9 Best 3D Mario Games, Ranked

Key Takeaways

Super Mario games offer 3D platformers beloved by fans and critics, taking Mario to unique worlds with collectibles and challenges.
Super Mario Sunshine was divisive due to its gimmick, Super Mario 64 revolutionized 3D platforming, and Super Mario Odyssey introduced 800 Moons.
Super Mario Galaxy series offered innovative mechanics, characters, and level designs, becoming classics loved by many.

As someone who grew up with a Nintendo controller gripped firmly in my hands, I can confidently say that the Super Mario series has held a special place in my heart for as long as I can remember. With each new installment, we’re taken on an exciting journey through unique worlds filled with challenges and surprises at every turn.

Although Mario is primarily recognized for his 2D sidescrolling adventures, an intricate part of his universe encompasses 3D platformers. These games transport Mario to diverse realms brimming with collectibles and exploration challenges, suitable for players of all ages, thus making them perfect choices for family entertainment.

3D titles have firmly established themselves as cherished components within the expansive Mario series, boasting several games that have garnered exceptional ratings from both fans and critics alike. These games transport Mario through the Mushroom Kingdom, Peach’s castle, and even beyond into different dimensions. Each game offers unique elements, with some receiving higher acclaim than others.

9 Super Mario Sunshine

A Tropical Romp That Divided Fans With Its Gimmick

In essence, Super Mario Sunshine often hits the mark for fans, building upon the formula from Super Mario 64, but this time set in a vibrant tropical island as the central hub, sending Mario on adventures to various worlds in search of Shines. The game remains popular due to its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and unexpected storyline twists, making it a cherished Nintendo GameCube gem for many players.

It’s undeniable that the classic game Super Mario Sunshine has its fair share of controversy within the series of Mario games. This is largely due to the challenging camera controls, tricky puzzles, and the extensive use of the game’s gimmick – Mario’s water-spraying pack called F.L.U.D.D. Some players felt that this feature interfered with Mario’s usual control scheme.

8 Super Mario 3D Land

A Mario Game That Walked So Its Sequel Could Run

The game titled “Super Mario 3D Land” tends to be underestimated due to its exclusive release on the Nintendo 3DS. However, this doesn’t imply that it is inferior in any way. In fact, many gamers praise it for adding a fresh twist by combining the traditional side-scrolling adventure with an immersive 3D environment, enhancing the experience of navigating through linear levels and encouraging more exploration.

Despite subsequent games refining the established formula more, Super Mario 3D Land continues to win the hearts of fans. It offers a delightful, albeit brief, journey through sixteen realms, showcasing the versatility of the 3DS system and the adaptability of the Mario series.

7 Super Mario 64

The 3D Mario Game That Started All 3D Mario Games

3D Mario games as we know them today wouldn’t exist without the groundbreaking influence of “Super Mario 64”. Although it didn’t pioneer 3D graphics, it demonstrated the possibilities of 3D platforming by integrating innovative controls. Following its release, numerous other 3D platformers were inspired to follow its lead and create iconic games like “Donkey Kong 64” and “Banjo-Kazooie”.

In “Super Mario 64”, Peach’s castle served as a central hub, connecting you to numerous worlds hidden within its walls. Each of these worlds held several Stars that could be gathered by completing specific tasks. This innovative approach set the standard for 3D Mario games all the way up to “Super Mario Odyssey”, showcasing the groundbreaking impact it had on the series.

6 Super Mario 64 DS

Nintendo Went Above And Beyond With This Remake

The original version of the game was so meticulously crafted that Nintendo enthusiasts anticipated a direct transfer to the Nintendo DS, but Super Mario 64 DS surpassed those expectations. Not only did it introduce three new playable characters, but it also showcased new stages intertwined with the classic ones, and even the traditional stages underwent modifications to accommodate the four characters.

Occasionally, small enhancements can significantly boost enjoyment in a fresh game, and having characters like Luigi, Yoshi, and Wario demonstrates this concept. Not content to stop there, Nintendo introduced power-ups not present in the original version, and each character offers unique abilities to collect specific stars. Apart from the somewhat restricted movement on the Nintendo DS, Super Mario 64 DS is a remake that strikes a balance between preserving the original and modernizing it effectively.

5 Super Mario 3D World

Four Characters Made For Four Times The Fun

In Super Mario 3D World, they added the Cat Bell and other enhancements, which built upon what Super Mario 3D Land initiated. It incorporated elements from the original Super Mario Bros. 2, where four characters were playable, each with a distinct skill set. This resulted in another popular 3D sidescrolling journey that was a huge success on the Wii U and later on the Switch.

In a period when 2D side-scrolling games seemed somewhat repetitive despite their high quality, Super Mario 3D World emerged as a breath of fresh air. It won over gamers with its innovative approach that included fresh worlds, new adversaries, and engaging gameplay aspects. Consequently, it was fortunate to receive a remaster on the Nintendo Switch, offering players an updated experience of this beloved game.

4 Super Mario Odyssey

Collecting 800 Moons Lives Up To The Game’s Title

Super Mario Odyssey is vast, boasting around 800 main collectibles known as Moons, and every world offers numerous objectives to help you gather all of them. With stunning new graphics on the Switch, Super Mario Odyssey was a visual treat for series enthusiasts as it combined elements that fans adored from previous games, merged them seamlessly, and eliminated unnecessary aspects.

In the game Super Mario Odyssey, Mario’s playstyle was enriched with traditional moves like the long jump, dive, and wall jumping, but what truly set it apart were the new abilities granted to his hat, Cappy. With these enhanced capabilities, Mario can perform a host of additional actions, ranging from taking control of enemies to expanding his exploration range.

3 Bowser’s Fury

Lake Lapcat Gives Fans Their First Open-World Mario Journey

Initially, it seemed that an ordinary mode was added to the remaster of Super Mario 3D World, but instead, what emerged was the first open-world Mario game named Bowser’s Fury. This game uses the engine and mechanics from Super Mario 3D World to create a one-of-a-kind experience that follows Mario and Bowser Jr. as they join forces to rescue Bowser from his monstrous, inky transformed state.

In addition to the iconic Fury Bowser standing out, the game offers a delightful adventure across various islands, where players can gather Cat Shines at their leisure. The freedom to explore in any direction and collect the Shines in the sequence of their choice makes it a more relaxing experience. Despite, or perhaps because of this, players have grown fond of Bowser’s Fury, giving the game a warm reception.

2 Super Mario Galaxy 2

More Of The Same But In The Best Way Possible

In most cases, Mario games don’t typically receive direct sequels, but Super Mario Galaxy 2 is an exception to this rule. This game builds upon everything that made the original Super Mario Galaxy great by introducing Yoshi, new power-ups, and innovative level designs. Each character, Mario and Yoshi, has unique power-ups like Cloud or Bulb, which adds a fresh twist to the gaming experience.

In simpler terms, Super Mario Galaxy 2 offers a less complex journey, focusing less on the Observatory hub world and arranging galaxies in a style reminiscent of traditional Mario levels. Fans generally view it as a near-flawless sequel because it preserves elements that were well-liked in the original game. However, it’s also frequently seen as an extension or add-on to Super Mario Galaxy.

1 Super Mario Galaxy

Putting Mario In Space Resulted In A Universally Loved Title

Among the favorites for the Nintendo Wii, the game Super Mario Galaxy, transported Mario from his own realm into an extraordinary journey that blended science fiction and fantasy elements. It not only introduced fresh controls but also uncharted course layouts as Mario traversed planets, solving a variety of puzzles based on gravity while encountering numerous distinct power-ups.

Fans were treated to fresh characters like Lumas and the enigmatic cosmic fairy godmother Rosalina, who has since been a regular in many Mario spin-offs. Alongside its award-winning soundtrack, Super Mario Galaxy resonated with fans and critics alike, earning it the status of a cherished classic on the Wii.

2024-11-26 12:44