The Super Mario franchise has been a cornerstone of the gaming industry for decades, captivating audiences with its innovative gameplay, memorable characters, and charming worlds. Among its many iterations, the transition from 2D to 3D marked a significant milestone, bringing new depth, exploration, and excitement to Mario’s adventures. With numerous 3D Mario titles released over the years—each offering unique experiences—the question arises: Which 3D Mario game truly stands out as the best? This definitive ranking aims to explore the top contenders, analyze their features, critical reception, and impact, helping fans and newcomers alike determine the ultimate 3D Mario experience as of 2025.
Understanding the Evolution of 3D Mario Games
The journey of 3D Mario games began with the groundbreaking Super Mario 64 (1996) on the Nintendo 64, which set the standard for 3D platforming with its open world design, innovative camera system, and precise controls. This game revolutionized the platforming genre and laid the foundation for future titles. Since then, the franchise has evolved, pushing technological boundaries and refining gameplay mechanics.
Criteria for Ranking the Best 3D Mario Games
To objectively assess and rank these titles, several key factors are considered:
- Gameplay Mechanics: Innovation, controls, and replayability.
- World Design & Exploration: Creativity, diversity, and freedom of movement.
- Graphics & Art Style: Visual appeal and technological advancement.
- Story & Characters: Engagement and charm.
- Critical and Player Reception: Reviews, ratings, and community feedback.
- Legacy & Influence: Impact on gaming and lasting appeal.
Top 10 3D Mario Games in 2025
Below, we explore the top contenders, highlighting their strengths and significance in the franchise’s history.
1. Super Mario Odyssey (2017)
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Gameplay | Open-world exploration with Mario’s new companion, Cappy, allowing for creative captures and transformations. The game emphasizes sandbox mechanics, encouraging experimentation. |
| World Design | Varied kingdoms inspired by real-world locations and fantasy worlds, each with unique themes and secrets. |
| Graphics & Art Style | Vibrant, cartoonish visuals with detailed environments, leveraging the Switch’s capabilities. |
| Reception | Critically acclaimed with a 97/100 on Metacritic, praised for innovation and depth. |
| Legacy | Considered one of the best modern Mario titles, influencing future open-ended platformers. |
2. Super Mario Galaxy (2007)
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Gameplay | Innovative 3D movement on spherical planets, gravity-based puzzles, and creative level design. |
| World Design | Varied cosmic themes with imaginative planets and diverse environments. |
| Graphics & Art Style | Stylized, colorful visuals that complement the whimsical space setting. |
| Reception | Highly praised, with a 96/100 on Metacritic, often cited as the pinnacle of 3D platforming innovation. |
| Legacy | Set a benchmark for creative level design and gameplay mechanics in 3D platformers. |
3. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury (2021)
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Gameplay | Combination of classic 3D platforming with multiplayer capabilities and a new open-world mode, Bowser’s Fury. |
| World Design | Colorful, linear levels in 3D World and expansive, emergent gameplay in Bowser’s Fury. |
| Graphics & Art Style | Bright, detailed visuals maintaining the franchise’s signature style. |
| Reception | Received well, with a 87/100 on Metacritic, appreciated for its replayability and multiplayer fun. |
| Legacy | Revived interest in multiplayer Mario gameplay, blending traditional and innovative elements. |
Comparative Analysis of the Top 3D Mario Games
| Feature | Super Mario Odyssey | Super Mario Galaxy | Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Innovation | High — sandbox exploration, capture mechanic | High — gravity-based puzzles, spherical planets | Moderate — traditional gameplay with new multiplayer mode |
| World Design | Open, freeform kingdoms | Directed, themed planets | Linear levels + open-world |
| Replayability | Excellent — secrets, collectibles, multiple kingdoms | Excellent — hidden stars, puzzles | Good — multiplayer, side challenges |
| Visual Appeal | Vibrant, detailed | Stylized, cosmic | Bright, cartoonish |
| Critical Consensus | Near-perfect, innovative | Classic, revolutionary | Highly enjoyable, diverse |
Additional Notable 3D Mario Titles
- Super Mario Sunshine (2002) — Known for its unique water-based gameplay and tropical island setting, it remains beloved despite mixed reviews at launch.
- Super Mario 64 DS (2004) — An expanded remake of Super Mario 64 with multiple playable characters and additional levels.
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder (2025) — The latest in the franchise, pushing new mechanics and artistic styles, continuing the franchise’s innovation trajectory.
Impact of 3D Mario Games on the Gaming Industry
3D Mario titles have consistently influenced the platforming genre and beyond. Super Mario Odyssey revived open-world mechanics in platformers, inspiring titles like Rayman Legends and other Nintendo franchises. Meanwhile, Super Mario Galaxy introduced gravity-based puzzles that have been adopted and adapted by numerous indie developers and AAA titles alike.
Current Trends and Future Outlook
As of 2025, the franchise continues to evolve, integrating new technologies such as augmented reality and cloud gaming. With the success of recent titles, Nintendo is expected to push boundaries further, perhaps exploring more open-world experiences or virtual reality integrations, as seen in experiments like Nintendo’s VR projects.
Conclusion
While personal preferences may vary, the consensus among critics and players highlights Super Mario Odyssey, Super Mario Galaxy, and Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury as the top three titles in the 3D Mario canon, each representing different eras and innovations. Their enduring popularity and influence underscore their significance in gaming history and affirm their status as the best 3D Mario games to date.