Everyone’s favorite video game plumber has platformed his way into our hearts through countless games, and we mean many games since his debut long ago in Donkey Kong. Minor innovations aside, Mario has always had the same rinse-and-repeat formula, going from point A to B to save the princess. Thing is, even Mario can get bored of the usual Goomba jumping, wall hopping, pipe crawling, and castle breaking escapades.
In fact, even Mario likes to take a break every once in a while. That’s where the sports come in. After all the busy adventures he involved in, he unwinds by playing some ball with both allies and enemies joining in the fun. Let’s take a look at Metacritic’s top ten sports games starring our multitalented plumber!
*Note to keep in fairness we will only be taking two of the best games from each respective sports. Also, taking the best score regardless of platform.
10 Mario Hoops: 3 On 3 (2006) - Metascore: 69
Who knew Mario was a hooper? Maybe Princess Peach had a basketball court in the back of the Mushroom Kingdom Castle? Who knows?
Mario Hoops: 3 On 3 is a Mario sports game exclusive to the Nintendo DS. You can choose 3 different characters to join on you on the court, where you can shoot, dribble, steal, dunk, block, guard, and all the functionalities of an average basketball game. You can utilize special shots and moves which like everything else in the game can be done by using the stylus and touch screen.
This game also offers a big size cast of characters, featuring some guests from Final Fantasy like Moogle and Black Mage. Surprisingly, this wasn’t Mario’s first basketball appearance as he, Luigi, and Peach made their appearance known on the Gamecube version of NBA Street V3.
9 Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games (2007) - Metascore: 70
This the first sporting event outing from Mario and friends along with the blue hedgehog, Sonic and his company tagging along for the fun and events in 2008 Beijing. This also marked the first time we see a collaboration of the two gaming icons and rival mascots face off against each other. The numerous events from Track and Field, Fencing, Swimming, and many more to compete in with friends or just yourself.
Each minigame and event is unique and offers a special blend of Mario charm and appeal. This is the beginning of a very good historic rivalry that would eventually play out in multiple Olympic sequels for both Summer and Winter Games and of course Super Smash Bros series.
8 Mario & Sonic at the Winter Olympic Games (2009) - Metascore: 76
Do you think Mario and Sonic were just going to deal with the Summer Olympics only? You have been mistaken as the two rivals challenge each other in the snow and ice of the Winter Olympic Games.
You join Mario, Sonic, and their cast of allies and villains on the numerous Winter events such as Hockey, Bobsliding, Ice Skating, and Snowboarding. This competitive game offered a lot of cool features such as minigames and Festival Mode (Adventure Tours for DS version) for more fun for yourself or with friends.
7 Super Mario Strikers (2005) - Metascore: 76
In genre dominated by Fifa and PES, Mario decided to lace up his cleats and showcase his skills onto the pitch to show them who’s boss. This cool spin on the sport is amazing to witness, as you have 9 captains to choose from (8 from the start) and four different teammate types of Hammer Bros., Koopas, Toads, or Birdos. The gameplay is the typical soccer game with added projectiles like shells, bananas, bombs to add your arsenal of defense or offense depending on your play style.
Super Mario Strikers introduces Super Strikes, a simple quick-time event in the middle of frenzy to score potentially two points instead of one. Watch out for Bowser Attacks that can throw many matches off since Bowser is bored! This game was brutal to watch as you can only see a calamity of explosions, vicious hits, and electrocutions that make referees run out of yellow cards to give after the first few seconds of a match.
6 Mario Superstar Baseball (2005) - Metascore: 76
“Ayyy, batter, batter, batter, swing!”
Mario and friends take to the field as they swing, pitch, catch, and throw among themselves in the Mushroom Kingdom. This game has it all, boasting a robust roster of character which you can mix and match with a nine-person rotation plus crazy special moves like Mario’s red hot fireball throws, Yoshi’s egg bouncing ball tricks and, of course, Donkey Kong’s giant boxing glove.
Featuring a very linear story mode, exhibition mode, minigames such as Bob’omb Derby (Home Run Derby), Wall Ball, Barrel Batter, and many more activities that keep you plenty excited and beg for someone to take you out to the ball game.
5 Mario Strikers Charged (2007) - Metascore: 79
Not satisfied with one soccer game, Nintendo produced the sequel to Super Mario Strikers with Mario Strikers Charged. This game was more than just adding a word to the end of the pre-existing title, the game offered more of the frantic of soccer play with added extras.
More characters like Bowser Bowser Jr. and Petey Piranha are finally playable. New arenas (including the first game arenas) and - most importantly - the metal soccer ball are introduced here, much to gamers’ delight. Charged also got a different anesthetic look in terms of character design utilizing body armor, so fewer people go to the hospital after each match and the new zany over the top Mega Strike animations. This time around, you can showcase your skills on the couch with friends or online play.
4 Mario Tennis: Power Tour (2005) - Metascore: 81
Mario hits the tennis courts on the Gameboy Advance with Mario Tennis: Power Tour, another tennis game to add to Mario’s tennis catalog. Power Tour is an excellent addition in a handheld packaged formula.
While maintaining the same gameplay with power-ups and charge shots, Power Tour introduces an RPG element to its single-player mode. This allows you to play as a new character introduced by developers Camelot for a story of striving to be the best tennis player.
3 Mario Golf: Advance Tour (2004) - Metascore: 84
Mario Golf: Advanced Tour is as beautifully rendered as its console counterparts, as it’s the typical golf game where Mario and his trusted golf clubs combat the harsh greens of the Mushroom Kingdom.
The story mode goes the same way as Mario Tennis: Power Tour, utilizing newfound RPG elements and new characters to push the plot forward. Overall, the two games translate well with the Mario elements inside a small system. Players won’t have to worry about switching from console golf and tennis games to their handheld alterations.
2 Mario Golf (1999) - Metascore: 91
Mario needed a nice relaxing vacation after, you know, saving the princess and all from an evil dragon-like overlord. Best relax with a cool game of golf! Mario and his friends (and foes) test their skills on the greens in Mario Golf. Not digging the big courses? Try your luck at the mini-golf mode for more simple and interesting fun!
Making the right adjustments, confirming the right power of your swing and judging distance is key to success on the many Mario-theme courses within the game. Got to try hard to earn those Birdos – we mean Birdies.
1 Mario Tennis (2000) - Metascore: 91
Look out, Serena Williams and Roger Federer - Mario and friends want to play! Mario’s first outing on the court was a much-needed break from the wild saving the princess days, we know the plumber is known for. Exchanging his mushrooms and superstars for a tennis ball and racket, Mario Tennis is a fun and excellent Mario sports game.
Not diverting too much from fundamentals, Mario Tennis offers singles and doubles play for up to four players. There are also extra game modes to keep you and friends preoccupied for hours. Anyone down for a few sets?
NEXT: 10 Mario Memes That Prove The Games Make No Sense
