Mario (franchise): Difference between revisions

 

==Critical reception==

[[File:Marioseries.jpg|thumb|Artwork depicting various games of the ''Mario'' series: ''[[Donkey Kong (game)|Donkey Kong]]'', ''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'', ''[[Dr. Mario (game)|Dr. Mario]]'' and ''[[Super Mario World]]''.]]

The ''Mario'' series is the largest video game franchise in existence, and has had a lifespan of over thirty years. It is often considered to be the greatest video game series of all time, receiving many high-scoring reviews on their various games.<ref>[http://ps3.ign.com/articles/749/749069p5.html Critical acclaim (from IGN)]</ref> In the series, many games have been considered to be the best of their time by players.<ref>[http://top100.ign.com/2006/index.htmlTop 100 games — 7 of which are ''Mario'' games]</ref> However, the series has been considered to have some games of lower quality.<ref>[http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/133848/the-10-biggest-flops-in-video-games/ 10 Biggest Video Game Flops — GamePro]</ref> An example is the ''Mario Party'' sub-series; after the release of ''[[Mario Party 3]]'', the series is considered to have lost its flair, as the games often contain the same mechanics.<ref>[http://www.gamespot.com/search.html?tag=search%3Bbutton&om_act=convert&om_clk=search&qs=Mario+Party''Mario Party'' series ratings]</ref> ''Super Mario Bros.'' was declared to be the greatest video game of all time twice: once by GamesRadar in 2000, and another time by IGN in 2003.<ref>[http://www.filibustercartoons.com/games.htm''Super Mario Bros.'' declared the greatest game of all time]</ref>