One of the most anticipated games of the year is here, and just in time for the holidays. Read on at Kidzworld to see our review of the Switch exclusive, Super Mario Odyssey.
By: Max Cannon
When the Nintendo Switch was first announced we all knew that we would be getting our hands on the new Legend of Zelda game because it was going to be cross-generational between the Switch and Wii U so that let gamers all agree on the same burning question to ask: "Where the heck is Mario?" Well, we soon got that answer and we didn't even have to wait a full year to get our hands on the newest 3D Mario and I'll be upfront: this game is spectacular and lucky for you readers every picture you'll see in here is something I took using the game's photo mode to document my beautiful journey.
Mario dives for one of the Sand Kingdom's Power Moons.
One Small Step for Nintendo, One Giant Leap for Mario-kind
If you've dabbled in the previous 3D Mario games you may be familiar with the formula of the series. Tight, responsive platforming and an emphasis on collecting everything in sight. While this formula was really tested back-to-back with Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine, Nintendo made things a little different with both Super Mario Galaxy games as well as Super Mario 3D World and instead focused on individual challenges instead of open worlds and exploration. There is a place for each type of game but the gameplay of 64 and Sunshine are what hooked most gamers into the 3D games so there was a noticeable yearning for Super Mario Odyssey to return to that recipe. Not only did this game return but it evolved in nearly every conceivable way while still remaining true to its predecessors.
My favorite picture and a sneak peek at New Donk City.
The story is the same as most other Mario games, Bowser has kidnapped Princess Peach and Mario is in pursuit. But after a near immediate loss to Bowser upon starting the game, Mario's hat is destroyed and in its place he'll wear his new friend Cappy. Cappy's sister, Tiara, is also in Bowser's grasp and he and Mario set off in their flying ship, the Odyssey. Cappy, a talking top-hat, grants Mario the ability to capture and control certain enemies he comes across in his adventure. This changes up the gameplay in a big way, and while the best part of the game is still controlling Mario, you'll still try out different controls for Goombas, Bullet Bills, and even a Tyrannosaurus Rex.
Super Mario Odyssey's New Worlds - Kidzworld Weekly News
That story of the game takes a backseat to the gameplay, which I'd expect from a Mario game, but Nintendo did a really interesting job of handling the story following the completion of the main story, specifically a heartwarming and liberating move for a certain character. Like with most great adventures it's all about the journey more than the destination and Super Mario Odyssey impressively delivers on the promise of adventure.
The game's photo mode presents players with a variety of filters.
Over The Moon
The main collectibles in Super Mario 64 were Power Stars, Super Mario Sunshine had Shine Sprites, and Super Mario Odyssey uses Power Moons. While getting as many Moons as you can to power the Odyssey and explore your next world is your incentive you'll find that not all Moons are created equal. Some are floating right in front of you, some require some thoughtful exploration and puzzle-work, and others are acquired through the tried-and-true method of taking down a boss. To those that played Nintendo's other 2017 hit, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, think of these Moons as closer to Korok Seeds, especially considering there are 836 Moons to be snagged and that almost matches Zelda's 900. Luckily, every Moon is immensely satisfying to get a hold of and the game is constantly rewarding you for making smart decisions.
Mario takes aim with Cappy.
Of course, controlling the game feels as great as you'd demand from a Mario game even when you're not controlling Mario himself. Pulling off triple jumps, long jumps, and dives feel even better when complemented by the new sense of momentum you'll feel in Mario's speed. However, the one spot where I had slight problems were with the game's motion controls. Mario can throw Cappy to pull off some specific moves but a lot of these moves will require specific motion controls as well and they're not always responsive in the way you'd like and most notably when swinging your Joy-Con to the side to perform a spin throw. But when you're traveling around the world you'll hardly notice issues with these advance and mostly unnecessary moves.
The Nintendo Switch allows for some impressive visuals.
A big part of Super Mario Odyssey's marketing push was the globe-trotting journey that'll take Mario to drastically new Kingdoms. Of course, we've all see the New York-esque New Donk City but there is so much to see -- not that New Donk City wasn't immediately impressive upon my first visit. You'll head to the prehistoric Cascade Kingdom, the colorful Luncheon Kingdom, and even some very welcome secret worlds toward the end of the game. While all of these Kingdoms are great at what they do, they don't all feel like they received the same attention to detail as others. Visually, my favorite Kingdom was only used for a boss fight and when I returned I had cleaned up all of the Kingdom's secrets in about 5 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Super Mario Odyssey consistently delivers an exciting, well-designed, and colorful adventure that anyone can enjoy. If you've never gotten a chance to play a Mario game before you'd love it just as much as an experienced veteran of gaming's most important character.
Pros
- Variety
- Controls
- Collecting Feels Fun
Cons
- Some Kingdoms Feel Better Than Others
- Some Motion Controls Don't Always Work
Super Mario Odyssey Game Rating:
Available for Nintendo Switch
Super Mario Odyssey Box ArtCourtesy of Nintendo
Have Your Say!
Are you going to be playing Super Mario Odyssey? Have you played the other Mario games? Comment below!
