Pyro you have a weird sense behind what is a real Mario game. The 3D Mario titles like it or not are real Mario games they are true sequels and were simply introducing new technology.
Your also forgetting Super Mario World which was a real Mario game in every sense. In fact it is my favorite Mario game to date and seeing it not listed as legit is hilarious. You also forget the real Mario games found on handhelds they are true Mario games from Six Golden Coins to NSMB:DS. They are all real side scrolling Mario titles.
Fact is the franchise has evolved but the primary titles in both 3D and 2D are legit Mario titles. They aren't spin offs yes NewSuperMarioBros is considered its own franchise by some users, but if it is then what makes it a true Mario game?
What the order of release? Well that might make some sense but Miyamoto always wanted to make Mario 3D at the time that was impossible. Mario was always intended to be this way and still hasn't reached Miyamoto's dreams. So are you saying Miyamoto doesn't know what a real Mario game is? I mean the guy made Mario and he obviously doesn't have a clue.
Just because some gameplay styles have evolved over the years doesn't make 3D Mario titles any less legit Mario titles. The fact that this thread misses out on the countless other legit side scrolling Mario's just proves that you have a very personal view of what makes a Mario title! That view isn't based in fact rather nostalgia you write off every title you didn't enjoy as much.
Mario is Mario and I'd say Miyamoto knows what makes a real Mario game and has the right to make the games as he initially invisioned. He created Mario and you think you have the right to tell him what he should have envisioned and what Mario should be?
-JC7
"In God We Trust - In Games We Play " - Joel Reimer
