Super Mario Odyssey is a landmark 3D platformer and an essential title for the Nintendo Switch. Serving as a globetrotting adventure that captures the "wackiness" of the series' history, this installment expands upon the foundations laid by classics like Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine. With a Metacritic score of 97.00, it stands as a monumental achievement in the platforming genre, offering a vast, "theme park" style experience filled with surprising moments and deep exploration.

A Grand Quest Across the Kingdoms

The narrative follows the iconic hero Mario on a mission to thwart Bowser’s latest scheme: a forced marriage to Princess Peach. The conflict begins mid-air on Bowser's aircraft, where an intense battle leaves Mario separated from his cap and stranded. In the Cap Kingdom, Mario befriends Cappy, a hat-like spirit whose sister, Tiara, has also been kidnapped by Bowser.

To stop the wedding, Mario must chase Bowser through a diverse array of 17 distinct kingdoms. Along the way, he faces off against the Broodals—a group of villainous henchmen working to prepare Bowser for the big day. From the bustling urban atmosphere of the Metro Kingdom to the snowy landscapes of Shiveria, each world offers unique inhabitants and environmental challenges.

Innovative Gameplay Mechanics

While Super Mario Odyssey retains familiar movement techniques—such as triple jumps, wall jumps, somersaults, and long jumps—it introduces a revolutionary mechanic through Cappy. By throwing his hat, Mario can interact with the world in unprecedented ways:

  • Platforming: Use Cappy to create temporary platforms to reach high areas.
    • Interaction: Grab objects or attack enemies with precision.
  • Possession: Capture enemies by throwing Cappy onto them, granting Mario new moves and abilities essential for navigating complex level designs.

Progression is driven by the collection of Power Moons. Players must gather a specific amount of these Moons to fuel the Odyssey—a hat-shaped airship—to travel between kingdoms. While main objectives often involve defeating bosses or completing specific tasks (such as finding band members in the Metro Kingdom), the game rewards curiosity with hidden secrets and additional Moons tucked away in previously inaccessible areas.

Key Features of Super Mario Odyssey

  • Expansive World Design: Explore 17 unique kingdoms, each with its own distinct atmosphere, inhabitants, and mini-games.
  • Cappy Possession System: Transform into various enemies to unlock new movement possibilities and solve environmental puzzles.
  • Deep Exploration: A massive playground of content where players can uncover endless secrets beyond the main story objectives.
  • Polished Controls: Precise, responsive movement that allows skilled players to perform advanced maneuvers and "skips."

Who is this game for?

Super Mario Odyssey appeals to a wide demographic of gamers. It is a perfect choice for longtime fans seeking a nostalgic tribute to the 3D Mario era, as well as newcomers looking for a polished, high-quality adventure. Whether you crave the mechanical challenge of precise platforming or simply want to get lost in a charming, whimsical world, this title offers an unparalleled level of joy and discovery.