Super Mario Odyssey: A Fan’s Review

In the sprawling, vibrant universe of platformer games, the iconic Super Mario series has continuously set the standard for engaging gameplay and innovative design. Amongst its many iterations, Super Mario Odyssey stands out as a top-tier experience for the Nintendo Switch. As a lifelong fan who has journeyed through Mario’s adventures from the original Super Mario Bros. to this latest marvel, my exploration of Super Mario Odyssey offered exhilarating moments and nostalgic nods. It’s more than just a game; it’s an expansive homage to the series’ enduring legacy.

Super Mario Odyssey takes players on a globe-trotting quest, breaking the traditional linear gameplay of its predecessors. You explore numerous kingdoms, each with its unique aesthetic, challenges, and charm. The game reinvents the conventional with its compelling narrative — an inventive twist on the classic Mario-versus-Bowser saga. Here, Bowser is on a matrimonial rampage, intending to wed Princess Peach. Mario, with his captivating new ally Cappy, embarks on a quest across these kingdoms to thwart Bowser’s nuptial plans.

Each kingdom in Super Mario Odyssey is a meticulously crafted world teeming with secrets and collectibles. Begin at the Cap Kingdom, nestled in clouds shrouded by ethereal fog, and venture through to the bustling and lifelike Metro Kingdom, a remarkable recreation of New York City. This journey through dazzling landscapes, from the candy-colored Luncheon Kingdom to the hauntingly beautiful Ruined Kingdom, keeps the gaming experience continually fresh and invigorating.

A standout feature of Super Mario Odyssey, the innovative capture mechanic, introduces extraordinary dynamics to the gameplay. Cappy, a living hat that Mario dons, can possess enemies and objects within the game world. This ability to “capture” transforms gameplay, empowering Mario with new skills and possibilities. Want to swim swiftly? Capture a Cheep Cheep. Need to demolish walls? Capture a Bullet Bill. The myriad of capture targets adds layers of depth and strategy while maintaining the game’s inherent whimsical nature.

The mission to collect Power Moons, a departure from the traditional stars found in previous titles, serves as Odyssey’s core objective. These Power Moons fuel your airship, the Odyssey, allowing travel to new worlds. The process of uncovering these Moons is part of the game’s addictive charm. Their placement is frequently intuitive, sometimes delightfully surprising, prompting exploration and experimentation. Each Moon acquired feels like an achievement; even those that appear simple at first uncover complexity with a second look.

Visually, Super Mario Odyssey is a feast for the eyes. Nintendo has leveraged the Switch’s hardware capabilities to present worlds brimming with color, detail, and life. From the shimmering water effects in the Seaside Kingdom to the meticulously rendered urban skyline of the Metro Kingdom, every pixel serves a purpose. The animation of Mario’s every move — his leaps, twirls, and ground pounds — is fluid and responsive, enhancing the game’s tactile satisfaction.

Accompanying these visuals is an exceptional soundtrack, a testament to Nintendo’s dedication to creating holistic gaming experiences. Each kingdom foreshadows its soundtrack, evoking a distinct atmosphere that enhances the immersion. Capture the sound of New Donk City with upbeat jazz, mirror sand dunes with evocative Middle Eastern sounds, and feel Luncheon Kingdom’s quirky theme align with its playful design. These tracks, interspersed with nostalgic renditions of classic Mario tunes, amplify the allure for long-time fans and newcomers alike.

Apart from auditory and visual aesthetics, the game excels in technical execution. The controls are intuitive, and the responsiveness is stellar whether you’re using Joy-Cons or a Pro Controller. Movements feel natural; whether you’re executing a triple jump or performing a complex hat bounce, the fluidity ensures that you’re at home piloting Mario through diverse challenges. This precision complements the game’s sometimes demanding platforming sections, ensuring satisfaction runs high even in defeat.

The narrative of Super Mario Odyssey, though traditional in its damsel-rescue structure, holds delightful surprises and memorable character interactions. Bowser is, as always, looming as a formidable but comically charismatic foe. Princess Peach, however, undergoes a subtle characterization shift, establishing her independence in surprising ways by the game’s climactic moments. Mario’s burgeoning friendship with Cappy provides an emotional heart to this adventure, one portrayed through small dialogues and expressive character animations.

The game doesn’t skimp on additional content either; post-story gameplay opens up new challenges and harder objectives, rewarding players who are completionists at heart. Additionally, players can enjoy various minigames scattered across kingdoms, engaging in activities from foot racing to beach volleyball. These diversions offer refreshing breaks from the central quest, further enhancing the game’s depth and replayability.

Given that Super Mario Odyssey serves as a joyous celebration of Mario’s rich history, subtler references abound for the discerning fan. Encounter nostalgic nods to past titles, including Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine. These moments don’t simply evoke nostalgia; they reaffirm the continuity of the franchise’s evolution and reaffirm its influential role in gaming history.

These nostalgic elements, coupled with Odyssey’s ambition and polish, elevate its standing in Mario’s esteemed lineage of games. The game’s ability to appeal to both veteran players who yearn for a call-back to simpler times and new fans seeking accessible yet deep gameplay is a testament to its finesse.

Super Mario Odyssey is more than just an evolution; it encapsulates the essence of what makes Mario enduringly captivating. By balancing innovation with a respect for tradition, the game achieves something special — it transcends mere entertainment to become a cultural touchstone, reminding players why they fell in love with video games in the first place.

Amidst the myriad components that make up this masterpiece, perhaps its greatest strength lies in its power to invoke joy. As you journey with Mario and Cappy, traversing wondrous worlds, you experience not just a game, but an invitation to dream, explore, and smile. It’s this spirit of boundless discovery, this exuberant leap of faith into the unknown, that truly underscores Super Mario Odyssey as a crowning jewel in the Nintendo universe.