With the imminent release of Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Rage on Switch, and the Super Mario 35 anniversary holidays are coming to an end in a few weeks, we thought it was time to try to put all of Mario’s original 2D platforming adventures in a kind of order. We’ve previously looked at every major 3D game in the Super Mario series, but now is your chance to rate each of the installer’s 2D adventures of the last three and a half decades.
So, here we present each Mario 2D game ranked from “worst” (rarely a term was used in a more relative sense) to the best. We’ve omitted some portable ports and re-releases to simplify things, so you’ll find the most “significant” version if there are multiple versions of the game (and there may be many to choose from these days!). We also excluded Battle Royale from thirty-five players Super Mario Bros. 35 from running because, unfortunately, it will not be a permanent concern in the canon of Mario from March 31, 2021.
This ranking comes from Nintendo Life Reader User Ratings for games in our database and is subject to real-time fluctuations even after publication. Yes, this means that it is completely possible to influence the ranking below if you have not yet evaluated your favorites. To do this, just click on the game you want to rate and assign a score to the game page.
Many thanks to all those who rated their favorites. Without further ado, let’s dive into your ranking for every 2D Mario game …
Editor: Nintendo / Developer: Nintendo
Under its own conditions, Super Mario Run is an excellent translation of 2D installers artwork in the smartphone space. The fact that it looks so much like an entry into the “New” branch of 2D Marios has probably set higher expectations than it would have been for the first Mario game that appeared on non-Nintendo hardware for a very long time, but an example the classic transition of a beloved character and series on a totally different platform and embracing the differences of that platform with a personalized experience; an authentic Mario game that you can play with one hand.
The added post-release Remix x10 mode offers bite-sized nuggets of levels from the main game and adds longevity after you’ve conquered every world and has a level of Nintendo polish – and no invading microtransactions, irritating coins or reload timers. Super Mario Run would never replace Mario World in the pantheon of the 2D platform installer, but it never had to; offers short bursts of fun perfect for situations where breaking the Switch is not an option. Super Mario Run does what he set out to do well – for that, we admire him.
Editor: Nintendo / Developer: Nintendo EAD
Also known as Super Mario Bros.2 In Japan, it was once the “grail” for Western players, who knew the first game back in front and wanted more of a challenge. Lost levels definitely ensures this and for this reason it is best to enjoy Super Mario Bros. veterans. – New players in Mario’s world will probably find him amazing, hilarious and tough.
Editor: Nintendo / Developer: Nintendo EAD
A rare numerical sequel to Mario, this is one of a series that continues to divide players to this day. The new Super Mario Bros.2 doubled down on – of all things – the coin collection to create a strangely compulsive platformer in the familiar matrix. Although difficult to revolutionize, autostereoscopic 3D was a pleasant touch and if you can embrace the banality of his obsession with gold, it is a very solid, very pleasant Mario 2D.
Editor: Nintendo / Developer: Nintendo R & D1
Super Mario Land it was impressive when it was first released for Game Boy. The sequel might have made this original seem inappropriate by comparison, but it’s still a very fun Super Mario experience, albeit a short one. Almost when things get really good, the credits roll, but if you haven’t played Super Mario Land yet, you owe it to yourself to try – it’s still worth playing at least once, even if you see where Mario’s portable adventures began. . And cracking music.
Editor: Nintendo / Developer: Nintendo
The new Super Mario Bros. In Deluxe is an impressive package that offers the best of the 2D Mario of the modern era, madcap multiplayer and a look at the outrageous invention that follows Super Mario Odyssey. It is a Mario game with top drawers and without a doubt the best in the new branch, whether you play on Wii U or Switch, although the aging images and the irritation of being resumed on the world map after every death stands out as things that could have been improved in this Deluxe version. However, with The new Super Luigi U included, this is a very fine Mario (and Luigi) 2D package.
Editor: Nintendo / Developer: Nintendo EAD
This famous pursuit of another famous game entirely with Mario and colleagues. for launch in the West (where Nintendo of America feared that players would not be able to cope with the punishment of lost levels). Despite being a black sheep in his homeland, Super Mario Bros.2 had an enormous influence on the iconography of the series. The game is definitely worth a review (Nintendo Switch Online is the easiest place to find it these days), even if just to remind you how different it is from what came before and after. With four playable (and very different) characters to choose from, we highly recommend a replay.
Editor: Nintendo / Developer: Nintendo EAD
Decided by some as mere shadows of the original games, the popularity of the new series cannot be denied. The original The new Super Mario Bros. It might emit a “it was there, it did it” vibe nowadays, but it opened up 2D Mario to a whole new generation. We dinosaurs can improve our “classic” pixels and games, but here’s another remarkably solid Mario platformer. No, it’s not the culmination of the series, nor is it absolute essential in the grand scheme of things, but there is still much to be appreciated.