First Mario Game: A Beginner's Guide

Nov 3, 2025 by Admin 37 views

So, you wanna dive into the amazing world of Mario but don't know where to start? That's totally cool, guys! With so many Mario games out there, it can feel like jumping into a Warp Pipe without knowing where it leads. Fear not! This guide is here to help you choose the perfect first Mario game and get you stomping Goombas like a pro in no time.

Why Start with Mario?

Before we jump into specific titles, let's talk about why Mario is such a fantastic starting point for gamers of all ages. Mario games are renowned for their:

Accessibility: The controls are generally simple and intuitive, making them easy to pick up and play, even for complete beginners. You'll be running, jumping, and collecting coins in no time!
Charming World: The Mushroom Kingdom is vibrant, colorful, and filled with memorable characters. It's a world that's both familiar and endlessly surprising.
Engaging Gameplay: Mario games offer a perfect balance of challenge and reward. You'll face obstacles that test your skills, but you'll always feel like you're making progress.
Pure Fun: Above all else, Mario games are just plain fun! They're designed to bring a smile to your face, whether you're exploring a new world or rescuing Princess Peach (again!).

Because of these qualities, diving into Mario's world is very accessible, even for those who have little or no contact with video games. Its colorful scenarios, captivating gameplay and friendly approach are an invitation to have fun.

Top Recommendations for Your First Mario Adventure

Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty! Here are some of my top recommendations for Mario games that are perfect for beginners, along with a little breakdown of what makes them great:

1. Super Mario Bros. Wonder (Nintendo Switch)

Super Mario Bros. Wonder is the newest installment in the classic 2D side-scrolling series, and it's an excellent choice for newcomers. Here's why:

Fresh and Innovative: "Wonder" introduces Wonder Flowers, which create bizarre and unpredictable effects throughout the levels. This keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting, even for veteran Mario players.
Multiplayer Mayhem: You can play with up to four players locally, making it a great option for families and friends. The cooperative gameplay is forgiving and fun, allowing players to help each other out.
Charming Visuals: The game boasts a vibrant and expressive art style that's sure to captivate players of all ages.
Beginner-Friendly Difficulty: While the game does offer a challenge, it's generally more forgiving than some of the older Mario titles. There are also plenty of opportunities to collect power-ups and extra lives.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a vibrant and innovative addition to the Mario franchise, making it an excellent entry point for new players. Its fresh gameplay mechanics, multiplayer options, charming visuals, and beginner-friendly difficulty combine to create an engaging and enjoyable experience for gamers of all ages and skill levels. The introduction of Wonder Flowers adds an element of surprise and unpredictability to each level, ensuring that players are constantly entertained and challenged. Whether playing solo or with friends and family, Super Mario Bros. Wonder offers a delightful and accessible introduction to the world of Mario. Its cooperative gameplay fosters teamwork and camaraderie, while its forgiving difficulty allows newcomers to learn the ropes without feeling overwhelmed. Overall, Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to embark on their first Mario adventure. In addition, the game’s vibrant art style and expressive character animations further enhance the overall appeal, creating a visually stunning and immersive experience that will captivate players from start to finish. The combination of classic Mario gameplay with innovative new features makes Super Mario Bros. Wonder a standout title that is sure to delight both newcomers and longtime fans alike. For those seeking a fun, accessible, and visually appealing introduction to the Mario universe, Super Mario Bros. Wonder is undoubtedly a top recommendation. Its engaging gameplay and cooperative multiplayer options make it a perfect choice for families and friends looking to share in the joy of Mario’s world.

2. Super Mario Odyssey (Nintendo Switch)

This 3D adventure is a fantastic entry point due to its sheer joy and freedom. Here's why Super Mario Odyssey shines:

Accessible 3D Gameplay: Unlike some older 3D Mario games, Odyssey has very forgiving controls and a focus on exploration rather than precise platforming. You can move Mario in almost any direction, making it easier to navigate the environments.
Cappy's Abilities: Mario's new companion, Cappy, adds a whole new dimension to the gameplay. You can use Cappy to capture enemies and objects, giving you a wide range of abilities and ways to solve puzzles.
Stunning Worlds: Each kingdom in Odyssey is unique and beautifully designed, with its own distinct atmosphere and challenges. You'll want to explore every nook and cranny to find all the Power Moons.
Helpful Hints: The game offers subtle hints and guidance without being overly intrusive, helping new players learn the ropes without feeling lost or overwhelmed.

Super Mario Odyssey is a captivating 3D adventure that offers an accessible and joyful entry point into the Mario universe. Its forgiving controls, innovative gameplay mechanics with Cappy, stunningly designed worlds, and helpful hints make it an ideal choice for newcomers. Unlike some of the older 3D Mario games that demand precise platforming skills, Odyssey focuses on exploration and discovery, allowing players to freely navigate the environments and uncover hidden treasures. Cappy's unique abilities add a fresh and engaging dimension to the gameplay, enabling players to capture enemies and objects, thereby gaining a wide range of skills to solve puzzles and overcome challenges. Each kingdom in Odyssey is a visual masterpiece, boasting its distinct atmosphere, challenges, and secrets. The game subtly guides players without being overly intrusive, ensuring that newcomers can learn the mechanics at their own pace while still feeling a sense of accomplishment. Overall, Super Mario Odyssey strikes an excellent balance between challenge and fun, making it a highly recommended starting point for anyone eager to embark on their first 3D Mario adventure. Its stunning visuals, innovative gameplay, and accessible design create an immersive and delightful experience that will captivate both new and seasoned players alike. The freedom to explore and experiment with Cappy's abilities ensures that there is always something new to discover, keeping players engaged and entertained throughout their journey.

3. Super Mario Maker 2 (Nintendo Switch)

Okay, this one might seem a little unconventional, but hear me out! Super Mario Maker 2 allows you to play countless user-created Mario levels, and it's a fantastic way to experience the breadth of the Mario universe.

Endless Content: With access to thousands of levels created by other players, you'll never run out of new challenges to try. This variety allows you to experience different styles of Mario gameplay and find what you enjoy most.
Learn by Playing: By playing levels created by others, you'll naturally learn the mechanics and tricks of Mario games. You'll start to understand how different elements work together and how to overcome obstacles.
Creative Outlet: If you're feeling creative, you can even try your hand at creating your own levels! This is a great way to learn about game design and put your own spin on the Mario formula.
Varied Difficulty: The levels in Super Mario Maker 2 range from incredibly easy to brutally difficult. You can start with the easier levels and gradually work your way up to more challenging ones.

Super Mario Maker 2 presents an unconventional yet superb gateway into the expansive Mario universe. With its endless array of user-created levels, players gain access to a diverse range of challenges, ensuring that they never run out of new content to explore. This vast variety allows newcomers to experience different styles of Mario gameplay, discover what resonates with them, and progressively enhance their skills. By engaging with levels crafted by others, players naturally assimilate the mechanics and nuances of Mario games, gaining an intuitive understanding of how various elements interact and how to overcome obstacles effectively. Moreover, Super Mario Maker 2 offers a creative outlet for players to design and share their own levels, fostering a deeper appreciation for game design principles and encouraging them to infuse their unique flair into the classic Mario formula. The difficulty levels within Super Mario Maker 2 span from beginner-friendly to exceptionally challenging, enabling players to gradually escalate the complexity of their gameplay as they become more proficient. This adaptability renders Super Mario Maker 2 an outstanding choice for newcomers seeking to embark on their Mario adventure, offering a dynamic and personalized experience that can be tailored to individual skill levels and preferences. Its endless stream of content, combined with the opportunity for creative expression and gradual skill development, ensures that players remain engaged and entertained while honing their Mario expertise. For those looking to dive into the world of Mario with a highly customizable and ever-evolving experience, Super Mario Maker 2 stands out as a top-tier recommendation.

4. Super Mario Run (Mobile)

If you're looking for a super accessible and convenient way to play Mario, Super Mario Run is a great option. It's designed specifically for mobile devices and can be played with one hand.

Simplified Controls: Super Mario Run simplifies the classic Mario gameplay by automating Mario's running. You only need to tap the screen to make him jump, making it easy to play on the go.
Bite-Sized Levels: The levels in Super Mario Run are shorter and more compact than those in traditional Mario games, making them perfect for quick bursts of play.
World Tour Mode: The World Tour mode offers a series of challenging levels to complete, each with its own unique design and obstacles.
Free to Start: You can download and play a portion of Super Mario Run for free, allowing you to try it out before committing to a purchase.

Super Mario Run provides an exceptionally accessible and convenient gateway into the Mario universe, meticulously designed for mobile devices to ensure effortless one-handed gameplay. By streamlining the classic Mario mechanics and automating Mario's running, the game only requires players to tap the screen to execute jumps, making it remarkably easy to pick up and play while on the move. The levels in Super Mario Run are intentionally crafted to be shorter and more condensed compared to traditional Mario games, offering an ideal format for quick and satisfying bursts of play. The World Tour mode immerses players in a series of progressively challenging levels, each featuring its unique design and obstacles, thereby providing a captivating and engaging experience. Moreover, Super Mario Run adopts a free-to-start model, allowing players to download and explore a portion of the game at no cost, thus enabling them to assess its suitability before committing to a purchase. This combination of simplified controls, bite-sized levels, engaging World Tour mode, and a risk-free trial period renders Super Mario Run an excellent choice for newcomers seeking a casual and accessible introduction to the enchanting world of Mario. Its portability and ease of use make it perfect for playing during commutes, breaks, or any spare moments, ensuring that the joy of Mario is always within reach. For those looking for a fun, simple, and readily available entry point into the Mario franchise, Super Mario Run is an outstanding recommendation, offering a delightful and user-friendly experience that is sure to captivate players of all ages and skill levels.

Tips for Your First Mario Game

No matter which game you choose, here are a few tips to help you get started:

Don't Be Afraid to Experiment: Mario games are all about exploration and discovery. Try different things, see what works, and don't be afraid to make mistakes.
Collect Everything: Coins, power-ups, and hidden items are your friends. They'll help you survive and progress through the game.
Pay Attention to Your Surroundings: Look for clues in the environment. They can often lead you to secrets and hidden areas.
Have Fun! This is the most important tip of all. Mario games are designed to be enjoyable, so relax and have a good time.

So, Which Mario Game Will You Choose?

Ultimately, the best first Mario game for you depends on your personal preferences and what you're looking for in a gaming experience. Do you want a classic 2D adventure, a sprawling 3D world to explore, or a customizable experience with endless content? No matter which game you choose, I'm confident that you'll have a fantastic time in the Mushroom Kingdom. Happy gaming, guys!

By following these tips, you will have a better experience in the game and you will be able to finish it without any problems. Have fun and immerse yourself in this amazing adventure.