Nintendo's Mario is quite possibly the most recognizable video game character in the history of the medium. His concept is pretty simple, a plumber from Brooklyn on a quest to rescue a princess in a magical kingdom, and yet his games are some of the most enjoyable experiences out there.
Appearing in over 200 titles, Mario is a well-seasoned veteran of the gaming industry. But with such a tall order of vocations and adventures, it can be overwhelming to try to tackle his entire series. That being said, the core games in his catalog are all readily available for anyone's Mushroom Kingdom needs.
Donkey Kong
A throwback never goes out of style, and where better to start a Mario odyssey than with his first arcade appearance? There are few gamers who haven't heard the name "Donkey Kong," but before he was hoarding bananas in the jungle, he was hurling barrels at a familiar friend in overalls.
Donkey Kong was a staple of the gaming industry, and it gave Mario, then known as Jumpman, his springboard into stardom. A bit repetitive, but one still chowing down tokens today.
Mario Bros.
How do you make a video game better? Introduce multiplayer. The original Mario Bros. was not only a challenging action-platformer, but it also introduced his brother Luigi to the mix, and possibly his issue with giant turtles as well.
For a plumber, this title appears to be the only game where sewers and pipes play a big role. Even so, knocking over enemies and collecting coins has been a prominent pair of elements in multiple Mario titles ever since.
Dr. Mario
It's simple, it's fun, and it comes with some serious jams. Dr. Mario was practically a literal game-changer as Mario made the transition from platformer to puzzler. Taking a page or two from Tetris, this game saw players using falling pills to beat color-coordinated virus monsters by making combos.
Although it's a touch gimmicky, the game still has its share of fans and has even warranted a few sequels and spin-offs.
Super Mario 64
Super Mario 64 was the game that ushered in a new era for Mario, for Nintendo, and platforming games as a whole. By taking things out of the side-scrolling routine and into the third dimension, gamers everywhere were introduced to a new genre of adventures.
Although a bit rough compared to some of his other 3D adventures, this was the game that fully showcased what Mario could do. The 3D plane allowed for more acrobatic movement, exploration, and essentially introduced a new framework for other games of its kind.
Any Mario Kart Title
From the SNES original to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Mario Kart has become a gaming pastime all its own. While its latest entry certainly has more content, gamers can't go wrong with just about any addition to this iconic series.
It's quite possibly one of the most beloved multiplayer experiences the industry has ever known, and it comes packed to the gills with characters, courses, and power-ups. Its tried-and-true formula never gets old. Honestly, what's not to like?
Super Mario Bros.
In retrospect, it's probably safe to assume that this is one game that anyone exposed to the world of gaming has played at least once. In fact, the industry as a whole probably owes its very existence to this breakout title.
With this game, the platforming genre gamers know and love today essentially came into existence. Mario's first adventure through the Mushroom Kingdom was what put him in the hearts of gamers everywhere, and it has since spawned a legacy of further escapades with an extremely impressive range.
Super Mario Bros. 2
While many gamers consider it the black sheep of the original Mario trilogy, it does have its moments. Though it's essentially a reskin of Doki Doki Panic, it does still feel like a genuine Mario game, and it's impossible to say it isn't enjoyable.
Not only that, but it was one of the first Mario games to feature multiple player characters with multiple ways to play. Variety is the spice of life, after all. This game definitely deserves some credit where credit is due.
Super Mario Bros. 3
It's been called the best game on the NES, and with everyone's favorite mushroom-munching plumber at the helm, it's easy to see why. The controls are sharp, the power-ups can solve a multitude of puzzles, there are secret areas, and the overall experience is essentially what makes a Mario game wonderful.
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It's challenging, engaging, and a Mario essential if there ever was one; bounce on enemies, collect coins, and save the princess.
Super Mario Odyssey
If there was ever a 3D platformer that deserved every single ounce of acclaim it received, it's Super Mario Odyssey. Odyssey took the foundation laid down by games like Mario 64 and expanded on it to a tremendous degree.
Not only does the title show off Mario's acrobatic abilities and Nintendo's gift for creating colorful worlds, characters, and environments, but it breathes new life into familiar concepts and ideas. Honestly, it should come packaged with every Nintendo Switch.
Super Mario World
If there's one Mario title that every gamer should at the very least try, it's Super Mario World. There are few traditional platformers out there, Mario-focused or otherwise, who don't at least take a speck of inspiration from this SNES juggernaut.
16-bit graphics look great on anyone, so why wouldn't this classic be number one? He can jump, spin, pound, and use a variety of suits and abilities to put Bowser in his place. The game is essentially a best-of compilation of what makes Mario who he is.