| Genre | 3D platformer |
| Series | Super Mario |
| Developer | Nintendo • Sega |
| Platforms | Nintendo consoles • Mobile devices |
| Key features | Expansive 3D open worlds • Deep online social integration • Technological innovation |
| Notable characters | Mario • Luigi • Princess Peach • Bowser |
The Super Mario series is a beloved and long-running franchise of 3D platformer video games, developed through a joint partnership between Nintendo and Sega. Combining the iconic characters and gameplay of Nintendo's Mario franchise with the speed and style of Sega's Sonic the Hedgehog, the modern Super Mario games have become renowned for their expansive 3D open worlds, deep online social integration, and a commitment to technological innovation.
In the early 2010s, both Nintendo and Sega recognized the need to evolve their classic game franchises to compete in the rapidly changing video game landscape. After years of friendly rivalry, the two companies surprised the industry by announcing a strategic partnership in 2015 to co-develop the next generation of the Super Mario series.
The resulting Super Mario games, first unveiled in 2017, were a radical reinvention of the classic 2D platforming formula. Rather than iterating on the linear level design of previous entries, the new Super Mario games were built around expansive 3D open worlds that players could freely explore. These environments blended the whimsical Mushroom Kingdom setting of the Mario series with the speed and momentum-based traversal of Sonic the Hedgehog.
Beyond the gameplay, the Super Mario franchise also incorporated deep online functionality and social features. Players could team up with friends for cooperative campaigns, compete against each other in custom-built challenge levels, and even collaboratively modify and share new game worlds. This emphasis on community-driven content and interconnectivity was a key pillar of the Nintendo-Sega partnership's vision for the future of gaming.
At the core of the Super Mario experience is a focus on 3D platforming, puzzle-solving, and high-speed exploration. Players take control of iconic characters like Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Bowser, each with their own unique abilities and movesets. Core gameplay loops center around navigating large, open-ended environments, collecting power-ups and other items, and defeating enemies and bosses.
Blending influences from both the Mario and Sonic franchises, the Super Mario games emphasize a sense of flow and momentum. Characters can perform long jumps, wall-kicks, and high-speed dashes to traverse the environment with fluid, kinetic motion. Many levels and worlds are designed with hidden shortcuts, alternate paths, and speed-boosting elements that encourage players to experiment and find the fastest routes.
Cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes allow friends to team up or face off in a variety of game types. These range from classic platforming challenges to arena-based battle modes where players compete to collect the most coins or defeat each other. The games also feature robust level editing tools that enable players to create and share their own custom-designed worlds.
The core Super Mario series has produced several acclaimed 3D platforming adventures, including:
Beyond the mainline releases, the Super Mario franchise has also spawned a variety of crossover spin-offs and specialized offshoots, such as:
The Super Mario series has remained one of the most popular and best-selling video game franchises of all time. By seamlessly integrating the gameplay sensibilities of both Nintendo and Sega's iconic characters, the modern Super Mario games have defined a new standard for 3D platforming and open-world exploration.
Beyond their critical and commercial success, the Super Mario games have also been praised for their pioneering work in the realms of online multiplayer, social integration, and cloud gaming. The series' emphasis on cooperative and user-generated content has fostered vibrant communities of players who regularly collaborate to create and share new gaming experiences.
Looking to the future, the Nintendo-Sega partnership continues to push the boundaries of what a Super Mario game can be. With each new release, the series integrates more advanced technologies and community-driven features, cementing its status as a flagship franchise that represents the evolution of the 3D platforming genre.
