Nintendo has recently expanded its roster of classic games on Switch Online, and among the highlights is the inaugural re-release of a Japanese Mario-themed title.
New Additions to the Library
The latest trio of additions, which includes Mario & Wario, Bubsy in Claws Encounters of the Furred Kind, and Fatal Fury Special, raises the total number of SNES games available in the West to 77.
Mario & Wario: A Unique Puzzle Experience
Mario & Wario, developed by Game Freak before their well-known Pokémon franchise, is a puzzle platformer that initially launched on the Super Famicom in Japan but never reached Western shores. This game is distinctive because it utilizes the Super Famicom Mouse, with players taking on the role of Wanda, a fairy tasked with guiding Mario through a myriad of challenging levels.
In this game, Mario is hindered by Wario, who mischievously places objects like barrels and buckets on his head, impairing his vision. Players must help Wanda navigate Mario through obstacles, making for an engaging and strategic gameplay experience.
Touching on its historical significance, Mario & Wario has never been part of Virtual Console offerings on platforms such as Wii, Wii U, or 3DS due to its mouse reliance. Therefore, its inclusion in the Nintendo Classics library for Switch, now playable with the Joy-Cons, marks a significant milestone—its first official international release.
Bubsy: A Cult Classic
Another title making its debut in the library is Bubsy in Claws Encounters of the Furred Kind, the inaugural game in the Bubsy franchise. The storyline revolves around the character Bubsy facing off against alien invaders known as the Woolies, who aim to steal all the planet’s yarn.
Though the game received middling reviews, it has gained a cult following over time, thanks to Bubsy’s comedic one-liners, quirky death animations, and notorious ‘leap of faith’ gameplay segments.
Fatal Fury Special: Enhanced Fighting
Lastly, Fatal Fury Special serves as an upgraded edition of SNK’s Fatal Fury 2. This enhanced release improves upon the original by doubling its character roster from eight to sixteen, featuring a guest appearance by Ryo Sakazaki from Art of Fighting, along with introducing a new combo system reminiscent of Super Street Fighter II.
