Mario Games: Your Ultimate Guide To Playing In Order

Hey there, fellow gamers! Are you ready to dive headfirst into the colorful, whimsical world of Mario? Well, you've come to the right place! This guide is your ultimate companion to experiencing the amazing Mario universe. We're talking about all the iconic games, the beloved characters, and the unforgettable adventures. Whether you're a seasoned plumber, a newcomer, or just a curious explorer, this is the perfect starting point to embark on your very own Mario journey. We'll explore the chronological order of the games, ensuring you experience the evolution of this incredible franchise from its humble beginnings to its latest masterpieces. So, grab your mushroom, power-up, and let's-a-go! We are going to have a blast with all the Mario games!

The Dawn of a Legend: Early Mario Games (1981-1988)

Let's rewind the clock and travel back to the early 1980s, where the world was introduced to a mustachioed hero named Jumpman. Yes, that's right, before Mario became Mario, he was known as Jumpman in the arcade classic Donkey Kong (1981). This game was a groundbreaking platformer where players controlled Jumpman as he navigated obstacles and rescued the damsel in distress, Pauline, from the clutches of the giant ape, Donkey Kong. While not a Mario game in the strictest sense, it marked the genesis of the character we all know and love. It's a key part of the Mario legacy!

Following the success of Donkey Kong, we saw the true birth of Mario in Mario Bros. (1983). This arcade game introduced us to Mario and his brother Luigi, plumbers who battled enemies in the sewers of New York City. This is where the signature gameplay elements of jumping, running, and stomping on enemies first appeared, setting the stage for future installments. Mario Bros. established the dynamic duo and set the stage for all the crazy adventures to come! The gameplay was revolutionary for its time, and the cooperative two-player mode added a new dimension to gaming. It was a smash hit that cemented Mario's place in gaming history.

Then came Super Mario Bros. (1985) for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). This game revolutionized the platformer genre and forever changed the landscape of video games. With its side-scrolling gameplay, vibrant graphics, and catchy music, Super Mario Bros. was an instant classic. Players controlled Mario as he traversed the Mushroom Kingdom, rescued Princess Peach from the evil Bowser, and collected power-ups like the Super Mushroom and Fire Flower. Super Mario Bros. established many of the core gameplay mechanics and conventions that continue to influence platforming games today. It introduced iconic enemies like Goombas and Koopa Troopas. It was a cultural phenomenon and helped launch the NES into superstardom.

Then came Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels (1986) This game, originally released in Japan as Super Mario Bros. 2, was a direct sequel to the original Super Mario Bros. but was deemed too difficult for Western audiences at the time. It featured similar gameplay but with more challenging levels and new enemy types. It was finally released in North America as part of the Super Mario All-Stars compilation in 1993. It's a great game for the hardcore Mario fans out there!

Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988) refined the formula and added new features like the ability to fly with the Tanooki suit, and introduced the world map, and gave players a more diverse and expansive world to explore. It was a massive success and remains one of the most beloved games in the series. Super Mario Bros. 3 is often considered one of the greatest video games of all time, and it's easy to see why. The level design, gameplay variety, and sheer amount of content were simply unmatched for its time. Super Mario Bros. 3 expanded the world of Mario in ways that had never been seen before and set a new standard for platforming games. It's an essential experience for any Mario fan!

The 16-Bit Era and Beyond (1990-1996)

The 1990s brought us into the 16-bit era, ushering in a new generation of gaming with the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). Super Mario World (1990) was one of the launch titles for the SNES and was a graphical leap forward from its NES predecessors. It introduced Yoshi, the adorable dinosaur companion, who quickly became a fan favorite. Super Mario World featured a large, vibrant world map, secret levels, and a host of new power-ups and abilities. It built upon the foundation of Super Mario Bros. 3 and delivered a platforming experience that was both familiar and fresh. It was a massive hit and is still loved by fans today. Yoshi became an instant star, and the game’s visuals were a feast for the eyes.

Super Mario 64 (1996) was a game changer. It was one of the launch titles for the Nintendo 64. It revolutionized the platforming genre by making the jump to a fully 3D environment. Players could now freely explore the world of the Mushroom Kingdom and experience a new level of freedom and immersion. It was a groundbreaking game that set a new standard for 3D platformers. It introduced many of the core gameplay mechanics that are still used in 3D platformers today. It’s an essential game to experience how far Mario has come!

The Modern Mario Era (1998-Present)

The late 1990s and early 2000s saw the Mario franchise continue to evolve and experiment with new gameplay mechanics and genres. Super Mario Sunshine (2002), for the Nintendo GameCube, introduced the FLUDD (Flash Liquidizer Ultra Dousing Device), a water-spraying gadget that added a new dimension to gameplay. Super Mario Sunshine took Mario to Isle Delfino, a tropical island, where he had to clear up graffiti and solve mysteries. It was a departure from the traditional Mario formula, but it was still a fun and unique experience. Super Mario Sunshine showed that the Mario franchise was always willing to take risks and try new things.

New Super Mario Bros. (2006) for the Nintendo DS brought the series back to its 2D roots with a fresh, modern twist. The game featured classic side-scrolling gameplay with updated graphics and a multiplayer mode. It was a massive success and helped revitalize the 2D platforming genre. It proved that the classic Mario formula still had what it takes to captivate audiences. New Super Mario Bros. was a return to form for the series.

Super Mario Galaxy (2007) for the Nintendo Wii took the series to new heights by sending Mario on an intergalactic adventure. The game featured innovative gameplay mechanics, stunning visuals, and a breathtaking soundtrack. It's a masterpiece that set a new standard for 3D platformers. Super Mario Galaxy is often considered one of the greatest video games of all time. It was an innovative game that showcased the true potential of the Wii's motion controls.

New Super Mario Bros. Wii (2009) brought the New Super Mario Bros. formula to the Wii, adding a four-player cooperative mode that was a smash hit. The game was fun and chaotic, and it helped introduce a new generation of players to the joys of Mario. It was a blast playing with friends and family. New Super Mario Bros. Wii made multiplayer gaming a priority, and it was a huge success. You can play as Mario, Luigi, Blue Toad, or Yellow Toad.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 (2010) built upon the success of the original Super Mario Galaxy, adding new galaxies, power-ups, and gameplay mechanics. It's another masterpiece that is a must-play for any Mario fan. It expanded on the original game's ideas and delivered an even more polished and engaging experience. Super Mario Galaxy 2 is a testament to the creativity and innovation of the Mario franchise.

Super Mario 3D Land (2011) for the Nintendo 3DS brought the 3D Mario experience to a handheld console. The game featured a streamlined level design and a focus on platforming challenges. It was a great way to experience Mario on the go. Super Mario 3D Land showed that the Mario formula could work just as well on a handheld console. The game provided a fresh perspective on the 3D Mario formula.

New Super Mario Bros. U (2012) for the Wii U continued the New Super Mario Bros. series with a focus on HD graphics and new gameplay mechanics. The game was a solid entry in the series, but it didn't quite reach the heights of its predecessors. New Super Mario Bros. U offered a polished platforming experience, but it was generally considered to be a safe entry in the series.

Super Mario 3D World (2013) for the Wii U brought a cooperative multiplayer experience with a focus on level design and creative gameplay. It was a fun and challenging game that showcased the strengths of the Wii U. The game featured vibrant visuals, creative levels, and a cast of playable characters. Super Mario 3D World was a shining example of what the Wii U could achieve. You can play as Mario, Luigi, Peach, or Toad.

Super Mario Odyssey (2017) for the Nintendo Switch revolutionized the series by introducing the Cappy mechanic, which allowed Mario to possess enemies and objects. The game featured a large open world, tons of secrets to discover, and a story that will pull you in. It's another masterpiece that is a must-play for any Mario fan. Super Mario Odyssey is a true gem and a contender for the greatest game of all time. It showed the Mario franchise still had plenty of new ideas to explore. The game also included a vast array of unique kingdoms to explore.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder (2023) takes the series in a new direction with its mind-bending Wonder Flowers, which can transform levels in unexpected ways. The game features a new art style, new power-ups, and a focus on cooperative multiplayer. It's a fresh and exciting take on the Mario formula. Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a fun, creative, and engaging game. It's a great example of how the Mario franchise continues to innovate and push boundaries.

Spin-Offs and Other Mario Games

Besides the main platforming games, the Mario franchise has also spawned a plethora of spin-offs and other games in various genres. These games often feature the same characters and settings as the main series, but with different gameplay mechanics. Some of the most notable examples include the Mario Kart series, the Mario Party series, the Super Smash Bros. series (featuring Mario as a playable character), the Mario Golf and Mario Tennis series, the Paper Mario and Mario & Luigi RPG series, and the Luigi's Mansion series. These spin-offs provide a diverse range of gameplay experiences and help expand the Mario universe.

Conclusion: Your Mario Adventure Begins Now!

So there you have it, folks! Your complete guide to playing the Mario games in order. From the humble beginnings of Jumpman to the latest adventures in the Mushroom Kingdom, the Mario franchise has consistently delivered fun and engaging experiences for players of all ages. This guide will help you begin your journey through the world of Mario. Whether you are playing for the first time or revisiting your favorite games, there is something for everyone. So, grab your controller, start with Donkey Kong or Super Mario Bros., and prepare for a magical adventure! Let's-a-go!