Top Ten Mario Games

One of the most amazing things about this list is the fact that most of these has shared the title of greatest video game of all time. Journeying through Mario's universe as the iconic plumber is something that just about everyone with a video game console can say they've done in their lifetime. Here's a look at ten of the greatest Mario Games.

 

10. Mario Party 3

Mario Party 3 served as the last of the series for the Nintendo 64, and included multiple additions than what players were previously accustomed to. It was the first to have multiple save slots, introduced Princess Daisy and Waluigi as playable characters, and allowed players to hold three items, instead of just one. In 2002, Mario Party 3 won the Console Family Award from the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences.

 

9. Super Mario 3D Land

Super Mario 3D Land was the first Mario game to land on the Nintendo 3DS, and also the fastest-selling hand-held Mario game ever. It was very similar to the side-scrolling Mario games, but included features of the 3D games such as Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Galaxy. The game included new power-ups and gameplay mechanics which received positive criticism.

 

8. Super Smash Bros

Super Smash Bros is a game that finds itself at several different video game tournaments and conventions. Players join in on the competition that features several different Nintendo favourites, including Mario, Donkey Kong, The Legend of Zelda, Kirby, Pokemon, and much more. Super Smash Bros was a success and had even been chosen as a Nintendo 64 Player's Choice title.

 

7. Super Mario Galaxy

Super Mario Galaxy allows players to control Mario as he travels through forty-two different galaxies in order to get to the battle against the series' main antagonist, Bowser. Receiving several awards from a range of different sources, the game is often complimented for its graphics, presentation, and the soundtrack. It's even the eighth best-selling Wii video game.

 

6. Mario Kart 64

This best-seller is the second entry of the Mario Kart series; the first being originally released on the SNES. This racing game included 3D graphics, and supported four players to join in on the race around the track. Several characters from the Mario universe are playable, even villains such as Bowser could be used to race against the rest. One of the best parts is collecting power-ups to use against the opponents, in order to create obstacles.

 

5. Super Mario Galaxy 2

This sequel to Super Mario Galaxy was released in North America on May 23rd, 2010, and was quickly considered to be one of the greatest video games of all time. Gameplay was very similar to its predecessor, but featured several different and completely new galaxies to explore. New items were also included, such as the drill that allows Mario to dig through solid rock.

 

4. Super Mario 64

Super Mario 64 was the game to introduce the 3D perspective to the popular franchise. It's even considered revolutionary for 3D games - it wasn't necessarily the first 3D game, but it was the game that perfected it. Gameplay is seamless and the graphics are phenomenal. A perfect addition to the Mario series.

 

3. Super Mario World

Super Mario World was a launch title for the SNES which helped played a role in popularising the console. The gameplay continued from previous games, but also introduced newer additions, such as power-ups that helped Mario fly through the levels. Super Mario World is also the game to introduce everyone's favourite dinosaur, Yoshi.

 

2. Super Mario Bros.

Super Mario Bros. is the NES game that kick started the popular Super Mario series. Being considered "pioneering" along with the "greatest game of all time", it should come as to no surprise why this game landed so high on the list. Players are even given the chance to have a player two, allowing Luigi to join his brother during his journey to rescue the princess.

 

1. Super Mario Bros. 3

NES' Super Mario Bros. 3 is a side-scroller platformer that several players take the pride in saying that they've played countless times in their youth. It's even classified as the third best-selling NES game, as it sold over 17 million copies worldwide. It's popularity even inspired an animated television series on NBC.