Every 3D Mario Game, Ranked

2017 marked a banner year for Nintendo. The Nintendo Switch console launched that year.The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildIt also releasedSuper Mario Odyssey

The idea behind it is simple.Mario OdysseyCappy lets Mario take forms like a tree, an onion, a circuit, or a dinosaur. The list goes on.

This idea is cool. But what makes Super Mario Odyssey great?Super Mario OdysseyAll the options you get become available when you turn into these items. Multiple ways exist to move through its large open worlds. You have the making of a true platforming masterpiece.

After the Mario Galaxy series succeeded, the Mario franchise spent time in 2D gaming. However, it kept trying 3D gaming.

Handhelds saw the release ofSuper Mario 3D Land, and the Wii U console hadSuper Mario 3D World

Co-op Mario gaming has never been better. Presenting 3D space in 2D worlds lets players explore freely, no matter how many play together.

The cat suit gimmick proves more than a silly trick. It shows new ways to handle Mario's always satisfying platforming challenges.

The Nintendo Wii used motion controls that changed gaming. Wii Sports made casual players love the console.

The traditional gaming crowd chose the Wii for another reason: Super Mario Galaxy

It brings back the same magic everyone felt first playing Super Mario 64.Super Mario 64Traveling between planets, imaginative platforming, and a whimsical soundtrack give an unforgettable gaming experience.

You could say thatSuper Mario GalaxySuper Mario Galaxy is an out-of-this-world experience.

Releasing a 3D Mario game on the Nintendo 3DS was a smart move.

Shigeru Miyamoto describesSuper Mario 3D Landas a "3D Mario that plays as a 2D Mario game." This description is perfect. Mario moving through 2D areas with 3D movement creates new platforming challenges. These challenges lead to new, creative answers.

A major critique of the game was its low difficulty compared to other 3D Mario games. Its difficulty matches what you saw in New Super Mario Bros.New Super Mario Bros.Even though it feels easier, it remains a real 3D Mario game on your handheld device.

What better way to launch the Nintendo DS than withSuper Mario 64?

Super Mario 64DS gives a new take on the classic game. After Mario, Luigi, and Wario disappear from Peach's Castle, Yoshi must find them all while playing through the classic Mario 64 stages.Mario, Luigi, and Wario all go missing. Yoshi finds them all while playing through the iconic Mario 64 stages.

The Nintendo DS lacks a natural analog stick. Players control characters using the D-Pad or the touchscreen. This control may not match the original, butSuper Mario 64looks better than ever.

Plus, at the end of the day, it remainsSuper Mario 64.

If you expected the Nintendo Switch re-release ofSuper Mario 3D World + Bowser's FuryNintendo has not done much to build confidence in this area.

Imagine our surprise whenBowser's FuryBowser's Fury is worth the price. It takes the platforming from 3D World and puts it in a huge open-world setting.

This offers freedom never before seen in a 2D Mario game. Controls, level design, and the soundtrack all work great. It is peak Mario from an unexpected place.

Super Mario SunshineSuper Mario Sunshine was not as hyped upon release, but critics have reassessed it.

Following his debut in 3D gaming,Mario SunshineMario features "Isle Delfino," where Mario cleans the island using his Flash Liquidizer Ultra Dousing Device (F.L.U.D.D.).

The F.L.U.D.D. cleans the island. It also lets players use unique, creative platforming moves in gameplay.

The recent re-release ofSuper Mario 3D All-StarsThe Nintendo Switch release resulted inMario SunshineMario Sunshine appealed to a new audience who missed its original Nintendo GameCube release.

Few games are as innovative and revolutionary asSuper Mario 64.

Following the success ofSuper Mario WorldThe jump from 2D to 3D on the Super Nintendo changed how we play video games forever. It offered total freedom. Players could go anywhere and do anything.

Mario gained huge freedom. Moving to 3D changed video game play forever.

Few games were on the Nintendo 64 at release. However, there wasSuper Mario 64, which was enough to justify a purchase.

A direct sequel to a beloved Mario game is a big ask, butSuper Mario Galaxy 2is capable of handling the task.

The main gameplay mirrors its predecessor. Gamers jump right into the action, but new ideas keep things fresh.

Despite this,Super Mario Galaxy 2never feels too much. The platforming keeps players engaged without dragging on.

In a time when Nintendo focused too much on tricks,Super Mario Galaxy 2is new air. It shows Nintendo is on a higher level in game development.

A spin-off fromSuper Mario 3D World, Captain Toad: Treasure TrackerCan you play a platformer game without jumping?

Yes. Nintendo made a mini-game from a full 3D Mario title into its own enjoyable package.

Solving something is enjoyable.Treasure TrackerThe puzzles aren't too hard. They still feel satisfying to solve. They engage the right parts of your brain.