BEST Super Mario Game of ALL-TIME?

[Black_Tiger]

Even though it's probably really SMB or SMW, I'll say SMB3 just because it's seemed to haved affected so many people and is the best all round representative of the series.

[drdrew1469]

SMB3 in it's day (even still in my mind) was the most awseome game i had played.

[charitycasegreg]

Sweet, my 2 favorite mario games are in the lead. I seriously dont see how anyone can vote for mario world 2: yohis island, that game is a discrace to mario games.

[jdc]

My favorite is Super Mario 64. It was THE first game that I ever saw that MADE me go out and buy a video game system and WANT...... no...... NEED to play. I had never played a single video game in my life until that game....with the exception of pinball machines at bowling alleys. A friend of mine who was already into games bought the N64 at launch along with SM64. He called me over to take a look at this awesome 3D game that he'd just gotten.

I went over, and he showed me how to work the thumbstick (cool!!) and what the buttons did and I tried it. The light in my head went off HUGE....and before you knew it I was buying every damned N64 release that appealed to me. Years later...and I'm fully immersed in video game.

My proudest moment was when I finished Super Mario 64 to 100% completion, which even today is no easy thing to do.

BTW...the only one that I don't have and have never tried IS Super Mario 2. What's wrong with it?

[rick weis]

i picked super mario 3.

not only do i think super mario 3 is the best game of all the mario's games, but i think it's the best game EVER, over any other game to come out.

Rick

[daminmancejin]

Super Mario Bros. i pick this cause i still know the 100 men trick :D

[daynum]

It’s close between SMB3, SMW and Mario 64, but if I have to pick I’ll say Mario 64.

[NintendoMan]

Bump.
Lets give this thread a bump, lots of new people on board here at the forums, plus people who might have missed voting before.

[NintendoMan]

ItÂ’s close between SMB3, SMW and Mario 64, but if I have to pick IÂ’ll say Mario 64.
That's a hard one, not just for Mario games, but those are my favorites of all time as well. All in my Top 10 for sure.

[zerohero]

Super Mario World> Mario 3> Mario RPG > Yoshi Island(MW2)> Mario 64 > rest......

Mario 3 is a excellent Mario game but SMW was like getting cake and icecream! Then there was Mario RPG which I didn't play till I was in 8th grade, and boy was that a experience I will never forget. Yoshi Island is an excellent game too, the ending fight with Browser was an awsome concept that I wished was used more often back then.

[NintendoMan]

[quote="zerohero"]Super Mario World> Mario 3> Mario RPG > Yoshi Island(MW2)> Mario 64 > rest......

Mario 3 is a excellent Mario game but SMW was like getting cake and icecream! Then there was Mario RPG which I didn't play till I was in 8th grade, and boy was that a experience I will never forget. Yoshi Island is an excellent game too, the ending fight with Browser was an awsome concept that I wished was used more often back then.[/quote/

Oh, don't ruin that ending for Yoshi's Island for me!! Just joking, but have never got to the end of that game yet!
And yes, I didn't play Mario RPG until about 2 years ago. I am not really into RPG's, but with Mario in it I can't refuse!!

[syd]

That's a REALLY tough choice, but I'm going to have to go with SMB3 as well. I'll never forget when we got back from vacationing in the US to try out that game we bought there. It blew us away, loads of fun with 2 players.

Next in line would be:
Super Mario World->SMB2->Lost Levels->SMB1->Mario 64->the rest

[manuel]

My favourite Mario game of all time is Super Mario 64 (for now at least ;) ).
I was so astonished back then. I bought the N64 and Super Mario 64 the day it came out and I just couldn't stop playing it and drooling because of the phenomenal graphics. (Ok, back then it was phenomenal for me)

My second choice goes for Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island, probably the best 2D platformer there is, slightly behind Super Mario Bros. 3, which is my third place in Mario games.

[EricRyan34]

This is an obvious answer. Super Mario World for the SNES. It dosnt get any better than this one. Long game, introduces Yoshi, and really brings out the character in Mario and Luigi.

[clawx]

It’s close between SMB2, Mario RPG and Yoshi's Island, BUT I'm going to have to go with Yoshi's Island. Great, great game.

[Zap!]

Super Mario World, no contest.

[Austin]

My vote went to Super Mario World. The game is just so expansive and fun that you can really plug away at it for a long time, and still go back to play your favorite levels.

[§ Gideon §]

Well, this is my 1111th post, so I decided to put it here. This is a good topic.

Last time I checked, SMW wasn't so highly-regarded in the poll! SMB3 has always had 1st place, but SM64 used to have 2nd, IIRC. I wonder why the vote has suddenly swayed? Is the younger generation infiltrating DP? SM64, I think, earned 2nd place with its ground-breaking, awesome controls. SMW, however, was like the Super Mario Sunshine of its day--not really innovative, but introducing some interesting new concepts. I say that its main reason for having so many votes is simple: SMW was the pack-in for the SNES. An entire generation has that game firmly seated in their nostalgic memories.

Has anyone not voted (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=261312#261312), like me and NintendoMan?

[Zap!]

Well, this is my 1111th post, so I decided to put it here. This is a good topic.

Last time I checked, SMW wasn't so highly-regarded in the poll! SMB3 has always had 1st place, but SM64 used to have 2nd, IIRC. I wonder why the vote has suddenly swayed? Is the younger generation infiltrating DP? SM64, I think, earned 2nd place with its ground-breaking, awesome controls. SMW, however, was like the Super Mario Sunshine of its day--not really innovative, but introducing some interesting new concepts. I say that its main reason for having so many votes is simple: SMW was the pack-in for the SNES. An entire generation has that game firmly seated in their nostalgic memories.

Has anyone not voted (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=261312#261312), like me and NintendoMan?

I don't think it's an age thing. I'm now 33 and still pick SMW as #1. However, I put SM64 as second best Mario game. Part 3 was great in it's day, but did it have a save game (it's been YEARS)? If not, how could it even be considered #1? Finally, it most certainly was NOT the Mario Sunshine of its day. It debuted to rave reviews and much anticipation, and blew away any other Mario in terms of graphics and sound, not to mention perfect controls, and Yoshi too.

[Jumpman Jr.]

How do you chose?
They're all masterpieces. Even the ones that don't have the traditional "Mario" feel to them are still very well done (like Super Mario Bros. 2 and Sunshine).
I can't just chose one, but if I had to, it would be one of these:
Super Mario Bros. (The one that started it all... the origionality of it, etc..)
Super Mario Bros. 3 (Truly amazing)
Super Mario 64 (Mario jumps into 3D! I still get the shivers when the game starts.)

[§ Gideon §]

Finally, it most certainly was NOT the Mario Sunshine of its day. It debuted to rave reviews and much anticipation, and blew away any other Mario in terms of graphics and sound, not to mention perfect controls, and Yoshi too.
What you described is exactly Mario Sunshine.

Do you think Mario Sunshine is bad or something? Anyway, I am not thinking of these games in terms of which is better. They're just different in their own ways--that's all.

[Rob of the Sky]

Those games are like my childrens, I love them all. But if I had to choose...

I picked SMB, simply because it was the first game that I have ever played. Plus, it brought video gaming out of the gaming depression. Without SMB, we wouldn't be having this poll. And that's why I chose SMB.

[XianXi]

Super Mario Kart

[V_Man]

My favorite is easily Super Mario 64. I have so many fond memories of that game, I can still play it to this day without getting bored.

Next comes either SMB3 or SMW, both are magnificent. Then again, most Mario games are excellent.

[cyberfluxor]

Super Mario 64 takes the cake for me. It was the first game I played on the N64 and the only Mario game to spend so much time in beyond belief. I beat the game several times over and still wondered around to see what else I could do. It was a thing that everyone that had the game, I would create a game in slot #4 and try to beat it so there would be a beaten profile on their cartridge. My favorite level was Big Boo's Haunt for a good while because it was the last level for me to discover. I never thought about going to the courtyard when the ghosts began to appear. The runner up level was the one with the hidden town under the level. It was so fun to play around with water heights and running around the small town underground.

My second favorite would be Super Mario Brothers 3. I played that game as a kid, and although I never beat it, there were some enjoyable times around that NES. The levels were better designed and the gameplay seemed more expansive compared to the previous 2 games on the NES. The graphics were also a huge improvement, I think they had higher budgets on it due to the success of the series. My favorite area was the big land because it was silly how huge the enemies got and how everything still went together. It was a real rich experience.

Another great plus in SMB3 was hitting start on the starting space to play the original Mario Brothers. My grandparents have an Atari 7800 still that has the original MB on it. I always played it when I went over to their place. :)

[The Shawn]

Super Mario 3
Never beat it back in the day, Cause I kept having to get new nintendo's.
Blinking light syndone ya know. Recently just beat it about 2 years ago.

[B - Mark]

I voted in Super Mario World for Super NES.

This is the best Super Mario game i´ve played in my life.

Super Mario World makes to Yoshi´s debut.

Other super Mario favorites games are:
- Super Mario Bros. 1 ( NES )
- Super Mario Bros. 3 ( NES )
- Super Mario Bros. 2 / Super Mario Bros. The Lost Levels ( Famicom Disk System )
- Super Mario Land ( Game Boy )
- Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins ( Game Boy )
- Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 ( Game Boy )

I´d like too the Super Mario All Stars beacuse it is a compilation of NES Super Mario Bros. games with enchanced graphics.

[Playcosm]

My vote goes to SMB3 as this has such a unique feeling, great level design and closely followed by SMW. I also enjoy the New Super Mario Bros a LOT because of all the flashbacks to the old mario games. Excellent!

__________
MyCD-i (http://cd-i.eigenstart.nl)

[MarioMania]

Super Mario Bros. 3

[odyeiop]

Super Mario Bros.
I can't think of ANY game that I have played more than it.

[PSerge]

My vote goes for Super Mario Bros. 3.. No other game commanded soooo much attention when it came out... It was the greatest thing ever back when I was in grade school...

[Psycho Penguin]

Super Mario 3 very easily for me. I like SMW a lot, but the raccoon powers and the fact that SMB3 has more defined and creative worlds (giant, sky, pipe) makes it my favorite.

[KoopaBro]

Ah, the inevitable favorite Mario thread.

I choose Super Mario Bros. 2. Yes, unpopular choice, but this game was magic. I liked that it took a bit of old fashion Mario platforming and added a bit more adventure to it.

[Sudo]

Super Mario World.

[Drixxel]

It's a tough choice. For 2D Marios, I'm inclined to side with.. Yoshi's Island, but Super Mario World is a definite contender. For 3D Marios, Super Mario 64, unquestionably. Overall, though, Yoshi's Island takes it for me - few games are as polished or fun.

[KoopaBro]

It's a tough choice. For 2D Marios, I'm inclined to side with.. Yoshi's Island, but Super Mario World is a definite contender. For 3D Marios, Super Mario 64, unquestionably. Overall, though, Yoshi's Island takes it for me - few games are as polished or fun.

Yoshi's Island?

Eh...I guess I'll let it slide...but I don't really consider it a Mario platformer.

[BydoEmpire]

I'm going to go with Super Mario World, too. It's just too good. FWIW, I also liked SMB2 - I could never understand the haters on this game, it was a lot of fun.

[Drixxel]

Yoshi's Island?

Eh...I guess I'll let it slide...but I don't really consider it a Mario platformer.

While gameplay wise it's a bit of a stretch from the typical Mario fare, Yoshi's Island is still a Miyamoto-designed platformer set in the Mario universe. Ehh, I'd say it qualifies as "Mario".

[KoopaBro]

I'm going to go with Super Mario World, too. It's just too good. FWIW, I also liked SMB2 - I could never understand the haters on this game, it was a lot of fun.

Amen brother.

SMB2 was awesome. I'd take it over the real Super Mario Bros. 2 any day, I'm totally happy with what they did with Doki.

[Alfador]

Super Mario RPG for the SNES for sure, followed closely by SMB3 on the NES

[namzep]

Super Mario World or Super Mario Bros. 3 for 2D Mario's. For 3D, probably have to go with Mario 64. I don't really care for where the Mario games have gone (fuck Mario Sunshine).

[IronBuddha]

I think the Mario game that got the most play from me would be SML on the original gameboy.

[LiquidPolicenaut]

For me, it's a tie between SMB 3 and Super Mario World. Never liked Yoshi's Island or any of the 3D Mario games.....

[Dr. Conspiracy]

If the good doctor has learned anything during his tenure it's that namesakes often spell out more about a person than originally intended. Take for example KoopaBro- through a number of reliable sources I've determined that he is into hardcore gay turtle sex. Less reputable contacts insist he is also a practitioner of water sports which is no minor feat given a severe affliction of hypospadias.

[kai123]

Yoshi's Island?

Eh...I guess I'll let it slide...but I don't really consider it a Mario platformer.

Well it was called Super Mario World 2 Yoshi's Island....

http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/a0/50/1eb8b2c008a01904a6791010._AA269_.L.jpg

So yea it counts.

[niolani]

Definitly Super Mario World, although I hated the Tubular level soooo much! There's still teeth marks on my controller.

[G-Boobie]

Smb 3.

[suppafly]

SMB3.

Imho its so much superior than mario world...SM3 has so many different suits..its way more fun!

[Push Upstairs]

There can be only one...

SMB3!


But I also quite enjoy SMB2.

[Nophix]

SMB 3 for the MF Tanooki suit!

[Damaramu]

Super Mario World, please.

There should be a poll. ;)

[Zebbe]

SMB. 3 is unbelievably magical and has an atmosphere untouched by the current or last generations of video games. It is both the best Mario and NES game.

[CosmicMonkey]

Very hard to decide between World and SMB3. I think World has the edge just slightly.

As for 3D Mario games, Mario 64 > Mario Galaxy > Mario Sunshine.

[Nebagram]

1. Mario World
2. Mario 64
3. Mario Galaxy

Easy one to compile, that one. :) If I had to keep it going, 4-6 would probably be SMB3, NSMB and SMB1 in that order.

[scooterb23]

I believe I have to go with Super Mario World as my favorite as well.

After that I go SMB 3, SMB 1, Galaxy, SML

everything else I have either not played enough to have an opinion of...or strongly dislike.

[KoopaBro]

Well it was called Super Mario World 2 Yoshi's Island....

http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/a0/50/1eb8b2c008a01904a6791010._AA269_.L.jpg

So yea it counts.

I'm a Nintendo fan, I knew that, but thx.

I still don't really consider it a Mario platformer.

[GrandAmChandler]

KoopaBro,

We already have a long running topic on this. I merged these threads together. Please do a search from now on.

-GAC-

P.S. Mario's Time Machine FTW.

[RadiantSvgun]

Its a tough choice between mario 3 and yoshi's island.

[MarioMania]

Super Mario 2(J) & Super Mario 3

[Harkunan]

Super Mario Bros 3.

1. It is an original improvment of the first game.
2. It is the real truw squeal and not a repeat or alternative.
3. It was out early and text along with animated graphics and etc
4. During the time of it's release Mario was popular then ever and was comical.
5. It was the last real Mario Bros game.

Why not Super Mario RPG?

1. While it did a overall of Mario on a comical scale that is universal it was basically like a made game. I do love and consider it best but along with a fitting end to Mario but at this time the game got a little too off key but Up there with...

Why not Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island.

1. This is a prqeul to all the games and makes no sense other then tiying the loop hole with the games.

2. Made use of Yoshi other then a side character for Mario World/ Cookie/ and so fort.

3. Has it's own series and while it does surpass SMB3 it is iffi in terms of action.

4. Make use of Kamek as a supporting character rather then another Laktui.

Why not Super Mario Land series?

1.The games all is diffrence so you really can't put them side by side. They also are very differnt in terminology.

2. The original is just the original Mario game but in a more creative world. I mean wow a desert land along with the enemies it was fun and all and while I do like it was a basically Kid Icarius minus the arrows and mountains.

3. The last game starts off the Wario series and I will admit that is the best for Wario series so far other then the Mini game saga.

4. The second game was okay but basically fan based values.

Why not Super Mario Brothers 2 ?

1. While this was the best graphically and the fact you had use of the characters the game was basically a revamp of the original game. It has three revisions sooooo while it is Mario Madness it is too fanbased Mario and while it is at it's best and is very free it was not ..................


Super Mario Brothers 3 while not being as explorive as SMB2 it was more Mario
then the other games and the worlds was a treat for exploration and fun.

I mean the game was challenging but it was more fun at the same time. It was the "Beyond good and Evil" of Super Mario games. It was the pinicale of all series.

Also Raccon Mario is soooooooo Cute especially when he is full Racoon. This game while not the first had free movement of Mario allowing him to go wherever he wanted to go and he could controls Laktiu's cloud if you was lucky. You could be in that game forever racking up points.

[JSoup]

Paper Mario.

I feel that it really took the Mario experience to the next level, even improving on SMRPG.

[treismac]

As much as I love Super Mario Bros. 3 and Super Mario World, the original Super Mario Bros. is my favorite because of how incredibly tight the game play is in conjunction with the timeless level design. Up until a year or so ago, I would have been torn between 3 and World as my favorite, but my heart has progressively been captured more and more by the original as I continue to play the masterpiece that is the first Super Mario.

Now that I've knocked the dust off of this thread, anyone else want to weigh in on this timeless debate? :D

[RPG_Fanatic]

I was going to say Super Mario World but the RPG fan in me made me say Super Mario RPG as the best Mario game.

[Nebagram]

1. Mario World
2. Mario 64
3. Mario Galaxy

Easy one to compile, that one. :) If I had to keep it going, 4-6 would probably be SMB3, NSMB and SMB1 in that order.

To update this- Galaxy 2 would go in just ahead of Galaxy 1, NSMBWii would be behind SMB1 but ahead of everything else.

[Darth Binks]

Pretty sure I will catch flack for this, but I love Sunshine for the GameCube. This game was awesome, the idea of cleaning up the island and the transition to more sunlight as you progressed gave you an added sense of accomplishment. Yoshi, superb water effects, racing challenges, underground sewers, funny side characters, secret areas, old-school influenced levels, and fantastic level design made this game great. The addition of the nozzle didn't drastically change the gameplay, but it did a fantastic job of adding new elements to the classic Mario structure. I can still play this game anytime and have tons of fun. Second would be Paper Mario.

[DeseoParadise]

I've never played SMB3 but I guess the best Mario's game is Super Mario World for SNES

[Kirbz]

Dr. Mario Is The Best

[buzz_n64]

At first I was pissed that Galaxy wasn't mentioned, then I realized the poll was made in 2004, so all is forgiven.

My top 5

1. Super Mario Galaxy
2. Super Mario 64
3. Yoshi's Island
4. Super Mario World
5. Super Mario Bros. 2

[Digital Fisticuffs]

I voted for Super Mario 64, but Super Mario Bros 3 definitely comes a very close second. After everything the first SMB had to offer, and the...interesting changes that SMB 2 (Or at least as we knew it in America) brought to the table, SMB 3 was ground-breaking, and I wouldn't be too hesitant to say it was one of the best, if not THE best, games for the NES. SM64 was a fantastic game though, and it really showcased the franchise's potential for longevity, as well as bringing in a whole bunch of great, new gameplay elements that make it the kind of game you go back to again, and again.

[jms5118]

Mario World, never played Mario RPG though.

[grolt]

I have a lot of love for Mario 3, but two things hold it back from being the all-time classic in my book:

1. Lack of a battery save. It demands you play through in a single power session and therefore discourages the kind of exploration and secret finding of some of the later classic games in the series.
2. Some of the levels in the middle worlds are pretty forgettable. For me most of the time it was always just playing through the first few worlds and then fluting it over to the final world.

I think Super Mario World wins for me because it pretty much improved on everything from SMB3 and then some. Having the expansive overworld with all its secret areas and seasonal changes was awesome and made the game feel so much more epic. The battery save encouraged and demanded multiple playthroughs, and this time around I found every level a joy to master. With the special blocks, different endings, secret doors, cape exploration and all the Yoshi stuff, there was just so damn much to do in that game!

Whenever I want to play an old school Mario game, SMW is it. Props to New Super Mario Bros. Wii though...I thought that game really got the retro feel right, and getting all those star coins made for a fun challenge. Plus, best final boss ever.

[Bradle]

I like Super Mario 3 that is really good & most play full game on internet. mostly people who play super mario they all recommended for "Super Mario 3".

[Khalpz]

I've played (* = didn't finish)

1
2*
3
World
Land 2*
Land 3
Yoshi's Island
64*
Sunshine*
Galaxy*

And I gotta say the best is definitely Super Mario Bros. 3. The level designs and lengths are perfect. The way they teach you everything is so cool. It's easy to pick up and rewarding to play when you're good at it.

*here I just started listing shit
hopping on everything for a while for lives
the way the levels end
the map
the cooperative play
the suits
the controls

second would be Yoshi's Island but I'm not sure I consider that a Super Mario game. It's so stylish and fun. The controls are spot on and the level design is great.

third Super Mario Bros.

fourth Super Mario World or Wario Land (again not sure I consider it a Super Mario game)

I realize I mention Super Mario World so late compared to a lot of you but here's why

- The levels are too long.
- The signature genius Mario level design is just not there. I'll admit I only beat the game once and it was a while ago but the best levels I remember were the ones with the platform moving on a wire and the star world ones where you use Yoshi and specific colored shells. About having only beaten the game once too, the game just doesn't grasp me ;) like other Mario games. But the game is good.
- Yoshi was fun but clunky at times. I don't know the word, slow? You know how when you turn around in Super Mario World on Yoshi it takes too long. Something's just off. It was cool how swallowing different colored shells did different things to Yoshi.
- The game is big and fun but it's just not as fun as 3 or Yoshi's Island.
- Mario looks dumb. Yeah I really put that as a reason. haha
- The world themes are kind of lame.

Wario Land is really fun. Fun abilities and everything. It's just cool and different. Having the bull hat and sticking to a ceiling or shaking the ground and flipping every enemy... throwing enemies and everything. It was my second game ever after Donkey Kong Land 2 so I have some sentimental value towards it. But I've replayed the beginning a little every once in a while and always have a good time. Just a solid game. It's a little slow paced. After some thought I might put this above World.

not into the 3D Mario games

there it goes

[WCP]

I'm a big fan of games that are easily controlled, and Super Mario World has the best play control of any of Mario games. I'll never forget the joy of finding this game and the SNES under my tree on Christmas 1991. SMW will always be my all time fave.


couldn't agree more. In fact, I would put Super Mario World at No.1 overall among ALL games, not just SNES.

[granz]

I guess compilations don't count, otherwise my vote would go for All-Stars + Mario World, which was bundled in one cartridge. You just can't beat a collection like that. Kirby Super Star was another major incentive to invest in an SNES.

I voted for SMB3 in this case. Personally, I think Super Mario World is a little overrated. It borrows from SMB3 in several ways, but it's a bit regressive in comparison. When I first played it, it was kind of disappointing how all the thematic worlds were gone, and everything was just one continuous trek from one section of the world map to another.

My runner-up would be Yoshi's Island. The game didn't receive as much attention as it could have, given it was released so close to the end of the SNES' lifespan. Thankfully it was later re-released on the GBA, with bonus levels.


1. Lack of a battery save. It demands you play through in a single power session and therefore discourages the kind of exploration and secret finding of some of the later classic games in the series.


Ah, but the developers decided to sneak a neat little trick in the game to make things easier: Grab the two warp whistles from the first world, play one to be taken to the Warp Zone, then immediately play the other before entering any warp pipes. You'll be warped to World 8. You can beat the game in about 15 minutes this way.