Super Mario Bros. Z: The Game

About

Super Mario Bros. Z: The Game is a 1v1 fighting title built in Unity by indie developer Jonathan B Miller. It pits characters from the Super Mario Bros. Z animated series against each other in fast-paced 2D brawls. The roster mixes familiar faces from Nintendo’s Mushroom Kingdom with Sonic the Hedgehog’s crew, creating unexpected matchups. Combat leans into arcade-style mechanics with special moves and stage interactions. The game follows the original SMZ series rather than its reboot and serves as a sequel to the creator’s prior project in the same universe. The fan-made project stands out for its niche crossover appeal and dedicated execution. While not officially licensed, it has carved a small but enthusiastic audience among retro gaming fans. Available on PC and Linux, it supports single-player practice and multiplayer modes. Community feedback highlights its quirky character designs and tight netcode, though some note balancing issues between fighters. Released in 2021, it remains a niche but polished example of indie fighting game development.