Top Mario Games: A Must-Play List For Every Gamer

Hey guys! Are you ready to jump into the vibrant world of Mario? If you're a gaming enthusiast, you already know that Mario isn't just a character; he's a cultural icon. From his humble beginnings in Donkey Kong to headlining some of the most groundbreaking games ever made, Mario has consistently delivered fun, innovation, and unforgettable experiences. So, let’s dive into the must-play Mario games that every gamer should experience!

Super Mario Bros. (1985)

No Mario list would be complete without the game that started it all: Super Mario Bros. Released in 1985 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), this game revolutionized the platforming genre and rescued the video game industry from its post-crash doldrums. Seriously, without this game, who knows where gaming would be today? Super Mario Bros. introduced us to the Mushroom Kingdom, the villainous Bowser, and the simple yet addictive gameplay loop of jumping, running, and collecting power-ups.

The impact of Super Mario Bros. can't be overstated. Its level design is legendary, teaching players mechanics without a single tutorial. Each level is crafted to gradually introduce new challenges and enemies, ensuring that players are constantly learning and adapting. The game's secrets, like the warp zones, added a layer of exploration and replayability that was rare at the time. Plus, the catchy soundtrack by Koji Kondo is still iconic, instantly recognizable to anyone who grew up in the 80s and 90s.

But why should you play it today? Beyond its historical significance, Super Mario Bros. is simply a blast to play. The controls are tight and responsive, and the challenge is just right – difficult enough to be rewarding, but not so punishing that it becomes frustrating. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to the world of platformers, Super Mario Bros. is an essential experience. You can find it on various platforms, including the Nintendo Switch Online service, making it easily accessible.

Super Mario World (1990)

Next up, we have Super Mario World, which graced the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1990. This title took everything that made Super Mario Bros. great and expanded upon it in significant ways. First off, the graphics were a massive upgrade, showcasing the SNES's enhanced capabilities with vibrant colors and detailed sprites. But it wasn't just about looks; Super Mario World introduced new mechanics and characters that enriched the Mario universe.

One of the most notable additions was Yoshi, Mario's dinosaur buddy. Yoshi brought a whole new dimension to the gameplay, allowing Mario to eat enemies, flutter jump, and even breathe fire with the right colored shell. The level design in Super Mario World is also top-notch, featuring hidden areas, secret exits, and a branching world map that encouraged exploration. Discovering all the secrets in the game was a reward in itself, adding hours of replayability.

The game also refined the power-up system, introducing the Cape Feather, which allowed Mario to fly. Soaring through the levels with the cape was an exhilarating experience, and mastering the flight mechanics was a skill that every player wanted to achieve. Super Mario World is often hailed as one of the best 2D platformers ever made, and for good reason. Its blend of tight controls, imaginative level design, and charming presentation make it a timeless classic that continues to captivate players of all ages.

Super Mario 64 (1996)

Then came Super Mario 64 in 1996 for the Nintendo 64, and it changed everything. This game marked Mario's transition into the third dimension, and it did so with incredible innovation and polish. Super Mario 64 wasn't just a 2D game translated into 3D; it was a complete reimagining of what a platformer could be. The game introduced open-ended levels, a dynamic camera system, and a focus on exploration and collecting stars.

Players were given the freedom to explore Peach's castle and jump into paintings to access different worlds. Each world was filled with unique challenges and secrets, and collecting stars was the key to unlocking new areas and progressing through the game. Mario's moveset was also expanded, allowing him to jump, flip, punch, and even swim with fluid and responsive controls. The sense of freedom and discovery in Super Mario 64 was unparalleled at the time, and it set the standard for 3D platformers that followed.

Even today, Super Mario 64 holds up remarkably well. Its innovative gameplay, charming presentation, and sheer sense of fun make it a must-play for any gamer. Whether you're reliving the nostalgia or experiencing it for the first time, Super Mario 64 is a testament to the enduring power of Mario and the magic of video games. It’s available on Nintendo Switch Online, making it super easy to dive in!

Super Mario Odyssey (2017)

Fast forward to 2017, and we have Super Mario Odyssey for the Nintendo Switch. This game is a modern masterpiece that captures the spirit of adventure and innovation that has defined the Mario series for decades. Super Mario Odyssey introduces Cappy, a sentient hat that allows Mario to "capture" enemies and objects, gaining their abilities and using them to solve puzzles and traverse the environment.

The capture mechanic opens up a world of possibilities, allowing Mario to become anything from a Goomba to a T-Rex. Each capture has its own unique abilities, and figuring out how to use them is a key part of the game's charm. The game's world is also incredibly diverse, featuring vibrant kingdoms inspired by real-world locations, such as New York City and Mexico. Exploring these kingdoms and uncovering their secrets is a joy, and the game is packed with collectibles and challenges that will keep you engaged for hours.

Super Mario Odyssey is a celebration of everything that makes Mario great. Its innovative gameplay, charming presentation, and sheer sense of fun make it a must-play for any Switch owner. The game's post-game content is also substantial, offering new challenges and secrets for players to discover long after the main story is complete. If you're looking for a game that will put a smile on your face and remind you why you love video games, Super Mario Odyssey is the perfect choice.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (2017)

Okay, so let's shift gears a bit (pun intended!) and talk about Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. While not a traditional platformer, Mario Kart is a cornerstone of the Mario franchise, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is arguably the best entry in the series. Released on the Nintendo Switch in 2017, this game takes the already excellent Mario Kart 8 from the Wii U and adds even more content, characters, and features.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe boasts a massive roster of characters, including favorites from the Mario universe and even some guest characters from other Nintendo franchises. The game also features a wide variety of tracks, ranging from classic courses to new and inventive designs. The anti-gravity sections add a thrilling twist to the racing, allowing you to drive on walls and ceilings, and the item system is as chaotic and fun as ever.

What sets Mario Kart 8 Deluxe apart is its accessibility and depth. The game is easy to pick up and play, making it perfect for casual gamers and families. But beneath the surface lies a surprisingly deep and strategic racing game, with techniques like drifting, boosting, and item management that can give you a competitive edge. Whether you're playing solo, with friends, or online, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a blast to play, and it's a game that you'll keep coming back to time and time again.

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! A must-play list of Mario games that every gamer should experience. From the groundbreaking Super Mario Bros. to the modern masterpiece Super Mario Odyssey, these games represent the best of the Mario franchise and the best of video games in general. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the series, these games are sure to provide hours of fun, challenge, and unforgettable memories. So grab your controller, jump into the Mushroom Kingdom, and get ready for an adventure!