Super Mario Odyssey Review

Super Mario Odyssey, developed and published by Nintendo, launched on the Nintendo Switch in 2017 and immediately cemented its place as a groundbreaking 3D platformer. It redefined what a Mario game could be, blending classic elements with innovative mechanics and a boundless sense of adventure. This Super Mario Odyssey Switch review explores why it’s considered one of the greatest games on the console.

Gameplay: Cappy’s Revolutionary Capture Mechanic

The core innovation of Super Mario Odyssey is Cappy, Mario’s sentient hat. Cappy introduces the “capture mechanic,” allowing Mario to possess and control a vast array of enemies, objects, and even certain NPCs. This ability fundamentally changes gameplay, transforming Mario into everything from a Goomba to a T-Rex, each with unique abilities crucial for exploration and puzzle-solving.

The game embraces an open-world, sandbox-style design, with each “kingdom” being a sprawling playground filled with secrets. Instead of a linear progression, players are encouraged to explore every nook and cranny to find hundreds of Power Moons, the game’s primary collectible. This freedom of exploration, combined with Mario’s incredibly fluid movement set, makes every jump and discovery a joy.

• Revolutionary Cappy capture mechanic
• Vast and diverse open-world kingdoms
• Hundreds of Power Moons to collect through exploration
• Fluid and responsive platforming controls
• Creative use of environmental puzzles and challenges

Story and World: A Global Rescue Mission

The narrative of Super Mario Odyssey is classic Mario: Bowser has kidnapped Princess Peach and is forcing her into marriage, leading Mario and Cappy on a globe-trotting adventure aboard the Odyssey airship. While simple, the story provides a charming framework for visiting incredibly diverse kingdoms.

From the bustling metropolis of New Donk City to the prehistoric Cascade Kingdom, the culinary delights of the Luncheon Kingdom, and the icy challenges of the Snow Kingdom, each world feels unique and vibrant. The game is packed with charming classic characters, witty dialogue (though Mario himself remains silent), and plenty of humor that appeals to all ages.

Graphics and Sound: A Visual and Auditory Delight

Super Mario Odyssey is a visual feast on the Nintendo Switch. The game boasts vibrant colors, imaginative art direction, and impressive detail in its environments and character models. Running at a smooth frame rate, it looks fantastic in both docked and handheld modes.

The soundtrack is equally stellar, featuring a diverse range of musical styles, from orchestral pieces to catchy pop songs like “Jump Up, Super Star!” Each kingdom has its own distinct musical identity, enhancing the overall atmosphere and making exploration even more enjoyable. The sound effects are classic Mario, adding to the game’s charm.

Replayability and Content: Endless Moons to Discover

Beyond the main story, Super Mario Odyssey offers an immense amount of replayability. With over 900 Power Moons to collect (including post-game content), players will spend dozens, if not hundreds, of hours exploring every secret. There are also various outfits for Mario to collect, mini-games, and challenging platforming sections that test even the most seasoned players.

Is Super Mario Odyssey on Switch Worth Playing Today?

Absolutely. Super Mario Odyssey is a must-have Switch exclusive and a true masterpiece of the 3D platformer genre. Its innovative Cappy mechanic, vast open-world kingdoms, endless exploration, and delightful charm make it an unforgettable experience for players of all ages. It’s a testament to Nintendo’s creativity and a joyous celebration of everything that makes Mario great.