It can be argued that Nintendo’s knack for creating thrilling and exhilarating multi-player entertainment is unprecedented, and with good reason; their lovable and alluring Mario-themed sports games (much like the overall-attired Italian himself) are fan-favorites among competitive gamers around the world. The games combine what everyone loves about sports (the intense competition of winning and losing) with what everyone loves about Mario (the retro stache, cheerful personality, and of course the unbelievably memorable catch phrases that anyone who’s anyone can recite at the snap of a thumb and index finger). There are so many games that fit into this category, and they are all so close in quality that proclaiming one above the other is truly the equivalent of splitting hairs. But if there were ever an instance where splitting hairs could be deemed as fun, this would be it! So without further ado, let’s do it! Here are the top ten Mario-featured sports games out there:
10. Mario Sports Mix
Console: Wii
Year: 2011
Dodgeball. That is the one word that accounts for the inclusion of this title. The combination of Mario and dodge ball, two of the most fantastic things ever created, can only result in a top ten appearance.
9. Mario Hoops 3-on-3
Console: Nintendo DS
Year: 2006
I told myself that if a Mario basketball game existed, it had to make the list. And since this is the only one that does, it’s on here. Seriously, who wouldn’t squeal with uncontrollable joy upon seeing Mario greet the rim with a particularly vicious throw down?
8. Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour
Console: Gamecube
Year: 2003
While I must admit I’m not much of a golf fan in real life, this game had me out in my backyard working on my putting in an attempt to improve my virtual efforts in this endeavor!
7. New Super Mario Bros.
Console: Wii
Year: 2009
What could make the mushroomed, green piped, and chain-chomped, world of Super Mario even better? Adding friends! This is exactly what happened when Nintendo came out with this version of everyone’s favorite Mario kingdom game. You had better find some competent compadres, or success in this game will be highly hard to come by!
6. Mario Power Tennis
Console: Gamecube
Year: 2004
While the actual tennis matches will test your video game prowess at the sport, the real gems here are the mini-games, where a blast is to be had in the form of feeding tennis balls to chain chomps, smashing ghosts back into their portraits, and battling a gooper blooper for supreme rule of the courts!
5. Mario Kart 64
Console: Nintendo 64
Year: 1996
They say the original installment of a series is usually the best, and it definitely holds true here. There’s something about primitive (at least by today’s standards) graphics and choppy gameplay that spell out comfort, nostalgia, and classic fun. The game that started it all is the most fun to play because a child-like innocence can’t help but be associated with it; back then things were clean, pure, and above all, enjoyable. Just like this game.
4. Mario Superstar Baseball
Console: Gamecube
Year: 2005
Again, the mini-games here take the cake. From pitching through walls, to hitting bob-ombs out of the park, the off the wall (literally) ways that Nintendo came up with to put it’s Mario stamp onto America’s game are truly nothing short of remarkable. And oh yeah, schooling your friends on the diamond is pretty satisfying as well.
3. Mario Party
Console: Nintendo 64
Year: 1998
This game has brought more folks together than a billion family reunions. It’s straight-forward quest for stars and simple mini-game play make for a great time to be had by all, no matter whether five year old Malcolm is at the controls or 95 year old Mildred is giving it a shot. The extensive variety of maps and games that Mario Party has to offer will also ensure that neither will ever get bored!
2. Super Mario Strikers
Console: Game Cube
Year: 2005
Boasting perhaps the most intense gameplay outside of the game that is featured on the next slide (which will be revealed momentarily), Super Mario Strikers pleases both the casual and intense soccer fan. Intricate passes, massive hits, and exquisite headers, this game has it all. Just be sure to get your shot off before your opponent nails you with a power-up!
1. Super Smash Bros. Melee
Console: Game Cube
Year: 2001
Ever wanted to kick the crap out of somebody, but would rather avoid suffering the real-world consequences of doing so? Then prepare to experience heaven in the form of a video game! The dozens of maps, items, and characters at your disposal mean that the possibilities are endless, as no match is ever the same. I’ve never heard of anyone getting bored of Super Smash Bros., and I don’t expect I ever will.