The Best Mario Sequel Games

When it comes to top Switch exclusives and exciting cross-platform games, Super Mario always shines as the standout star in the Nintendo lineup. Mario, with his brother Luigi by his side, represents a legendary gaming icon, celebrated for an amazing array of games throughout the years.

Related

10 Best Looking Games on Nintendo Switch, Ranked

The Nintendo Switch has some graphical limitations, but it still features some gorgeous-looking games.

Posts

By  Eduardo Ariedo

Suffice it to say, Mario has had a lot of fun adventures over three decades, and some of his games really stand out as the best of the lot. These ten Super Mario sequel games are absolutely must-play for those either craving a trip down memory lane, or simply looking for some polished entertainment.

10 New Super Mario Bros. 2

Fun Coin-Collecting Mechanics That Boost Replay Value

• A Sequel To New Super Mario Bros.

New Super Mario Bros. 2 picks up right where the original left off, following the 2006 Nintendo DS classic. New Super Mario Bros. 2 sticks to the classic formula: Mario and Luigi are on a mission to save Princess Peach from Bowser and his Koopalings. There's an interesting new mode called "Coin Rush" where players race through stages, grabbing coins like there's no tomorrow. New Super Mario Bros. 2 boasts solid-level design, gameplay, and graphics.

However, the slight lack of innovation and oversimplification, along with its resemblance to earlier titles, is a bit disappointing. Sure, the gameplay is still enjoyable, but there's nothing standout or fresh in this third installment of the New Super Mario Bros. Series, which explains its position in this ranking.

9 Super Mario Bros. 2

Exciting Character Options For More Varied Gameplay

• A Sequel To Super Mario Bros.

Super Mario Bros. 2 began as a completely different game in Japan, known as Doki Doki Panic. Now, while this sequel might catch some flak for its tough-as-nails gameplay, it holds its own special charm even decades after its release.

Related

The Best 2D Super Mario Games, Ranked

Super Mario is one of the icons of gaming for a good reason, and these are the best of the best of the franchise's 2D games.

Posts

Super Mario Bros. 2 puts a fun spin on Doki Doki Panic, standing out as a quirky and inventive platformer featuring favorite Nintendo characters; players can choose from Mario, Luigi, Princess Toadstool, or Toad.

Some fans consider Super Mario Bros. 2 as just an extension of the first game, and not a whole new sequel, but there’s no doubt that it's definitely a fun game in the Mario lineup, holding its own among the franchise's best.

8 New Super Mario Bros. U

Smooth Gameplay And Stunningly Crafted Levels

• A Sequel To New Super Mario Bros. Wii

New Super Mario Bros. U is a fantastic 2D adventure that understands what makes Mario's level design great, throwing in some fun surprises along the way. New power-ups? Check. A cool world map? Check. Creative enemies? Double check. Play it again, especially the challenge modes, and its a peak Super Mario experience.

Related

Ranking Every New Super Mario Game

As a new Mario series dawns, it's nice to look back at what came before. Here is every New Super Mario game, ranked from worst to best.

Posts

By  George Sweetnam

New Super Mario Bros. U gave the Super Mario Bros. Series a much-needed jolt, shaking off the dullness that had crept in over time. It offered a fresh spin on platforming, featuring lively, diverse levels that are as simple as they are creative, ideal for players of every skill level. If this game flew under the radar because some thought the new series was over-hyped, it’s time for a second look.

7 Super Mario Bros.

Set The Gold Standard For Platformers Through Clever Design And Precise Movement

• A Sequel To Mario Bros.

Super Mario Bros. Has been re-released seemingly a hundred times over its three decades of life for one simple reason: it’s iconic. Originally released in 1985, the very first Super Mario game set the standard for platformers by nailing down Mario's signature move: jumping. Super Mario Bros. Was a game changer, bringing the side-scrolling platformer to the forefront of gaming. Critics and players alike were wowed by its tight controls and tough gameplay.

Even with its blocky 8-bit visuals, the original Super Mario Bros. Remains a classic, and is still considered one of the best NES games ever made. Responsive controls, spot-on platforming, and plenty of secrets make exploring those classic levels worthwhile.

6 Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope

Brings Together Pleasantly Strategic Gameplay With A Hefty Dose Of Humor

• A Sequel To Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle

Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope proves that Mario games still know how to keep things fresh, even after almost forty years. It's a turn-based adventure through the galaxy in which Mario, his crew, and their Rabbid buddies are on a mission to catch Cursa, collect Sparks, and save planets along the way. It’s like Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, but with an extra kick.

This game has it all: dynamic battles, engaging stages, a killer soundtrack, and a ton of character options for players to mix up their combat style. In short, Sparks of Hope effortlessly adopts a fresh 3D spin, standing out from the typical 2D platformers on this list.

5 New Super Mario Bros. Wii

Introduced Cooperative Multiplayer, Making It A Blast For Friends To Play Together

• A Sequel To New Super Mario Bros.

New Super Mario Bros. Wii was brought to the Wii back in 2009, and it was absolutely worth the wait — over a decade, in fact. This game packed a serious punch, outmuscling its handheld counterpart with a slick jump-spin move and a four-player co-op mode that transformed the game's standard levels into an exciting co-op gameplay challenge.

Many even consider New Super Mario Bros. Wii as the spiritual successor to 1991's classic Super Mario World, as it’s also a delightful mix of challenge and fun, perfect for both hardcore fans and casual players alike. While New Super Mario Bros. Wii may seem like yesterday's news, it's still a clever and captivating Mario sequel for the Wii.

4 Super Mario Maker 2

Sparked Creativity By Allowing Players To Design And Share Their Own Levels

• A Sequel To Super Mario Maker

Super Mario Maker 2 takes the original's idea and cranks it up a notch with a treasure trove of new features and endless possibilities not seen before. Nintendo dishes out a clever campaign that’s not just a fun solo 2D Mario adventure, but also a perfect crash course in the game’s user-friendly level-building tools.

Related

Every Super Mario RPG, Ranked

For over 20 years, Mario RPGs have been a surprise gem for Nintendo fans. They balance the cartoonish world of Mario with JRPG gameplay.

Posts 1

While this isn't the typical Mario romp, this clever sequel places over three decades of platforming glory right into players' hands. With a toolkit that’s a breeze to use, players can whip up some real magic. Plus, the new story mode is incredibly interesting and complex enough to make it worthwhile.

Although players will have to wade through a mix of punishing challenges and insultingly easy tasks to discover that sweet spot, the unbridled creativity and sheer fun on show more than compensate for the effort.

3 Super Mario 3D World

One Of The Most Visually Vibrant And Satisfying Games In The Super Mario Series

• A Sequel To Super Mario 3D Land

Super Mario 3D World isn’t just a standout on the Wii U; it’s also one of Mario’s coolest adventures. It takes important elements from 3D Land and makes them even more stimulating, expanding the stages, adding intriguing puzzles, and keeping the visuals sharp and exciting. Most importantly, playing this game with friends is bound to be tremendously enjoyable, as it delivers one of the finest multiplayer experiences the series has ever seen.

This sequel brings in a wealth of classic Mario power-ups, and throws in a few that were destined to be staples in every Mario adventure going forward. For instance, the charming Cat Mario power-up fits right into the legacy of Super Mario Bros. 3’ s iconic animal costumes, while the flagpoles at the end of each level nod to the game that kicked off the franchise.

2 Super Mario Bros. 3

Introduced Game-Changing Power-Ups That Transformed Platformers Forever

• A Sequel To Super Mario Bros. 2

When it comes to Super Mario Bros. 3, it’s not just about being a trailblazer in gaming history. It earns its spot among the best Mario games thanks to its knack for blending innovative ideas with the sheer delight of playing a Super Mario game. In fact, every Mario game that followed has clearly borrowed from that delightfully straightforward and fun formula.

Some other entries gave it a good go, but none quite nailed the gameplay magic of Super Mario Bros. 3, with a fresh map system, a dash of P-speed, and a range of new power-ups. The game is a delightful mix of cleverness and challenge, serving up tough trials that keep players on their toes at all times.

1 Super Mario Galaxy 2

Beautiful Level Designs And Intricate Gameplay That Keep Players Guessing

• A Sequel To Super Mario Galaxy

Super Mario Galaxy 2 takes the crown, outshining its already stellar predecessor in every conceivable way. While there were plenty of other fantastic games vying for attention, Super Mario Galaxy 2 swooped in and declared the Wii a must-have for serious gamers. It showed that a dash of creativity can easily outshine any tech limitations.

The game stands out as the ultimate 3D Super Mario experience, boasting a plethora of incredible worlds to dive into, clever puzzle designs that challenge the mind, and a version of Mario that's an absolute joy to control in any gaming scenario. There are even more planets featured here than in the first game, boasting an impressive array of variation and experimentation.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 is, without a doubt, a delightful platforming adventure that remains a joy to play, even when the challenge ramps up to the max.

More

Best Games To Play If You Love The Super Mario Franchise In 2024

Nintendo's Super Mario represents the platform genre at its best, and the same can be said for these modern games.

Posts

By  Mark Sammut