Super Mario Bros. (NES, 1985)
The original Super Mario Bros. is the game that started it all. This NES classic was the first side-scrolling platformer of its kind and set the standard for all future games in the series. It introduced the world to Mario and his brother Luigi, as well as the iconic enemies and power-ups like Goombas, Koopa Troopas, and the Super Mushroom. It also featured the iconic World 1-1 level, which is still considered one of the greatest video game levels of all time.
Super Mario Bros. 3 (NES, 1988)
Super Mario Bros. 3 is often hailed as the greatest game in the series. It took the established mechanics of the original and expanded on them, adding new power-ups, enemies, and levels. The game also introduced the overworld map, which allowed players to choose which level they wanted to play. It also featured the iconic Tanooki Suit, which allowed Mario to turn into a statue and fly with the Raccoon Tail power-up.
Super Mario World (SNES, 1990)
Super Mario World was the first Mario game to be released on the SNES and it was a massive success. The game featured the same side-scrolling platforming action as its predecessors, but with improved graphics and a larger world to explore. It also introduced Yoshi, Mario’s trusty steed, as well as the cape power-up, which allowed Mario to fly.
Super Mario 64 (N64, 1996)
Super Mario 64 was the first 3D Mario game and it revolutionized the series. It featured a fully 3D world to explore, with levels that allowed Mario to move in all directions. It also featured the iconic Power Stars, which players had to collect to progress through the game. Super Mario 64 also introduced the concept of camera control, which allowed players to adjust the view of the game.
Super Mario Sunshine (GameCube, 2002)
Super Mario Sunshine was the first Mario game to be released on the GameCube. The game featured the same 3D platforming action as Super Mario 64, but with a tropical setting. Mario had to use a special water-powered jetpack to traverse the levels and clean up the mess left by the mysterious Shadow Mario. The game also featured the iconic FLUDD (Flash Liquidizer Ultra Dousing Device) which allowed Mario to hover and spray water.
Super Mario Galaxy (Wii, 2007)
Super Mario Galaxy was the first Mario game to be released on the Wii and it was a massive success. The game featured a unique 3D world made up of various planets, which Mario had to traverse using the Wii Remote. It also featured the iconic gravity mechanics, which allowed Mario to move in all directions and defy the laws of physics.
Super Mario Odyssey (Switch, 2017)
Super Mario Odyssey was the first Mario game to be released on the Nintendo Switch and it was a huge success. The game featured a massive 3D world filled with vibrant colors and imaginative environments. It also featured the iconic Cappy, which allowed Mario to possess enemies and use their abilities to traverse the levels.
The Super Mario series has been around for over 35 years, and it’s still going strong. Each game in the series has added something new and exciting to the franchise, and each one has helped to shape the video game industry as we know it today. So, if you’re looking for a classic platformer to play, you can’t go wrong with any of these games.