Following two highly successful new games in 2020, Nintendo have finally released the first Super Mario offering of 2021, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury. Here’s what we make of the new world-jumping adventure.
Announced on 3rd September 2020 as part of the Super Mario Bros. 35th Anniversary Nintendo Direct, Super Mario 3D World is actually an enhanced port from the Wii U game of the same name. Although it’s being marketed as a new game, seeing as the Wii U never took off and hardly anyone actually got to play it. Bowser’s Fury, however, is a brand new, exclusive addition to the Nintendo Switch version of the game – but we’ll talk about that later.
The premise of Super Mario 3D World is nothing out of the ordinary, although this time around Mario is rescuing kidnapped fairies known as ‘Prixies’, rather than saving Princess Peach from Bowser’s wrath. Boasting a total of 12 worlds, creative level designs and adorable new characters, the game feels like a worthy investment for any Super Mario fan, or just a Switch owner who needs a fun new game to keep them entertained amidst lockdown. Super Mario 3D Worldis without doubt one of the more prestige Super Mario titles, feeling like a vibrant mixture between 2007’s Super Mario Galaxy and 2017’s Super Mario Odyssey.
Speaking of Super Mario Galaxy, fans of the game will be thrilled to find some Easter eggs hidden throughout Super Mario 3D World, including fan-favourite character Rosalina herself. Once you reach World Star, level 2, appropriately titled ‘Super Galaxy’, you’ll be greeted by Lumas and serenaded with the classic Super Mario Galaxy music, which was a treat enough already for long-term fans. Make it to the end of the course, and you’ll be greeted by planet-hopper Rosalina, in her first story-based appearance in the franchise since the final credits scene of Super Mario Galaxy 2 in 2010. Although unlikely, here’s to hoping this nod leads to Rosalina being a more prominent figure in other new Mario titles going forward.
Another thing that makes Super Mario 3D World feel so fresh and innovative is all it’s small new additions – from the fun ‘Super Bell’ power-up that literally transforms Mario into a cat, to new mini-game levels like the Casino Slots and Captain Toad’s adventures. Paired with all 117 new 3D levels, Super Mario 3D World is a much more enjoyable affair than the likes of it’s 2D counterparts, such as 2019’s New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe. The overall gaming experience is indisputably greater when playing 3D Super Mario games; the world-building and creativity is on another level, allowing players to lose themselves in the levels in a way that simply isn’t possible in the restricted 2D games.
When Bowser’s Fury was announced at Nintendo Direct alongside Super Mario 3D World, included with the game, no-one really knew what it was or what to expect. However, Bowser’s Fury is a great side-kick to the main game and is something unique to the Super Mario franchise. The game begins with Mario being attacked by a giant skyscraper-sized, fire-breathing Bowser, who’s destructive new appearance is actually rather sinister. After escaping him, you’ll find yourself on a small island with Bowser’s son, Bowser Jr. begging for your help to return Bowser back to his original state. After teaming up, you’ll make your way through various areas of the island completing tasks and missions to win Cat Shines, that allow you to supersize yourself and take Bowser down once and for all. As a standalone game, Bowser’s Furywould feel pretty short and unfinished, but as an add-on to Super Mario 3D World, works perfectly as a companion game to keep you entertained a little longer.
Have you played Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury? If so, what did you think? Let us know!
Featured Image Credit: Nintendo
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Ben Wilkinson 