When it comes to Super Mario games, opinions get very polarized among gamers as to what is the best game or which ones are in the top five. Everyone has different opinions on this, and depending on how old you are and when you grew up, you can have a completely different opinion than someone else. As Mario platformers have evolved over the years, from its first game being released in 1985 (Super Mario Bros), to the most recent coming out in 2017 (Super Mario Odyssey), a lot has changed. While some people prefer the classic, 2-bit style of Mario, others like myself, love 3D Mario. All Mario games are awesome, but here are my Top 5 Super Mario platform Games!
Super Mario Platform Games #5 – Super Mario 3D World
While it wasn’t released on the most popular of consoles (yes, I’m talking about you WiiU), Super Mario 3D World does not disappoint when it comes to exciting game play. With Super Mario 3D World, you get all of the beautiful graphics and sometimes hair-pulling levels of a standard Mario game, but what sets it apart from all other 3D Mario platformers is that you can play with up to four people simultaneously! I’m waiting for a port, Nintendo Switch!
Super Mario Platform Games #4 – Super Mario World
For a game that’s from 1991, Super Mario World continues to be revered as one of the greatest Mario games of all time. The vibrant colors and smooth fluidity of the controls make this 2D platform game memorable and fun for all ages. Though I first played Super Mario World after playing the other 3D platformers, it stills holds up as a fantastic Mario game, and most likely always will.
#3 – SuperMario 64
Super Mario 64 is one of those games that is loved across generations, but really taps into the nostalgia for 90s babies. The game that was the first in the Mario series to be 3D, Super Mario 64 brings out our inner child explorer and emphasizes being curious about fun things around us. A review by IGN puts it the best, stating, “the environment is so intensely interactive, that even the least experimental players will spend hours on the first level without achieving anything in particular.”
#2 – Super Mario Odyssey
The most major and recent 3D Mario installment, Super Mario Odyssey is unlike any other Mario game released in the past. Open world style maps and the accompaniment of Mario’s trusty friend, Cappy (who is literally a cap he wears on his head) makes you feel like you have access to all kinds of different worlds at your fingertips. Plus, just for fun, the more coins you collect, the more costumes you can buy for Mario! Who doesn’t want to see Mario in a sombrero or a Santa suit?
#1 – Super Mario Galaxy
The game that started my love for all things Mario. Super Mario Galaxy was released in 2007 for the Wii console. With bright, beautiful colors of space and fun motion controls, Super Mario Galaxy taps into the fun feelings of nostalgia and makes you feel as magical as Mario flying through space along the cute Luma stars.