Super Mario Odyssey

About Super Mario Odyssey

Super Mario Odyssey dropped on the Switch on October 27, 2017, and it remains a defining title for the platform. Nintendo EPD Production Group No. 8 crafted this adventure game that pushes the series into open-world spaces while keeping its roots intact. You play as Mario alongside Cappy, a sentient hat spirit from the Cap Kingdom. Their mission involves chasing Bowser across diverse global locations to stop a forced royal wedding. The game launched exclusively for the Nintendo Switch and is now playable on the Nintendo Switch 2. It supports both single-player campaigns and co-operative modes where a second player controls Cappy to help solve puzzles or reach hidden areas.

Gameplay

The core loop involves running, jumping, and throwing Cappy to possess enemies and objects. You might control a T-Rex to smash through walls or pilot a Tank to clear paths. A typical session sees you exploring large 3D environments like New Donk City or the Snow Kingdom to find Power Moons. Collecting these moons fuels the Odyssey airship, unlocking new travel destinations. The controls feel tight, with Cappy acting as both a ranged weapon and a tool for interaction. You can stack Goombas to reach high ledges or possess creatures to gain special movement abilities. Sessions vary from quick side quests to longer exploration runs where you hunt down every secret moon in a region.

What Players Think

Critics and players rate this game exceptionally high across the board. Metacritic holds it at 97/100 while OpenCritic shows a 97/100 score with 98.01% of critics recommending it. IGDB lists an average of 92.9 out of 100 based on 1765 ratings. Reviewers describe the design as flawless and addictive, noting how it honors thirty years of history while introducing fresh mechanics. The community vibes lean heavily toward cooperative play and emotional moments, with recent mood tags reflecting these sentiments. Players often cite the game as an antidote to stress because of its pure fun factor. Achievement data suggests high completion rates for those who chase every moon, proving the depth available beyond the main story.

PlayPile's Take

This title is worth the full price if you want a polished platformer that respects your time. It targets anyone who enjoys exploration or wants a game to play with friends in co-op mode. The achievement system encourages thoroughness without forcing tedious grinding since every moon feels like a natural reward for discovery. You do not need to be a completionist to enjoy the ninety-plus hours of content, but finishing it offers a genuine sense of accomplishment. If you own a Switch or Switch 2, this is a mandatory purchase that stands out even in a library full of Nintendo classics.

Storyline

Bowser has kidnapped Princess Peach once again, but this time, he plans to force her into a royal wedding! Mario sets off on a globe-trotting adventure beyond the Mushroom Kingdom, teaming up with Cappy, a mysterious hat-shaped spirit from the Cap Kingdom whose sister Tiara was also taken by Bowser. Together, they travel across vast and colorful kingdoms aboard the airship Odyssey, collecting Power Moons to fuel their journey. Using Cappy’s powers, Mario can “capture” enemies, objects, and creatures to gain their abilities, from a Goomba stack to a mighty T-Rex. From the bustling streets of New Donk City to the frozen peaks of the Snow Kingdom, Mario and Cappy must chase Bowser across the world to stop his forced wedding and rescue Peach and Tiara before it’s too late.