Since the announcement of the Nintendo Switch, anticipation has been high among Nintendo fans for two flagship game series: a new Legend of Zelda (Breath of the Wild, released alongside the console) and a new Super Mario title. Now, just over six months after the Switch’s debut, we have Super Mario Odyssey. The name is apt, as the game embodies both an expansive journey for Mario and a retrospective exploration of Mario’s gaming history. Let’s delve in!
Super Mario revolutionized the platformer genre with the transition from 2D to 3D in Super Mario 64 on the Nintendo 64, released 21 years ago. This introduced new challenges and secrets only achievable in a 3D environment. While some Mario titles, like the underrated Super Mario Sunshine for GameCube, haven’t achieved universal acclaim, others, such as the decade-old Super Mario Galaxy 2 for Wii, consistently rank among the best games ever made.
Super Mario Odyssey builds upon Galaxy’s concept of discrete, small “planets,” expanding them significantly and connecting them via a world map. Each world functions almost as a standalone Mario game, complete with a mini-boss, a primary objective (acquiring Power Moons to fuel Mario’s airship), and numerous bonus courses, side quests, and hidden Power Moons. This time, Mario wields Cappy, a magical hat that can be thrown at enemies and allows Mario to “capture” and control certain enemies, characters, and vehicles. This ingenious mechanic facilitates both comedic moments and novel puzzle-solving approaches. Furthermore, Mario revisits his past, with several worlds incorporating 2D segments reminiscent of the original Super Mario Bros for NES (1985), now featuring Mario’s updated character model and costumes.
The costume changes are fun in Super Mario Odyssey, but they also serve a purpose,
Apparel plays a significant role in Super Mario Odyssey. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, costumes can unlock areas and grant access to Power Moons by allowing Mario to blend in with the local populace. The pursuit of Power Moons might seem repetitive, but the sheer number and inventive hiding places designed by Nintendo ensure a rewarding experience. To avoid spoilers, we’ll refrain from detailing specifics, but we encourage experimentation with everything, from plugging fountains to scrutinizing environments for Warp Zones (some reminiscent of Super Mario 64).
The controls in Super Mario Odyssey are responsive and intuitive, though some acclimation may be required. While we typically favor the Pro Controller on Switch, Odyssey feels particularly natural and fluid with detached Joy-Con controllers. The core controls for Mario, camera movement, jumping, ground pounding, and crouching remain familiar, with the game providing reminders as needed. Controller shaking now enables actions like faster rolling or climbing, and allows Cappy to perform a proximity search if aiming is imprecise. The controls are implemented with Nintendo’s characteristic polish, and any challenges ultimately stem from skill and practice.
Mario can “take over” enemies, characters and vehicles in the world. Such a fun element!
The graphics represent a high point for the Mario series. The Switch, Nintendo’s most powerful console to date, delivers a smooth 60fps frame rate at a respectable 900p resolution (docked) and 720p (handheld mode), despite its technical specifications lagging behind the PS4 and Xbox One (especially the Pro and X models). The environments are richly detailed, featuring realistic water effects, lush vegetation, and stylish textures. While the worlds are expansive, the Switch’s hardware limitations become apparent in open areas, where objects may visibly appear as the player approaches, a measure to conserve processing power and maintain a stable frame rate. While not a significant distraction unless actively sought, this does raise the question of what could have been achieved with more powerful hardware.
The sound design is also commendable. It incorporates classic Mario sound effects and vocalizations, while the musical score is orchestrally rich and cinematic, evoking the grandeur of adventure films. Owners of amiibo figures can benefit from their in-game bonuses, including new costumes and hints for locating hidden Power Moons. While optional, using amiibo can enhance the experience, making this an ideal opportunity to acquire some companions for the adventure.
This is what it’s all about – Power Moons to power the Odyssey spacecraft to chase down Bowser.
Super Mario Odyssey exemplifies Nintendo’s mastery of creating games that reward player agency and creative problem-solving. The game is brimming with engaging details, secrets, and intelligent solutions to challenges. The more one plays, the more captivating it becomes, fostering an obsession with uncovering every hidden element. However, Odyssey can also be enjoyed by simply completing the main objectives and defeating mini-bosses. For players seeking assistance, an optional assist mode provides hints and pre-set paths. However, we recommend eschewing this feature to fully appreciate the satisfaction of independent discovery.
New Donk City is norm-breaking for a Mario game.
Summary: Prior to this review’s publication, our editorial team engaged in extensive discussions regarding the appropriate score, following considerable playtime. We compiled a comprehensive list of positive aspects and debated them at length. Ultimately, we simplified the question: what did we dislike about Super Mario Odyssey? The answer was, in fact, nothing. It’s an outstanding game in every respect, offering both entertainment and challenge for casual gamers and completionists alike. Nintendo once again surpasses expectations. We commend a company that, within just six months, has already delivered several must-have titles for its new console, maintaining its creative edge after over 30 years. This reaffirms that gameplay trumps technical specifications (otherwise, everyone would own high-end PCs). Super Mario Odyssey is a journey worth embarking on. Despite several major releases slated for the remaining months of the year, it’s difficult to envision any game surpassing this one. It’s a defining moment in modern gaming history, poised to shape a console generation.
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