Top Mario Games For Kids: Family Fun!
Hey guys! Looking for the best Mario game to play with your kids? You've come to the right place! Mario games are fantastic for family fun, offering a blend of adventure, creativity, and good old-fashioned platforming that kids (and adults!) absolutely love. But with so many titles out there, it can be tough to pick the perfect one. That's why I've put together this guide to help you choose the ultimate Mario game for your next family game night.
When selecting a Mario game for kids, there are several things to consider. First, think about the difficulty level. You want a game that's challenging enough to be engaging but not so hard that it becomes frustrating. Games with cooperative modes are ideal, as they allow you to team up and tackle the levels together, creating memorable bonding moments. Also, consider the age range of your children. Some Mario games are better suited for younger kids, while others are perfect for older kids and teens. And lastly, consider the gameplay style. Do your kids prefer classic side-scrolling adventures, 3D exploration, or something totally different like a party game? Keeping these factors in mind will help you find a Mario game that everyone will enjoy. So, let's dive into the best Mario games that promise hours of laughter and excitement with your little ones. From the Mushroom Kingdom to outer space, there's a Mario adventure waiting for you and your family!
Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey is an absolute gem and a top contender for the best Mario game to play with kids. This game is bursting with creativity, charm, and a sense of wonder that will captivate players of all ages. In Super Mario Odyssey, Mario embarks on a globe-trotting adventure to rescue Princess Peach from the clutches of the nefarious Bowser, who plans to forcibly marry her. Mario is not alone on this quest; he's joined by Cappy, a sentient hat that allows Mario to "capture" various objects and creatures, granting him their unique abilities. This mechanic opens up a world of possibilities, transforming Mario into everything from a T-Rex to a Goomba, adding a fresh and hilarious twist to the classic gameplay.
One of the best things about Super Mario Odyssey is its accessibility for younger players. The game is designed to be challenging but forgiving, with plenty of checkpoints and helpful power-ups along the way. The two-player co-op mode is also fantastic for families. One player controls Mario, while the other controls Cappy, who can assist Mario by attacking enemies, collecting items, and providing an extra boost during jumps. This co-op mode makes the game more manageable for younger kids and allows for some great teamwork moments. The vibrant and colorful graphics are visually stunning, and the game's soundtrack is incredibly catchy and upbeat. Exploring the various kingdoms in Super Mario Odyssey is a joy in itself, each offering unique environments, characters, and challenges. From the sandy shores of Tostarena to the bustling metropolis of New Donk City, there's always something new and exciting to discover. And with hundreds of Power Moons to collect, the game offers endless replayability, ensuring that your family will be entertained for hours on end.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is another excellent choice and is definetly one of the best Mario games for kids, offering both cooperative and solo adventures that are sure to delight the whole family. Originally released on the Wii U, this enhanced version includes the original Super Mario 3D World game, as well as the brand-new Bowser's Fury expansion, providing two distinct but equally enjoyable experiences.
Super Mario 3D World is a classic 3D platformer that supports up to four players in local co-op. Players can choose from Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad, each with their own unique abilities. Mario is the all-around character, Luigi can jump higher, Peach can float for a short time, and Toad is the fastest. The levels are ingeniously designed, filled with hidden secrets, clever puzzles, and challenging platforming sections. The game introduces the Super Bell power-up, which transforms the characters into adorable cats, allowing them to climb walls and scratch enemies. The co-op mode is where Super Mario 3D World truly shines. Working together to navigate the levels, solve puzzles, and defeat enemies is incredibly fun and rewarding. It's a great way for families to bond and create lasting memories. Bowser's Fury is a more open-world adventure that takes place in Lake Lapcat, a sprawling environment filled with islands and secrets to discover. Mario teams up with Bowser Jr. to stop his father, Bowser, who has been transformed into a gigantic, rage-filled monster. The gameplay in Bowser's Fury is more exploration-focused than Super Mario 3D World, with Mario traversing the landscape and completing various challenges to collect Cat Shines. The game features a dynamic weather system, with Bowser periodically emerging from the lake to wreak havoc, adding an extra layer of excitement and tension. The Bowser's Fury expansion is a great addition to Super Mario 3D World, offering a fresh and unique experience that complements the original game perfectly. Whether you're playing together or solo, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is guaranteed to provide hours of entertainment for the whole family. With its colorful graphics, charming characters, and engaging gameplay, it's a must-have for any Mario fan.
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
If you're looking for a classic side-scrolling Mario experience with a modern twist, New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is an excellent choice and is considered one of the best Mario games to play with kids. This game is a remastered version of the original New Super Mario Bros. U for the Wii U, featuring enhanced graphics, improved gameplay, and all the downloadable content from the original game.
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe supports up to four players in local co-op, allowing families to team up and tackle the game's challenging levels together. Players can choose from Mario, Luigi, Toad, and Nabbit, each with their own unique abilities. Mario and Luigi are the all-around characters, Toad is faster, and Nabbit is invincible but can't use power-ups. The game features a wide variety of levels, ranging from lush forests to icy mountains to underwater ruins. The level design is top-notch, with plenty of hidden secrets, challenging platforming sections, and creative power-ups. The game introduces the Super Acorn power-up, which transforms the characters into flying squirrels, allowing them to glide through the air and cling to walls. The co-op mode is where New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe truly shines. Working together to navigate the levels, solve puzzles, and defeat enemies is incredibly fun and rewarding. It's a great way for families to bond and create lasting memories. The game also includes a variety of challenge modes, such as Time Attack, Coin Battle, and 1-Up Rally, which add an extra layer of replayability. These modes are a great way to test your skills and compete against your friends and family. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is a fantastic addition to the Mario franchise, offering a classic side-scrolling experience with modern graphics and gameplay. Whether you're playing together or solo, this game is guaranteed to provide hours of entertainment for the whole family. With its colorful graphics, charming characters, and engaging gameplay, it's a must-have for any Mario fan.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Okay, so Mario Kart 8 Deluxe isn't strictly a platformer, but it's an absolute must-have for family game night and is easily one of the best Mario games to play with kids. This kart racing game is packed with fun, excitement, and a healthy dose of friendly competition that will keep everyone entertained for hours. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe features a massive roster of characters from the Mario universe, each with their own unique karts and stats. Players can race on a variety of tracks, ranging from classic Mario Kart courses to new and inventive tracks inspired by other Nintendo games. The game features a variety of modes, including Grand Prix, Time Trial, Versus Race, and Battle Mode. Grand Prix is the main mode, where players compete in a series of races to earn points and win trophies. Time Trial allows players to race against the clock to set the fastest lap times. Versus Race allows players to customize their races with various rules and settings. And Battle Mode features a variety of minigames, such as Balloon Battle, Bob-omb Blast, and Shine Thief.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe supports up to four players in local multiplayer, allowing families to race against each other on the same screen. The game also supports online multiplayer, allowing players to compete against other racers from around the world. The gameplay in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is simple to pick up but difficult to master. Players use various items to gain an advantage over their opponents, such as shells, bananas, and mushrooms. The game also features a drift mechanic, which allows players to drift around corners and build up speed boosts. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a fantastic game for families, offering a perfect blend of fun, excitement, and competition. Whether you're racing against each other or teaming up in Battle Mode, this game is guaranteed to provide hours of entertainment. With its colorful graphics, charming characters, and engaging gameplay, it's a must-have for any Mario fan. So, gather your family, grab your controllers, and get ready to race!
Conclusion
Choosing the best Mario game to play with kids really depends on your family's preferences. Super Mario Odyssey offers incredible freedom and creativity, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury provides a mix of classic and open-world gameplay, New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe delivers a traditional side-scrolling experience, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is perfect for some high-speed racing action. No matter which game you choose, you're sure to have a blast exploring the Mushroom Kingdom and beyond with your kids. So, get ready for some unforgettable family game nights filled with laughter, adventure, and the timeless magic of Mario!