Considering the new “Super Mario Movie” just came out, there have been people from many different generations who want to relive/ start their love for Mario. There are so many Mario games to choose from, from new to old. If you’ve never heard of Mario because you live under a rock, it takes place in “The Mushroom Kingdom” where Princess Toadstool (or Peach), rules all of the toads. Unfortunately, the opposing ruler of the Koopas, Bowser, wants to take Princess Peach for his own. It’s your job to go on a journey to defeat Bowser, and save Peach. There are a ton of different variations of this classic, like “Super Mario Galaxy” which takes place in space, “Super Mario Sunshine” which takes place on a tropical island with Toadsworth (the princess’s steward), or even “ Super Mario Odyssey”.
10. Mario Odyssey (2017)
“Super Mario Odyssey” takes place in many kingdoms, along with the city (as shown in the picture). The goal is to collect power moons to use as fuel for your airship. The airship is used to of course save Princess Peach from Bowser who is having a forced marriage. You are also given a sentient hat named Cappy. His main function is called “capture”, which allows Mario to possess enemies along with objects to solve the levels (similar to pixels in “Super Paper Mario”). When the main story is completed, there are secret levels to unlock, such as “Luigis Ballon World”. This game has so many new sites to see, and new items to collect. It’s a great game for Mario lovers to start.
9. Super Mario Party (2018)
The new “Super Mario Party” is said to be an amazing contribution to the original Mario Parties. To start you pick a party, and a team, then roll the dice and begin. You play on a game board with up to four players. The dice controls how many spaces said player can move. However, this Mario Party has a twist. Bowser and Bowser Jr. fight with you for the famous superstar. Toadette, Toad, and Kamek play as the judges during your puzzles, challenges, and mini-games. The mini-games vary from free-for-alls, 2-on-2, or 1-on-3. There are 80 mini-games in total. Overall this game is a great addition to the Mario franchise. Fun fact about the game is you can play Rosalina, Boo, and even Hammer Bro.
8. Super Mario Maker 2 (2019)
“Super Mario Maker 2” is a side-scroller, where you can create your own levels for your friends or anyone on the internet to play. You can start making your levels by choosing past levels in different Mario games. These games include Super Mario Bros, Super Mario World, and even Super Mario Bros 3. Gameplay varies between styles. The first fun fact about the game is they have a new vertical adjustment feature, where you can make the level as vertical as you can. Another fun fact is there is a level that’s from “Super Mario 3D World”.
7. Paper Mario: The Origami King (2020)
This 2020 RPG takes place in the Mushroom Kingdom. However, things aren't what they seem. Mario and his friends must stop the kingdom from turning into origami. The goal is to free Princess Peach’s castle from five streamers that stretch across the kingdom. All of this mayhem is caused by King Olly, an origami figure. Collect coins along the way to prepare for battle, and even discover things to put in a museum. Join non-playable characters on your journey. There is even an ability called the “1000-Fold Arms”, where the environment is torn back and secrets are revealed. This game is a ton of fun and filled with lore. It’s a very interesting game.
6. Super Mario 3D All-Stars (2020)
This new combination of games has all of the Mario classics reconnecting on the Switch. Starting with “Super Mario 64”, where Mario is invited over by the Princess to enjoy a delicious cake. When he gets there, he discovers Bowser has taken her once again, and he knows he has to save her. The second game on the list is “Super Mario Sunshine”. This game takes place on Isle Delfino, where Mario, Peach, and Toadsworth are on vacation. A shadow resembling Mario destroys the town with graffiti, and steals Princess Peach, leaving Mario to take the blame. The goal is to clean up Isle Delfino and save Princess Peach. The last one on the list (my personal long-time favorite) is “Super Mario Galaxy.” This game starts with Mario on his way to meet the princess in the Mushroom Kingdom. Bowser then swoops in and takes the princess to space. Mario then finds himself on a ship in the stars, where he meets Princess Rosalina, and her fellow Lumas (her children made of stars). Rosalina vows to Mario that if he can save her ship, she will help Mario on his journey to his loved one. This Switch trio has some of the best Mario games of all time. A fun fact about the games is that Shadow Mario (from “Super Mario Sunshine”) appears several times in Mario Galaxy as a mini-game opponent.
5. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury (2021)
This game is a combination of the classic 2013 “Super Mario 3D World”, and a new game called “Bowser’s Fury” released for the bundle. 3D World is about Mario and his friends (Toad, Luigi, Peach, and even Rosalina) who come together in order to save fairies called Sprixies from the hands of Bowser and save the Sprixie kingdom. Each character possesses good and bad qualities in the game. For example, Peach can float in the air, but she has a slow running speed. “Bowser’s Fury” is a bit different from the usual games. This game may be a typical Mario-style platform game, but the goal is for Mario to SAVE BOWSER. Back again, Shadow Mario takes control of Bowser and transforms parts of the world into black sludge. Bowser Jr. and Mario team up to save Bowser from the black goo. The goal is to collect Cat Shines (a gold medallion-type coin) and obtain the Giga Bell, for Mario to turn into a cat, and battle Shadow Mario for the final time.
4. Mario Golf: Super Rush (2021)
The gameplay in this Mario golf game is exactly how it sounds, it’s golf. The 6th game in the Mario golf series has several modes. There’s Speed Golf and Battle Golf. This is where the player runs to the ball and swings with a time limit against other players. The player can switch between golf clubs and look from a bird's eye view before putting. There are also two other modes called Target Golf, and Ranked Match. Pressing R allows the player to view a higher point. Overall if you like golf and Mario, this game is a lot of fun.
3. Mario Party Superstars (2021)
This new Mario Party game consists of five boards from the original Mario 64 game. The game is played with you and three other players (friends or AI), that travel along one of the five boards. This game decided not to go for vehicle mechanics like the past few Mario Parties. You and your friends compete for the most stars at the end of the game. Stars are mainly bought with twenty coins from Toadette when you reach her space. A fun fact about the game is that 55 of the mini-games are also from the original Mario 64. How to play is you roll the dice from one to ten and move said amount of spaces. You can also use items along the way.
2. Mario Strikers: Battle League (2022)
This new Mario game is the third in the Mario Strikers series. This game has new gear, moves, and even items. Start the game with two teams consisting of five players battling soccer/football. You can use special moves or items in order to win the game. The offense tries to get the ball into the goal with help from combos using other teammates. Timing is necessary for these moves. A new move called the Team Tackle can be used to better your chance of scoring a goal. You can tackle your own teammates in order for them to get closer to the goal. By collecting a Strike Orb, you can automatically get a goal if timed right. This game is amazing if you’re into sports.
1. Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope (2022)
This clever spin on “Super Mario Galaxy” is a good one. This game starts with a hoard of rabid lumas (Rabbid characters and Lumas combined) storming the Mushroom Kingdom. Rabbid Peach is soon abducted and it’s up to Mario and friends to save her. A sudden entity named Cursa tries to destroy Mario and his friends but is saved by a machine made by the Rabbids. The team vows to destroy Cursa, as well as find Rosalina (mother to the lumas) as she has gone missing. A fun fact about this game is that this was the last Mario game to be released with the original voice of Mario and Luigi, Charles Martinet.
These were the top 10 new Mario games released recently. If you haven’t been in the know when it comes to Mario, I’m sure this article will help you. These are definitely the best new Mario games to play. A lot of people like to stick with the old Mario fan favorites, but I believe the new Mario games are fantastic. This is your calling to branch out of your comfort zone and play these amazing new Mario games.
