A modern classic that is reborn
Super Mario 3D World occupies a special place in the heart for several reasons; but mostly, it was the first game I treated as head of reviews on Destructoid. It was almost eight years ago.
As I have stated in many, many words, it quickly established itself as one of the best moderns Mario games never made, but many people were quick to say they had no intention of owning a Wii U.
Well, now you have no excuse!
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury (Switch)
Developer: Nintendo
Editor: Nintendo
Release Date: February 12, 2021
PVP: $ 59.99
Super Mario 3D World he didn’t get the recognition he deserved on Wii U. He was asleep. Even less respected, just as Luigi is usually respected by Luigi. But now it has returned to a platform that was not forgotten shortly after the launch (burn). People will remember it this time.
I will only talk about it briefly 3D world here because it’s almost the same as the 2013 original that I covered extensively in my original review. It’s still fantastic, mind you! And with online gaming, it will be even easier to rope others. The mechanical “speed boost”, while initially subtle, really makes a difference on a lot of levels and brings 3D world go up a notch, for action.
He still has everything I fell in love with the first time. Strong and varied level design. Fantastic and interactive powers. And the option for multiplayer that feels less cramped than some of the other 2D offerings. But enough 3D world, let’s talk Bowser’s Fury, as many of you will probably die of knowledge what is even.
Almost like the plan for a new open world Mario adventure, Bowser’s Fury destroys Mario (and his partner Bowser Jr., who can be controlled by AI or a local friend) in a new sandbox that takes about three hours to finish, and five hours to 100%. This is a bit short! But considering that I immediately uploaded a new save file and played it again, there is something special.
Like many runaway puzzles, their welcome never lasts. Bowser’s Fury it may not be as long as a full one Mario game, but it feels as powerful as one when it’s really being played. Meanwhile, Bowser can wake up and shatter the day with projectiles in Fury mode, changing the map in the process. Although it is not that unpredictable, it offers a sense of tension, as it often is about to clarify a stage appears before another Fury wrinkle appears. The first time Bowser wakes up and this metal theme is perfect, he immediately catches you in his unique world.
Your ultimate goal is to grab enough Cat Shines to face the final boss (at which point the credits will be cast), or go for each Shine to get a 100% rating. So it basically plays like most 3D Mario games from 64. He never asks either too much of you. The puzzles are usually uniform on each portion of the map (red coin hunting causes Bowser to blow up a specific set of blocks and reach the end of a course), but they are always fun. Some are even very well hidden, to the point that some of you may even look for a guide. But these are exceptions more than the rule.
It’s a little windy and that’s good. He would often spend an inordinate amount of time exploring the world, taking advantage of the views (and the distance drawn). It also has a good degree of variance if you are looking for a challenge. Bowser Jr.’s AI it can be alternated to do nothing or help you defeat enemies and take power actions, and an on-demand item inventory (which eliminates actions) allows you to stay in control even in hot weather. It even has a mount, as you can mount your trusted Knight Plessie to navigate the vast waters of the map; and once they meet a certain requirement, fast scrolling through key locations is unlocked. And this is so Bowser’s Fury.
To be clear, I would still recommend this version of 3D world even without Bowser’s Fury. The adjustments are generally small and Bowser’s Fury will not satisfy the hardest of Mario fans looking for a whole new game, but the overall package is magical. If you were one of the many who missed this Wii U classic, fix it.
[This review is based on a retail build of the game provided by the publisher.]
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury reviewed by Chris Carter
10
EDITION AWARD OF THE EDITION
It’s not perfect, as nothing is, but it came as close as it could get in a given genre. The new leader to beat.
How do we score: The Destructoid Review Guide