The C-E staff give their views on gaming's most important issues.

Few videogame franchises have been as prolific and successful as the Mario one. The plumber has spawned numerous acclaimed spinoffs, but the real quality lies in his platformers. From the ground-breaking Super Mario Bros. on the NES to the recent Super Mario Sunshine they have displayed a rare refinement in design and a shine that warms any gamer's heart. But here's a dangerous question...which is the best?

What is the best Mario platformer, ever?

Tom:

Without a doubt it is Super Mario World. This to me is the epitome of gaming greatness. It is as close to perfect as can be imagained. It's large, has loads of secrets and lots to see, great freedom and very nice graphics. This is the reason I am into games. Whilst the two 3D Mario games have both been excellent, well made games, they cannot match up to the sheer quality and joy you get from playing Mario World. Every second is fantastic. Every level is fun and interesting.

I have never ever felt frustrated or annoyed when playing this game as it is fair, with a good difficulty curve and you have so many options of wat to do. If one level is too hard, just go take on the Star Road, or get a Switch Palace. I could ramble on about my love for this game for hours, but I don't think anyone would find it interesting. So I'll round off by saying that I have loved every Mario game I have ever played. They are some of the greatest games ever, but Mario World stands out from the pack by a long way.

Super Mario World - 2D platformer perfection

Bas O:

Super Mario World, I was so excited when I first saw this game and got hooked immediately. It continued its course of the 3 NES games, but added loads of extras such as the long awaited save option, multi layered backgrounds and of course Yoshi, who became a new nintendo icon. A lot of insider gamer journalists claim that this is the perfect 2D platform game and I can only agree. A perfect example of gameplay, fun and difficulty balance. In every level that I played I tried to find the ideal line and tried to discover all the secrets(and there were plenty) and did it as if my life depended on it. So Super Mario World is not only my best Mario game, it is one of my all time favourites.

James:

Super Mario Bros., purely because it is the first game I ever played, and playing it again brings back a lot of memories of Goombas, Koopas, and the joy that came from defeating Bowser at the end of every world. The original Mario holds its place in history as the first of a world-renowned franchise that is still immensely popular after four generations of home consoles, and after over a decades worth of platform games trying to take the crown from Mazza. This game is a true classic - playing it now in 2004 is still as entertaining an experience as it was in 1989. It's the game that started the legacy and helped elevate Nintendo to where they are now. And let's not forget the superb Duck Hunt game that came with it!

Super Mario Sunshine - not getting a lot of votes

Joby:

Super Mario 64. It seemed like an effortless transition between 2D platformers and 3D platformers. We have to remember this was the first true 3D platformer with analog control. This game was superb. A true classic. I have no further comment!

Matt:

It's a close call between Super Mario World and Super Mario 64, but I'm gonna back er-no up on his comments and say that Super Mario 64 is the best Mario platformer to date. Super Mario World was awesome, but in many senses it was just an updated version of the older 2D platformers, Mario 64 was the first game to truly put gamers into a fully 3D Mario environment, it was no longer a side scrolling game but you were actually standing outside peach castle. A truely awesome experience which is yet to be recreated.

Super Mario 64 - my own personal choice

Conor:

I would like to say Super Mario Bros. 3, since it is one of my favourite games, period. It was the title that showed me what gaming could really achieve, and the game that I whittled away most of my carefree childhood playing. My cousins and I spent so long on it, it has been burned into my mind. It is very dear to me. But the topic isn't 'What is your favourite Mario platformer?' , it's' 'What is the best?'.

The best Mario platformer is Super Mario 64. Both Super Mario World 1 and 2 are strong competition, but in the end SM64 wins out. Partly because of its innovation, partly because of the sheer joy it induces in most people who play it. There's just something about it.

In terms of the standard gameplay components, for its time it was very impressive. Levels are, for the most part, well designed. Graphics hold up rather well, and the tunes are infectious. The goals are an enjoyable mix of fun and challenge, while the various little touches and power ups make the experience shine even more.

But what makes SM64 so special is that it goes above the normal game standards. It's the delightful rubber face at the start of the game, it's launching onto the roof of the castle and meeting Yoshi, it's grabbing Bowser by the tail and swinging for all you're worth. It's a million pieces of magic all compounding in an experience that's completely unique.

Half because it was so revolutionary - I still remember the shock of seeing it for the first time. Half because it's a damn fine game.

So what do you think is the best Mario platformer? Super Mario Bros.? Super Mario 64? Or how about something completely different?