10 Mario Games That Revolutionized the Franchise Forever!

Summary

The Mario franchise has evolved with diverse art styles and innovative mechanics over the years.
Iconic games like Super Mario Bros. 2 and Super Mario Land 2 introduced new characters, power-ups, gauges, and overworld maps.
New Super Mario Bros. set standards with visuals, power-ups, co-op gameplay, leading to multiple sequels.

The world of Mario has undergone significant transformation and evolution since its initial introduction in the 1980s. Not only have the visual aspects been updated, but also the gameplay mechanics have continually evolved as Mario ventures into different eras of gaming. The creative minds at Nintendo are always pushing the boundaries, introducing fresh ideas and concepts with each new iteration.

For certain Mario games, they not only offered players enjoyable gaming sessions but also influenced the entire series significantly. These games were so inventive that subsequent titles consistently drew inspiration from them, be it the main series or spin-offs.

10. Super Mario Bros.

The Best Jump From An Arcade Game To A Home Console Classic

It’s possible for some to incorrectly assume that “Super Mario Bros.” is where the franchise originated, but this isn’t entirely accurate. Instead, the characters Mario and Luigi were the main protagonists of the original “Mario Bros.” arcade game. However, this game only featured a single, looping screen and players accumulated points as they played. It was actually the sequel, “Super Mario Bros.”, that established the franchise as a side-scrolling platformer moving forward.

In Super Mario Bros., players were first introduced to popular characters such as Princess Peach, Toad, and Bowser. This groundbreaking game from 1985 significantly transformed the Mario series, and it also set a new trend in video games by making side-scrolling platformers extremely popular, leading them to rule the gaming market for several years following its release.

9. Super Mario Bros. 2

Players Could Control Multiple Characters For The First Time

Regardless of being a revamped edition initially intended for a distinct game, Super Mario Bros. 2 managed to create a lasting impression. It was the inaugural occasion when players got the chance to choose characters other than Mario, with four options provided, and instead of following a straightforward left-to-right pattern, levels occasionally lacked linearity to add an extra layer of difficulty.

In the game Super Mario Bros. 2, iconic adversaries like Birdo, along with minions such as Shy Guys, Ninjis, Bob-Ombs, and others, were introduced. Birdo has since become a regular character in spin-off titles, while the rest have remained fixtures in the series from that point onwards.

8. Super Mario Bros. 3

Overworlds Became A Staple Of The Franchise

In a throwback to the original side-scrolling gameplay, Super Mario Bros. 3 introduced groundbreaking mechanics for the series. One such innovation was a meter that, when filled by running, enabled both Mario and his younger brother Luigi to jump higher or even fly (based on the power-up obtained). This added element opened up novel methods of problem-solving in levels and speedrunning.

In a groundbreaking twist, Super Mario Bros. 3 introduced an interactive world map. Rather than advancing directly to the next level, players could navigate their character across this expansive map to discover hidden bonus levels, item houses, and other exciting elements. This concept of an open-world setting has since become a staple in Super Mario World and numerous subsequent games, with the latest example being Super Mario Bros. Wonder.

7. Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins

Wario Made His Debut As Mario’s Copycat Villain

The handheld Mario games for Game Boy are sometimes overlooked because they didn’t achieve the same level of popularity as console versions. Yet, they still offer high-quality Mario gaming experiences, with standout titles such as “Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins.” This game featured distinctive worlds, power-ups, and an innovative new antagonist – Wario, a greedy counterpart to Mario.

It was through his debut in “Super Mario Land 2” that eventually gave rise to Wario’s standalone franchises, namely “Wario Land” and “WarioWare,” and established him as a recurring character in series like “Mario Party,” “Mario Kart,” and the “Mario” sports games. Notably, if Wario hadn’t been created, there would be no Waluigi to accompany him in later games.

6. New Super Mario Bros.

Multiple Games Took On This Style For Years

The game New Super Mario Bros. significantly elevated the Mario series for quite some time by introducing innovative elements while building upon its established foundations. It offered a fresh look, introduced new iconic power-ups, and focused more on cooperative play, where players work together rather than competing to gain the highest score in each level.

Following the success of New Super Mario Bros. on the Nintendo DS, the game was followed by sequels on platforms such as the Wii, 3DS, and Wii U. For quite a while, it set the standard for 2D Mario games, featuring charming music, straightforward levels, and introducing new characters in each release.

5. Mario Party

The Beginning Of The Ultimate Family Game

In summary, Mario games are designed for a wide range of ages, and the Mario Party series is a shining example of this versatility. The original game, still revered today, gained its iconic status by blending elements of board games with mini-games, allowing up to four players to compete and determine the ultimate winner.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve found myself drawn into the vibrant world of Mario Party, a game that’s captured hearts far beyond the mainline Mario series. Surprisingly, there are people who aren’t even die-hard Mario fans yet find themselves hooked on this franchise – kids and adults alike. This popularity has given birth to over a dozen different Mario Party titles, making it one of the most extensive spin-off series in the Mario universe, surpassing many other spin-offs in number.

4. Bowser’s Fury

There Had Never Been An Open-World Mario Game Before

The Mario series has consistently followed a familiar approach for many years, and there’s no issue with continuing what clearly succeeds. However, Bowser’s Fury signifies potential innovations for the future as it represents the first open-world Mario game, crafted upon the basis of Super Mario 3D World and utilizing its resources to develop an entirely fresh experience.

This game isn’t the longest one out there, but plenty of gamers found its open-exploration of Lake Lapcat as Mario and Bowser Jr., where they could complete missions in any sequence, enjoy soothing tunes, and battle Fury Bowser as a special NPC, quite invigorating. It demonstrates the potential for open-world Mario games, leaving many fans excited to see how Nintendo might further develop it in a new Mario sequel.

3. Mario Kart 64

The Sequel That Set The Standard For Mario’s Racing Spin-Offs

Mario Kart 64, while not the initial game in the spin-off series, left the most lasting impression. It was a follow-up that elevated everything the first game did so skillfully, introducing improved visuals, power-up attacks, and an expanded roster of characters. Among these new additions were Mario’s long-time rival Donkey Kong, his friend Toad, and many others.

Since its debut in 1998, the design and features of Mario Kart 64 laid the groundwork for every subsequent Mario Kart game. Elements like the gameplay mechanics, graphics, and recurring maps can still be seen in more recent titles, such as Mario Kart 8.

2. Super Mario 64

3D Visuals Became Mario’s New Norm

In 1996, Super Mario 64 significantly transformed the 3D platformer genre by offering captivating, colorful environments and intuitive gameplay controls that were unprecedented at the time. This groundbreaking title was unlike anything the gaming community had experienced previously, contributing to its acclaimed critical reception and commercial success.

In my perspective as an ardent gamer, Super Mario 64 revolutionized my gaming world by replacing traditional levels with captivating realms, which were interconnected through a central hub. Each realm was brimming with diverse missions to conquer. This iconic Nintendo 64 gem paved the way for the subsequent lineage of immersive 3D Mario games. The remarkable Charles Martinet has been the beloved voice of Mario ever since, making every adventure even more memorable.

1. Super Mario Galaxy

Opened Mario Games Up To New Possibilities

Generally speaking, most Mario games tend to unfold within the realm of the Mushroom Kingdom or adjacent realms. However, Super Mario Galaxy took the Mario universe to unprecedented heights by transporting Mario on an interstellar quest to rescue Peach with the aid of the Lumas and a fresh character named Rosalina.

A cosmic journey was exactly what the series was craving, as it has been pushing boundaries since the releases of Super Mario Galaxy and its sequel. Be it Super Mario 3D World, Super Mario Odyssey, or Bowser’s Fury, the narratives have showcased Mario journeying to diverse realms and celestial bodies, encountering fresh perils and acquiring new abilities.

2025-01-20 08:14