After enough time spent on making levels for each style, here comes my ranking. Graphical style, gameplay mechanics, the way certain objects and enemies behaves, sounds and musics are taken into consideration.
4. Super Mario Bros. - We all know that amiibo costumes are what might get some people attracted to this style, but they're basically a small Mario version with cosmetic alteration, along with the ability to break brick blocks and granting the plumber one extra hit point. I'm also aware that there's also a skinny mushroom that makes Mario ridiculously lanky and gives floatier and higher jump, but levels with that would rely on this one may lead to leaps of faith when poorly used. And compared to all of the other styles, Super Mario Bros. appears to very simple to play. There's nothing wrong with that, but I just find it too bare-bone to have some much more interesting level design than I've seen so far. That's the least likely style I would use when I create a level.
3. Super Mario Bros. 3 - For me, Super Mario Bros. 3 is basically the better version of Super Mario Bros. with much more interesting graphical styles, expanded gameplay mechanics while still simple enough for anyone to play. My only problem with this style is that hovering with Raccoon Mario requires tapping the jump button repeatedly until you want to stop descending slowly. If I want a level for more casual players to play and/or doesn't rely on exclusive mechanics from SMB, SMW and NSMBU, this might be the theme I'll go for.
2. New Super Mario Bros. U - The graphical and musical style seems to be a bit lame for me since it doesn't exude a whole lot of creativity, but Mario's repertoire of moves are satisfyingly extensive. Wall Jump, Spin Jump, Ground Pound, mid-air spin that gives Mario a slightly longer air time, Spinning Wall Jumping. Enemy and objects assets aren't much interesting, save for Yoshi's flutter jump and the Propeller Mushroom that gives a boost to Mario's vertical ascension. The most likely style to have some of the most interesting level designs in terms of gameplay, even though I didn't needed to use this one as often as SMB3 and SMW.
1. Super Mario World - This style nails everything in what makes this one great in my books! Musics pretty much fit perfectly with each associated level theme, graphical style is very appealing to look at, gameplay and objects allow for interesting level designs while not being overly complex. It also have the best implementation of Spin Jump mechanics, Yoshi's tongue can even grab items from the other side of a wall and being able to fling an item upwards. I would most likely use this theme, especially if I don't have a particular style to use but still wants to offer both simplicity and flexibility while having a good overall presentation.
