15 Bizarre Video Game Spinoffs No One Ever Played

Who knew both Mario brothers were doctors?

By PocketEpiphany

Published 4 years ago in Wtf

Video games are like Hollywood movies. That means when a new game is successful, it won’t take too long before we see countless spinoffs.

And there have been so many spinoffs in games that even the most loyal players can’t keep track of them all. Before you know it, there are a ton of great spinoff games that you missed.

Want to check out some of these diamonds in the rough? We’ve got the scoop on the best video game spinoffs you’ve never heard about.

1
Dr. Luigi

The Wii U had many interesting spinoffs most gamers never played, and that includes Dr. Luigi.

The gameplay isn’t very different from Dr. Mario, but this game has enough other features (including a killer soundtrack and fun online mode) to make it worth playing.

2
Donkey Kong (1994 GB game)

Would you believe the best Donkey Kong game came out 26 years ago?

After you make it through the levels from the arcade game, this title turns into a complex platforming adventure that ultimately lasts for 101 levels.

You’ll see Mario doing moves that will inspire later franchise games, including the unforgettable Super Mario 64.

3
Castlevania: The Arcade

It’s tough to find a good arcade these days, much less one that has a copy of Castlevania: The Arcade.

But this game is amazing, with a special whip remote that puts all of that Dracula-killing power directly into your hands.

Imagine a Castlevania version of House of the Dead and you’ll know what to expect.
4
Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII

Thanks to the remake of Final Fantasy VII, more players are exploring that virtual world than ever before.

But one of the best spinoffs of this game starred optional character Vincent as he runs and guns through a new adventure.

It’s not the best game in the world, but it is both ambitious and engaging.

5
Wario World

There have been many Wario games, but our favorite overlooked entry is Wario World for the Gamecube.

This title combines elaborate combat with harrowing platforming. And back in the day, you could unlock minigames for WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames!, giving players the same treasure fever that Wario experiences.
6
Donkey Konga

The Donkey Konga games let you explore rhythm-based gameplay using special bongo controllers.

Not only is this the ultimate party game, but it lets you channel your own naked Matthew McConaughey even as you take control of Donkey Kong.
7
Metal Gear Solid Mobile

Metal Gear Solid Mobile is a phone game with surprisingly complex design and story.

Most franchise fans slept on this title, but it perfectly bridges the gap between Metal Gear Solid 1 and 2.

Furthermore, this game proves that it is possible to have a good mobile version of Solid Snake and his adventures.

8
Mario & Wario

Despite being in English, Mario & Wario only came out in Japan. Gameplay is all about Wario stacking stuff on Mario until he cannot see, and players must guide our plucky plumber past obstacles.

The game won’t blow your mind or anything, but it is a fun combo of platforming and puzzle-solving you won’t soon forget.
9
Yoshi

Despite appearing first on the SNES, Yoshi was the titular star of his own NES title.

And this game makes for an engaging and colorful puzzle game that is still entertaining Switch players to this day.
10
Castlevania Puzzle: Encore of the Night

Castlevania Puzzle: Encore of the Night was not long for the world.

This mobile title was only available for about a year on iOS, but those who played it experienced a really solid puzzle game that made great use of the graphical assets from Symphony of the Night.

11
Mega Man 2: The Power Fighters

Believe it or not, the Mega Man formula translates very well into a fighting game. In Mega Man 2: The Power Fighters, you must beat down various bots while stealing their powers and becoming stronger.

This game also sports an awesome two-player mode that lets you bring a friend into the robot shenanigans.
12
Resident Evil Gaiden

Resident Evil Gaiden seems impossible. It’s a Resident Evil game for Game Boy Color that is actually very good.

The graphics are solid and stylish and the gameplay is very inventive. And there are many twists and turns for anyone who thinks they understand the lore of the series.
13
Knuckles' Chaotix

It’s tougher than ever to play games for Sega’s 32x console. That’s unfortunate, because Knuckles’ Chaotix is the best Sonic spinoff ever created.

While the tethering ability in the game put players off at the time, it actually provided some much needed innovation to the franchise.

14
Ripened Tingle's Balloon Trip of Love

Ripened Tingle's Balloon Trip of Love sounds like the title of a really weird adult video.

Instead, it’s the name of a weirdly-compelling DS Zelda spinoff that you can now play thanks to a fan translation. If nothing else, this will be the weirdest Zelda game you ever play.
15
Lara Croft Go

At first glance, Tomb Raider doesn’t sound like it would translate to mobile very well.

But Lara Croft Go leans into the puzzle-solving elements and makes for an amazing little game.

And much like the real Lara Croft, this game will have you thinking about each step long before you take it.