Mario (Super Mario) leads with 94% of votes
Latest odds: Mario (Super Mario) - 84%, Samus Aran (Metroid) - 16%
Mario (Super Mario) = Wider cultural symbol, diverse media
Samus Aran (Metroid) = Deeper character evolution
See full Video Game Character rankings →VS
Your GOAT List
In the ultimate video game showdown, Samus Aran, the intergalactic bounty hunter from 'Metroid', clashes with Mario, the cheerful plumber from 'Super Mario'. This battle isn't just about brute strength; it's a clash of legacies, where the silent, mysterious warrior meets the face of video gaming's most iconic and beloved hero. Fans are drawn to Samus's cool, tech-savvy prowess and her complex, dark universe, while Mario brings a sense of nostalgia and universal appeal with his straightforward, joyous adventures. This matchup heats up passions as it pits the hardcore, sci-fi enthusiasts against the universally adored fans of the jumping man in red. Who will you cheer for in this epic face-off? Cast your vote and let your voice shape the legacy!
| Criteria | Edge | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Iconic Status | Mario (Super Mario) | Mario is arguably the most recognizable video game character globally, symbolizing the gaming industry itself. |
| Character Development | Samus Aran (Metroid) | Samus Aran's narrative arc explores deeper themes of identity and solitude, showing significant evolution. |
| Impact on Gaming | Mario (Super Mario) | Mario's games have consistently set benchmarks in game design, influencing countless platforms and genres. |
| Cross-Media Appeal | Mario (Super Mario) | Mario's successful ventures into movies, merchandise, and more eclipse Samus's more limited cross-media presence. |
Latest battle odds:
Mario (Super Mario): 84%
Samus Aran (Metroid): 16%
Overall battle results:
Overall fans prefer Mario (Super Mario) over Samus Aran (Metroid) when it comes to the greatest Video Game Characters of all time. In head-to-head matchups, fans pick Mario (Super Mario) 94.7% of the time over Samus Aran (Metroid).
Across all battles:
Mario (Super Mario) win rate: 79.5%
Samus Aran (Metroid) win rate: 27.5%
This matchup sparks debate due to their contrasting styles—Mario's joyful, accessible adventures versus Samus's intense, narrative-driven sci-fi missions. Both have transformed their respective genres, pulling in fans for very different reasons, which makes choosing between them a real brain teaser for voters.
Fans adore Samus for her strong, silent type persona and her role as one of the first female protagonists in video game history. Her badass space adventures and the surprise revelation of her gender back in the day have cemented her as a feminist icon in gaming.
Mario's massive lead is all thanks to his iconic status and universal appeal. Everyone from your grandma to your little cousin knows and loves this plucky plumber. His countless adventures across decades have left a big impression, making him a nostalgic favorite in the GoatWars votes.