Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Odyssey are widely considered to be best - or at least the most epic - in the storied Mario franchise.

While there's some overlap between these two experiences, each of them comes with a distinct style and overall feel. The celestial Galaxy has players kick back and enjoy the ride in more of a linear fashion.

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Meanwhile, Odyssey drops you into a far more dynamic, open-world beckoning to be explored. Each title has its own charm which resonates more with some than others. But in what ways does each Mario adventure excel - and which reigns supreme as a whole?

10 Galaxy: Its More Focused, Linear Gameplay

Super Mario Galaxy Star Festival intro

Open-world games have grown in popularity of late, partly thanks to the technical power and prowess of modern hardware. Still, there's something to be said for the more simplistic, linear game design that comprises most of the Galaxy experience.

Despite being 3D, this more focused, straightforward style harkens back to the more old-school sensibilities of classic Mario. It also allows you to really absorb and appreciate the charming atmosphere of Galaxy.

While it's certainly deep - the large, sandbox-esque Odyssey can be a tad overwhelming and offputting to less-practiced gamers and newbies.

9 Odyssey: Neat Retro Throwbacks

Mario Odyssey Retro Level Super Mario Bros style

One of the coolest features in Odyssey, particularly for Mario vets, is the sporadic, perspective-changing retro portions. These sections take you on a fun, full-circle trip through Mario history. They provide samples of sidescrolling bouts authentically in the style of the original Super Mario Bros.

These are more than just fun nostalgic trips, however. They also quite literally add a new dimension to the gameplay and serve to mix things up.

8 Galaxy: Its Accessible Multiplayer Mode

Mario Galaxy Multiplayer collect star pieces

Sure, Odyssey provides an amusing way for a friend to join in the fun by controlling Cappy. But many have criticized the odd, restrictive nature of this mechanic, which can be tough to pin down. It can similarly be tricky to make this work in tandem with the other player controlling a hatless Mario.

Despite its more passive nature, Nintendo gets the co-op aspect of Galaxy right, with a feature that's fun without being convoluted. In it, a second player can simply take charge of the pointer and help their buddy gather Star Bits, as well as trigger certain objects.

Of course, a full-fledged co-op mode would be ideal - but given the action and depth of the game, it'd likely be chaotic and tough to really absorb.

7 Odyssey: Added Challenges And Flair

Mario Odyssey Balloon World Luigi

Nintendo's online support was still pretty thin in the late 2000's - when the Galaxy games were released. As a result, there was little in the way of added content or challenges.

Odyssey, on the other hand, at least saw a trickling of additions by way of DLC and updates. This included a few cool new outfits like the knight-themed gear, and most notably - Luigi's Balloon World minigame.

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Seeing Mario's often overlooked brother make a return is amusing, as is the hide-and-seek style game he hosts.

6 Galaxy: Better Use Of Motion Controls

Mario soaring through space with sun rising to small planet in Super Mario Galaxy

Despite the relative limitations of the Wiimote, Nintendo implements it smoothly and cleverly in Galaxy.

Odyssey incorporates motion with Cappy, though it can feel a bit more disjointed and cumbersome. In fact, the game's prominent use of motion stands as a rare critique for some players.

And like the multiplayer feature, Nintendo opts for the "less is more" mantra with Galaxy's use of shaking and pointing the controller. It's a subtle inclusion, but it's one that works and feels great. It adds a unique feel to the gameplay without bogging it down.

5 Odyssey: More Content Overall

Mario Odyssey New Donk City running

This sprawling Mario platformer is appropriately named, to be sure. Though the core campaigns of both franchises have similar runtimes, Odyssey easily reigns in terms of overall content.

With nearly 900 Power Moons scattered about these environments - and dozens more that can be bought at the Crazy Cap Shops - there's tons of gameplay to be had. This can take a whopping 60 hours in total.

Galaxy players looking to leave no stone unturned and nab each Power Star? Well that will run you a more meager 40 hours.

4 Galaxy: Unique Gravity System

Super Mario Galaxy Boss Health Meter

One of Galaxy's most interesting, appealing mechanics is its unique gravity system. It can be a bit jarring at first, to be sure. Yet, after getting into the swing of it, it can make for a uniquely fun platforming experience. Each planet comes with its own distinct gravitational pull, setting the stage for an enjoyable, unpredictable ride.

Not only this, but there are also semi-sidescrolling bouts that incorporate switching directional gravity. This further serves to keep you on your toes, forcing you to readjust and almost gives it the vibe of a puzzle game.

3 Odyssey: Larger, More Expansive Environments

SUper Mario Odyssey beach

It's tough to deny that the bite-sized Galaxy planets don't quite measure up to the large, dynamic environments of Odyssey.

Each of these expansive levels is brimming with life and begging to be explored. Not only this, but most of the self-contained worlds feel distinct and imaginative.

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Who can forget the trippy and atmospheric Cap Kingdom, the charming, colorful Luncheon Kingdom, or the bustling New Donk City? This is contrasted with the hodgepodge of usually small, random planets in Galaxy.

2 Galaxy: An Exhilarating Feel Throughout

Super Mario Galaxy Soaring Small Planets

For as epic as Odyssey can be, it doesn't quite have that same exhilarating, Sonic The Hedgehog-esque vibe to it. This may not be for everyone, but those looking for more of a "kick back and enjoy" sort of thrill ride will find it in abundance in Galaxy.

The game can almost be likened to a virtual rollercoaster ride, with its liberal use of launchpads and galaxy-soaring bouts. It's really borderline relaxing at times, compared to the frequent grinds and scavenger hunts of Odyssey.

1 Odyssey: The Fun, Innovative Cappy Mechanic

Super Mario Odyssey T Rex Mario

When it comes down to it, the biggest draw to Odyssey - outside of its open-world gameplay - is its distinct Cappy feature. Mario's anthropomorphized new cap is a cleverly-designed tool at Mario's disposal with a slew of functions. It can be used as a weapon, triggering device, and a means to control foes.

This ability to play as various enemies - from Goombas to dinosaurs - adds a truly fun and inventive feel to the game. This really is the crux of Odyssey's unique, dynamic gameplay.

NEXT: Super Mario: 5 Ways Super Mario Sunshine Was Better than Odyssey (& 5 It Wasn't)