Mario is synonymous with gaming and a cultural icon. Sporting blue overalls, this red-shirted Italian plumber is from the Mushroom Kingdom. Acting as the damsel in distress, Princess Peach has been saved by Mario countless times. His enemy, Bowser, is either the villain or a playable character in the following Mario games.
The Mario franchise is one of the best-selling in video games because of its unique gameplay that is continually wowing fans. Super Mario Bros. is approaching its 35th anniversary, and sources are saying that Nintendo is planning remasters of our favorite Mario games. Until then, these are the five best Mario games on the Nintendo 64 (and the five worst).
10 Mario Tennis (Worst)
There have only been a handful of outstanding tennis games over the years. Although Mario Tennis isn't an inherently terrible game, it pales in comparison to tennis games like Virtua Tennis and Top Spin.
The concept of being able to play as your favorite Nintendo characters was promising, but the result was a subpar tennis game. With that said, tennis fans and players alike might enjoy Mario Tennis.
9 Mario Kart 64 (Best)
The sequel to Super Mario Kart for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) was a massive success. Mario Kart 64 improved on its predecessor in nearly every way. Integrating three-dimensional graphics in 64-bit was a considerable leap for the kart-racing series.
Mario Kart 64 was the ultimate hang-out game, and it continues to be a phenomenal retro game. Since the player in the last place finds better items, the race stays competitive and is newcomer friendly. Iconic tracks like Rainbow Road, Bowser's Castle, and Wario Stadium are a blast!
8 Mario Golf (Worst)
To the credit of the game, it features a wide variety of Nintendo characters, including Baby Mario and Metal Mario. It will take you anywhere from nine to fifteen hours to beat Mario Golf. Looking at the game today, it hasn't aged as well as other Nintendo 64 games.
Nintendo hasn't made another Mario Golf console game since Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour for the Nintendo GameCube. Games like Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004 and Links 2003 are not Nintendo themed, yet they offer better golfing experiences.
7 Super Smash Bros. (Best)
Few could've predicted the massive success that is Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 64. This game redefined the fighting genre, bringing a style of fighting never seen before. Super Smash Bros. sold over five million copies worldwide.
Our favorite Nintendo characters appeared with a moveset unique to their style. This created highly competitive local multiplayer matches. This masterpiece is one of the best Mario games on the Nintendo 64, and of all time.
6 Dr. Mario 64 (Worst)
Back when video game remakes were scarce, Dr. Mario 64 was an enhanced remake for the Nintendo 64. It's a tile-matching puzzle game based on the persona Dr. Mario. As one of the few puzzle games on the Nintendo 64, Dr. Mario 64 features a new soundtrack and challenging puzzles. This multiplayer game, however, does little to stand out in its genre.
5 Paper Mario (Best)
Even to this day, people still argue whether Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars or Paper Mario is the definitive Mario role-playing game. Both have intriguing stories and innovative gameplay.
Paper Mario for the Nintendo 64 was the first Paper Mario game in the series. Its fresh take on Mario was well-received by the public. We still consider Paper Mario as one of the best Nintendo 64 games of all time.
4 Mario Party (Worst)
Mario Party kicked off the Mario Party game series with flair. The idea to do a board game and video game mash-up was ingenious on Nintendo's part. Mario Party isn't the most exceptional Mario Party game; in fact, it's one of the worst.
It's hard to criticize the game, but Mario Party 2 and Mario Party 3 are vastly superior. That won't stop many retro gamers from going back down the Warp Pipe to roll the dice on the game's inspiring game board designs. We can't forget Luigi's Engine Room, DK's Jungle Adventure, or Princess Peach's Birthday Cake.
3 Mario Party 3 (Best)
Mario Party 3 is, without a doubt, the best Mario Party game on the Nintendo 64. It improved on Mario Party 2 by adding additional items and two new Nintendo characters: Waluigi and Daisy. Although some might prefer the boards and mini-games of Mario Party 2, we have to give Mario Party 3 the edge on this one for being better overall.
2 Mario Party 2 (Worst)
Mario Party 2 isn't considered the best Mario Party game that released on the Nintendo 64. To fans of board games and video games, the idea to blend the two hobbies into one was a great idea. Mario Party 2 is a western-themed video game that features Nintendo characters. This is a case of not necessarily being a bad game, but it doesn't do enough to unseat the other top 5.
1 Super Mario 64 (Best)
Super Mario 64 is one of the greatest Mario games of all time. Its free-flow movements are responsive and intuitive. Replaying the game now, you can appreciate its groundbreaking achievements.
It was the first Super Mario game to feature three-dimensional graphics. It inspired games like Super Mario Sunshine, Super Mario Galaxy, and Super Mario Odyssey. Super Mario 64 has all the makings of an excellent video game, and the Nintendo 64 wouldn't be the same without it.