Despite the stark difference in presentation, retro challenges fit smartly not only into the spaces you're exploring, but within the general flow of gameplay. And because these sections are 2D, it stands to reason-in a game filled with loopy logic-that these occur on the surface of locations like lake bottoms and on the side of skyscrapers. One of the most interesting facets of Odyssey is its seamless incorporation of 8-bit Super Mario Bros. Combined with the game's typically unusual tasks, and all the capturable enemies and objects, Odyssey very quickly becomes a game that's easy to admire. When used in harmony, Mario's innate athleticism and Cappy's support allow for intricate and efficient traversal. Given that two players have to share a single camera, this isn't necessarily a great way to overcome difficult objectives, but it can be a great source of amusement.īy and large Cappy's tricks are easy to use yet difficult to master in conjunction with Mario's various flips, bounds, and hops. It's also possible for a second player to join in and control Cappy as a full-fledged independent character capable of collecting coins, defeating small enemies, and remotely possessing targets while Mario does his thing. It's a blemish, albeit a small one, as no critical objectives require complex manipulation of Cappy's trajectory. Some of his abilities can be triggered via motion controls or button presses, but the few that require you to flick your controller one way or the other are unwieldy when playing specifically in handheld mode.

The opportunities introduced by possessing others isn't just an easy source of laughs, but also works hand in hand with Odyssey's ever-present challenges.Ĭappy's usefulness extends beyond his mind-control capability: he can be thrown like a boomerang to retrieve coins or used as a trampoline to extend the range of your jumps. These emphasize just how impressive Cappy's ability is in the context of a Mario game, and how Odyssey doesn't want you to just work for your moons, but enjoy the process from the get-go. There are also plenty of exceptional set-piece possessions to look forward to, like a T-Rex or the tank you control in New Donk City. There's usually always something in sight that you can possess and some way to exploit its traits. Highlights include a caterpillar's ability to stretch around bends like an accordion and the stout Pokio bird's beak, which can be stuck into walls and used to fling you to hard-to-reach places. The opportunities introduced by possessing others isn't just an easy source of laughs, but also works hand in hand with Odyssey's ever-present challenges. Shout out to the Easter Island-inspired statues that wear pink shades to reveal hidden platforms. The selection of 52 the likes of lowly Goomba grunts and flying Bullet Bills to unexpected hits like a Christmas tree or a giant slab of neon meat. Cappy is content resting atop Mario's head, but when you spot another character without a hat, friend or foe, you can simply throw him on their head to take over their body and put their unique skills to use. You're guided through all of this by Cappy, Mario's new sidekick: a living hat that can possess the minds of other creatures and put you in the driver's seat. All the extra space is invaluable, as the dense layouts of challenges and rewards justifies every building and landmass you encounter. Its environments are bigger and some of the most interesting ever seen in a Mario game-just wait until you lay eyes on Bowser's elaborate fortress.

Though it isn't necessarily a groundbreaking game like its ancestor, which redefined expectations for 3D games at large, Odyssey outpaces it at every turn. Its collection of open-world Kingdoms is varied and broad, and sometimes clearly inspired by Super Mario 64. It generously doles out new worlds to explore, effortlessly cycling from one charming enemy and unique gameplay idea to the next. It is comfortable in absurdity and wields this attitude to cut through the limitations of its otherwise straightforward structure and keep you smiling all along the way.Ībove all else, Odyssey is refined.

It surprises you with not just inventive mechanics, of which there are many, but with expertly tuned level design and moments of charismatic wit. Super Mario Odyssey displays a clear understanding of what makes Mario tick, and is neck and neck for top billing among its esteemed predecessors.

Super mario odyssey gameplay