3D Mario titles:
1. Super Mario Galaxy 2/Super Mario Galaxy
A fantastic series of games that really put EAD Tokyo up there as a dev team to look out for. Both gorgeous games with creative level design. The ethereal beauty they gave off really made these game shine in my eyes. In terms of comparisons, Galaxy 2 gets the very slight edge for me mainly due to level design and theming. It felt zanier to me, which I personally loved. Galaxy 1 definitely though has the impact down (primarily because it's.....the first, of course), it gave me memories that still run through my mind from time to time, and it was more consistent with the "space" theme while being more majestic and *ahem* "epic" than it's more playful and adventurous sequel.
Story, while not being that big of thing for me in Mario platformers, I will acknowledge Galaxy's attempts to do more than the typical with its longer, more cinematic cutscenes, and optional backstory. I really liked Rosalina's introduction and overall story. It did plenty more than 2, though 2 just wanting to get the ball rolling didn't really bother me.
I enjoyed Yoshi's inclusion in 2(however minimal it was) and I had more fun with the added powerups 2 brought in.
Music is equal for me. Yeah, Good Egg, Buoy Base, Gusty Garden, and the like are great, but for me I'd say certain tunes from 2 had me just as if not slightly more enamored than the first's, such as Melty Monster, Sky Station (Mission 2), Starship Mario, Galaxy Generator, etc.
Bosses were about equal for me, though the final fight in 2 was disappointing(ly short).
Preferred Galaxy 2's post-game content, with 1's, while neat in some respects, made for a bit of an unsatisfying end result.
Both games were great all-and-all for me, 1 was impactful, while being a fun run through space, and 2 doing more of that while having enough to stand on its own in my eyes.
2. Super Mario 3D World
Another great from EAD Tokyo. Being among those that was disappointed in its announcement, it's ultimate turnout washed away any animosity I may have had.
I enjoyed the other characters at your disposal, particularly Toad and Rosalina. The level theming and variety was smile-inducing for me, the circus/"Bowser" circus, Express train, and Eastern culture-inspired levels in particular. The overall jazzy style for the music was awesome, fits the series the best IMO. I enjoyed the multiplayer, barring the (sort of) rage-inducing nature 3 other players could bring, but I figure that goes without saying for most multiplayer games. The Cat suit was really fun to use, if a bit overpowered. The linearity here (or in any 3D Mario) doesn't bother me at all, I just want variety and creative level design, which this game had plenty of I feel. Plus the last Bowser fight is one of favorites in the series, with the theme of the world being one of my favorites of Bowser's.
I'd knock a point off for the Sprixie Kingdom not being that distinct from the Mushroom Kingdom barring a few landmarks like the Bell trees. An unknowing player starting at any point without seeing the intro would probably think it was the Mushroom Kingdom if you didn't tell them otherwise.
3. Super Mario 64
The 3D venture to kick things off, memories are numerous with this one. This was a fun start for the line of 3D Marios to come. I absolutely loved exploring Peach's castle and finding the secrets hidden within. A lot of the levels I enjoyed, barring a few. The music was really nice, with it getting major props for introducing "Koopa's Road" to my young ears. The mission structure was cool, finding different stars in that one area, but it was not exactly my favorite way of doing it. I'd prefer at most 3 or 4 stars in a world before going to the next. Bosses were fun for the most part, such as fighting King Bob-bomb, swinging Bowser around towards the (conveniently placed) spiked bombs, or fighting the Bullies and Eyeroks.
4. Super Mario 3D Land
I expected a fun and simple 3D romp, and that's pretty much what I got. Nothing more nothing less. It was great for a handheld venture. I liked the inclusion of the Tanooki, even though the flying part was scrapped (though I can see why). There was some nice variety in the level designs, though not as much as other 3D games, with some being reused quite a bit I believe. The designs themselves were simple enough, but they were fun and did there job well of...ya know...being fun. I enjoyed the Bowser "obstacle fights" it introduced. Some of my favorite "fights" in the series. Music wise it had some nice tracks, but not much I would actively listen to after playing, plus I wasn't too fond of the frequent reuse of the main theme.
5. Super Mario Sunshine
While still a good game, it's by far my least favorite. FLUDD was an interesting concept, and I liked his use....when he was mainly used for speeding you up or reaching high places. Spraying the goop....was interesting, and made for some neat boss fights, but it wasn't all that fun for me, felt more like work. It takes on the mission structure once again from 64, with it having 5(6?)-7(8?) "episodes", with some episodes having the same requirements for each world you were in. The best ones to me are the secret caves that provide a daunting obstacle course to run through, complete with that cool Mario Bros Acapella. The level theming is hurt by its overall island theme overcoming most of the levels IMO, though Noki Bay, and maybe Pianta Village and Gelato Hotel are nice diversions. The Bowser fight was rather anti-climactic after a frustrating preceding level.
Voice-acting needed a little work (judge, Bowser/Jr.), and the cutscenes/story I didn't care that much for.
Game was fun for the most part, though.
