Progress is tied to the player who opens the lobby, meaning you’ll need to earn stars and other collectibles for a second time in your own world. This port also incorporates online multiplayer functionality, which worked very well throughout testing, displaying minimal latency. It can be callously stolen, making multiplayer sessions anarchic jumbles of cloddish competition that fit the tone of 3D World beautifully. Those still after a sinister slice of competition will be happy to learn that the crown makes a return, planting a gaudy monument to victory on the head of one player at the end of the stage. Some hidden items are also much easier to find with a friend, alleviating the need for precision platforming. Power-ups are shared, meaning if someone picks up four fire flowers by mistake then they can still be distributed evenly. Fortunately, 3D World makes a few useful concessions, so multiplayer doesn’t turn into a bloodbath.
I found myself erupting into bouts of laughter as I accidentally hurled allies into the abyss, dwindling our lives down as we slowly but surely reached the finish line. Playing alone allows each level to feel like a meditative exercise in hoovering up all three green stars and the elusive hidden stamp, while bringing a few friends into the mix unleashes untold amounts of chaos. I opted for my main-man Luigi, who is easily the most stylish of the quartet as he dashes across each stage with a lovable dose of clumsiness.Įach character controls differently, although the basic act of running, jumping and throwing remains consistent through all of them. Bowser clearly isn’t into her anymore, opting instead to imprison fairy-like creatures known as Sprixies, spreading them across the land for Mario, Luigi, Toad and Peach to uncover. Super Mario 3D World doesn’t open with Princess Peach being kidnapped. This is still one of Mario’s finest platformers, and will be a new outing for millions on Switch.The core experience is enhanced with improved controls and shinier visuals.While brief, Bowser’s Fury is a complimentary beauty that expands upon its formula in some delightfully imaginative ways.Īfter eight long years, this is still Nintendo platforming at its best Each level is immaculately designed, brimming with novel ideas and creative designs that instil a sense of wonder that few games can achieve. But be careful, our titular plumber must also avoid a calamitous depiction of Bowser who could awaken at any moment, twisting the world into a blistering hellscape of fire and brimstone.Įven after eight long years, Super Mario 3D World remains a masterfully executed platformer that’s a joy to play. This is a brief yet brilliant adventure, starring Cat Mario as he explores an island in search of adorable feline collectibles. However, it’s bolstered by the inclusion of Bowser’s Fury. This new port for the Nintendo Switch adds a few subtle enhancements, but the base game remains the same as it did on the Wii U back in 2013, and that’s no bad thing. It’s also daringly simplistic, hurling players onto a board of worlds with distinct themes and locales, before giving them the freedom to progress through levels alone or with a group of friends.
It’s both a classic homage to the structure of its 2D origins, and a bold exploration of new ideas that refuses to abide by the standards set by the Super Mario Galaxy series before it.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is an anomaly in the world of Nintendo platformers.