Super Mario: Every Game Ranked From Worst To Best

8. Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island

Mario Feat Copy
Nintendo

Jurassic Park! Yoshi's journey across his dinosaur domicile is a lot more cuddly than Alan Grant and co.'s near-fatal expedition to Isla Nublar, but no less treacherous. Though ostensibly the sequel to Super Mario World, Yoshi's Island is a stark departure from its predecessor, thanks to an often-annoying baby-ferrying mechanic which makes it basically gaming's longest ever escort quest.

Throw in some egg-flinging action, and it becomes a question of whether this is really a Mario game at all. But it is - and not just because the Brooklyn bambino is in the saddle. It's those other hallmarks - immaculate level design, overflowing originality, and faultless control - which let you know this is sprinkled with magic Mushroom Kingdom dust. The charming pastel-daubed visuals and impeccable soundtrack complete one of Mario's prettiest pictures. Could do without the squawking baby though.

Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.