10. Mario Golf: Super Rush (Nintendo Switch)
Mario Golf: Super Rush Review
Mario Golf rush, released in 2021, is the newest version of Mario golf there is. 1-4 players can choose between over 20 characters and 12 courses to compete in and become the golf champion.
There are also different kinds of gameplay you could choose like Speed Golf, where players race (while all going on the same turn), to be the first one to sink their ball in the hole. Or Battle Golf where players are put into a stadium filled with obstacles like Chain Chomps, Thwomps and Bob-ombs, with the goal of completing 9 holes.
This seems like a relaxing golf game to play once in a while, but with only 12 courses (including the different game styles) the replay value goes down over time.
9. Super Mario Party (Nintendo Switch)
Super Mario Party - Launch Trailer (Nintendo Switch)
Who doesn’t like party games? Super Mario Party, released in 2018, is a classic but fresh new look at the turn-based board style video game. The goal is to be the one who collects more stars, getting them by winning mini games or stealing them from your competitors.
There is even an ally option which allows the players to collect group members; this comes in handy since all of the characters have their own “special die” (a die with a specific amount of numbers/coins based on the character). Super Mario Party is a pretty okay game to play when you need a group challenge.
8. Super Mario Sunshine (Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo Switch)
Super Mario Sunshine - IGN Plays
Even though this game came out in 1996 for the GameCube, there is a more modern version of it on Super Mario 3D All-Stars (includes 3 games: Super Mario Sunshine, Super Mario Galaxy, and Super Mario 64). Super Mario Sunshine takes place as a 3D, somewhat open world.
Mario is in charge of getting rid of the pollution that plagues Isle Defino. The Flash Liquidizer Ultra Dousing Device (F.L.U.D.D.) is the main weapon in the game, shooting water at various enemies and acting as a jetpack at times.
Though this Mario game does not always get a lot of recognition, it is one that is worth playing at least once especially if you’re a Mario fan.
7. Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Nintendo GameCube)
Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door - IGN Plays
Released in 2004, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, features a fun variety of turn-based battles and puzzles that provoke a nice challenge for players. There are many characters you will get to meet throughout your journey.
Mario must save Peach from Bowser's kidnapping and destruction of the world. He must also work to restore all 7 star spirits that in the end greatly help out in the final battles. Each start spirit once saved offers Mario a special power during each battle. A fun graphic choice of having the entire world be 2D adds a fun challenge when trying to find any hidden secrets.
6. Super Mario Bros. 3 (NES, Wii, 3Ds, Wii U, Nintendo Switch Online)
Super Mario Bros. # - IGN Plays
Super Mario Bros. 3 came out in 1988 and focuses on the once again kidnapped Princess Peach and the destruction Bowser and his minions have caused. This game is interesting because it is set up like a theater, with grand opening curtains lifting up when you load the title screen.
Mario travels through different themed areas, encounters crazy bosses and gets the chance to obtain power ups like the mushroom or the raccoon tail that lets him fly for a brief period of time. If you like nostalgia and platform gaming then this Marioo game would be perfect!
5. Super Mario Maker 2 (Nintendo Switch)
Super Mario Maker 2 Review
People who enjoy building and creating scenes loved this game! Super Mario Maker 2 came out in 2019 and is the sequel to Super Mario Maker. It includes level-editing abilities that give you the chance to make your very own Mario levels.
There is not too much detail to go into since each level is handcrafted by a player for everyone to test out competitively and enjoy. In addition to the levels, Super Mario Maker 2 has a story mode where you will have to rebuild Peach's castle by completing levels to have coins to pay for the build.
4. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Nintendo Switch)
Watch the Mario Movie Cast Play Mario Kart 8!
Everybody knows the classic racing game Mario Kart. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the Nintendo Switch version that was released in 2017 and features an online gaming option to play worldwide or with friends.
The graphics in this game make each course enjoyable to play, it also offers the option to play each course reversed, along with many other mini game styled courses.
Nintendo has been releasing new course packs as DLCs, this brings new courses (48 more to be exact), new cars, and new challenges to beat. No matter how many times you replay Mario Kart, each time is enjoyable and memorable without the spark going away.
3. Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey Review
This game stayed in the limelight for a while after it was released in 2017. Super Mario Odyssey is a 3D game where Mario is cleaning up after Bowser's messes (yet again), and showcases the pristine graphics, hidden easter eggs, and unique game play.
The main part people remember from this game is Cappy! Cappy is a sentient hat that once thrown allows you (Mario) to take over the body of any creature.
Some of my personal favorites include Chomp Chomps, Bullet Bills, and the T-rex. It acts as an open world and allows you to explore around completing the story at your own pace in your own way, there's even puzzles you have to solve and challenging boss battles for you to beat.
Multiplayer is also available! One player plays Mario while the other plays as Cappy working together as a team.
2. Super Mario 64 (Nintendo 64, Wii U, Wii, Nintendo Switch Online)
Super Maario 64 - IGN Plays
Super Mario 64 is the throwback of throwbacks for classic Mario games, influencing the future of the franchise after its release in 1996. Looking at the graphics now, you may think it is weird that a game could be so good.
However in 1996, it was top tier game play that captivated players everywhere. While still maintaining its platform style, Super Mario 64 has players going on a quest to collect different stars that help unlock more rooms in Peach’s castle.
Although jumping through huge paintings into levels was a great concept and design, there is a challenge with Lakitos camera that follows mario everywhere and helps guide players, sometimes changing the point of view in which Mario is looking.
1. Super Mario Galaxy (Wii, Wii U, Nintendo Switch)
Super Mario Galaxy Video Review
Have you ever wondered what Mario would be like in space? Super Mario Galaxy, released in 2007 shows the amazing adventures of Mario throughout space. Each planet is a different theme, with different characters, bosses, and challenges for you to complete.
Rosalina shares the spotlight with Princess Peach, she helps mario (along with the Lumalee’s) to collect power stars from across the galaxy that are going to help save Peach from Bowser’s grasp. Throughout the game, we slowly learn piece by piece about Rosalina’s background and how she got to space in the first place.
This game overall has great gameplay and graphics, as well as fun and challenging puzzles that can keep you busy for hours at a time.
