The first Super Mario Odyssey review is out in the wild, and as we previously reported the UK gaming magazine EDGE gave the upcoming Nintendo Switch game a perfect score of 10 out of 10.
As I continue to struggle to contain my excitement for the game, I picked up the latest edition of the magazine to read their thoughts on it. As such, I’ve noted seven pieces of exciting info the review revealed about Super Mario Odyssey, ahead of the game’s release later this month. There are some minor spoilers ahead, so if you want to go into the game with a fresh pair of eyes, you’ve been warned:
Super Mario Odyssey: There are over 50 Cappy transformations
Cappy is the sentient hat that sits perched atop Mario’s head throughout Super Mario Odyssey, allowing the plumber to assume control of various enemies and characters throughout the game. EDGE notes that there are “50 or so” Cappy transformations, ranging from dinosaurs, to Bullet Bills to Hammer Bros. There’s also apparently an enemy near the end of the game that will be a dream come true for speedrunners, though the review doesn’t elaborate upon this.
50 Cappy transformations effectively means that Mario is afforded 50 separate power-ups, which is a huge amount. In previews of the game we’ve already seen how many of them drastically impact upon its gameplay, and from the sounds of things we haven’t even seen the tip of the iceberg in this regard. I can’t wait to see what tricks Cappy has up its sleeve in the final game.
Also: Super Mario Odyssey Is a Skillful Blend of Old and New 3D Mario
Super Mario Odyssey: It plays better when in TV mode
According to EDGE, playing Super Mario Odyssey in handheld mode is a bit of a compromise. While it’s apparently perfectly functional, the game is intended to be played with the Joy-Cons detached and held separately, as certain moves require motion control to pull them off satisfyingly. As is to be expected, some of the game’s impressive visual details are also reportedly lost in the transition from TV mode to Handheld mode, so while playing on the move is certainly on the option, keeping your Switch docked is preferable.
Super Mario Odyssey: It’s a lot like Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was arguably the greatest Zelda game to date, and Nintendo clearly knew what they had on their hands while creating it, as Super Mario Odyssey reportedly follows a similar path. EDGE notes that it pushes players to explore its sandbox worlds, seeking out hidden secrets and finding their own way through its environments. Though it isn’t as large as Breath of the Wild’s Hyrule, it’s apparently the most “open” Mario game since Super Mario 64. Which brings us to…
Super Mario Odyssey: It’s a true successor to Super Mario 64
EDGE calls Super Mario Odyssey “a true reinvention of the sandbox platformer,” with it apparently being the Super Mario 64 sequel that Super Mario Sunshine wasn’t. While EDGE notes that Super Mario Odyssey draws inspiration from many Mario games before it, its open-world environments and how you access them (Mario jumps through paintings) show that its clearly set in the Mario 64 mold.
Super Mario Odyssey: Peach has a surprising postgame role
As per usual, Peach begins the game as a damsel in distress after being captured by Bowser, but the princess reportedly has much more to do after the credits have rolled. “Her role expands in the postgame, though not in the way you might expect,” EDGE noted. The review also added that “a single late-game reaction shot is likely to go down in history for its potential ramifications for the series’ lore.”
Super Mario Odyssey: Coins have a new importance
For a while now coins haven’t been particularly important in Mario games, but Super Mario Odyssey changes that. Now the coins are used to purchase new outfits for Mario to wear, requiring players to keep a hold of their stash and desperately try not to lose them, while purple coins can also be used to hand over to NPCs.
Super Mario Odyssey: Mario’s iconic cap has been destroyed
Cappy manages to perch himself on Mario’s ahead as a result of the plumber’s original hat, which has accompanied him on his adventures for over three decades, being destroyed in the opening minutes of the game. According to EDGE, Bowser’s flying ship slices up the iconic cap with its propellers, so it’s not exactly a dignified end for the item of clothing.
