Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury Review
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury isn’t just a re-release; it’s a meticulously crafted package offering a delightful blend of nostalgia and innovation. The core gameplay remains as charming as ever, a testament to Nintendo’s enduring design prowess. Bowser’s Fury, however, is a completely new experience, a bold and exciting expansion that pushes the boundaries of what we’ve come to expect from a 3D Mario title. This review will delve into both aspects, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and overall impact on the gaming landscape.
A Nostalgic Trip Down Memory Lane: Super Mario 3D World
For those unfamiliar, Super Mario 3D World originally launched on the Wii U, a console that, let’s be honest, didn’t quite reach the heights of its predecessors. Despite its relatively low profile, the game itself was a critical darling, praised for its vibrant visuals, intuitive controls, and cleverly designed levels. Its port to the Switch, however, breathes new life into this gem, allowing a far wider audience to experience its delights.
The game’s charm lies in its perfect balance between platforming precision and cooperative chaos. Whether playing solo or with up to three friends, the experience is consistently engaging and rewarding. The power-ups are diverse and inventive, adding layers of strategic depth to each level. The Super Bell, for example, transforms Mario and his companions into adorable, cat-like creatures, granting them unique abilities like wall-climbing and enhanced attacks. This constant sense of discovery and experimentation keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting.
Level Design and Innovation
The level design in Super Mario 3D World is nothing short of masterful. Each stage is meticulously crafted, brimming with secrets, hidden pathways, and cleverly placed challenges. The game skillfully blends familiar Mario elements with innovative mechanics, creating a unique and engaging experience that never feels stale. The incorporation of various power-ups and environmental interactions keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting, preventing any sense of monotony.
The game’s use of perspective and spatial awareness is also noteworthy. Levels often utilize multiple planes of depth, encouraging players to explore every nook and cranny. This thoughtful level design rewards careful observation and strategic thinking, adding a welcome layer of complexity to what could have otherwise been a simple platformer.
Multiplayer Mayhem and Cooperative Fun
Super Mario 3D World truly shines in its multiplayer mode. The cooperative gameplay is seamlessly integrated, allowing players to work together to overcome challenges and collect hidden items. The ability to help each other, whether by strategically using power-ups or simply providing a helping hand, enhances the overall experience, fostering a sense of camaraderie and teamwork.
While the competitive aspect isn’t heavily emphasized, the inherent playful nature of the game often leads to moments of friendly rivalry, adding another layer of entertainment. The possibility of accidental (or intentional) sabotage adds a touch of unpredictable fun, enhancing the overall chaotic, yet delightful, multiplayer experience.
Bowser’s Fury: A Bold New Chapter
Bowser’s Fury is not merely an expansion; it’s a completely new experience, a bold experiment that reimagines the core mechanics of a 3D Mario game. Unlike the structured levels of Super Mario 3D World, Bowser’s Fury presents a large, open-world environment to explore. This shift in perspective significantly alters the gameplay dynamic, demanding a more exploratory and improvisational approach.
The open world is teeming with secrets, hidden areas, and challenges that reward exploration and curiosity. The ability to freely roam and discover new areas is a significant departure from the linear structure of Super Mario 3D World, offering a much more liberating and immersive experience.
Exploring the Open World
Navigating Bowser’s Fury’s open world is a joy. The sense of scale is impressive, with towering structures, hidden islands, and vast stretches of water. The environments are vibrant and visually stunning, with a distinctive artistic style that sets it apart from the more traditional aesthetic of Super Mario 3D World. The game’s use of color and lighting creates a visually captivating world that is as much a pleasure to look at as it is to play.
The freedom to explore is a key component of Bowser’s Fury’s appeal. Players are encouraged to roam freely, discovering hidden areas, uncovering secrets, and tackling challenges at their own pace. This open-ended approach to gameplay allows for a more personal and engaging experience, catering to individual playstyles.
Giant Bowser Battles and Cat Mario
The inclusion of colossal Bowser battles adds a dramatic and exhilarating element to the gameplay. These epic encounters require strategic thinking and precise timing, demanding a higher level of skill and coordination. The intensity of these battles is remarkable, creating moments of genuine tension and excitement.
The Cat Mario power-up returns from Super Mario 3D World, but with some welcome enhancements. The ability to climb walls and perform powerful attacks makes it an invaluable tool for navigating the open world and overcoming challenges. The combination of Cat Mario’s abilities with the open-world environment creates a truly unique and dynamic gameplay experience.
A Verdict: A Must-Have for Mario Fans
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is a remarkable achievement. It’s a meticulously crafted package that delivers on multiple levels, offering a nostalgic trip down memory lane with its charming re-release of Super Mario 3D World and a bold, innovative experience with the introduction of Bowser’s Fury. The game expertly blends classic Mario elements with fresh ideas, creating a truly unforgettable gaming experience.
The inclusion of both Super Mario 3D World and Bowser’s Fury in a single package makes this a truly exceptional value proposition. The sheer amount of content, combined with the high quality of both games, makes this a must-have for any fan of the Mario franchise. The game’s versatility in terms of single-player and multiplayer modes ensures that there is something for everyone to enjoy. This is a game that will undoubtedly provide countless hours of entertainment and joy.
Whether you’re a longtime Mario enthusiast or a newcomer to the series, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is a title that warrants your attention. It is a masterclass in game design, a testament to Nintendo’s dedication to creating high-quality, engaging, and unforgettable gaming experiences. This is more than just a game; it’s a celebration of the enduring appeal of the Mario franchise.
The combination of nostalgic charm and innovative gameplay creates a perfect storm of fun. It’s a game that will stay with you long after you’ve finished playing. From its vibrant visuals to its intuitive controls and engaging gameplay, this is a title that deserves high praise.
In short, buy it.
