Before Super Mario 3D World + Bowsers Fury, Mario defined multiple generations of 3D/2D platform gaming, among other sports and racing genres. Regardless of genre, there’s always that feeling of a Mario title. It’s the same kind of innocent magic that is felt on Christmas morning or repeatedly beating down a loved one in Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowsers Fury
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is the latest Mario game whilst mostly being a port. It features well-designed courses and tweaked mechanics such as faster running and a targeted 1080p resolution when docked. Handheld mode is now 720p over the 480p Wii U Gamepad also.
Mario isn’t afraid of a little cheese, jazzy cheese at that. From the title screen, the instant feeling of a Mario game oozes from the screen. A chilled jazz bass playing a simple jingle sets the mood, which is extraordinary when put into other AAA IP context.
A World of Characters In Super Mario 3D World
Players are then greeted with the simple get well designed Mario cast and mise en scene. Every object in a Mario game is a character; Super Mario 3D World illustrates this by giving rhythm to courses and everything therein. Trees blow and enemies move to the beat of the course’s soundtrack.
Team Mario all have their respective talents. Mario is an all-rounder, great for beginners due to his tight jumping and easy navigation. Luigi has longer jumps, but it’s harder to control, almost like he’s continuously slipping. Peach isn’t one for speed but can hover in mid-air. Toad navigates quite well but doesn’t match up in terms of jump height or difference. It’s another Mario theme, attention to detail.
Skipping Uphill
Super Mario 3D World eases players into gameplay, with the first world feeling too comfortable. However, it’s soon remedied as players edge towards world three with more challenges and mixes in gameplay than most Mario mainline titles.
Bowser’s Fury is a worthy expansion, although it’s more of a short stand-alone game. Bowser has finally tipped over the edge and entered a state of fury. Mario, alongside Bowser Jr., set out to calm him down in a series of open-ended courses. The camera is also controllable, which is a nice change to the fixed one in 3D World.
It’s The Little Things
Again, Nintendo’s attention to detail shines through. Cloud shadows, correct lighting and highlights on characters and added definition makes the games pop. The exclusive cat-suit is activated with the cat bell power-up alongside the familiar fire-flower power up. The voice cast has taken great care in making their impressions of cats for the power-up, which is rare in the Mario series.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is full of charm. The Mario series has always taken pride in its identity and doesn’t try to mimic the competition. The trend-setting series aims for a simple presentation with clear motives for protagonists and antagonists.
Mario is Mario, Simple
- Why is a mutant dinosaur turtle intent on getting with a human?
- How do Mario and Luigi survive whilst neglecting their plumbing trade?
- How does a person with a mushroom for a head survive?
- Why is Wario Land called Super Mario Land 3 when Mario only appears right at the end?
All of these questions don’t need an answer. Mario is just Mario, that’s as complicated as it gets.
