Super Mario Odyssey

Super Mario Odyssey is a 2017 3D platform game for the Nintendo Switch featuring Mario’s new ally Cappy, open-ended kingdoms, critical acclaim, and 20 million copies sold by Dec 31, 2020.

Overview

Super Mario Odyssey is a single-player focused Nintendo Switch 3D platformer video game released on October 27, 2017. Developed and published by Nintendo as an entry in the long-running Super Mario series, it combines open exploration and mission-based objectives. The story follows Mario as he pursues Bowser, who plans an unwanted wedding, traveling between diverse kingdoms aboard a living ship called the Odyssey.

Gameplay and mechanics

The title introduces Cappy, a sentient cap that functions as both a weapon and a tool. Cappy enables a "capture" mechanic that lets Mario take control of many creatures, objects and machines, expanding movement and puzzle possibilities. Players collect Power Moons to fuel the Odyssey and unlock new areas; individual kingdoms contain main objectives, small challenges, and hidden collectibles that reward exploration.

Characteristics and structure

Open-ended kingdoms with themed environments and unique local mechanics (for example, metropolitan, desert and culinary worlds).
Blend of platforming, puzzle solving, and light combat using captures and traditional jumps.
Support for cooperative play in which a second player can control Cappy to assist navigation and captures.

Development context and influences

Designers drew on precedents in Mario's 3D history, aiming to recapture the freedom associated with earlier titles while allowing more varied, bite-sized objectives in each world. The game balances sandbox exploration with cinematic set pieces and a wide variety of level themes, music styles, and visual motifs to keep each kingdom distinct.

Reception, sales and legacy

Critics praised Super Mario Odyssey for its inventive mechanics, level design, and sense of discovery; it received numerous industry honors and became one of the most highly rated games of its generation. Commercially it was a major success, selling 20 million copies as of December 31, 2020. Its capture mechanic and genre-blending approach influenced later platformers and remains a frequent subject of discussion among fans, speedrunners and designers.