclipse
The further fans get into Mario’s video game history, the more scarce ROM hacks become, due to how complicated later installments in the franchise get. However, that didn’t stop ROM hack creators from upgradingSuper Mario Sunshinewith a fully-fledged sequel:Super Mario Eclipse, which debuted its second demo version in 2023.
Despite being a rough draft of the final iteration to come,Super Mario Eclipseoffers a lot ofvariety forSuper Mario Sunshinefans, including a playable Luigi and El Piantissimo! Some of the new locales are much more freaky than the relaxing, beach vibes of the first game, too. As far asMarioROM hacks go,Super Mario Eclipseis one of the more ambitious ones.
4Newer Super Mario Bros. Wii
Although an endless amount of customNew Super Mario Bros. Wiilevels can be made inSuper Mario Maker 2, video game fans won’t find a fully-fledged sequel quite likeNewer Super Mario Bros. Wii.UnlikeSuper Mario Maker 2, this ROM hack is fully designed for a four-player experience, featuring a total of 128 new levelsand many returning power-ups.
Even compared toNew Super Mario Bros. Wii’s canonical sequels for Wii U and 3DS,Newer Super Mario Bros. Wiihas the kind of fan love and compassion only a ROM hack can contain. Plus, it comes with completely remixed versions of the soundtrack, which can be downloaded on the ROM hack’s website.
3Mario Kart 64 - Amped Up
Mario Kart 64, despite being over 25 years old at this point, still provides endless fun to both hardcore and casual fans of the Nintendo 64 racer. However, those who are dedicated enough to play the game via an emulator may have even more fun with the ROM hackMario Kart 64 - Amped Up,which includes twelve new coursesand a brand-new game mode.
In the new “Coin Mode,“players race through a coursewhile trying to collect eight coins, which gradually increase their speed and will unlock a special power-up if they manage to find them all. The latest version also includes a “Balloon Race” mode which combines Balloon Battles from the original game with standardMario Kart 64races.
2Invictus
Invictusis one of the most infamousMarioROM hacks of all time. Released in 2018,theSuper Mario Worldretoolingis designed to be challenging to even the most hardcoreMariospeedrunners out there. Featuring a total of 20 levels,Invictusdoesn’t sacrifice fun for its increased challenge, including a brand-new final boss and all-new music.
In the community ofMarioROM hacks,Invictushas a special reputation for being incredibly hard to complete. However, as those who have done it will attest, it will remain one of the most satisfying accomplishments ofSuper Mario Worldfans. For those who struggle to complete it, it might not rank high on their list ofMarioROM hacks out there.
1Super Mario 64: Last Impact
Few ROM hacks commit to the level of dedication that can be found inSuper Mario 64: Last Impact. Released in 2016, this ROM hack ofSuper Mario 64is a massive upgrade, containing a whopping 15 new courses, 12 secret levels, 12 new power-ups, and a boatload of new enemies for Mario to encounter throughout the adventure.
What’s quite significant about the new power-ups is how they adapt future and recurring power-ups from throughout the 3DMariogames, from the Bee Mushroom to F.L.U.D.D. The new power-upsalso include a ride-able Yoshi, and brand-new concepts like the Spider Mushroom, the Paper Mushroom, and even a shield power-up that boosts Mario’s abilities.
