Super Mario Odyssey is a 3D platformer and action adventure game developed for the Nintendo Switch. Players control Mario as he travels across multiple kingdoms to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser, who intends to marry her. The game emphasizes exploration, precise platforming, and creative use of abilities in open-ended levels filled with collectibles.
Gameplay
Mario gains a new companion named Cappy early in the adventure. Cappy allows Mario to throw his hat at enemies, creatures, and certain objects. This capture ability lets Mario take control of the target and use its unique movement or attack options to solve puzzles and reach new areas. Examples include steering a Bullet Bill for flight or rolling as a boulder to break obstacles. The core loop revolves around navigating detailed environments, jumping between platforms, and using captures to access hidden spots.
Progression centers on collecting Power Moons scattered throughout each kingdom. These moons serve as the main currency for unlocking new worlds and advancing the story. Kingdoms feature varied themes and layouts, from urban streets to sandy deserts and forested regions, encouraging players to revisit areas after gaining new captures. Mario retains classic moves like jumping, ground pounding, and wall jumping, which combine with Cappy throws for layered challenges.
Game Modes
The primary experience is a single-player campaign that guides Mario through a sequence of kingdoms. Players explore at their own pace, completing objectives tied to moon collection and story events. Local co-op support allows a second player to control Cappy independently during the same campaign. The second player assists by throwing the hat or providing extra mobility options in platforming sections and boss encounters.
No additional competitive or online modes exist. The focus remains on the cooperative and solo adventure structure, with all content accessible through the main journey and optional post-game moon hunting.
Story and Kingdoms
The narrative follows Mario's pursuit of Bowser across diverse locations. Each kingdom presents unique characters and environmental interactions that tie into the capture system. Bowser's plans create a lighthearted framing device that leads Mario through a series of set-piece moments and boss fights. The story advances linearly between kingdoms but leaves room for free exploration within each one.
Is It Worth Playing?
Super Mario Odyssey delivers a polished 3D platforming experience built around creative mechanics and varied level design. The capture system adds depth to movement and puzzle-solving without complicating the controls. Local co-op provides an engaging way to share the adventure with another player. The game runs exclusively on Nintendo Switch hardware and remains available through standard retail and digital channels. Reception has been strongly positive across professional reviews and player feedback, with many highlighting the inventive worlds and satisfying collectible hunt. It suits players who enjoy exploration-focused platformers and those looking for a complete single-player or shared campaign on the Switch. The absence of post-launch seasons or updates means the full experience stands as released in 2017, making it a self-contained title worth considering for its core strengths in platforming and ability-driven gameplay.
