super mario bros from Ralph Talley's blog

During the SNES era, Super Mario Bros indeed experienced a shift towards spinoff titles, a common trajectory for mascots in the generation following their peak popularity. Despite this, Mario's ability to rebound and redefine himself is unparalleled in the gaming industry.

The transition from 2D to 3D gaming posed a significant challenge for developers, but Mario once again rose to the occasion with Super Mario 64. While other attempts at 3D platformers were made, none achieved the same level of success or innovation. Super Mario 64 introduced groundbreaking mechanics such as the "Lakitu Camera" and the use of the thumbstick for precise control, setting a new standard for 3D platforming gameplay.