On MAR10 Day we revisit unforgettable worlds and iconic moments from the Mario franchise.
March 10th, also known as MAR10 Day, is a time to celebrate everyone’s favorite mustachioed plumber and his legendary adventures. Over the decades, Mario has starred in some of the most iconic video games ever and even a $1 billion movie franchise. In honor of this special day, here are our top 10 favorite Mario games that have impacted our gaming lives.
10. Dr. Mario (1990)
One of the first Mario games I had on my Game Boy, Dr. Mario, was an addictive puzzle game with a killer soundtrack. Lining up those colored pills to defeat viruses was both challenging and satisfying, and the music still sticks in my head to this day.
9. Mario Party Series (N64)
The Mario Party games on the Nintendo 64 were legendary. Whether you were rolling the dice, sabotaging friends, or button-mashing your way to victory in mini-games, these titles defined family game nights. Playing on our SONY big-screen TV was always a blast (until someone got mad and turned off the console).
8. Super Mario Sunshine (2002)
The GameCube was a powerhouse, and Super Mario Sunshine was one of its brightest stars. The vibrant worlds, tropical setting, and FLUDD water gun mechanics made this game a fresh and fun experience. Cleaning up Isle Delfino never felt so rewarding!
7. Luigi’s Mansion (2001)
It’s only fair that Mario’s green-clad brother gets his moment in the spotlight. Luigi’s Mansion was an innovative and eerie adventure that gave Luigi the chance to shine. Capturing ghosts with the Poltergust 3000 was such a clever twist, and it made me appreciate Luigi even more.
6. Super Mario Odyssey (2017)
Mario has always evolved with each new generation, and Super Mario Odyssey was the ultimate example of that. With vast, open-ended levels, creative gameplay mechanics, and the brilliant addition of Cappy, this game took Mario to new heights. While the Galaxy games were incredible, Odyssey perfected the 3D Mario formula.
5. Mario Kart 8 (2014)
The Mario Kart series has been a staple of Nintendo consoles, but Mario Kart 8 is the pinnacle of the franchise. With tight controls, an amazing roster, and some of the best tracks in the series, it’s the definitive Mario Kart experience. This game proves that simple concepts can become legendary when perfected.
4. Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988)
Growing up, I never had an SNES, but every time my parents went to IKEA, they would drop me off in the kids’ play area, where I would get lost in Super Mario Bros. 3. The game’s sound effects, power-ups, and level design were perfection. Also, let’s be real—who didn’t love the Tanooki Suit? But a shoutout to Super Mario World for giving us Yoshi!
3. Super Mario 64 (1996)
A true game-changer. When Mario made the jump to 3D, it felt like a whole new era of gaming had arrived. Super Mario 64 set the standard for 3D platformers, and exploring Peach’s Castle in full 3D was mind-blowing at the time. This was the game that defined the Nintendo 64 era.
2. Mario Bros. (1983)
The OG Mario Bros. was one of the first games I played on my NES, and I was instantly hooked. The simple yet addictive gameplay of jumping, flipping enemies, and clearing levels made this a timeless classic. This game is where my love for Mario truly began.
1. Super Smash Bros. Melee (2001)
The ultimate college gaming experience. Super Smash Bros. Melee was always on whether it was a dorm room, a friend’s house, or anywhere with a GameCube and a TV. The tight combat, memorable roster, and endless battles made this the ultimate multiplayer Mario experience. No other game brought people together quite like Melee and the Gamecube controller for battling was perfection.
From the original Mario Bros. to modern masterpieces like Super Mario Odyssey, Mario has been a constant in gaming, bringing joy to players of all generations. So, on this MAR10 Day, let’s celebrate the plumber who has given us decades of unforgettable adventures. What’s your favorite Mario game?
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Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.
