Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury

A modern classic reborn

Super Mario 3D world has a special place in my heart for several reasons; but most of all, it was the first game I covered as the head of the reviews at Destructoid. That was almost eight years ago.

As I said in a lot of words, it was quickly cemented as one of the best modern Mario games once 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
Publisher: Nintendo
Release Date: February 12, 2021
MSRP: $ 59.99

Super Mario 3D world didn’t get the recognition it deserved on Wii U. It was slept on. Not even respected, just as Luigi is routinely disrespected by Nintendo. But now it’s back on a platform that was not forgotten shortly after launch (burning). People will remember it this time.

I’m only going to talk about it briefly 3D World here because it is largely the same as the 2013 original that I covered extensively in my original review. It’s still great, though! And playing online makes it even easier to engage others. The mechanical ‘speed boost’, while subtle at first, really makes a difference on a ton of levels and brings 3D World up a notch, in terms of action.

It still has everything that made me fall in love the first time. Strong and varied level design. Fantastic and interactive power-ups. And the option for multiplayer that feels less cramped than some of the other 2D offerings. But enough left 3D World, let’s talk about Bowser’s Furyas many of you would probably like to know whatever it is

It’s an experiment, as far as I know! But a damn good one.

Almost like the blueprint for a new, completely open world Mario adventure, Bowser’s Fury Mario (and partner Bowser Jr., who can be controlled by the AI ​​or a local friend) plops into a new sandbox that takes about three hours to complete and five hours to 100%. That’s a bit on the short side! But since I immediately loaded a new save file and played it all over again, there is something special.

Like many fleeting romps, it never remains welcome. Bowser’s Fury maybe not as long as a full Mario game, but it feels just as powerful when you actually play it. All the while, Bowser can wake up and wreck your day with projectiles in Fury mode, shifting the map in the process. Although it is not Which unpredictable it does give a feeling of tension, as you often are just about to erase a stage before that extra Fury ripple shows up. The first time Bowser wakes up and hits that metal theme just right, it immediately sucks you into its unique world.

Your ultimate goal is to catch enough Cat Shines to take on the final boss (that’s when the credits roll), or go for a 100% rating for each Shine. So basically it plays out like the majority of 3D Mario games since 64It never really asks to many of you. Puzzles are generally uniform in every part of the map (hunt for red coins, let Bowser blow up a specific set of blocks, reach the end of a course), but they’re always fun. In fact, a few are very well hidden, to the point where some of you might even look for a guide. But those are the exception rather than the rule.

It’s windy and that’s a good thing. Often times, I would spend an inordinate amount of time exploring the world, seeing the sights (and the hike distance). It also has a good degree of variance if you’re looking for a challenge. Bowser Jr.’s AI can be toggled to idle or help you defeat enemies and grab power-ups, and an on-demand item inventory (which disables power-ups) lets you stay in control even during heated moments. It even has a mount, as your trusty steed Plessie can be ridden to navigate the vast waters of the map; and once you meet a certain requirement, fast travel for key locations will be unlocked. And that is Bowser’s Fury

To be clear, I would still fully recommend this version of 3D World even without Bowser’s FuryThe adjustments are generally minor, and Bowser’s Fury is not going to saturate the most hardcore Mario fans looking for a brand new game, but the package as a whole is magical. If you were one of the many who missed this Wii U classic, fix that.

_{[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