The best Mario games are the ones that break the mold: Super Mario 64, the first 3D installment in the franchise, Super Mario Sunshine, Super Mario Galaxy, and most recently, Super Mario Odyssey. Each of these staple games introduced new mechanics that redefined the way the original plumbing platformer was perceived. Every time Nintendo re-released a Super Mario Bros. style game, it felt like regurgitated ideas with one or two new bells and whistles (Like 3D World’s cat suit). But these select few titles stand out as the ones to remember in the Mushroom Kingdom’s history.
Super Mario Sunshine, while the most controversial Mario game due to stray from the norm and the wonky voice acting, was still a breakthrough Gamecube staple. Why? Because it took risks. FLUDD was an innovative mechanic that gave Mario more platforming power than ever before. The serene, island environment showed off the graphical power of the early console, and despite some camera issues and glitches this game redefined what it meant to be Mario as a character.
Super Mario Galaxy is undoubtedly one of the best Wii titles to ever be released. Both the original and the sequel brought Mario to space with gravity defying worlds, offering new tricks and unforgettable boss battles. The introduction of Rosalina, Lumas, and brand new landscapes made the series feel fresh. The innovative controls were so fluid that players forgot it wasn’t an HD title like the ones Nintendo’s competitors, Xbox and PlayStation, were currently producing. Motion controls were used sparsely but effectively, and the addition of Yoshi into Galaxy 2 made even the sequel feel like a breath of fresh air.
And now we get to Odyssey. And boy, has it been an Odyssey for Mario to get were he is now. But once again, Nintendo took a leap of faith with brand new mechanics that stunned players. The ability to control other entities in the Mario world such as visiting a city with actual humans and switching the collectible from stars to Power Moons, once again reinventing the wheel in a positive way. It’s no wonder it’s one of the fasting selling Mario and Switch titles to be released.
These breakthrough titles are exactly why Mario is the kingpin plumber of gaming. Nintendo knows how to distract you from what’s going on in the real world, immerse you in a colorful and fantastical world, and constantly bring a fresh take on a character that has been bringing joy to gamers for over 30 years.
