Top 10 Mario Games: Number 9

Oops, guess we got a little busy and forgot to update Analogg a bit. Many of you have likely already had fun with Galaxy 2, much like we here have, but it's never too late to continue on with our list. Without further ado, I present number nine:

9. Super Mario 64

Super Mario 64 introduced us to Mario, Bowser, and the Mushroom Kingdom in 3D graphics: something that we should all be truly thankful for. However, the game itself is more-often-than not overpraised.

Don't get me wrong, Super Mario 64 is a fun game, it just did not feel like a Mario game. The distinct lack of power-ups that Mario fans felt so accustomed to were removed for a karate-based sort of attack system, with Mario flinging out an array of punches and kicks to defeat his enemies. While not exactly what many Mario fans might think of Mario doing, it certainly was interesting. Still, the classic jumping-to-destroy enemies mechanic was still present, assuring that Super Mario 64 still remembered who Mario was.

The game itself also seemed to lose itself in terms of fun and fanciful thinking. The game itself seems to lack surrealism, something that feels ridiculously odd in a game centered around a plumber saving a princess from a gigantic, mutated turtle whilst using odd power-ups to destroy his mushroom and turtle minions. The idea of being able to access new worlds via paintings was both interesting and cute, but it seemed to lack the feeling of a Mario game.

Still, despite its lack of actually feeling very much like a Mario game, Super Mario 64 was still incredibly fun and was a great 3D debut for Mario and all residents of the Mushroom Kingdom. Nintendo must have agreed, as Super Mario 64 saw itself a re-introduction in Super Mario 64DS.

Super Mario 64 also introduced the idea of Mario gathering stars in order to conquer Bowser, slowly gaining more access to more difficult and innovative levels as more Power Stars were collected, and all the while gaining closer access to Princess Peach. This mechanic has followed in Super Mario Sunshine and Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2, allowing for a wider variety of worlds you can explore and play in, instead of silly ol' Mushroom Kingdom.

Certainly not a terrible game, although it does not feel like a true Mario game. Was Nintendo trying to make Mario feel newer due to his introduction on the 3D N64 system, or is this writer just crazy?

Probably both.

-Taylor