Super Mario 64
Why not go back to where the 3D platformer genre practically began with Super Mario 64. It wasn’t the very first 3D platformer; Jumping Flash predates it by over a year. But it was the game that set the standard for the genre, and the game that inspired an entire generation of 3D platformers and more. It was a revolution. If it weren’t for Super Mario 64, there wouldn’t be a Super Mario Odyssey.
However, it wasn’t just important for its time period, as it’s still considered one of the best games of all time. Set in Peach’s castle, Mario is tasked with obtaining the missing power stars. In order to do this, he must traverse through the castle’s many paintings, defeat Bowser’s minions, and discover many secrets. The levels are designed in a way that you don’t have to strictly stick to the objective laid out in front of you. If you’re tasked with defeating Big Bob-omb you can grab the eight red coins instead, or set the chain-chomp free. It’s short enough that you could likely complete it before Super Mario Odyssey is released.
Super Mario 64 is available to download on Wii U and Wii. If you have a 3DS, you could buy a physical copy of Super Mario 64 DS which has upgrades like some extra characters and extra stars to collect.
Super Mario World
3D Mario is great, but maybe you’d like to go back to Mario’s roots where there were only two dimensions. If that’s the case, then why not try out one of the best 2D games that Mario has to offer: Super Mario World. It’s amazing how well this game holds up today. The 16-bit visuals still look great, and the controls and physics feel incredibly intuitive and effective.
Like Super Mario 64, the game is short enough that you could potentially finish it before the release of Super Mario Odyssey, although it should be mentioned that a steep difficulty curve is very much present in Super Mario World. If you’re looking for a challenge, then Super Mario World’s star road is where you can find it. If not, the first few worlds aren’t too difficult and will provide enough of an insight into how good 2D Mario gameplay can be. It’s also the first Mario game to introduce Yoshi, and he’s just adorable.
Super Mario World is available to download on Wii U, Wii, and New 3DS. If you’re lucky enough to own an SNES classic, you can also play it on that.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Perhaps you want to save the platforming goodness for when Super Mario Odyssey arrives? If so, no problem. You can get your Mario fix from a racing game instead. And what better way to play Mario Kart than with the latest and greatest entry, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
You could easily keep yourself occupied with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s online modes. Now is as good a time as any to raise your rank while also getting yourself in the Mario mood. Or you could spend some time earning all of the gold cups in 200cc to unlock Gold Mario. We know from trailers that Super Mario Odyssey will feature tons of references to past games. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s huge character roster could be just what you need to brush up on a bit of Mario’s history before diving into Odyssey.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is available on Switch. Or if you have a Wii U, you could buy the original Mario Kart 8. It’s the same game minus a few characters, tracks and the battle mode.
Super Mario 3D World
If you’d like to experience Mario’s most recent adventure, then Super Mario 3D World is the game for you. Or if you and a friend are looking to get hyped up together, then this is perfect, thanks to the co-op mode.
Super Mario 3D World is unlike the other 3D Mario games in that it features linear levels. It feels more like a 2D Mario game in a 2D space, in terms of level design and gameplay. Instead of scouring the levels for collectibles, you have to make your way to the end of the level and the flagpole. It’s simply bursting with creativity. You’re greeted with level after level of unique ideas and mechanics. One level sees you chasing an escaping flagpole, while another sees you riding a giant nothosaur across a floating sand ocean. The momentum of the game revs up right from the start and never lets up. If you play just one level, or play through several worlds, you’re going to have fun. If you haven’t played a Mario game in a while, the quality of this game will easily remind you why Mario is still as relevant today as he was 30 years ago.
Super Mario 3D World is available on Wii U.
Super Mario Galaxy
Mario’s most epic adventure. While 3D World is amazing, Super Mario Galaxy was the last game that featured traditional 3D Mario gameplay closer to the style of Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine. It saw Mario on an interstellar journey, exploring the depths of space to save Princess Peach. When this game came out, it was questionable how its grand scale would be topped. How can you go bigger than outer space? It remains to be seen whether Super Mario Odyssey’s international outing can match the scale of Super Mario Galaxy.
It is mechanically similar to 64 and Sunshine, but the level design is much different. It has the largest levels of any Mario game, but they aren’t quite as open as the previous two games. In those games, you had to explore a level to its fullest to obtain the stars and shine sprites. In Galaxy, most stars require you to go through a completely new version of the level. Each new galaxy contains the same starting point but then quickly directs you to a completely new area. It’s the most ambitious 3D Mario game, and they didn’t even exhaust all of their ideas. A sequel was released a few years later featuring new power-ups and Yoshi. But you’ll probably only have time to play one before Super Mario Odyssey is out, so stick to the first one.
You can play Super Mario Galaxy on botht he Wii and the Wii U. Be aware that it requires the use of a Wii remote and nunchuck.
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