Mario 30th poll.jpg

Not so long ago we asked you to vote for your favourite Super Mario platformer in order to celebrate today's (13th September) 30th Anniversary for the franchise. Following Nintendo's policies around the anniversary we left out spin-offs, including titles with 'Super Mario' in the title that were vehicles for new franchises - such as Yoshi's Island on SNES.

We've taken the results as of 10am Pacific / 1pm Eastern / 6pm UK / 7pm CET on 13th September, and compared to our 2014 vote there's a clearer winner. There are some interesting placings throughout the top 10, nevertheless.

So, without further ado, below is the top 10 for Super Mario platformers, as voted for by well over 3,000 members of the Nintendo Life community.


New Super Mario Bros.
10. New Super Mario Bros.

It was extremely tight in the lower reaches of the voting, with this DS title just sneaking ahead of New Super Mario Bros. U. The DS game was the first 2D Mario game for a long time when it arrived in 2006, and remains a fun, engaging platformer to this day; its range of minigames also utilise the DS setup fully.

Super Mario 3D Land
9. Super Mario 3D Land

Aside from Super Mario 64 DS, this holds the record of being the first 3D Mario title on a Nintendo portable. It utilises the auto-stereoscopic screen in clever ways with puzzle rooms and camera angles to emphasize depth; with the Super Leaf and a 2D / 3D hybrid design, it's an enjoyable slice of Mario on the 3DS.

Super Mario Bros.
8. Super Mario Bros.

The NES original that is the source of the 30th Anniversary, this title revolutionised home console gaming, platforming and propelled Nintendo to early success with the NES in North America, particularly. Played today it remains as a tight, challenging platformer with well known and much loved shortcuts for those keen to experiment.

Super Mario Sunshine
7. Super Mario Sunshine

This one had a tough job following Super Mario 64, yet has plenty of fans from the GameCube era; sadly the demands for a Virtual Console version have never been close to arriving. With story-based cutscenes and voice acting, the latter being rare in Mario games beyond "wahoos", it's also much loved for the appearances of Yoshi and the use of FLUDD, which opened up plenty of neat gameplay opportunities.

Super Mario 3D World
6. Super Mario 3D World

The most recent Mario title - aside from Super Mario Maker, of course - that graced the Wii U in 2013. The support for up to four players is chaotic yet fun, with each playable character having unique traits and styles to suit the action. Lovely visuals and bombastic Big Band music also play their part in one of the best titles on Nintendo's current-gen system.

Super Mario Galaxy 2
5. Super Mario Galaxy 2

Though this missed out on 4th place by just one vote out of thousands, it's nevertheless fondly regarded by many. Still the only direct 3D Mario sequel to date, it began life as a 1.5 expansion before the volume of new ideas made it a sequel. New outfits and a playable Yoshi accompany some fantastic level designs, making this a great choice on Wii (and the Wii U eShop).

Super Mario 64
4. Super Mario 64

The original 3D Mario title that blew many minds when it landed on Nintendo 64, arguably being as revolutionary in the 3D gaming space as Super Mario Bros. had been to 2D platforming. Mario's running, jumping and punching feel remarkably solid on the N64 controller, with the quest to collect all of the stars still a regular challenge for many.

Super Mario Galaxy
3. Super Mario Galaxy

Continuing the experimentation seen in Sunshine, this entry went for an outer-space setting with gravity at its core. It's wildly ambitious and, importantly, hits its target, delivering a memorable experience for any generation of gamer. It's a pioneer in having a lovely orchestrated soundtrack, while the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controls remain some of the most intuitive on the Wii.

Super Mario Bros. 3
2. Super Mario Bros. 3

If Super Mario Bros. was a revelation, Super Mario Bros. 3 was the result of extravagant ambition, creativity and technical ability from Nintendo's developers. It's certainly 'weird' compared to others, and to this day its bizarre power-ups and items raise a smile; its overworld, alternate paths and legendary shortcuts also keep things interesting in the speedrun community.

Super Mario World
1. Super Mario World

This was the winner last time the Nintendo Life community voted on its favourite Super Mario game. Its arrival on the SNES brought home what was - at the time - a startling generational leap, while also introducing Yoshi to the world. It's glorious platforming in any era and has been popular on the Virtual Console, with the quest for finishing with all exits found still being on plenty of bucket lists. It's a fabulous game, and in the opinion of many voters is the best Super Mario game so far.


So there you have it, the top 10 Super Mario platformers as voted for by you. Are you happy with the results?

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