You know that you’re my superstar!
Super Mario Odyssey Launch Trailer
With each iteration, Mario has found a way to become something completely new while remaining true to the platforming that propelled it in its early beginnings. Super Mario Odyssey is no exception. Odyssey sets the bar for what all 3D platformers should be. Odyssey is a hallmark achievement in game design, its an absolute blast to play, and is full of all the charm it could possibly muster. It’s delightfully brilliant, and it’s one of the best experiences one can have in gaming.
We are sent on a globetrotting adventure to save Princess Peach from the clutches of Bowser who has taken her yet again, only this time with the intention to steal priceless items in order to get Peach to marry him. These items are spread across the various kingdoms we are given the chance to explore throughout the adventure. The narrative is mostly the same as we are accustomed to if you’ve ever played a Mario game, but if it isn’t broke then why fix it, right? The tried and true formula feels just as good as it always does.
The biggest change found in Odyssey is the addition of Cappy, your talking hat companion who helps to guide you on your adventure. Cappy’s sister, Tiara (who of course is a talking tiara) is also taken by Bowser, to the to must come together to save those that matter to them. Along with Cappy, comes the possession ability. This allows the player to toss Cappy at the various creatures and enemies found throughout the game, allowing you to control them and their unique abilities. Each feels different, and each puts a smile on the players face. From taking control of a giant T-Rex and destroying everything in your path, to becoming a dolphin and exploring the beautiful depth of the underwater areas of the game, each possession is both rewarding and joyous. Creating a whole new layer of depth within the game helps make Odyssey feel fresh and new when held up against any of its predecessors.
The kingdoms of Odyssey are breathtaking and stunningly gorgeous. Each feels as vibrant and special as the last. From the food-filled world of the Luncheon Kingdom to the bustling city-scape of the Metro Kingdom, the kingdoms are full of life and just beg the player to explore them. All of them are equally full of life and are oozing with charm and character. Moving throughout them allows the player to interact with those within the kingdoms, and some of the more pure joy moments come as a result of those with in the kingdom. Even being able to play fetch with dogs, the development thought of everything that could make you smile. Each kingdom puts a smile on the players face, being just a bright and clever as the last.
Each kingdom is littered with moons to collect that progress the story as you move through, since you need a certain amount of moons from each area to power up the Odyssey itself, the ship Mario and Cappy use to traverse the world. These moons can be in obvious places, but many are tucked away deep with the nooks and crannies of the kingdoms. Exploration is key throughout the entire game, even in the post game sections. This element of exploration is at the core of the experience that Odyssey offers. It takes it farther than any Mario game of past in a glorious way that keep the player coming back for more.
As you explore the world, your experience is beautifully accented by an incredible score. From the eerie tracks from the underground sections to the upbeat and satisfying tones of Metro Kingdom, the music always fits the mood and further immerses the player into the magical world.
Speaking to performance, the game operates well both in the handheld mode and when it is docked. I found myself playing a large chunk of the game in docked mode as a result of some of the motion functions that Nintendo felt they needed to include. They were often tough to execute within handheld mode, but they weren’t motions that you were required to do. Another big reason for playing docked is the access to a larger television, which is best to really show off how large and breath-taking the worlds are. The game runs just as well in handheld, and is perfect in small bursts on the go as well though, so you would have no issue playing fully in handheld mode if that was the way you wanted to play it.
The common thread throughout my whole time with Super Mario Odyssey is joy. Pure and uninterrupted joy. No matter what was on screen, i always had a smile on my face. Odyssey is a blast to play, and it is a 3D platforming dream. Its beautiful and diverse environments that are full of life set it apart from all else. Nintendo created the best Mario to date, and it is only aided by the inventive new platform it calls home. Odyssey is a triumph of game design and imagination, and is one of the best games of 2017. Coupled along-side Breath of the Wild, it makes the Switch a must own console.
The Fan Men 