Super Mario Odyssey Review: Nintendo Switch's Globe-Trotting Masterpiece

Super Mario Odyssey Review: Nintendo Switch's Globe-Trotting Masterpiece Since its worldwide launch on October 27, 2017, Super Mario Odyssey has firmly established itself as a defining experience on the Nintendo Switch.

Developed by Nintendo EPD, this 3D platformer ushers the iconic Mario franchise into a new era of open-world exploration, reinventing beloved mechanics while maintaining the timeless charm and innovation that have become hallmarks of the series.

As Mario's quest to save Princess Peach from Bowser’s latest nefarious plot unfolds, this Switch exclusive showcases the best of Nintendo's creativity and technical prowess. The adventure ignites when Bowser kidnaps Princess Peach with the extravagant aim of hosting a royal wedding.

Thwarted in his initial rescue attempt, Mario is cast from Bowser's formidable airship, crashing into the spectral Cap Kingdom.

It's here that he meets Cappy, a cap-shaped companion whose sister, Tiara, has also fallen victim to Bowser's ploy.

With all airships in ruins, Cappy recalls a surviving vessel in a neighboring kingdom, setting the duo on an epic pursuit across a diverse array of kingdoms, each packed with unique secrets and challenges. Super Mario Odyssey honors Mario’s established move set—Long Jump, Ground Pound, Triple Jump—while re-energizing gameplay with Cappy's inventive abilities.

Players can toss Cappy in any direction, hit targets, perform ‘Cap Jumps’ for extra traversal distance, and even use momentum-based shortcuts.

As described by the development team, these new mechanics give Mario a fresh versatility, rewarding experimentation and skillful play on the Nintendo Switch, especially when using the Joy-Con controllers. Transformative gameplay arrives through the Capture mechanic.

Instead of relying on traditional power-ups like the Fire Flower or Tanooki Suit, Mario can now seize the abilities of various enemies and objects, from bounding as a frog to stomping as a T-Rex.

Each capture is seamlessly voiced (including classic Mario actor Charles Martinet), infusing humor and personality into every transformation. Enhancing accessibility, Nintendo offers both button and motion control options, with motion gestures enabling higher jumps and faster actions.

The co-op mode encourages teamwork: one player directs Mario while another controls Cappy, providing a cooperative experience ideal for family play.

The Assist Mode further diversifies accessibility, offering added hearts, recovery systems, and guided arrows, making it approachable for players of all ages and skill levels. Super Mario Odyssey's expansive kingdoms blend sandbox design with focused challenges, ensuring that each locale—from the bustling Metro Kingdom to serene distant isles—is distinct, brimming with hidden Power Moons and vibrant mini-games.

These include creative activities like Trace-Walking, the Jump-Rope Challenge, and Picture Match—each reinforcing the game's spirit of discovery and surprise.

Online leaderboards foster friendly competition on a global scale. For completionists, the journey extends well past the credits.

With over 800 Power Moons to collect, warp holes to uncover, Hint Art puzzles to decipher, and Koopa Freerunning races to master, the postgame offers an impressive bounty of content.

amiibo support, including exclusive rewards from Mario, Peach, and Bowser wedding figures, helps pinpoint elusive collectibles and unlock special costumes—though all outfits remain accessible through regular gameplay. Snapshot Mode invites players to capture and share their favorite moments, reinforcing Odyssey's status as both an adventure and a celebration of Mario's enduring legacy.

Despite some minor drawbacks—such as the repetitive nature of certain boss battles and mild draw distance issues in larger kingdoms—the game delivers a consistently dazzling, joyful experience. Super Mario Odyssey is a testament to Nintendo's mastery of game design, combining innovative mechanics, whimsical exploration, and boundless charm.

As a flagship title for the Nintendo Switch, it serves as a reminder of why Mario remains the face of video games for generations of players worldwide.

This adventure stands not only among the greatest in Mario’s storied history but also as one of the finest platforming experiences available today.

Super Mario Odyssey Nintendo Nintendo Switch Mario Princess Peach Bowser Cappy Cap Kingdom Tiara Joy-Con amiibo Metro Kingdom Charles Martinet Crazy Cap Uncle amiibo