Super Mario Odyssey Review: Nintendo's Bold 3D Platformer, Eight Years Later

Super Mario Odyssey Review: Nintendo's Bold 3D Platformer, Eight Years Later Super Mario Odyssey launched worldwide on October 27, 2017, as one of the Nintendo Switch’s flagship releases and quickly established itself as a standout title in the platform’s library.

Developed by Nintendo EPD, it marked a major turning point for the Super Mario series, revitalizing the franchise with inventive gameplay and reinvigorating longtime fans who had felt the series was becoming too formulaic.

Released to resounding critical acclaim, Odyssey demonstrated Nintendo’s commitment to creative evolution in its core franchises, following a period where titles like Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam and Super Mario 3D World were criticized for lacking innovation. A New Dawn for Mario Platformers Super Mario Odyssey’s first reveal trailer set the tone for what would define the game: the iconic "capture mechanic".

Showcased alongside glimpses of the vibrant New Donk City and an instantly memorable theme song, Nintendo signaled a return to bold, experimental ideas.

Upon release, Odyssey earned praise for its inventive level design and dynamic movement options, adding depth and replayability to Mario’s move set through the introduction of his new ally, Cappy.

Players discovered that the cap throw was not only useful as an attack but also crucial for platforming, encouraging high-level play and creative exploration.

With moves like Mario’s roll, triple jump, and Cappy’s directional throws, the skill ceiling soared—offering substantial rewards for mastery. Innovative Mechanics, Minor Setbacks Odyssey’s "capture" mechanics, allowing Mario to inhabit a variety of creatures and objects, were met with enthusiasm for their seamless integration into each kingdom’s design.

Simple yet effective, these captures allowed for creative puzzle-solving and traversal—whether shooting cannons as a tank or bouncing across lava as a Lava Bubble in the Luncheon Kingdom.

While some of these abilities were straightforward, their placement and utility within the game world showed thoughtful design from Nintendo’s developers.

However, Super Mario Odyssey’s heavy reliance on motion controls, especially in handheld mode, drew criticism.

Several abilities, including specific attacks or movements locked behind controller shaking, created an uneven experience between play styles.

Nintendo acknowledged this feedback in later software updates but the limitation remains a notable point for dedicated handheld players. Level Design and Enduring Appeal The kingdom design in Super Mario Odyssey is one of its greatest strengths.

Rather than creating vast open worlds, Nintendo opted for smaller, densely packed levels brimming with secrets and the collectible Power Moons.

These kingdoms—each with distinct visual themes and catchy musical scores, including 8-bit remixes for 2D segments—exemplify the classic Nintendo touch.

New Donk City, in particular, remains a fan favorite, with its festival sequence frequently cited as a highlight of the entire game.

While some players have critiqued the ease with which Power Moons can be collected, and the occasional repetitiveness of certain tasks, the density of engaging content has contributed to its long-term replayability. Boss Battles, Story, and Lasting Legacy Odyssey features inventive boss encounters, such as Knucklotec and the memorable Ruined Dragon, standing out as creative and satisfying battles.

However, the Broodals—a recurring group of antagonists—are less impactful due to their repeated appearances.

Although the final boss fights borrow elements from earlier stages, the post-battle inclusion of the Mushroom Kingdom as a post-game world gives players additional reasons to return even after the credits roll. Lasting Impact on the Nintendo Switch Super Mario Odyssey remains a hallmark 3D platformer, cementing Nintendo’s mastery of the genre.

As of 2024, the title has sold over 26 million copies, making it one of the best-selling games on Nintendo Switch.

The release of Switch 2 has further enhanced Odyssey with improved resolution and textures, ensuring its legacy continues for the next generation.

While anticipation builds for the next 3D Mario installment, Odyssey stands as a testament to innovation and meticulous design within the Mario series.

For both newcomers and returning fans, it remains an essential title.

Nintendo Switch Super Mario Odyssey Nintendo Mario Switch Super Mario Cappy New Donk City Mushroom Kingdom Bowser Donkey Kong Bananza