If the idea of an Italian plumber collecting mushrooms was pitched to a game developer today, they’d probably ask where the quick-time events and DLC are. But thankfully Mario is a hero of yesteryear, synonymous with video game history and culture. Mario’s image is so solid that it even stood strong in the wake of 1993’s movie adaptation Super Mario Bros. (read Empire's take here).
From his earliest Donkey Kong battling days as Jumpman, to his latest HD adventures on the Nintendo Switch, Mario has starred in countless games – and here’s a pick of the best.
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Best Mario Games
1 of 7Super Mario Brothers 3 (Nintendo Entertainment System, Switch)
Super Mario Brothers 3 isn't a difficult third album. The 1988 classic introduced creative sub-bosses, new power-ups (like the weird-but-wonderful Racoon Mario) and crazy secret levels, which moved the franchise on by quite some distance. It's a fantastic game, so long as you can handle the intense colour palette. Available used or on the Nintendo Switch via Nintendo Switch Online.
2 of 7Super Mario World (Super Nintendo Entertainment System)
After Sega beat Nintendo to the 16-bit market with the Genesis, the Nintendo fought back and chose Mario to lead its charge. While the basic formula of this game followed straight on from the original, this 1990 release is huge fun, and introduced the desperate 'save yourself from death' spin-jump that became a series staple, as well as introducing everyone's favourite green dinosaur, Yoshi. Available used or on the Nintendo Classic Mini Console.
3 of 7Super Mario 64 (Nintendo 64)
Making the leap from 2D side-scrolling to 3D platformer was a risky move for Nintendo and their plucky plumber, but they pulled it off in style. Mario's running, jumping and flipping translates perfectly to the N64's polygonal visual style and the mix of problem-solving and platforming makes this game as playable today as it was on its release in 1996. Available used for the N64, Nintendo GameCube and DS.
4 of 7Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Nintendo Wii)
Nintendo doesn't typically make straight sequels to games, but when it does, it does it right. The first iteration of this game on the Wii was so popular that a follow-up had to be on the cards, and in 2009 this hit the shelves. Keeping the same planet-exploring formula from the first game this version ramps things up by bringing Yoshi back and letting the dinosaur eat your enemies and have you dashing up vertical surfaces. Both the original and this sequel make it worth searching down a used Wii console.
5 of 7New Super Mario Bros. 2 (Nintendo 3DS)
Nintendo went right back to its roots for this one. Released in 2012, the classic 2D side-scrolling gameplay is laced with new challenges and features, including the ability to team up with a friend online to tackle maps as Mario and Luigi. It's a great for a portable fix of that satisfying Mario jump-and-dash.
6 of 7Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Nintendo Switch)
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is possibly one of the most exciting games ever to be developed. The concept is simple – race some of your favourite Mario character around maps while shooting shells. The result is magnificent. Heart rates pulse, palms sweat and nightmares of blue shells are induced. A great game solo, an incredible game multiplayer.
£37.95
7 of 7Super Mario Odyssey (Nintendo Switch)
Odyssey is the Switch's answer to 64 and Galaxy 1 and 2. Set in a series of large, open environments filled with platforming challenges and a host of secrets, this is a truly wonderful platform game. Mario's ability to morph into almost any object with dozens of abilities offers endless ways to beat each level. Take advantage of the Switch's immense portable capability to take Odyssey with you wherever you go.
£37.99