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MONSTER

Super Mario Odyssey

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Super Mario Odyssey
Item: Super Mario Odyssey
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2017

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Platformer, Open World, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableOct 27, 2017

PlatformNintendo Switch

DeveloperNintendo

Overview

Explore incredible places far from the Mushroom Kingdom as you join Mario and his new ally Cappy on a massive, globe-trotting 3D adventure. Use amazing new abilities, like the power to capture and control objects, animals, and enemies to collect Power Moons so you can power up the Odyssey airship and save Princess Peach from Bowser’s wedding plans!

Elsewhere

9.1

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

73%

Mixed (50-79)

27%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Super Mario Odyssey are varied, with some positive aspects highlighted. Critics like Areajugones and GameCrate appreciate the unique and diverse worlds that Mario and Cappy traverse in their quest to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser. They find the individual challenges and secrets within each kingdom engaging, adding depth to the overall narrative. Additionally, critics such as Game Revolution and God is a Geek commend the game for incorporating surprising twists and fan service moments, keeping the storyline fresh and appealing to long-time fans of the franchise. On the other hand, there are critics who express reservations about the story of Super Mario Odyssey. Worth Playing criticizes the narrative for feeling shallow and lacking engagement, serving merely as a backdrop to string together different locales without establishing a strong connection to the characters. App Trigger also points out that the game relies heavily on the familiar plot of Peach being kidnapped by Bowser, which may feel repetitive to players who are looking for a more innovative storyline. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that while the story of Super Mario Odyssey may not be groundbreaking or deep, it effectively serves its purpose within the game. Critics appreciate the classic Mario elements intertwined with new mechanics and twists, creating an engaging and enjoyable narrative experience. The narrative acts as a vessel for the gameplay elements, setting the stage for the platforming and puzzle-solving joy that the game offers. Despite some criticisms regarding repetitiveness and lack of depth, the majority of critics find the story of Super Mario Odyssey to be charming, engaging, and a fitting complement to the overall gameplay experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on the story of Super Mario Odyssey. Some praise its unique worlds and engaging challenges, while others criticize its shallow narrative and repetitive plot. Overall, the story serves its purpose by blending classic Mario elements with new twists, enhancing the gameplay experience.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

98%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the gameplay of Super Mario Odyssey, hailing it as a masterpiece in the realm of video games. Positive aspects highlighted by the critics include the innovative mechanics introduced in the game, such as the ability to possess enemies and objects using Cappy, Mario's new companion. GameCritics commended the tight and familiar gameplay, emphasizing Mario's versatile moveset and the open-ended level design that encourages exploration. EGM and Nintendo Enthusiast also lauded the innovative gameplay mechanics, with EGM specifically mentioning the variety of challenges and platforming elements that keep players engaged. The addition of the Capture mechanic, allowing Mario to possess enemies, was a standout feature for GamingTrend, DarkZero, and Worth Playing, providing players with a fresh and exciting way to interact with the game world. On the flip side, while the overall sentiment towards Super Mario Odyssey's gameplay was overwhelmingly positive, some critics did point out a few potential drawbacks. Digital Trends noted that the gameplay, while well-polished, could feel somewhat simplistic and lacking in innovation compared to past Mario games. Worth Playing highlighted that the motion controls for certain moves can be unintuitive, impacting the accuracy of gameplay. App Trigger also mentioned potential issues with the motion controls, indicating that they could be a downside for some players. Despite these minor criticisms, the general consensus among critics is that the positives far outweigh any negatives when it comes to the gameplay experience offered by Super Mario Odyssey. In conclusion, the critical reception of Super Mario Odyssey's gameplay is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority of critics considering it a masterpiece in the realm of video games. The game's innovative mechanics, including the Capture ability and Mario's versatile moveset, were widely praised for offering a fresh and engaging experience. Critics such as CGMagazine, Nintendo Life, and Game Informer highlighted the game's seamless execution of Mario's moves and the blend of exploration and platforming challenges that keep players immersed. With its emphasis on creativity, exploration, and diverse gameplay experiences, Super Mario Odyssey stands out as a shining example of exceptional game design, earning high praise and acclaim from the gaming community.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Super Mario Odyssey's gameplay wows critics, praised for innovative mechanics like possessing enemies, tight controls, and open-ended levels. Some critics find the gameplay a bit simple and criticize motion controls, but overall, the game is hailed as a masterpiece for its creativity and immersive experience.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

98%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the graphics and visual design of Super Mario Odyssey, highlighting its stunning visuals, vibrant colors, and attention to detail. Critics such as Game Informer, Game Rant, and Eurogamer Italy commended the game for its visually stunning level design, diverse environments, and creative art direction. The game was lauded for its visually appealing worlds, with each kingdom offering a unique and immersive experience. Nintendo's creativity and innovation were particularly emphasized, with critics like Trusted Reviews and The Digital Fix noting the game's ability to capture the essence of classic Mario games while incorporating modern visual elements. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, a few critics pointed out some minor drawbacks in the graphics and visual presentation of Super Mario Odyssey. New Game Network mentioned occasional visual presentation issues like draw distance pop-in and low-detail particle effects, while Video Chums noted that some design choices were inconsistent. USgamer highlighted unsettling character designs in New Donk City, and GameCrate mentioned that while the graphics were bright and cartoony, some worlds may feel uninspired. These criticisms, however, were overshadowed by the game's overall visual appeal and creativity. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that Super Mario Odyssey excels in its graphics and visual design, with the majority praising the game for its stunning visuals, diverse environments, and creative art direction. Critics across the board, such as GamingTrend, Nintendo Life, and The Sydney Morning Herald, appreciated the game's attention to detail, vibrant colors, and unique world designs. Despite some minor issues mentioned by a few critics, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with the game being described as one of the best-looking titles on the Nintendo Switch and a testament to Nintendo's visual quality and creativity. Super Mario Odyssey's graphics and visual design have been widely celebrated as a standout feature of the game, contributing to its immersive and engaging gameplay experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Super Mario Odyssey's stunning graphics, vibrant colors, and creative art direction, praising its visually appealing worlds and diverse environments. While some critics noted minor drawbacks like visual inconsistencies and uninspired worlds, the game's overall visual appeal and creativity shine through. Widely considered one of the best-looking titles on the Nintendo Switch, Super Mario Odyssey's graphics and visual design are a testament to Nintendo's quality and innovation.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

88%

Mixed (50-79)

12%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of Super Mario Odyssey have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. App Trigger praises the incredible musical score, highlighting the variety of genres and impressive use of HD Rumble. Areajugones describes the soundtrack as exceptional, enhancing the overall sensory experience of the game. CGMagazine mentions the joy of gathering a band through platforming and the special concert moment. DarkStation commends the music for feeling right at home with each kingdom's aesthetics, immersing players further into the game. Nintendo Enthusiast finds the musical score delightful and satisfying, executed near perfectly with subtle callbacks to the series' history. While the overall sentiment towards the Sound Design and Music of Super Mario Odyssey is overwhelmingly positive, there are a few critics who have pointed out some minor drawbacks. Cubed3 mentions that while the music has hits and misses, tunes not typical of the Mario series eventually grow on the player. Vooks notes a few repetitive tracks in the soundtrack, albeit praising the overall sublime music that adds to the game's charm and atmosphere. These critiques suggest that while the music is generally well-received, there are some instances where certain tracks may not resonate as strongly with all players. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Super Mario Odyssey are exceptional, with the majority praising the diverse range of music genres, memorable tunes, and how the soundtrack complements the gameplay experience. Critics like Game Revolution, GameSpot, and Trusted Reviews highlight the epic orchestral backing, charming soundtrack, and phenomenal music that elevate the overall enjoyment of the game. The positive feedback from reviewers such as The Sydney Morning Herald, USgamer, and ZTGD further solidifies the notion that Super Mario Odyssey's Sound Design and Music are standout features that contribute significantly to the game's immersive and joyful experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics overwhelmingly praise the Sound Design and Music of Super Mario Odyssey for its diverse genres, immersive experience, and memorable tunes. While some mention minor drawbacks like repetitive tracks, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers highlighting the epic orchestral backing and charming soundtrack that enhance the game's enjoyment.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

68%

Mixed (50-79)

32%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance of Super Mario Odyssey on the Nintendo Switch, the majority of critics praised the game for its smooth controls and impressive performance. COGconnected highlighted the superb performance locked at 60 FPS, gorgeous visuals, and excellent weather effects, showcasing the game's technical prowess. Critical Hit also commended the game for running smoothly at 60 frames per second in both docked and handheld mode, emphasizing its impressive technical performance and stability. Eurogamer Italy described the technical and content quality as nearly flawless, further solidifying the positive sentiment towards the game's performance on the Switch platform. On the flip side, some critics did point out minor drawbacks in the technical performance of Super Mario Odyssey on the Nintendo Switch. DarkZero mentioned aliasing issues and minor camera angle problems affecting the gameplay experience, despite acknowledging the overall beautiful presentation of the game. Worth Playing noted that the handheld mode appeared too blurry on-screen, with occasional frame rate drops in the metro kingdom. These criticisms, while present, were generally overshadowed by the positive feedback regarding the game's technical performance on the platform. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of Super Mario Odyssey on the Nintendo Switch is overwhelmingly positive. The game was lauded for its smooth gameplay experience, stable frame rates, and impressive visuals across various gaming modes. Critics like GameCrate and Nintendo Life highlighted the consistent 60 FPS frame rate and smooth performance, further reinforcing the notion that the technical performance of the game was very good on the Switch platform. Despite some minor issues mentioned by a few reviewers, the general sentiment leans towards the game delivering a highly enjoyable and technically impressive experience for players on the Nintendo Switch.

TL;DR

technical performance

Super Mario Odyssey on the Nintendo Switch wows critics with its smooth controls, stable 60 FPS performance, and gorgeous visuals. While some minor technical hiccups like aliasing and blurry handheld mode exist, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, praising the game's technical prowess and enjoyable experience.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

88%

Mixed (50-79)

12%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The majority of critics praised the replay value of Super Mario Odyssey, highlighting various aspects that contribute to its high replayability. Many reviewers, such as Guardian and Nintendo Enthusiast, noted the game's abundance of content, including collecting Power Moons, finding hidden treasures, purchasing themed outfits, and exploring diverse worlds. The game's post-game content, challenging players with additional areas and objectives, was also a significant factor in enhancing replayability, as mentioned by Nintendo Life and Game Rant. The inclusion of co-op mode, unique experiences, and engaging challenges further added to the game's lasting appeal, as highlighted by XGN and Game Revolution. On the downside, a few critics pointed out potential issues with the replay value of Super Mario Odyssey. InsideGamer.nl expressed concerns about the lasting appeal of the game, indicating potential issues with replay value. Yahoo! mentioned camera control issues in co-op play that could be frustrating for some players. Video Chums noted that the lack of challenge and constant rewards may affect the sense of accomplishment for some players. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment from the majority of critics suggests that the positives outweigh the negatives when it comes to the replay value of Super Mario Odyssey. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the replay value of Super Mario Odyssey. The game's extensive content, including hundreds of Power Moons, hidden challenges, diverse gameplay options, and post-game incentives, was widely praised for providing players with hours of engaging gameplay experiences. Critics like Critical Hit and Game Over Online highlighted the game's ability to keep players coming back for more, with new secrets and challenges still being discovered even after extensive gameplay. Overall, Super Mario Odyssey's high replay value, as acknowledged by a vast majority of critics, solidifies its position as a must-have title for Nintendo Switch owners seeking a rich and rewarding gaming experience.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics rave about Super Mario Odyssey's replay value due to its abundant content, challenging post-game objectives, co-op mode, and engaging challenges. Some critics point out potential issues like lasting appeal concerns and camera control problems in co-op play. Despite minor criticisms, the game's positives outweigh the negatives, making it a must-have for Nintendo Switch owners seeking a rich gaming experience.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

98%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Super Mario Odyssey has received overwhelming praise from the majority of critics, with many considering it a masterpiece in the Mario franchise. Critics such as Nintendo Enthusiast, CGMagazine, and GameSpot laud the game for its refined creativity, innovative gameplay mechanics, and impressive visuals, making it a crown jewel for the Nintendo Switch. The game is commended for its stunning visual design, vast exploration opportunities, and celebration of Mario's history, as highlighted by DarkZero. Additionally, the game's entertainment value, creativity, and unique gameplay mechanics are highly praised by InsideGamer.nl, GameCrate, and Nintendo Life, appealing to players of all skill levels and solidifying Mario's status as gaming's number one icon. On the flip side, some critics have pointed out minor shortcomings in Super Mario Odyssey. Digital Trends notes that the game may lack innovation and feel forgettable compared to past entries, while Worth Playing mentions that it may not be the best Mario title and suggests that certain aspects could be improved in a sequel. DarkStation acknowledges that while the sheer scope of the game can be overwhelming and there are some bumps along the way, it still offers a lovely experience from beginning to end. These criticisms, however, are minor in comparison to the overwhelmingly positive reception the game has received. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with many hailing Super Mario Odyssey as a modern masterpiece and a must-have title for Nintendo Switch owners. The game is praised for its creativity, humor, engaging level design, and overall quality, as noted by Cubed3 and TheSixthAxis. The blend of new ideas and nostalgic elements, as highlighted by TheSixthAxis, showcases Nintendo's ability to keep Mario titles exciting and relevant. The game's accessibility, deeply endearing experience, and high standard for 3D platforming games, as mentioned by Critical Hit, solidify its position as a standout title in the franchise. In conclusion, Super Mario Odyssey's status as a masterpiece is widely agreed upon by critics, cementing its place as one of the best releases in recent memory and a must-play for all gamers.

TL;DR

Super Mario Odyssey is hailed as a modern masterpiece by critics, celebrating its refined creativity, innovative gameplay, and stunning visuals. While some mention minor flaws like lack of innovation, the overwhelming consensus is overwhelmingly positive, praising its engaging level design, blend of nostalgia and new ideas, and high standard for 3D platformers. Overall, it's a must-play for Nintendo Switch owners and solidifies Mario's status as gaming's top icon.

MONSTER

Reviews

195 reviews found

100

COGconnected

Nintendo Switch

Oct 26, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Super Mario Odyssey is a masterpiece that surprises, delights, and smashes expectations. It is considered one of the best Mario games and one of the most joyful and compelling games ever made.

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100

TheSixthAxis

Nintendo Switch

Oct 26, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Super Mario Odyssey is praised as a masterpiece, showcasing creativity, humor, and a perfect blend of new ideas and nostalgic elements.

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100

FANDOM

Nintendo Switch

Dec 11, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Super Mario Odyssey is praised as one of the best releases in recent memory and one of Nintendo's greatest gaming achievements.

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100

Gameplanet

Nintendo Switch

Nov 8, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises Super Mario Odyssey as a flawlessly designed and executed experience that redefines the genre.

100

Nintendo Enthusiast

Nintendo Switch

Oct 26, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Super Mario Odyssey is praised as the best game available on Nintendo Switch and a celebration of the Super Mario franchise. The review highly recommends the game.

100

Vooks

Nintendo Switch

Oct 26, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Super Mario Odyssey is praised for its innovation, charm, and execution, solidifying Mario's status as a beloved gaming icon.

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100

Cubed3

Nintendo Switch

Oct 26, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Super Mario Odyssey is praised for its innovative gameplay, stunning visuals, engaging level design, and overall quality. It is considered a pinnacle of 3D adventures and a must-play for Mario fans.

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100

Trusted Reviews

Nintendo Switch

Oct 26, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Super Mario Odyssey is near-perfect and offers the best Mario game experience to date. It reinvents the sandbox formula and is a must-play for fans of the series.

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100

NintendoWorldReport

Nintendo Switch

Oct 26, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Super Mario Odyssey is described as an incredible experience, the reviewer's favorite game on the Switch, with engaging gameplay, charming story, stunning visuals, and a fantastic soundtrack, offering high replay value and a compelling journey through amazing worlds.

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100

We Got This Covered

Nintendo Switch

Nov 9, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Super Mario Odyssey is described as a pure expression of joy and fun that never ceases to amaze or delight. It is considered a strong contender for Game of the Year and a pinnacle for the series as a whole.

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