Super Mario Odyssey Review

Mario games are almost as old as consoles themselves, and every new entry in the series is met with a great deal of triumphalism and anticipation. Almost every main entry receives nigh-on perfect scores when review embargoes lift, and it’s only in the fullness of time that a true opinion forms.

Super Mario Sunshine is a perfect example. The GameCube game sits at 92/100 on the long-standing game aggregate site Metacritic, but is routinely panned in a number of media circles for being a weak Mario game with a number of issues.

So, as Super Mario Odyssey sits at 98/100 on the more modern Open Critic, will Odyssey stand the test of time like Galaxy? Or be ridiculed in the future like Sunshine?

So far, we’ve played Odyssey extensively and have loved every minute of it. The change this time compared to Mario’s previous adventures is in the way Nintendo has altered the layout of the levels and also the addition of Mario’s companion for this adventure, Cappy.

Your hat friend takes the place of Mario’s usual head garment and can be swung in more than a few ways. Most intriguingly, it can be used to force Mario into the body of other enemies and objects in order to take over them, allowing you to use different actions and reach new areas that Mario on his own wouldn’t be able to get to.

This time around, you’re after Power Moons, which fuel Mario and Cappy’s ship, the Odyssey. Once again, you’re chasing Bowser, except this time it’s around the world in an attempt to (yet again) free Princess Peach. The only difference is that this time Bowser is trying to marry her, so you need to catch him and save the day.

Exploration at Its Core

In every Kingdom you visit, Mario will find Moons in a variety of places. Some will need a simple Ground Pound to uncover, others will require you to beat Koopas in a free-running race, some will require more intricate platforming, and there’s also the odd boss fight to take care of. That doesn’t quite cover it all though. The variety of missions and challenges that you’ll face when collecting Moons will differ considerably. From the super easy to the most difficult of jumps, the way you play through Odyssey will differ depending on how you want to play it.

You can spend ages in the first main world and collect as many Moons on offer by exploring the breadth of the world, or you can acquire just a few Moons and move on. However you want to move forward, the game doesn’t penalize you for it. You can make it to the final boss with a modest 100-plus Moons or get to the end with a more substantial amount.

The worlds you’ll visit don’t just differ by aesthetics but also by size. Some you visit will be large open worlds that you can scale horizontally as well as vertically, while others will be more linear and controlled. Despite the size differences, each offers plenty of opportunities to use yours and Cappy’s abilities, and Odyssey features some really great uses of taking over other characters.

In the Sand Kingdom, you’ll need to take over a creature that lets you see hidden paths in order to cross poisonous lakes. In New Donk City, you’ll use scooters to drive away from an oncoming monster, and the Snow Kingdom lets you take over a unique creature who races in a special kind of way – we won’t spoil it here, but needless to say, it’s a fun change from the usual run, jump, and collect. The best thing is that this is just a small selection of the tens (maybe hundreds?) of creatures you can capture and take advantage of to get new gameplay mechanics.

Beyond the Story: Collecting Moons and Expanding Your Adventure

Completing Odyssey’s story is just part of the overall picture, though. There are over 900 Moons to collect in the game, as well as additional levels to unlock after the end credits roll. So while the game can be beaten in a traditional sense, those who want to carry on for hours more will find plenty to get their teeth stuck into.

One thing that resonated with me whilst playing is how there was always something to do or places to go. Exploration is the game’s biggest plus, and how, no matter where you go, you’re always rewarded. Whether it be a special 2D section or a hidden puzzle, that once completed, provides you with a Moon. Odyssey rewards explorers and those with a nose for discovery, and at almost every turn, it does so with a smile.

One thing about Odyssey that may be a worry for some is that it isn’t overly difficult. You can easily get through most of the levels and to the end boss without dying too many times. This is in part due to the game’s health system, which allows for 3 hits before you find yourself restarting again. You can even add 3 additional hit points to your health meter by finding a certain Heart icon. Lives have also been removed in a series first and instead replaced by a cost of 10 coins each time you restart. However, you’ll never run out of coins as they’re plentiful and can be spent to give Mario new costumes.

A Constant Delight in Details

Each world you visit will also have its own special currency, which is limited and can only be spent in the world you find them in. This will also unlock different items of clothes, stickers, and statues which will be placed within your ship.

I could go on all day about the small touches that Odyssey presents to the player and the special moments it’s able to conjure up, but, honestly, it would spoil a truly magical game. Odyssey is best to be explored on your own. Don’t search for spoilers, even early-game ones, and don’t use a guide. Just discover. Super Mario Odyssey is best played when you know as little as possible. You’ll be surprised when you throw your hat onto objects you wouldn’t think you could capture and control in your wildest dreams. So, buy Odyssey, play Odyssey, and enjoy Odyssey.

The Magic of a Timeless Game

As we reflect on the longevity of Mario games, one thing is clear: Super Mario Odyssey stands as a modern masterpiece in the franchise. While past entries like Super Mario Galaxy have earned their place in the history books, Odyssey is already shaping up to be a title that fans and newcomers alike will look back on fondly. The game blends nostalgia with innovative mechanics in a way that feels fresh but familiar, making it a timeless experience for players of all ages.

It’s also worth noting that Nintendo’s ability to keep the series evolving while staying true to its roots is what keeps Mario games exciting. With each new entry, there’s always something to surprise you, whether it’s a new gameplay mechanic, a fresh world to explore, or an unexpected twist. In that sense, Super Mario Odyssey feels like a perfect blend of the old and the new, capturing the essence of what makes Mario games so beloved while providing plenty of innovation to keep things fresh.

As we look forward to future Mario titles, Odyssey proves that Nintendo’s iconic plumber isn’t just a relic of the past, but an ongoing symbol of creativity and fun in the gaming world. So whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, Super Mario Odyssey offers a journey you won’t soon forget.

Search

Popular Posts

  • Inside the Minds of Game Developers: Insights from Industry Experts
    Inside the Minds of Game Developers: Insights from Industry Experts

    Ever wondered what goes into the creation of your favorite video games? Game development is a complex process involving art, storytelling, programming, and innovative design. Bringing a game to life requires collaboration among designers, artists, writers, programmers, and producers, each contributing to an intricate creative process. In this article, we delve into exclusive insights from…

  • The Impact of Gaming on Mental Health: Benefits and Concerns
    The Impact of Gaming on Mental Health: Benefits and Concerns

    Gaming is often viewed with mixed opinions regarding its effects on mental health. While excessive gaming can lead to addiction and social isolation, research also highlights numerous cognitive and psychological benefits. The evolution of gaming has introduced complex, immersive experiences that engage players on multiple levels, influencing their mental and emotional well-being. This article examines…

  • The Evolution of Gaming: From Pixels to Photorealism
    The Evolution of Gaming: From Pixels to Photorealism

    The gaming industry has undergone a monumental transformation since its inception. What once started as simple pixelated adventures has evolved into photorealistic worlds powered by cutting-edge technology. With each passing decade, gaming has pushed the boundaries of graphics, mechanics, and immersion, redefining entertainment in ways never imagined before. This article delves into the key milestones…