Super Mario Series

[Spark Of Spirit]

So I have 100% completion in NSMBU single player. All the secret exits, hidden levels, star coins collected, and Nabbit caught in each world.

The world map is basically Super Mario World-style only with more levels and worlds. The level design is pretty insane on the whole, after world 1 the difficulty starts at about world 5 in NSMBWii and ramps from there halfway through world 2. The Squirrel suit is very handy, I like Nintendo continuing to include flying items that aren't broken, and it really helps to get you through some tricky areas with the double jump and wall grip. I died a lot in this game, I actually saw the super guide pop up a few times (I didn't use it, though!), and Nintendo really didn't joke around. There's a lot to do in this game, and it will take you a long time to do it. I still haven't beaten the challenges yet, but I suspect those will take even longer. Simply put, if you haven't played a NSMB game yet, this is the best one. And if you have, this will be the one to satiate your appetite for this style of Mario. All in all, this is an excellent 2D platformer and one of the best out there. I'd even nominate it for GOTY despite the obvious calls of 'fanboy' I'd get.

But as I said before, I'm getting tired of the NSMB style music (the new world theme and athletic theme based on it are great) and the flag pole finishes. I really hope the next game is a full out Super Mario Bros. 5 that is completely new in approach. Because while this game is excellent, I don't think there's anything left that can be done with this style of Mario.

That said, bring on the 3D Mario game, Nintendo!

[Nel_Annette]

Honestly, I wish they had never had "New" in the title and just numbered these from 4/5 on to begin with along with "Wii/U" at the end of the titles. Don't have the game, but I've been watching it on YouTube, and this one really does look like the best of the bunch. Awesome level designs, awesome world map, awesome final battle (that is how you do a final Bowser fight, damn it!). That said, it's time to move on from this style. We need new world biomes, new bosses, new music. When the Wii NSMB came out, I was ecstatic that the Koopalings had been brought back, but at this point I think they need a rest for a game or two. NSMB2 nearly killed this thing, NSMBU saved it, but I think it's time to stop rehashing this formula, no matter how well they rehash it.

...Though I wouldn't mind the Koopalings being bosses in the next 3D game. 

Oh, and I beat Sticker Star a few weeks back. Colossal disappointment. Pretty much every world was just a NSMB environment, no really unique or memorable characters (you notice barely anyone has an actual name besides what they are?), barely any plot for the poor writers to work with. Ugh. Soundtrack was pretty good, but even that can barely compete with the soundtracks from previous entries. And it doesn't even let you play a "post-game" like the last two. Minor complaint, but still, I hate when games do that.

[Spark Of Spirit]

I dunno, if NSMBDS was called Super Mario Bros. 5 I would have been pretty disappointed for a lot of reasons. It was basically just a modern version of SMB1/LL with no difficulty, boring levels, and it didn't really do much new except give Mario the wall jump and ground pound.

NSMBWii might have been named differently if DS didn't break so many sales records. But that would be closer to a proper SMB5, yet reusing flag pole finishes and not adding all that much to the formula wouldn't have felt like a step forward despite it being a great game.

It's kind of like why most are upset Sonic 4 is called Sonic 4 instead of anything else. It isn't much of a sequel as it is a retro game aping certain games in the series instead of following it up. A proper Sonic 4 should have built on Sonic 3&K, and a proper SMB5 should build on SMB4. NSMBU is close, but I'm certain the next 2D game will be the proper game for that, especially if they ditch the "New" trappings and get an actual new soundtrack.

[Foggle]

I still think NSMBDS is a pretty cool game. The Wii one is far better, of course, but it's a nice little Mario game to play on the go.

[Nel_Annette]

I guess I'm just an OCD numbers whore.  Name-wise, I just wished they wouldn't use "New". New isn't new forever. But that's just the beginning of the problems I have with the series. Squirrel suit looks fun though. Like Knuckles' gliding.

Speaking of which, Sonic Advance was a better Sonic 4 than Sonic 4 will ever be. 

[Spark Of Spirit]

I thought the 'New' in the title was ridiculous from DS, too. But I know the only reason they kept it was because of sales. DS and Wii broke so many records and all. But after 2 and U, I'm all tapped out on this style. Especially since the next generation just started, we won't get a new 2D Mario game for like 6 or 7 years since they keep the New series at one per system. That would be the excuse to drop the 'New' and get the '5'!

Also, I agree with you on Sonic Advance. I wish the portable games would go back to that style, at least. The more classic 2D Sonic, the better.

[talonmalon333]

How do you guys rank the Mario RPG games from best to worst?

[Nel_Annette]

PM: TTYD
M&L:SS
SPM
PM
SMRPG
M&L:BIS
M&L:PIT
PM:SS

EDIT: I completely forgot Sticker Star. Oh my, I wonder why. 

[talonmalon333]

PM: TTYD
M&L:SS
SPM
PM
SMRPG
M&L:BIS
M&L:PIT
PM:SS

EDIT: I completely forgot Sticker Star. Oh my, I wonder why. 

I'm surprised you put SPM over PM. Doesn't seem to be a common opinion around here.

Here's mine.

PM: TTYD
PM
SPM
M&L:PIT
M&L:BIS
M&L:SS
SMRPG

I haven't played Sticker Star yet. Not in a rush to, either.

[Nel_Annette]

Those two change depending on my mood, honestly. I like SPM's story and humor more, much as I prefer the turn-based battle system.

[Spark Of Spirit]

M&L:BIS
PM: TTYD
SMRPG
PM:SS
M&L:SS
PM
SPM
M&L:PIT

[talonmalon333]

M&L:BIS
PM: TTYD
SMRPG
PM:SS
M&L:SS
PM
SPM
M&L:PIT

[Spark Of Spirit]

I could go either way on those. But the platforming in SPM suffers because Mario's jump has always been terrible in those games.

[Avaitor]

The other games must be REALLY good then, since I still love Paper Mario.

[Spark Of Spirit]

The other games must be REALLY good then, since I still love Paper Mario.

They are. The only Mario RPG I don't like is PiT. The rest are all very enjoyable to me.