Top 5 Super Mario Games

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Top 5 SUPER MARIO Games

(Image owned by Nintendo)

            I’ve been a Nintendo fan since I was about 3 years old, when I received my first ever video game console, the Super Nintendo. From that point forward, I was always an avid supporter of Nintendo’s beloved franchises, such as Zelda, Pokemon, Metroid, Star Fox, and most importantly, Nintendo’s Italian plumber mascot, Mario. The Super Mario franchise has shown us, time and time again, that even the oldest of franchises can still shine in the current generation of games, and continues to be a platform seller for Nintendo’s most recent home console, the Wii U. This Top 5 is to commemorate the best Super Mario games released. From the first Mario Bros, to the newest release of Super Mario 3D Land.

‘Let’sa go! It’sa Mario time!’

            5.  Super Mario Bros. 3 [NES]

            -There is no secret as to this iteration made the top 5. Super Mario Bros 3 introduced new powers to augment character abilities, such as the frog, raccoon, and others. It was also the first Super Mario Bros game to introduce a full over world map, and non-linear gameplay, offering alternate routes to reach the final destination, as well as the ability to skip forward to other worlds via hidden flutes. Super Mario Bros 3 was addictive, fun, and offered a real sense of challenge to the player. Super Mario Bros 3 was reintroduced to gamers in Super Mario All-Stars on the SNES, and ported to the GBA as Super Mario Advance 4.

            4. Super Mario World [SNES]

            -Super Mario World was Nintendo’s system seller for the SNES, and arguably one of the best in the series. Super Mario World marked the first appearance of the beloved Dino, Yoshi, as a riding mount. The game built upon its predecessors, and also added new power-ups and abilities, and overhauled the original graphics engine, giving Mario a much more defined look. Super Mario World has sold over 20,000,000 copies worldwide, and has been remade four times since its initial release back in the year of 1990.

            3. Super Mario Galaxy [Wii]

            -Released in November of 2007, and hailed as one of the best video games of all time, Super Mario Galaxy took Mario to where no Italian plumber had ever gone before- Space. From the main hub, the Comet Observatory, players could select among six domes, spanning across 42 galaxies, each Dome ending with a final boss level. Levels are galaxies, filled with minor planets and worlds. This game introduced gravity into the Mario universe, and allowed players to scale planets in full 3D, however, some areas in the game were rather restrictive, and only allowed players to walk in 2D space.  Super Mario Galaxy sold over 11,000,000 copies world-wide, and is considered to be the best of the 3D Super Mario games.

            2. Super Mario 64 [N64]

            -Super Mario 64 was one of two games released with the N64 console at launch, and it was THE launch title to own. As one of the earlier 3D Mario platform games, Super Mario 64 introduced open world playability, and relatively large areas to explore, more specifically, Princess Peach’s castle. Paintings scattered throughout the castle held diverse worlds within them, each of them with unique missions for the player to accomplish, and earn a Star to help them advance through the game. Super Mario 64 has made a lasting impression upon 3D game design, with its innovative 360 degree camera system, and the implementation of analog control. Super Mario 64 sold well over 11,000,000 copies world-wide, and has seen a single remake, Super Mario 64 DS, which released in 2004.

            1. Super Mario Sunshine [Game Cube]

            - Super Mario Sunshine was not the highest grossing 3D Mario title; however, it earns my number spot due to its originality, innovative gameplay choices, stunningly beautiful locales, and a unique mechanical companion for Mario. Super Mario Sunshine introduced the tropical isle of Delfino, where Mario and Peach chose for a vacation destination.  She is kidnapped (Oh, the cliché) by none other than a mysterious Shadow Mario. Mario is framed for vandalizing Delfino, and its inhabitants, and is ordered by the local authorities to clean up the mess, otherwise, he is not allowed to leave. Super Mario Sunshine introduced FLUDD (Flash Liquidizer Ultra Dousing Device) as a companion to Mario, and a great tool to help him clean Delfino fast and efficiently. FLUDD could be upgraded, as well as his nozzles could be changed, allowing Mario access to new areas of Delfino Plaza, new worlds to explore, and secrets areas to be found. Yoshi also played a prominent role in Sunshine, as his mobility is needed to reach certain areas of the game, and, in some instances, to defeat certain enemies. Sunshine sold over 5,500,000 copies worldwide, and was nominated, and received the award of ‘Player’s Choice’ back in 2003. As beautiful as it is fun to play, Super Mario Sunshine is MY number one pick out of the available Super Mario titles. If you haven’t played it, I highly suggest you do. It’s a game you won’t want to miss!

            Love ya, Mario!

            -Brian