Mario Games VS. Zelda Games

[Nero 99]

Which series do you think is better? I vote Zelda games, more in depth story ,gameplay and some of the hardest puzzels in any game ivve ever played.

[Sudo]

I love both franchises, but I gotta give the nod to Zelda here.

[jahvybe]

The problem with this for me is that I hate rpg's. So mario is pretty much automatic from that perspective. Please don't hate me because I can't stand to play rpg's. There were a couple of zelda games that I enjoyed though, pretty much any one that wasn't really an rpg. Did I mention I can't stand rpg's?

[miaandjohnrule]

I voted Zelda. They are fun and challenging and I like the fact that there is one or two zelda games per generation rather than 100 million like with the Mario franchise. Don't get me wrong, I think some of the Mario games are excellent but overall Zelda is my favorite.

[Aussie2B]

As excellent as the Zelda series is, I definitely have to go with Mario. I'm more of a platformer kind of gamer. Then again, platformers and RPGs are my two favorite genres, so you'd think that something that falls somewhere in the middle would work even better for me. :P

[Sudo]

The problem with this for me is that I hate rpg's. So mario is pretty much automatic from that perspective. Please don't hate me because I can't stand to play rpg's. There were a couple of zelda games that I enjoyed though, pretty much any one that wasn't really an rpg. Did I mention I can't stand rpg's?

Zelda isn't an RPG, though.

[Jackattack]

I'm more of a fan of platformers than adventure games but I just get more excited about the release of a new Zelda than Mario's next adventure. Zelda it is, but Mario will always be right behind him.

[Zebbe]

Zelda. I prefer the art design, gameplay and music. Mario is quite ridiculous and boring. *ignores flaming posts*

[jb143]

The problem with this for me is that I hate rpg's. So mario is pretty much automatic from that perspective. Please don't hate me because I can't stand to play rpg's. There were a couple of zelda games that I enjoyed though, pretty much any one that wasn't really an rpg. Did I mention I can't stand rpg's?


Zelda isn't an RPG, though.

He's right. Zelda isn't an RPG. And if anyone ever does consider it to be one then it's just barely.

Now Mario RPG on the other hand...that was a true RPG. Sooo in that case:
Mario had more true RPG's than Zelda
You hate RPG's
Therefore you like Zelda beter ;)

By the way...I hate RPG's as well and Zelda is by far my favorite series out of any games. With Mario being a close second. :)

[tom]

Mario rocks, Zelda sucks

[Mobius]

Zelda games are fun at first but get tedious. And I have far less desire to go back and re-play Zelda games than Mario games. Mario it is.

[jahvybe]

wow i suck. I guess i like zelda now. what this really shows is how little i have played zelda games. but if you think about the fact that the game Mario is Missing exists, that game is so lame it kind of cancels out any amount of awsomeness from the other mario games. i just convinced myself to change my vote even thoght i don't mean it.

[JSoup]

If given the choice between the best Mario game ever and a new Zelda game, I'd take the new Zelda game. Especially so considering the last few Mario games sucked.

[FantasiaWHT]

Before I vote, are we talking about only the core series from each? Every game containing the character? Every game with the character in the title?

[Nophix]

I voted Mario. Zelda storyline makes no sense, it skips around too much. That, and anything after A Link to the Best, Zelda just sucks. It didn't make the transition to 3d well.

[alec006]

mmm it depends on replay value,both are very fun to play but Mario to me seems easier to play over and over again and takes less time than Zelda,granted thats one of the things that makes Zelda games great.

[debian4life]

Mario, but Zelda is extremely close behind.

[Berserker]

Apples to oranges. Two completely different game mechanics, whose prime examples are each equally good at doing their own thing.

No vote here.

[MeTmKnice]

Mario FTW! Mario games are games that Nintendo never did wrong with (I'm not including the Maro Sports games in this). Zelda is great as well. My favorite, and one of the couple that I still play to this day, Link To The Past could arguably be the best Zelda there is.

[cosmicpsycho]

I really enjoy both of these series, but I'm going to go with Zelda. A little strange since platformers are my favorite genre.

[Haoie]

Apples to oranges. Two completely different game mechanics, whose prime examples are each equally good at doing their own thing.

No vote here.

Finally, someone who makes sense.

You can't compare the 2 without bringing out a lot subjective bias. Take storyline for example.

Mario's is basically "eat mushrooms, step on stuff, find princess". I won't begin to sum up a typical Zelda story.

[Push Upstairs]

Super Mario 3 vs. Link's Awakening?

I'll just take both.

[DeputyMoniker]

If you're talking about games that star Mario, then I vote for Zelda. Zelda can't do much wrong because they stick so close to what made Zelda good to begin with. Mario covers sports, fighters, platformers, RPG's, etc. If Zelda is in the name and it's on a Nintendo system, then I know what I'm getting myself into. I can't say that about Mario.

[Mianrtcv]

It is a razor thin margin. The more current titles between the two are about even for me. I have to choose Mario. I see Mario's past games offering more to me. I can replay both, but if I want a fix... Mario 2 or Mario 3.

[DeputyMoniker]

I can replay both, but if I want a fix... Mario 2 or Mario 3.

Oh yeah. Speaking of replayability...Mario all the way. I can pick up 1, 3, or World and play it. Any day, any time. In general, though, I am more inclined to purchase a Zelda game than I am to purchase something with "Mario" on it. I didn't like 64 or New, and Galaxy doesn't look like anything I would be interested in playing. That's just me, man...I want my Mario in 2D and without "collecting."

[Oobgarm]

Apples to oranges. Two completely different game mechanics, whose prime examples are each equally good at doing their own thing.

No vote here.

Yay for rational thought. Comparison not possible.

Personal preference between the two, I choose Mario.

[jb143]

"I like oranges better because they taste better. "
"I like apples better because my favorite color is red."
"I like oranges better because of the vitamin C"
"I like apples better because the juice doesn't dribble down my chin"

Of course you can compare apples to oranges. Yes, the games have different stories and gameplay but that doesn't mean that someone can't like one over the other. Yes, your answer is going to subjective but isn't that what the OP was asking for?..."Which series do YOU THINK is better?"

[JerseyDevil65]

Tough one. My favorite out of either series is SMB 3 but overall, I would vote for Zelda.

[cyberfluxor]

Apples to oranges. Two completely different game mechanics, whose prime examples are each equally good at doing their own thing.

No vote here.
Next: Donkey Kong vs. Space Invaders
It's more like a comparison of fish sticks to waffles. Both are good but who eats fish sticks inside a waffle sandwich? I know someone on here does but most don't. :ass:

They're all great series, interesting characters, and deserve their own appreciation. So although it's possible to say "what game series is your favorite, Mario or Zelda?" but it's more of a "which series best represents its genre?"

[BydoEmpire]

[Edit] I always interpret any question regarding "better" to mean "favorite".

Both great series, but in my humble opinion, I'll take:

2D Mario > 2D Zelda
3D Zelda > 3D Mario

Mario 1, 2, 3, & SMW were all amazing and still fun to play. I liked Mario 64, but Sunshine and *gasp* Galaxy have left me a little flat. Where as I liked the 2D Zeldas but didn't "love" them. OoT was okay, Wind Waker was very good, and Twilight Princess was fantastic - my favorite Zelda of all time. The series seem to be going in opposite directions for me. Apologies for the blasphemy. ;)

Still, after some thought I think I'd still go with Mario. There's more variety, and I forgot about Paper Mario 1 & 2, which are both awesome.

[Trevelyan]

They're all great series, interesting characters, and deserve their own appreciation. So although it's possible to say "what game series is your favorite, Mario or Zelda?" but it's more of a "which series best represents its genre?"

My sentiments exactly:-D

[Wraith Storm]

I think Zelda II The Adeventures of Link was the highpoint of the series. Go ahead and flame me if you want but I really do LOVE Zelda II more than anyother Zelda.

A friend recently asked me "If you could play only ONE game for the rest of your life, what would it be?" With this question I replied Super Mario Brothers 3. For me, It has the most replay value over anyother game ever made.

So if I had to choose between Mario OR Zelda I would have to go with Mario.

[Push Upstairs]

I seriously can't play SMB3 anymore.


It's not that it sucks, I'm just so good at it that there is no challenge anymore.

[Quickclaw]

Mario, 'cause I've only played two Zelda games. Answer's subject to change, once I finally sit down with LTTP.

[jb143]

I seriously can't play SMB3 anymore.


It's not that it sucks, I'm just so good at it that there is no challenge anymore.

All that means is that now it's time to start playing it blindfolded.

[Famidrive-16]

but if you think about the fact that the game Mario is Missing exists, that game is so lame it kind of cancels out any amount of awsomeness from the other mario games

Zelda had the CD-i games, though. Three of them.

[jcalder8]

My vote goes to Mario. I just enjoy the 2d platforms more.

[Ze_ro]

My vote goes for Mario.

The Zelda games are fun, but they're all the same.

--Zero

[Garry Silljo]

but if you think about the fact that the game Mario is Missing exists, that game is so lame it kind of cancels out any amount of awsomeness from the other mario games.

I don't consider that a Mario game. It's a Luigi Game.

[Gentlegamer]

The problem with this for me is that I hate rpg's. So mario is pretty much automatic from that perspective. Please don't hate me because I can't stand to play rpg's. There were a couple of zelda games that I enjoyed though, pretty much any one that wasn't really an rpg. Did I mention I can't stand rpg's?What do RPGs have to do with the Legend of Zelda series?

[vikingscool]

I am for Mario, because I grew up playing with my families and friends.
My favorite Mario game are: SMB3 > SMW > SMB.
But I like Zelda, because they have many secrets, enemies, and RPG-like
elements. I love them both. I can't stand for picking one.
There are my favorite Zelda games: OOT > AOL > WW > MM > LTTP.

[FantasiaWHT]

What do RPGs have to do with the Legend of Zelda series?

You level up/your stats increase (more hearts)
You get/buy stronger equipment
You crawl around in dungeons and kill monsters

If these things turn you off in RPG's, they'd probably turn you off in Zelda, too.