The Ringer-Verse The All-Time Mario Games Draft | Button Mash
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Aug 19, 2025 Chris Plante, co-founder of Polygon and host of Post Games; Maddy Myers, former deputy editor at Polygon; and Joshua Rivera, freelance writer with deep Mario insights, come together for a lively draft of the greatest Mario games. They reminisce about their gaming origins, discuss the character's timeless appeal, and share hilarious personal anecdotes. The trio debates game mechanics while highlighting quirky Mario titles. With playful banter and nostalgia, they navigate the rich legacy of Mario in a fun, competitive format.
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Galaxy 2 As A Peak Sequel
- Chris picked Galaxy 2 as the best 3D Mario sequel driven by momentum and design mastery.
- He praised its refinements and how the team went all-out building on Galaxy's ideas.
Wii's 2D Mario Reintroduced Multiplayer
- Chris defended New Super Mario Bros. Wii as a risky, multiplayer 2D Mario that introduced accessibility features.
- He recalled Miyamoto playing and griefing him during a session.
Yoshi's Island's Strange Beauty
- Joshua picked Yoshi's Island for its distinctive art, music, and inventive difficulty tied to baby Mario mechanics.
- He argued its strange, druggy aesthetic makes it special.