Unveiling The Best Mario Games To Play Today

Hey everyone! Are you ready to dive into the colorful, whimsical world of Mario? With a legacy spanning decades, the Mario franchise has gifted us with countless adventures, each brimming with charm, innovation, and pure gaming joy. If you're wondering which Mario game to play, you've come to the right place. We're going to explore some of the very best, from timeless classics to modern marvels. Whether you're a seasoned plumber or a newcomer to the Mushroom Kingdom, there's a Mario game out there that's perfect for you. So, grab your controller, get ready to collect some coins, and let's jump into the amazing universe of Mario games! This guide is designed to help you, so you can explore all that the Mario world has to offer. So, are you ready to jump into the best Mario games?

The Timeless Classics: Where It All Began

Let's kick things off by revisiting the groundbreaking titles that established the foundation for everything we love about Mario. These games not only defined the platformer genre but also set a benchmark for creativity and fun that continues to inspire developers today. These are the Mario games that shaped the future of the gaming industry.

Super Mario Bros. (1985)

Oh man, where do we even begin with Super Mario Bros.? This game, which was released in 1985, is the OG. It's the game that introduced us to the Mushroom Kingdom, Princess Peach, Bowser, and of course, Mario and Luigi. The simplicity of its gameplay – running, jumping, and stomping Goombas – is a testament to its genius. Each level is a carefully crafted challenge, filled with secrets and memorable moments. Super Mario Bros. wasn't just a game; it was a cultural phenomenon. It saved the video game industry after the crash of 1983 and is still loved by many people of all ages. To this day, the title screen music is one of the most recognizable tunes in the world. Playing this game is like stepping back in time, and it's a must-play for any gamer who wants to understand the history of the medium. The controls are simple to use, so even if you're not a hardcore gamer, you can still have fun. This game's influence can still be seen in the game industry, and many games have adopted its mechanics.

Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988)

Fast forward a few years, and we get Super Mario Bros. 3. This game took everything that was great about the original and cranked it up to eleven. Introducing power-ups like the Tanooki suit and the Frog suit added a new layer of strategy and exploration to the gameplay. The world map gave players a sense of progression and choice, allowing them to tackle levels in a non-linear fashion. This game also included a much-improved level design, and more challenging enemies. Super Mario Bros. 3 is often considered one of the best 2D platformers ever made, and for good reason. It’s packed with innovative ideas, fantastic level design, and a level of polish that’s still impressive today. From the iconic Hammer Bros. to the memorable airship battles, this game is a true classic. The graphics are colorful, and the music is unforgettable. It's one of those games you can play over and over again and still discover something new. This game is still considered one of the best games on the NES.

Super Mario World (1990)

Super Mario World marked Mario's debut on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), and it was a graphical leap forward. This game introduced us to Yoshi, the friendly dinosaur, who could eat enemies and help Mario reach new heights. The levels in Super Mario World are vast and packed with secrets, offering players a sense of freedom and exploration that was new to the series. The addition of the cape feather allowed for some exciting flying sequences, and the overall gameplay was smoother and more responsive than ever before. This game took everything that was good about the previous Mario games and improved upon it. The graphics are vibrant and detailed, and the music is catchy and memorable. The introduction of Yoshi was a game-changer, adding a new layer of strategy and fun to the gameplay. This game is a must-play for anyone who wants to experience the best of the 16-bit era.

Embracing 3D: A New Dimension of Fun

The transition to 3D gaming was a pivotal moment for Mario, and these games showcase how well the franchise adapted to the new dimension. These games were ambitious and helped define what 3D platformers could be.

Super Mario 64 (1996)

Super Mario 64 is a game that is often credited with revolutionizing the 3D platformer genre. This game was released on the Nintendo 64 and introduced players to a whole new way of playing a Mario game. Mario's movement was fluid and precise, allowing players to explore the vast environments with ease. The open-world levels were filled with secrets, challenges, and memorable characters. Collecting stars in this game was a pure joy, and the sense of accomplishment you got from finding each one was unmatched. The controls were also innovative. For instance, you could move Mario in all directions. The gameplay was smooth and exciting. Super Mario 64 wasn't just a great game; it was a watershed moment in gaming history, and it set the standard for 3D platformers for years to come. The innovative gameplay and the vibrant world captivated players and still holds up incredibly well today.

Super Mario Sunshine (2002)

After the triumph of Super Mario 64, Nintendo took Mario to a tropical paradise in Super Mario Sunshine. This game introduced the FLUDD (Flash Liquidizer Ultra Dousing Device), a water-based gadget that gave Mario the ability to spray water, hover in the air, and clean up graffiti. The gameplay was unique and the tropical setting of Isle Delfino was a refreshing change of pace. Super Mario Sunshine might not be everyone's favorite Mario game, but its innovative mechanics and charming atmosphere make it a worthy entry in the series. The FLUDD added a new layer of gameplay, and the ability to clean up graffiti and solve puzzles was a lot of fun. The story and characters are also engaging. The game is a fun adventure with unique levels and gameplay.

Super Mario Galaxy (2007)

Super Mario Galaxy took Mario to the stars, and the result was nothing short of spectacular. This game defied gravity with its innovative level design, which saw Mario traversing planets of various shapes and sizes. The controls were intuitive, and the sense of wonder was constant. With its gorgeous visuals and orchestral soundtrack, Super Mario Galaxy is a masterpiece that is still amazing even today. It pushed the boundaries of what a Mario game could be, offering a unique and unforgettable experience. The introduction of the Lumas and Rosalina added a new level of depth to the story and characters. The gravity-defying gameplay was innovative, and the sense of wonder was constant. This game is a must-play for any fan of the series.

The Modern Era: Fresh Takes and New Adventures

The modern Mario games continue to push the boundaries of creativity, incorporating new gameplay mechanics and exploring fresh settings.

Super Mario Odyssey (2017)

Super Mario Odyssey is a recent smash hit that took Mario on a globe-trotting adventure. With the power of Cappy, Mario could