Super Mario Odyssey

Super Mario Odyssey: A Modern Classic for All Generations

Released on October 27, 2017, Super Mario Odyssey was developed by Nintendo EPD and published for the Nintendo Switch. As one of the console’s launch highlights, it quickly became a standout title, redefining the platformer genre with its innovative mechanics, nostalgic callbacks, and boundless creativity.

The Adventure Begins

The story is quintessentially Mario: Bowser has kidnapped Princess Peach and plans to marry her against her will. Joining Mario on his quest is Cappy, a ghostly hat companion who is also on a mission to save his sister, Tiara. Their adventure is tied together by the Odyssey, a cap-shaped ship that runs on Power Moons.

Innovative Gameplay: Cappy and Capture Mechanics

The game’s defining feature is Mario’s ability to “capture” enemies and objects by throwing Cappy at them. This opens up new ways to play, as captured creatures lend Mario their unique abilities. For instance, Goombas can stack for added height, Bullet Bills can fly over gaps, and Mario can even take control of a towering T-Rex to cause mayhem. In the Luncheon Kingdom, capturing a Lava Bubble grants extreme maneuverability across lava, making the traversal so enjoyable it feels like a game in itself.

Motion Controls: A Divisive Feature

The inclusion of motion controls adds depth to Mario's move set, enabling actions like upward or downward Cappy throws by flicking the Joy-Con controllers. However, this comes with some challenges. Playing in portable mode with the Joy-Cons attached limits access to certain moves, like rolling continuously or executing high frog jumps. Detaching the Joy-Cons solves this but can make the console unstable.

Longevity and Replayability

Even after completing the main story, the adventure is far from over. The abundance of Power Moons ensures that completionists have hours of exploration and challenges ahead.

The Kingdoms of Super Mario Odyssey

Mushroom Kingdom: Centered around Peach's Castle, this kingdom serves as a nostalgic return to Mario's classic roots.
Cap Kingdom: Home to Bonneton, a fog-laden land inhabited by hat-like beings.
Cascade Kingdom: Features Fossil Falls, a prehistoric landscape with cascading waterfalls and ancient fossils.
Sand Kingdom: Encompasses Tostarena, a vast desert with towering ruins and vibrant towns.
Lake Kingdom: Contains Lake Lamode, an elegant underwater realm known for its fashion and beauty.
Wooded Kingdom: Hosts Steam Gardens, a fusion of lush forests and mechanical flora.
Cloud Kingdom: Known as Nimbus Arena, a serene, cloud-filled domain where pivotal battles occur.
Lost Kingdom: Also called Forgotten Isle, a mysterious, uncharted territory shrouded in intrigue.
Metro Kingdom: Home to New Donk City, a bustling metropolis inspired by New York City.
Snow Kingdom: Features Shiveria, a frosty land with hidden villages beneath the snow.
Seaside Kingdom: Encompasses Bubblaine, a tropical paradise with sparkling seas and coral reefs.
Luncheon Kingdom: Contains Mount Volbono, a colorful world where food-themed landscapes abound.
Ruined Kingdom: Known as Crumbleden, a desolate area with remnants of ancient structures.
Bowser's Kingdom: Features Bowser's Castle, a fortress with traditional Japanese architectural elements.
Moon Kingdom: Hosts Honeylune Ridge, a lunar landscape where gravity-defying adventures await.
Dark Side: Rabbit Ridge, accessible after collecting 250 Power Moons, presents formidable challenges.
Darker Side: Culmina Crater, unlocked with 500 Power Moons, offers the ultimate test of skill.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Innovative capture mechanics introduce fresh gameplay elements.
Diverse and expansive kingdoms encourage exploration.
Rich post-game content with additional challenges and secrets.

Cons

Motion controls can be cumbersome in handheld mode.
Some mini-games may feel repetitive over time.

Verdict

Super Mario Odyssey isn’t just a game—it’s a celebration of everything that makes Mario iconic. With its innovative mechanics, rich exploration, and heartfelt nods to the past, it balances nostalgia and modernity perfectly. A must-play for Mario fans and newcomers alike, it solidifies its place as one of the greatest platformers of all time, setting a new benchmark for creativity and adventure in gaming. Whether you’re a longtime fan or stepping into Mario’s world for the first time, Super Mario Odyssey promises an unforgettable journey.