No objective "better"—they target different experiences:
| Aspect | Halo 3 | Mario Games (Series) |
|---|---|---|
| Genre | FPS (First-Person Shooter) | Platformer, Party, RPG, Kart, etc. |
| Core Appeal | Competitive multiplayer, cinematic campaign, sandbox forge/theater | Accessible fun, creative level design, iconic characters, local co-op |
| Skill Floor | High (aim, movement, map knowledge) | Low (pick up & play) |
| Skill Ceiling | Very High (pro scene, speedrunning) | High (mastery, speedrunning, competitive Mario Kart/Smash) |
| Tone | Military sci-fi, serious, violent (M) | Whimsical, colorful, family-friendly (E/E10+) |
| Longevity | Years via multiplayer/custom games | Decades via sheer volume of quality titles |
Many gamers love both. Try Halo 3 (MCC on PC/Xbox) and Super Mario Odyssey (Switch) to decide.