Super Mario has been a long one 35esimo birthday. A goal that has been reached lightly, masterpiece after masterpiece, following a tradition that paints a videogame icon, protagonist of productions in which one experiments without fear, with results that always exude a whole new spirit. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury, outgoing the 12 February on Nintendo Switch, it is also the son of this mentality that does not forget what it was and dreams big what it can be, chasing the ambitious goal of those who always want to aim for excellence. This work brings on the Nintendo hybrid the title released for Wii U in 2013 (with improvements of sorts and new functions) together with a totally new adventure. Thanks to Nintendo, we got to try it and today we can tell you our first impressions of this adventure.
The protagonist? Always him, the hero in the blue overalls.
Super Mario 3D World is proposed here in all its elegance: the structure of the game takes up the classic style of the Nintendo platform series, following the groove initially traced by Super Mario Bros. 3: in fact, you have a main map from which you can then choose the levels to play that , once completed, they allow you to move on to the next section. Although we are not talking about a sandbox like Super Mario Odyssey, the levels are much more than a simple corridor to go through without looking back: from this point of view, compared to the other 2D titles in the series, the third dimension fits perfectly with the style of the game. game, providing considerable freedom in exploration and also requiring a fair amount of effort to tackle the most difficult sections.
The presence of several collectibles leads to pay attention to every corner: each chest can hide a treasure, each pipe a new challenge and test of skill. The levels in fact have both green stars to be collected - then necessary to unlock some areas - and a special stamp, an object that allows you to obtain special stickers to be used in the new photo mode of the game, through which to immortalize every situation, customizing the scene at will by adjusting the angle, distance from the lens and also taking advantage of the many filters available.
Team that wins doesn't change: that's why in Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury many of the classic enhancements of the series return, along with the iconic introductions of the original game; obviously we speak of Super bell, which allows you to transform an Italian plumber into a feline with claws, capable of facing even the steepest walls without problems; not even the greedy is missing Double cherry, which once collected creates copies of the character, identical in appearance and movements.
The unique characteristics of the selectable characters contribute to enriching the experience: the long levers of Luigi allow you to jump higher than normal, Peach it can float for a few seconds in the air while Toad exploits the running speed of an Olympic centometrist; Mariofinally, it is the classic balanced solution in every respect. The speed of the characters, in this case, has been increased compared to the Wii U title; the same fate befell the cat shape, which now allows you to reach greater heights through longer climbing times.
All this is combined with a varied basic moveset, consisting of long jumps, rolls, flips: Mario lacks nothing except the triple jump (not even present in the original, however). From this point of view, those who have played Mario Odyssey will find a pleasant familiarity - absence of Cappy permitting - in theaddition of the somersault in mid-air, movement that allows you to throw yourself forward after a jump, moving with even greater ease within the levels. If desired, it is also possible to use the functions once used by the GamePad Wii U to block enemies or highlight hidden objects, here implemented via touchscreen or on-screen pointer, which can be called up by pressing a button.
In addition to the more classic levels and some variations on the theme, Super Mario 3D World was also the first game to introduce Captain Toad as an active part of the gameplay, with specific levels consisting of playable puzzles in which you have to go and collect all the green stars present. The adventure can also be experienced alone or in company, for up to 4 players who can work together to reach the end of the level. Precisely in this context comes one of the most interesting innovations, with Nintendo Switch that adds the possibility of connecting to the network and play online multiplayer levels (again up to 4 players) following the progress of the host's adventure.
After talking about Super Mario 3D World, it's time to focus on the new adventure, that is Bowser's fury. The game is unrelated to progress in 3D World and can be selected directly from the main menu. In this case, Mario does not interface with a single level, but with an open structure within which to freely choose how to proceed: no order to follow, no flagpole to reach, very few restrictions for exploration. This section makes freedom of action its main strength. Once again the moveset, which presents the same combinations of Super Mario 3D World, is confirmed as suitable for this type of structure, thanks also to some additions from the gameplay point of view.
The goal of the game, this time, is to collect the Solegatti scattered around Sgattaiolago, the place where Bowser's Fury is set. Some of these collectibles are hidden, while others require you to reach specific areas or overcome certain obstacles. To succeed in the mission it is possible to help yourself with the many power-ups: in this case there is no limitation of a single object to be kept aside and then used when necessary, with the player who can in fact accumulate up to a maximum of 5 power-ups of each type, then recalling them to you at will according to the situation.
Collecting the Solegatti is the only way Mario has in Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury to overcome a fearsome enemy, but with a familiar aspect: it is Furious Bowser, a new version of Bowser that enters the scene creating havoc in a cyclical manner (approximately every 10-15 minutes) throughout the adventure. There are no longer simple flames or crashes to the ground to avoid: this time the Koopa King will not go for the subtle, taking advantage of its considerable size to try to hit Mario with fiery jets, also making incandescent lapilli and sharp rocks rain down from the sky.
In this case, you can decide whether to simply devote yourself to escape, or whether to try to collect a Solegatto, which with its light will make the enemy gargantuan retreat (momentarily). An interesting addition, in this regard, is that of make the Bowser amiibo functional in gameplay, which allows you to recall the furious opponent at will.
As Mario teaches us, however, princesses are not saved by fearful escapes and continuous procrastinations, and sooner or later it will be necessary to come face to face with one's enemy: the time will come to face the colossal Bowser and, to do so, it will be necessary collect a certain number of Solegatti: only at that point will it be possible transform using the new gigacampana, capable of dramatically increasing Mario's size, transforming the confrontation between the two counterparts into a scene worthy of a Godzilla movie.
If Bowser is still an obstacle in Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury, the role of his heir is different: In fact, Bowser Junior collaborates with the player, helping him to get rid of some enemies, showing any hidden blocks and collecting power-ups, using a brush that recalls his version in Super Mario Sunshine. The movement of Bowser Jr. is entrusted to the AI when you are in single player mode: in this case, in the options there is a specific item that allows you to adjust the mode of action of Bowser Jr., making it autonomous in its action or limiting it to commands given via pointer or touch screen. Just Bowser Jr. is part of the Cooperative mode by Bowser's Fury, e can be controlled by a second player through Joy-Con, allowing him to flit freely around using the propeller of his Clown Koopa, also helping Mario in collecting objects and removing any obstacles or enemies.
The premises of Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury project us towards a video game that wants to propose an adventure to be rediscovered or experienced with immense amazement for the first time, perhaps even online, together with something completely new and extremely promising . The appointment with Mario is therefore postponed to the review, where we will provide a complete judgment on the game.
► Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is a Platform-Adventure game developed and published by Nintendo for Nintendo Switch, the video game was released on 12/02/2021
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is a game to own at all costs: we decided to evaluate it with a 93%, if you are interested in learning more you can read the Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury Review
