Last year marked the arrival of “Super Mario Bros. Wonder,” igniting joy among the enthusiasts of the mustachioed plumber. With the celebration hardly dimmed, fans find a new occasion to revel as they commemorate the iconic Mario Day. On this special date, Mar10 Day, cleverly aligning with the month and day, Nintendo typically dons its festive cap, celebrating its beloved mascot with a variety of pleasant events.
To coincide with this celebration, a revisit of the finest 2D Mario games is customary, providing gamers an opportunity to relive nearly four decades of platforming excitement. This retrospective venture offers a fun-filled journey through the storied history of one of gaming’s most enduring heroes.
Evolution of the Plumber in 2D: From Super Mario Bros. to Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Mario first leaped from arcade cabinets to the Nintendo Entertainment System with a “Super” prefix in 1985. This marked the beginning of a journey that would see him become a fixture in players’ homes worldwide. On Friday, this iconic plumber has captured hearts again with the launch of Super Mario Bros. Wonder.
In the nearly four-decade span, Mario’s adventures have included significant 2D milestones:
- Initial NES Classics: These set the precedent for platform gaming and feature original mechanics and characters that remain beloved.
- Super NES Era: A period of innovation with multiple titles that redefined the genre with enhanced graphics and gameplay.
- Game Boy Advance Releases: Updated versions of SNES favorites, introduced to a new portable gaming audience.
- Birth of New Super Mario Bros. Series: Merging traditional platforming with contemporary visuals and gameplay to revitalize the franchise.
An analysis reveals that new iterations aren’t always superior to their predecessors, as highlighted by notable rankings of the top 2D Mario games.
The Rise of Super Mario on the DS
In 2006, Nintendo introduced “New Super Mario Bros.” to the world, bringing the iconic Mario character to the Nintendo DS—a platform that had captivated Europe’s gaming community since 2005. The game bridged the gap between traditional Mario gameplay and modern features, daring to expand the franchise’s reach with the dual-screen capabilities of the handheld console.
- Platform: Nintendo DS
- Release Date: June 30, 2006
Adhering to its roots in vibrant side-scrolling levels, the title introduced fresh challenges with inventive power-ups like the Blue Shell and the awe-inspiring Mega-Mario. In addition, it packed numerous mini-games and an engaging multiplayer mode that was both chaotic and entertaining.
The level design was a nod to the series’ past successes, combined with new layers of discovery. Each level concealed three Star Coins, adding intrigue for players with a penchant for exploration. Indeed, it was this innate drive to uncover every secret that would reveal hidden levels set amidst forests and clouds.
Diverse boss battles punctuated the journey, culminating in a blockbuster finale. To many fans and critics alike, “New Super Mario Bros.” stands as one of the most remarkable iterations in the franchise’s storied lineage.
Ranking at Fourth: Super Mario’s 1993 Game Boy Adventure
- Platform: Game Boy
- Release Date: January 28, 1993
“Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins” marked a significant leap for the iconic plumber following its predecessor, “Super Mario Land.” Despite the continuation of the grayscale visuals inherent to the Game Boy’s display, the game distinguished itself with a plethora of inventive stages and realms conjured by Nintendo’s brilliant design.
The title prompted players to gather essential coins to reclaim Mario’s castle from the clutches of his adversary, Wario. The game is notable for its levels that showcased an array of fresh mechanics and inventive challenges. Mario encounters unique foes such as three little pigs within a whimsical level set inside a giant version of his own iconic headgear.
As early commentators like Jonas highlighted, the game leaped onto the Nintendo Switch with the online service, still shining with innovation even after three decades. Memorable bosses included the three pigs borrowed from classic tales and a colossal Mario-shaped robot, which players navigated to reach the pinnacle. The Halloween-themed world added a layer of the bizarre with animated fish tails and wandering figures with hockey masks. In terms of unique and wild game elements, “Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins” remains unmatched in originality.
Top 3: The Legacy of Super Mario World
Super Nintendo Entertainment System saw the iconic release of Super Mario World on April 11, 1992. This title brought a fresh experience to console gamers, introducing the lovable dinosaur Yoshi. Players experienced the thrill of riding on Yoshi’s back or, in tight situations, making the difficult decision to leap off him to safety. The introduction of Ghost Houses became a consistent feature in later games, adding a touch of mystery and replayability.
Yoshi’s debut marked a significant moment, as it enriched the Nintendo universe with one of its most cherished characters.
Super Mario World stands the test of time with its aesthetic appeal and gameplay, cementing its place as one of the top favorites among fans of the series. The game’s well-designed Overworld and the challenging Star World, coupled with Koji Kondo’s captivating soundtrack, affirm its status as a true platforming gem.
Runner-Up: Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3
On the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, a standout title emerged on October 6, 1995, taking an innovative turn in the classic platformer genre. In “Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3,” Yoshi steps into the limelight, transforming what was once a sidekick role into the main event. Here, players navigate as Yoshi, tasked with safeguarding Baby Mario, who rather than assisting, often finds himself more of an encumbrance requiring frequent rescue.
The gameplay mechanics introduced a fresh spin on defeating foes and uncovering secrets, as Yoshi’s well-aimed egg throws became a central element of play. Beyond the mechanics, the game’s visual presentation set a distinctive tone with an art style that remains captivating and unique, defying the passage of time. Such innovation and artistic direction have rightfully earned this title its esteemed position in gaming history.
Top Pick: Super Mario Bros. 3
- Platform: Nintendo Entertainment System
- Release Date: August 29, 1991
In the world of classic gaming, “Super Mario Bros. 3” holds a prestigious position. The game introduces players to the now-iconic overworld, elevating the gaming experience with its innovative landscapes and engaging levels.
Players encounter diverse realms throughout their journey, from the colossal foes in the Giant Land to the intricate Pipe Maze. The design of these worlds and the clever gameplay mechanics ensure that each level feels unique. Super Mario Bros. 3 stands out for its creative power-ups: the Frog Suit allows Mario to excel underwater, and the Tanooki Suit grants him new abilities, including flight.
Adventures through these realms include deconstructing card houses and outmaneuvering roving Hammer Brothers. Hidden within these levels are elusive Warp Whistles, which allow players to unlock shortcuts and transport themselves to new areas within the game.
Super Mario Bros. 3 wraps up a comprehensive package with its memorable level design and ships that navigate the skies courtesy of Bowser. This title provides a timeless experience that remains delightful, years after its initial release. Those seeking a gust of nostalgia with a side of adventure might also check out the review for “Super Mario Bros. Wonder” for a fresh take within the platforming genre.
