How Many Games Include Mario?
The Mario franchise is one of the most iconic and beloved gaming franchises of all time, with a rich history spanning over three decades. Created by the legendary Shigeru Miyamoto, Mario has become an integral part of gaming culture, with numerous games, spin-offs, and characters that have captured the hearts of gamers worldwide. In this article, we will delve into the vast array of Mario games, exploring the sheer number of games that feature the iconic plumber.
Direct Answer
According to Nintendo, there are over 200 games that feature Mario, including platformers, racing games, sports games, and role-playing games. This staggering number only accounts for games developed by Nintendo, excluding third-party titles and spin-offs.
History of Mario Games
The first Mario game, Super Mario Bros., was released in 1985 for the NES and revolutionized the platformer genre. Since then, Mario has appeared in numerous games across various Nintendo consoles, including the Game Boy, SNES, N64, GameCube, Wii, Wii U, and Switch.
Types of Mario Games
Mario games can be categorized into several genres, including:
• Platformers: These games feature Mario navigating through levels, collecting power-ups, and fighting enemies to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser. Examples include Super Mario Bros., Super Mario World, and Super Mario Galaxy.
• Racing Games: These games feature Mario and friends competing in high-speed racing tournaments. Examples include Mario Kart and Mario Kart: Double Dash!!
• Sports Games: These games feature Mario and friends competing in various sports, such as tennis, soccer, and basketball. Examples include Mario Tennis and Mario Hoops 3-on-3.
• Role-Playing Games: These games feature Mario and friends embarking on epic adventures, battling monsters, and collecting treasures. Examples include Paper Mario and Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga.
Notable Mario Games
Some notable Mario games include:
• Super Mario 64 (1996): This 3D platformer revolutionized the genre and is still considered one of the best games of all time.
• Super Mario Sunshine (2002): This 3D platformer introduced the water-spraying FLUDD device and is often cited as one of the best Mario games.
• New Super Mario Bros. (2006): This side-scrolling platformer updated the classic Mario formula with modern graphics and gameplay.
• Super Mario Galaxy (2007): This 3D platformer introduced innovative gravity mechanics and is widely considered one of the best games of all time.
Third-Party Mario Games
While Nintendo has developed the majority of Mario games, third-party developers have also created numerous Mario titles, including:
• Mario Kart: Super Circuit (2001): Developed by Intelligent Systems, this racing game is a portable version of Mario Kart.
• Mario Party (1998): Developed by Hudson Soft, this party game features Mario and friends competing in various mini-games.
• Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga (2003): Developed by Alphadream, this RPG features Mario and Luigi on a quest to save Princess Peach.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Mario franchise has an astonishing number of games, with over 200 titles featuring the iconic plumber. From platformers to racing games, sports games, and role-playing games, Mario has appeared in numerous genres and styles. Whether you’re a nostalgic gamer or a newcomer to the series, there’s a Mario game out there for you.