Are you ready to jump into the wonderful world of Mario games? For over three decades, the beloved plumber has entertained generations with his thrilling adventures. With so many Mario games available, knowing which ones are worth your time can be challenging. Fear not; our team has compiled a list of the top 10 Mario games to get you hooked.
These games have everything from the iconic Super Mario Bros. 3 to the stunning Super Mario Odyssey. Experience classic 2D side-scrolling action or dive into a fully-realized 3D world. Take control of Mario, Luigi, and other fan-favorite characters as you battle through the Mushroom Kingdom and beyond.
What is Mario Games?
Nintendo develops and publishes popular Mario games where players control Mario, who embarks on various adventures to save Princess Peach and the Mushroom Kingdom from enemies and obstacles. These games have enjoyed popularity among players of all ages . Since the first game’s release in 1985 continued to be a beloved and iconic part of the gaming industry, with numerous sequels and spin-offs being developed.
Top 10 Mario games
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the series, there’s a Mario game out there that’s perfect for you. Get ready to collect coins, stomp on Goombas, and save the princess in our list of the 10 Best Mario games of all time!
1. Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey is a critically acclaimed platform game developed and published by Nintendo. In the game, Mario embarks on a journey to save Princess Peach from Bowser’s forced marriage with the help of his new hat companion, Cappy. The game is set in various kingdoms, each with unique themes and gameplay mechanics. Players can explore these kingdoms in an open-world style, making the game more immersive.
The game features a new gameplay mechanic where Mario can capture and control various creatures and objects using Cappy. This adds a new dimension to the traditional Mario formula, allowing players to solve puzzles and traverse obstacles uniquely. The game includes a variety of costumes and collectibles, such as Power Moons, which power Mario’s hat-shaped spaceship, and the Odyssey.
Additionally, the game offers a two-player co-op mode where one player controls Mario while the other controls Cappy, making it more enjoyable to play with friends. Super Mario Odyssey is praised for its graphics, music, and gameplay mechanics. It’s one of the best games on the Nintendo Switch and a must-play for franchise fans.
2. Super Mario 64
In 1996, Nintendo developed and published Super Mario 64, a classic 3D platform game that became a landmark in gaming history as it was one of the first 3D platformers. Mario embarks on a mission in the game to collect Power Stars hidden in Peach’s Castle and its surrounding areas. The game features an open-world design that allows players to explore various levels with unique themes and objectives. The game’s controls were groundbreaking, allowing Mario to jump, run, and perform various acrobatic moves in 3D. Additionally, the game includes a range of power-ups and enemies that enhance the gameplay experience.
Mario can transform into different characters with unique abilities, such as flying or breathing underwater. The game’s memorable soundtrack and charming visuals have cemented its status as a classic. The Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection for the Nintendo Switch. It is a must-play for anyone interested in gaming history, and players of all ages can enjoy the fun experience it offers.
3. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
Intelligent Systems developed and Nintendo published Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, a role-playing game. The game was released for the Nintendo GameCube in 2004 and is the second installment in the Paper Mario series. It follows Mario, who embarks on a quest to rescue Princess Peach and unravel the mysteries of the Thousand Year Door.
The game has a unique graphical style, with characters and environments made of 2D paper cutouts. The turn-based battle system features a ring system that allows Mario to position himself strategically and attack enemies. Mario also teams up with various partners in the game, each possessing unique abilities that prove useful in battles and exploration. Critics have praised the game’s innovative gameplay and charming presentation, as well as its infused humor and memorable characters. In addition, the game’s accessible yet profound gameplay mechanics have also been highly regarded. It remains a fan-favorite among the Paper Mario series and a must-play for RPG fans.
4. Super Mario Bros. 3
Nintendo developed and published Super Mario Bros. 3, a platform game for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), in 1988. The game is the third main entry in the Super Mario Bros. series and is widely regarded as one of the greatest games ever. The plot follows Mario and Luigi as they embark on a quest to save the Mushroom World from the evil Koopalings and, ultimately, Bowser himself.
The game introduces a variety of new power-ups and abilities for Mario, including the iconic Tanooki Suit and the Hammer Suit. The game also features a world map that allows players to choose their path through the game’s levels. The game’s levels are diverse and challenging, with each world’s unique theme and obstacles. The game’s colorful graphics and catchy soundtrack have made it a beloved classic among gamers of all ages. It was the best-selling video game until it was surpassed by another Mario game, Super Mario Bros., in 1999.
5. Super Mario Galaxy 2
Super Mario Galaxy 2 is a platform game developed and published by Nintendo for the Wii console in 2010. The game is a sequel to Super Mario Galaxy and follows Mario as he embarks on a quest to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser and his minions. Super Mario Galaxy 2 features a variety of new power-ups and abilities for Mario, including the Cloud Flower, which allows Mario to create temporary platforms in mid-air, and the Rock Mushroom, which turns Mario into a boulder that can roll over obstacles.
The game also introduces new Yoshi abilities, such as turning into a balloon and floating through the air. The game’s levels are diverse and challenging, with each world’s unique theme and obstacles. The game also features a co-op mode, where a second player can control a Luma to assist Mario in his adventure.
The game’s beautiful graphics and immersive soundtrack have made it a beloved classic among gamers. Super Mario Galaxy received critical acclaim for its creative level design, tight controls, and engaging gameplay, resulting in the game-winning numerous awards and accolades.
6. Super Mario World
Nintendo developed and published Super Mario World, a classic platform game for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1990. In the game, players control Mario or his brother Luigi as they journey through Dinosaur Land to rescue Princess Toadstool from the clutches of the evil Bowser.
The game introduces new power-ups, such as the Cape Feather, which allows Mario to fly, and the Spin Jump, which allows Mario to jump on spiked enemies without taking damage. The game also features a world map, which players to navigate to access levels and progress through the game.
Critics have praised the game’s tight controls, creative level design, and engaging gameplay, as well as its colorful graphics and catchy soundtrack, making it a beloved classic among gamers. The game’s levels encourage players to explore and find hidden paths, making it one of the best platformers of all time.
7. Super Mario Galaxy
Nintendo developed and published Super Mario Galaxy, a critically acclaimed platform game for the Wii console, in 2007. In the game, players control Mario as he travels through space to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser’s clutches. The game features a unique gravity-based gameplay mechanic, where players can navigate between different planets and galaxies by controlling Mario’s movements using the Wii Remote.
The game also introduces new power-ups, such as the Bee Mushroom, which allows Mario to fly, and the Boo Mushroom, which turns Mario into a ghost. The developers filled the game’s levels with creative challenges and puzzles, encouraging players to think outside the box to progress.
A live symphony orchestrated the soundtrack composed by Mahito Yokota, which has received high praise for its sweeping orchestral themes and emotional depth. Critics have hailed it as one of the greatest video games ever. Such praise is for its innovative gameplay and stunning visuals, which have inspired countless other games since its release.
8. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury
Nintendo developed and published Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, a platform game for the Nintendo Switch console, in 2021. It is a re-release of the original Super Mario 3D World game, initially released for the Wii U console in 2013, with the addition of a new game mode called Bowser’s Fury. The game features up to four players controlling Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad as they navigate through various levels filled with enemies and obstacles, using their unique abilities to progress.
Bowser’s Fury is a new open-world game mode where Mario must team up with Bowser Jr. to stop a giant, angry Bowser from destroying an island. The game also introduces new power-ups, such as the Super Bell, which turns the characters into cats, allowing them to climb walls and scratch enemies. The game features bright and colorful graphics, catchy music, and a high level of polish, making it a delightful addition to the Mario franchise. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury has received widespread critical acclaim for its excellent gameplay, visuals, and overall design.
9. Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island
Super Mario Bros. is a classic video game that was released by Nintendo in 1985. The game features Mario and Luigi, who must rescue Princess Toadstool from Bowser. Since its release, the game has become a cultural icon and is considered one of the greatest video games ever. With its innovative gameplay, catchy music, and memorable characters, it has influenced the gaming industry. Even today, players of all ages continue to enjoy the game, which remains a beloved part of pop culture.
The game introduces several new gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to throw eggs, flutter jump, and transform Yoshi into different vehicles. The game features uniquely designed levels with various puzzles and challenges to overcome. Additionally, it showcases a colorful, hand-drawn art style with charming animations.
The game’s music is also memorable, featuring a variety of catchy tunes that perfectly complement the game’s whimsical aesthetic. Upon release, critics praised it, considering the game one of the best platformers ever made. And it remains highly regarded to this day. Nintendo has re-released the game on various consoles, and it remains a beloved classic in the Mario franchise.
10. Super Mario Sunshine
Nintendo developed and published Super Mario Sunshine, a 3D platformer game for the GameCube console, in 2002. Mario and his companions travel to the tropical Isle Delfino for a relaxing vacation in the game. Still, they discover that an evil imposter called Shadow Mario has polluted the island. Mario sets out to clean up the island using a powerful water-squirting device called FLUDD (Flash Liquidizer Ultra Dousing Device) while solving puzzles and battling enemies.
The game features a vibrant and colorful open world with diverse exploring locations like beaches, amusement parks, and underground tunnels. Players center their gameplay around using FLUDD’s various nozzles to spray water and clear obstacles or enemies. They also encounter acrobatic platforming and puzzle-solving elements. It also includes several unique features, such as the ability to ride on Yoshi and the inclusion of secret levels.
Final Thoughts
Super Mario has been a household name for decades, and it’s no wonder why. Mario is a beloved character that brings joy to gamers of all ages. From the release of Super Mario Bros. on the NES to the latest installment, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, on the Nintendo Switch. In this article, we’ve highlighted the 10 best Mario games you can play online.
These games feature everything from classic side-scrolling action to 3D adventures and puzzle-solving challenges. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering Mario for the first time, these games will provide hours of fun. Gather your friends and family, and get ready to jump, stomp, and explore the colorful and exciting world of Mario. These games are entertaining; you can play them even if you’re a first-time player or a long-time fan. They can give you hours of entertainment, and you can play with your friends and family. So, don’t hesitate to join Mario’s adventures!
