The Super Mario series is sprawling and expansive, with some of the most notorious 2D and 3D platformers in existence along with some of the most recognizable video game characters. The iconography and content of the games has lent itself well to countless spinoffs, where we can play as the mustachioed marvel in a context outside stomping Koopas.
Excluding spinoffs series like Luigi's Mansion and Yoshi, this list takes a look at twelve Mario spinoff series and pairs them each with a zodiac sign. From fiery Aries to watery Pisces, which iteration of the capped crusader are you?
12 Aries - Mario Tennis
Passion, motivation, and directness characterize Aries, the first sign of the zodiac. This fire sign values confidence and fun; they approach life as explosive, both positively and negatively.
This fits well with the Mario Tennis series, which has simple but energetic and colorful gameplay.
In the Mario Tennis series, you wield various Mario characters on the court and have to utilize a variety of different racket swings to outwit your opponent. We can clearly see the passionate Aries leaping into the air to serve a flaming fireball over the net.
11 Taurus - Mario Soccer/Mario Strikers
The earth sign Taurus takes up the next slot on the zodiac and is characterized by stability, material gain, stubbornness, and loyalty. Taurus is unafraid to put in hard work and not daunted by long-term thinking when seeking to achieve their goals, a quality which meshes well with the Mario Soccer series.
Mario and his friends' soccer bouts involve collaboration and teamwork, long-term strategy, and offensive effort. From avoiding items on the field to landing or deflecting Hyper Strikes, this game requires the steady hand and stubborn spirit of the Taurus.
10 Gemini - Mario Party
The first air sign on the zodiac, Gemini is notorious as an intellectual and a socialite. Constantly juggling activities and friend groups, Gemini is happiest when they are moving quickly between events and having stimulating interactions.
This easily aligns itself with the renowned Mario Party series.
Mario Party is zany, diverse, and inherently social. Involving quick activities like navigating different boards, scoring stars, or winning minigames, these titles contain all the intrigue and content to hold a Gemini's attention.
Nothing can make or break a friendship after a fateful round of Mario Party, after all.
9 Cancer - Mario Maker
Cancer appears next as the first water sign in the zodiac. Known to be sensitive, emotionally rich, and domestically focused, Cancers tend to be conflict avoidant, retreating into passivity or their own world.
They have a strong desire to create a comfortable home and are often excellent hosts. This clicks with Mario Maker.
The Mario Maker titles are solitary games where players create their own Mario levels using tools frequently found in platformers. Any Cancer would easily jump at the chance to be able to make a level to their liking, rich with meaning and with as little (or as much) conflict as they want.
8 Leo - Mario Kart
Ah, the leader of the zodiac appears. Boisterous, theatrical, and competitive, this fire sign leads with the heart in every pursuit they encounter.
They love the spotlight and basking in the riches of life, vitality, and victory. What other series could possibly sate their desire for glory besides Mario Kart?
Perhaps the most famous Mario spinoff series, Mario Kart gameplay often plays out like a Shakespearean drama with epic highs and lows. It's easy to picture Leo clawing their way through competitors to lead the pack, their mane flowing in the breeze as they toss bananas behind them.
7 Virgo - Dr. Mario
Diligent, intelligent, and detail-oriented, Virgo takes the next spot. These earth signs tend to be perfectionists, focused on properly processing and organizing data.
They also tend to be kind and gentle people, wanting to help others in practical ways as opposed to lofty or abstract ones. A puzzle game sounds perfect for these problem-solvers.
The Dr. Mario series involves our titular Koopa-stomper donning a white coat to throw pills and destroy viruses in a Tetris-like game. The attention to detail and methodical gameplay of these puzzle titles are right up Virgo's alley.
6 Libra - Mario Golf
The second air sign Libra is the only inanimate object featured in the zodiac. Focused on harmony and balance, sometimes to the point of indecision, Libras love making others happy and pursuing their passions until they are masters of them.
Their traits seem to align with the famous Mario Golf series.
This game, unlike the fast-paced soccer or tennis series, focuses on slow and balanced motion and the development of skill over time. A game with multiple pathways to the putting green is also sure to exercise that decision-making muscle.
5 Scorpio - Mario & Rabbids
Taking the next spot on the list is the famous Scorpio. Often misunderstood, this water sign is known for its cunning and mysterious nature.
Scorpio is strategic and constantly defying expectations, often seeming unexplainable and charming. This goes along well with the Mario & Rabbids series.
An odd Mario spinoff series that few were expecting, Mario & Rabbids follows the Mushroom Kingdom heroes as they team up with their Rabbid counterparts to fight through a turn-based strategy. The intelligent yet also inexplicable Scorpio is clearly a kindred spirit.
4 Sagittarius - Mario RPG
The final fire sign in the zodiac follows. Sagittarius is constantly protecting their freedom and searching for truth, aligning them with philosophy and exploration.
Witty and humorous, this sign is stimulated by change and movement, which clicks with the Mario RPG series.
This spinoff combines Super Mario's iconography with traditional RPG elements like turn-based combat and a freely traversable map, as Mario and his friends try to defeat the evil Smithy. The game's free movement and humorous personality are sure to resonate with Sagittarius.
3 Capricorn - Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games
Next up is the zodiac's resident sea goat, Capricorn. The final earth sign of the zodiac is ambitious and hardworking, stopping at nothing to achieve their goals.
Outwardly they may seem a bit conservative and closed-off, but this sign is fun-loving and spirited. It seems perfect to send them to the Olympic Games.
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games sees our hero cross paths with Sega's famous Blue Blur and go for the gold, competing in straight-laced Olympic Sports and zany Dream Sports as well. The duality of perspective and the need for ambition in this competition of ages makes this series a perfect match for Capricorn.
2 Aquarius - Mario & Luigi
Despite the misconception that they are a water sign, Aquarius is actually the final air sign of the zodiac progression. Mystical, strange, and deeply invested in interpersonal relationships, this sign values collaboration with others for the greater good.
They tend to be innovative thinkers and are wary of tradition. Of course, they'd pair with the Mario & Luigi series.
Known for its goofy humor and unconventional stories like traveling through dreams, time, or even Bowser's body, this series emphasizes the interpersonal bond between the Mario Bros in every title. It's easy to see Aquarius enjoying the collaboration between brothers to solve a greater conflict.
1 Pisces - Paper Mario
At the end of the zodiac progression, Pisces takes the last spot on the list as a water sign that is deeply thoughtful, empathic, and artistic. This sign is thought to be the most psychic of the zodiac, able to conjure elaborate fantasies and get lost in vibrant inner worlds, which is perfect for the action-adventure series of Paper Mario.
Known for its elaborate storytelling and fleshed-out characters, Paper Mario (funnily enough) often sees more depth than the mainline titles. The pensive Pisces would love digesting these more nuanced narratives and exploring the vibrant fantasy worlds only featured in this spinoff series.