Kinda Funny Gamescast: Every Mario Game Worst to Best
Release Date: March 21, 2025
Hosts:
- Blessing Adeoye Jr.
- Tim Gettys
- Barrett Courtney
Introduction
In the March 21, 2025 episode of the Kinda Funny Gamescast, the hosts dive deep into one of gaming’s most beloved franchises: Super Mario. Titled "Every Mario Game Worst to Best," the episode dissects each installment in the Super Mario series, evaluating them from the least to the most outstanding. Skipping beyond the initial advertisements, the core discussion begins around the 7-minute mark, focusing on constructing and comparing tier lists of Mario games.
Setting the Stage: The Tier List Challenge
At [07:35], Blessing Adeoye Jr. introduces the primary topic:
"We are talking about every Super Mario game ranked from worst to best."
The hosts decide to create their own tier list of Mario games, aligning their personal experiences and preferences with the established list from Kotaku, an influential gaming publication. This sets the foundation for a spirited debate about what makes a Mario game exceptional or lackluster.
Defining the Tiers
The conversation rapidly categorizes Mario games into various tiers—S, A, B, C, and D—based on several factors such as gameplay mechanics, level design, innovation, and nostalgia.
Tim Gettys proposes an initial framework for the S Tier, identifying games that have significantly impacted the franchise and gaming as a whole:
"Mario 64 is S tier, baby." ([14:34])
Blessing Adeoye Jr. agrees, emphasizing the groundbreaking nature of early Mario titles:
"Yoshi's Island is just so freaking special. If you haven't played it, you should play it." ([61:51])
S Tier Selections
The S Tier includes titles that are universally acclaimed and have left a lasting legacy:
- Super Mario 64 ([14:34]) – Praised for revolutionizing 3D platforming.
- Super Mario Galaxy ([32:05]) – Celebrated for its innovative gravity mechanics and imaginative level design.
- Super Mario Galaxy 2 ([73:05]) – Builds upon its predecessor with even more creative levels and refined gameplay.
Notable Quote:
"Mario Odyssey, like just to talk about some of the flaws, ... But Odyssey, Mario's never felt better." ([66:04])
A Tier Highlights
A Tier games are recognized for their quality but may not have the groundbreaking impact of S Tier titles:
- Super Mario World – Though highly nostalgic and well-designed, it faces tough competition from newer titles.
- Super Mario 3D World – Lauded for its multiplayer features and polished mechanics, though some feel it doesn’t surpass the Galaxy series.
Notable Quote:
"3D World is a fucking excellent game. Even if I don't love it as much as Odyssey and 64 and Galaxy, it still is like at least an A tier, if not S tier." ([69:15])
B and C Tiers: Solid but Flawed
B Tier includes games that are enjoyable and hold their own but have noticeable shortcomings:
- Super Mario Sunshine ([33:03]) – Commended for its unique water-based mechanics but criticized for design flaws.
- New Super Mario Bros. Wii – Appreciated for introducing four-player gameplay, yet seen as formulaic by some.
C Tier features titles that are competent but lack the charm or innovation of higher-tier games:
- Super Mario Land 1 & 2 ([20:46]) – While foundational, they are viewed as less substantial compared to mainline titles.
- New Super Mario Bros. DS – Recognized for its high quality but overshadowed by subsequent releases.
Notable Quote:
"Mario Land one, it was cool, but it wasn't special. ... looking back, it was." ([18:03])
D Tier: The Underdogs
Surprisingly, few or no Mario games fall into the D Tier, underscoring the franchise's consistent quality. However, the discussion touches on the challenges some titles face in meeting evolving standards.
Comparison to Kotaku’s List
The hosts compare their tier list to Kotaku's ranking, noting both similarities and divergences. Kotaku’s list ranks "Super Mario World" at the pinnacle, followed closely by "Mario 3D World" and "Super Mario Galaxy 2."
Blessing Adeoye Jr. expresses admiration for Kotaku's effort:
"I respect your team at Kotaku. Ethan Gotch, Carolyn. Good job." ([78:00])
Despite some discrepancies, the hosts largely agree with Kotaku’s assessments, valuing both historical impact and modern innovations.
Reactions and Reflections
Throughout the episode, the hosts share personal anecdotes and nostalgia, highlighting how different games resonated with them at various life stages. Tim Gettys reflects on his lifelong admiration for the franchise:
"Mario has never and will never feel as good in 2D as he did in worlds." ([65:54])
Blessing Adeoye Jr. and Barrett Courtney also weigh in, acknowledging the emotional connections and subjective experiences that influence their rankings.
Conclusion: Celebrating a Legendary Franchise
As the episode wraps up, the hosts commend Kotaku for their comprehensive list and celebrate the enduring legacy of the Super Mario series. They emphasize that while debates over rankings may continue, the franchise's ability to innovate and entertain remains unquestioned.
Notable Closing Quote:
"This list is the shit. There was a lot of thought put behind this. This was not a let's just get it out there type thing." ([77:46])
The episode concludes with a sense of mutual respect and appreciation for both the Mario series and the collaborative efforts in the gaming community.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- [07:35] Blessing Adeoye Jr.: "We are talking about every Super Mario game ranked from worst to best."
- [14:34] Tim Gettys: "Mario 64 is S tier, baby."
- [61:51] Blessing Adeoye Jr.: "Yoshi's Island is just so freaking special. If you haven't played it, you should play it."
- [69:15] Blessing Adeoye Jr.: "3D World is a fucking excellent game. Even if I don't love it as much as Odyssey and 64 and Galaxy, it still is like at least an A tier, if not S tier."
- [78:00] Blessing Adeoye Jr.: "I respect your team at Kotaku. Ethan Gotch, Carolyn. Good job."
- [65:54] Tim Gettys: "Mario has never and will never feel as good in 2D as he did in worlds."
- [77:46] Tim Gettys: "This list is the shit. There was a lot of thought put behind this. This was not a let's just get it out there type thing."
This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, providing insights into the hosts' perspectives on the Super Mario series, their tier list creation process, and their acknowledgment of Kotaku's influential ranking.