Super Mario Odyssey is the return to (mostly) everyone's favorite sand-box style of playing Mario. This game has you going around in many unique worlds, running around freely as you did in Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine. The fans asked and Nintendo delivered. Mario is finally back and he's here to save the 3D platforming genre. With that being said, hold onto your fedoras, because we're jumping right into the review. Also, I will try to be as spoiler free as I can.
Story: For the 800th time, our job is to help Mario rescue his (girlfriend?) Princess Peach from the evil clutches of Bowser. Only this time, Bowser is forcing Peach into marriage.
Controls (basic): Mario's running speed is is between Super Mario Sunshine's and Galaxy's. I think this speed is perfect, allowing for the appropriate reaction time. A plethora of Mario's athletic tricks are back such as the triple jump and somersault. I have to point out how much easier it is to perform the triple jump in this game. The window between the jumps have been lengthened, so casual gamers will enjoy this. They've also added a few new jumping techniques such as the ground pound jump that gives you an extra boost in height once you flatten an enemy with your bum. The diving and long jump also make a return from Super Mario Sunshine and Super Mario 64. HOWEVER, long-time fans may be displeased to find out they're somewhat nerfed. For example, the long jump is much shorter than it was in 64 and the dive doesn't allow you to continuously slide like it did in Sunshine. But, down frown yet. They've brought back the rolling technique from Mario 3D World that allows you to continuously roll by tapping the button. It's perfect for traversing large areas. Next, I gotta tackle the swimming controls You tap the button to float up and release to float down (similar to super mario sunshine, but no longer clunky). Pressing the ZL and Y buttons together will let you zoom straight for a second, but it always doesn't register for some reason. You often accidentally ground pound, which is frustrating when you're running out of air or racing for a moon. I prefer the Mario 64 swimming controls.
Controls (Cappy): I have to devote a whole section of this review to the Cappy controls because they have such an influence on the game experience. Throw Cappy with Y and this little guy can manipulate all kinds of enemies and objects. Holding Y will make Cappy spin in place, allowing for a chance to do some hat-jump techniques. These techniques make the game so much more fun to play. Advanced players will have fun throwing cappy over gaps, long jumping over to him, bouncing off of him and diving to the other side. There are a bunch of more tricks you can do, so I hope you'll try to perform them. When you throw Cappy at an enemy, you posses- I mean, capture them and can make their abilities yours. This allows for a bunch of unique playstyles and Nintendo did a splendid job incorporating them into the game.
Motion Controls :I know people are tired of hearing us complain about motion controls in Nintendo games, but part of being a reviewer is being critical. I found the motion controls to be pretty unresponsive most of the time when playing with a Pro Controller. Trying to do a downward throw with Cappy almost never works and jerking the whole controller to the right for a spin move isn't comfortable nor functional all of the time. Keep in mind motion controls ARE NOT REQUIRED to complete the game. However, some of Mario's moves are locked behind them. For example, there's no button mapping for throwing Cappy upward/downward. But, they could've used the L or R buttons easily. For example, L+Y+up could've been a combination for throwing Cappy skyward. Also, there are instances where shaking the whole controller/tablet makes you jump/climb faster, which isn't a big deal. But why not hold the Y button or something to speed up, ya know?
Objective of the game: Odyssey is a collect-a-thon game. You travel to different areas and collect Power Moons, which allow you to travel to even more places and so on. Note this game is not mission based like the other 3D Marios. When you collect a moon, you don't get booted out of the level. It's more in the line of Banjo Kazooie. There's a big world and you're free to run around until you get enough moons, then you go to the next kingdom. Each Kingdom has generally 20 or more moons. Note that there is post game content that increases the number of moons available to collect. Here's the critical part. Some moons require a little elbow grease to get, but a lot are just thrown right in your face and take only 10-30 seconds to get, which alleviates the sense of accomplishment the other 3D Mario's had. This may not be a big deal to newcomers, but as a long-time Mario fan, I had to point it out.
Scale of the game: Unlike Super Mario 64 and Sunshine, Odyssey DOES NOT have a hub-world. You select kingdoms in a world-map kind of style. The game consists of 15 Kingdoms. A handful of which are disappointingly small in comparison to others. For example, 2 kingdoms mostly serve as the arena for their respective boss battles and some Kingdoms consist mostly of linear areas with barely any open areas to explore. There are 4 kingdoms (in my opinion) that are the appropriate size. if the other kingdoms could be the size of these 4, then I'd be much more pleased with the game. Despite what I've said, there is a point in the game where you go back and collect more moons from every kingdom, which adds to their content.
Difficulty: I'm a Mario veteran and I completely understand that Ninty wants this game to be accessible for all ages. But, it's pretty upsetting to me how much easier they made this game compared to the other 3D Mario games and I'm not even talking about the "assist mode", which was literally put in the game for younger kids. I'm talking about the regular mode. One big change is the removal of lives, which honestly isn't even the reason I'm mad. Game Overs are more of an inconvenience than anything because in cases like Super Mario Galaxy or what have you, the game just kicks you to the title screen and your progress is saved. However, in the case of Super Mario Odyssey, the game is a cakewalk even without game overs. You'll almost never die from losing heart points because collecting moons will instantly refill them (moons are literally everywhere btw) and not only that, there are Heart point expansions in every kingdom that you can buy with coins. The Bosses are just plain disappointing, as well. Some are clever, but having the same strategy repeated 3 times is just getting old. Note that there is post-game content that offers a better challenge, but we should be able to change the difficulty at will.
Game length/replay value: The main campaign length is pretty short. It's very much possible to finish the story by getting the minimum required moons and zooming through each kingdom, which takes about 7 hours (for an experienced player such as myself). BUT, that's not how the game is meant to be enjoyed. "Replay" is this game's middle name. Once you finish the story, even more moons and areas open up. These moons offer a harder challenge, as I mentioned earlier. Not only that, the kingdoms you've already visited get harder challenges. I've been playing this game for over a month and can confirm there's a truck load of things to do. I'm looking to 100% this game and I'm just a little over halfway there. You won't believe how many moons they stuffed in this game.
To conclude, this game is a must-have for the Switch regardless of the flaws I've listed. It's chock-full of content and is still one of the best games on the system. Easily worth 60 bucks. But, get it cheaper if you can. This game is built around both casuals and experienced gamers. So, if you've never played a Mario game before, you will probably have a better experience than me since everything will be a surprise. And to veterans, there are still gonna be surprises that'll make your jaw drop. Plus, the references to past Mario games will make you smile and remember the good old times when we didn't have to work and pay bills. Anyway, thanks for reading and happy gaming.
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From the manufacturer
Embark on a cap-tivating, globe-trotting adventure
Explore incredible places far from the Mushroom Kingdom as you join Mario and his ally Cappy on a massive, globe-trotting 3D adventure. Use amazing abilities like the power to capture and control objects, animals, and enemies to collect Power Moons so you can power up the Odyssey airship and save Princess Peach from Bowser’s wedding plans.
Super Mario Odyssey
Thanks to heroic, hat-shaped Cappy, Mario’s got moves that’ll make you rethink his traditional run-and-jump gameplay like cap jump, cap throw, and capture. Use captured cohorts such as enemies, objects, and animals to progress through the game and uncover loads of hidden collectibles. And if you feel like playing with a friend, just pass them a Joy-Con controller! Player 1 controls Mario while Player 2 controls Cappy. This sandbox-style 3D Mario adventure the first since 1996’s beloved Super Mario 64 and 2002’s Nintendo GameCube classic Super Mario Sunshine is packed with secrets and surprises, plus exciting kingdoms to explore.
Features
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Explore astonishing locales like skyscraper-packed Donk City to your heart’s content, and run into familiar friends and foes as you try to save Princess Peach from Bowser’s dastardly wedding plans. |
Find something interesting? Toss your cap at it and see what happens! There are lots of fun and surprising ways to interact with your surroundings. |
Be sure to bring any coins you find to a Crazy Cap store, where you can exchange them for decorative souvenirs for the Odyssey and outfits for Mario! Some destinations have very exclusive dress codes, after all… |
Awards
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The Game Awards 2017 WinnerBest Family Game. |
Game Critics Awards Best of E3 2017Best of Show, Best Console Game, Best Action/Adventure Game. |
2017 Nintendo. Super Mario Odyssey and Nintendo Switch are trademarks of Nintendo. |
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The best Mario game available!
This game is such a new way to enjoy Mario. You get to walk around and explore new worlds, complete different tasks at your own pace to accomplish goals. Worth the price! The is one of my kid’s favorite games.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2017
Platform For Display: Nintendo SwitchEdition: StandardVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2017
Platform For Display: Nintendo SwitchEdition: StandardVerified Purchase
Top reviews from other countries
Ditty
If you havent played it get this game
Reviewed in Canada on April 6, 2024Platform For Display: Nintendo SwitchEdition: StandardVerified Purchase
liane
Muito bom!
Reviewed in Brazil on April 3, 2024Platform For Display: Nintendo SwitchEdition: StandardVerified Purchase
Norbert G.
Super
Reviewed in Germany on November 5, 2023Platform For Display: Nintendo SwitchEdition: StandardVerified Purchase
Nikhil
A True Masterpiece
Reviewed in India on March 26, 2019Platform For Display: Nintendo SwitchEdition: StandardVerified Purchase
Nikhil
Reviewed in India on March 26, 2019
This is my first 3D Mario game. For the first few days after buying this game I felt that the platforming was not as precise as the 2D ones but once I got familiar with the controls, I just fell in love with this game. I recommend using the motion controls though the game can be completed without them.
In the current age of video games, there is a heavy emphasis on story and more often than not, video game stories are very dark and depressing. Super Mario Odyssey however, has gameplay at its front and centre. There is a story in this game but you won't have to sit and watch 15 minute long cutscenes like some other games. This game is jam-packed with content and playing this game fills my heart with delight every time I play it.
The main game is not very difficult to complete but if you are looking for a real challenge, the post game challenges will not disappoint.
Super Mario Odyssey is a truly brilliant game and my new best video game of all time!
Images in this review
.::Tevex::.
El mejor juego de Mario Jamas creado
Reviewed in Mexico on October 27, 2017Platform For Display: Nintendo SwitchEdition: StandardVerified Purchase
.::Tevex::.
Reviewed in Mexico on October 27, 2017
Se ve tan fresco como un Mario 64, Mario Sunshine y Mario Galaxy pero ala vez es mas robusto es el mario con la gama mas amplia de movimientos desde el clasico triple jump hasta el long Jump entre otro mas aqui los power ups son muchisimos cada enemigo que capturemos con cappy nos ayudara para conseguir las lunitas que dicen que son mas 600, al igual que las lunas hay un monton de trajes desde los mas elegantes hasta los mas ridiculos para Mario, ya veran que al entrar en cada mundo querran vestir adecuadamente para el mismo. Vestir a Mario es Divertidisimo.
Hay muchisimos retos y cosas ocultas por todos lados estaran regresando a ciertos puntos a cada rato para encontrar todos los secretos, la parte de Mario en 2D es fabulosa cambia la musica inclusive a un sonido de 8bits.
Si tienen amiibos algunos les daran trajes unicos, por poner un ejemplo el Amiibo de Luigi te da el traje verde y el de Mario te da un traje del mismo pero mas retro, si han comprado los amiibos les toca descubrir cuales dan algo adicional, y les ayudaran a buscar lunitas de una manera muy comoda sin arruinar la esencia del juego que es la exploracion.
Por el lado visual el juego se ve hermoso en un televisor a pesar de que correr solo a 900p se ve fabuloso es amor puro y en el modo portatil corre a 720p, en lo personal no me agrada jugar en modo portatil soy mas conservador de esta en mi salita pero para quien ande de aqui para ya estara contentisimo.
Este es el juego que mejor se escucha en switch trae un hermosisimo 5.1 si tienen algun amplificador con entrada HDMI se van a morir de lo hermosas que estan las canciones, es un hermoso soundtrack.
El juego tiene algo para todo el mundo desde los mas casuales que solo conseguiran lunas para abrir nuevos mundos hasta para los mas vicios que querran conseguir todo antes de entrar en un nuevo mundo.
Me encanta Este mario tiene mas personalidad que en otros titulos sin duda es de los mejores juegos jamas creados, no crei que un Mario me gustara mas 3D world y Galaxy pero sin duda nintendo se supera cada dia mas.
Llevo mas de 20 hrs jugandolo sin parar el ultimo que de verdad me hizo estar asi fue Zelda Breath Of The Wild, es un juego de verdad hermoso en ciertar partes he derramado una lagrima de felicidad al poder ver y no creer lo bien diseñado que esta el juego es un sueño para los fans y le doy gracias a dios por permitirme jugar esta obra de arte, es obligatorio para todo quien tenga nintendo switch.
Compra obligatoria y a un super precio en Amazon.
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