Since his debut in 1981, Mario has become one of the most iconic and beloved characters in the world of video games. With his red cap, blue overalls, and boundless enthusiasm, Mario has captured the hearts of gamers of all ages, spanning generations and genres. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll embark on a nostalgic journey through every Mario game ever released in the USA, from the classic side-scrolling adventures to the innovative spin-offs and crossovers that have defined the franchise for over four decades.
- Donkey Kong (1981): The game that started it all, Donkey Kong introduced players to Mario (then known as Jumpman), a plucky plumber on a mission to rescue his girlfriend from the clutches of a giant ape. With its innovative gameplay mechanics and charming characters, Donkey Kong set the stage for decades of Mario adventures to come.
- Super Mario Bros. (1985): Super Mario Bros. revolutionized the gaming industry with its groundbreaking platforming gameplay and vibrant, colorful world. Players guided Mario through the Mushroom Kingdom, stomping on Goombas, dodging Koopa Troopas, and navigating treacherous obstacles in a quest to save Princess Toadstool from the clutches of Bowser.
- Super Mario Bros. 2 (1988): Super Mario Bros. 2 took the series in a new direction with its unique gameplay mechanics and diverse cast of characters. Players could choose to play as Mario, Luigi, Toad, or Princess Toadstool, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles. With its imaginative levels and creative enemies, Super Mario Bros. 2 remains a fan favorite to this day.
- Super Mario Bros. 3 (1990): Widely regarded as one of the greatest video games of all time, Super Mario Bros. 3 raised the bar for platforming excellence with its innovative power-ups, sprawling worlds, and memorable boss battles. From the iconic Tanooki Suit to the elusive Warp Whistles, Super Mario Bros. 3 introduced a wealth of new gameplay mechanics and features that would become staples of the series.
- Super Mario World (1991): Super Mario World marked Mario’s debut on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and introduced players to Yoshi, the lovable dinosaur companion who would become a recurring character in the series. With its vibrant graphics, catchy soundtrack, and expansive world map, Super Mario World remains a beloved classic among gamers of all ages.
- Super Mario 64 (1996): Super Mario 64 revolutionized the gaming industry with its groundbreaking 3D graphics and open-world gameplay. Players could explore Princess Peach’s castle in full 3D for the first time, collecting Power Stars, solving puzzles, and battling Bowser in epic boss fights. With its innovative controls and immersive gameplay, Super Mario 64 set the standard for 3D platformers for years to come.
- Super Mario Sunshine (2002): Super Mario Sunshine took Mario to the tropical paradise of Isle Delfino, where he embarked on a quest to clean up graffiti and save the island from pollution. With its vibrant visuals, inventive gameplay mechanics, and charming characters, Super Mario Sunshine offered a refreshing twist on the classic Mario formula.
- Super Mario Galaxy (2007): Super Mario Galaxy transported players to outer space, where they embarked on a cosmic adventure to rescue Princess Peach from the clutches of Bowser. With its gravity-defying gameplay mechanics, imaginative level design, and breathtaking visuals, Super Mario Galaxy pushed the boundaries of what was possible in a platforming game.
- New Super Mario Bros. (2006): New Super Mario Bros. brought Mario back to his 2D roots with a modern twist, offering classic platforming action with updated graphics and gameplay mechanics. With its nostalgic charm, challenging levels, and addictive multiplayer modes, New Super Mario Bros. reinvigorated interest in the classic Mario formula for a new generation of gamers.
- Super Mario Odyssey (2017): Super Mario Odyssey took players on a globe-trotting adventure across a diverse array of kingdoms, from bustling cities to lush jungles to frozen tundras. With its innovative capture mechanic, expansive open-world environments, and charming characters, Super Mario Odyssey offered a fresh take on the classic Mario formula and earned critical acclaim for its creativity and innovation.
From his humble beginnings in the arcades to his latest adventures on the Nintendo Switch, Mario has remained a beloved and enduring icon in the world of video games. With a diverse catalog of games spanning multiple genres and platforms, there’s something for everyone in the world of Mario. So whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the Mushroom Kingdom, grab your controller, power up your console, and embark on an epic adventure with everyone’s favorite plumber – Mario!