Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury: Full Game Review
Get ready, guys, for an in-depth exploration of Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury, a dynamic duo of adventures that showcases the best of Nintendo's platforming prowess! Originally released on the Wii U, Mario 3D World makes a triumphant return on the Nintendo Switch, bringing with it enhanced features, smoother gameplay, and the all-new Bowser's Fury expansion. Whether you're a long-time Mario fan or a newcomer to the series, this game offers a delightful blend of classic 3D Mario gameplay and innovative open-world exploration. So, grab your controller, and let's jump right into what makes this package a must-have for any Switch owner.
Mario 3D World: A Classic Reimagined
Mario 3D World isn't just a port; it's a polished and refined version of the original Wii U title. The core gameplay remains the same: a vibrant, colorful, and incredibly inventive 3D platformer that can be enjoyed solo or with up to four players in local or online multiplayer. Each level is a meticulously crafted diorama, packed with secrets, challenges, and the kind of whimsical charm that only Mario can deliver. From scaling towering structures to navigating tricky obstacle courses, the game constantly throws new ideas and mechanics at you, ensuring that the experience never gets stale. The addition of improved movement speed and faster character handling makes the game feel more responsive and fluid than ever before, addressing one of the few criticisms of the original release.
One of the standout features of Mario 3D World is its diverse cast of playable characters, each with their unique abilities. Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Toad each offer a different play style, encouraging players to experiment and find their favorite. Mario is the all-rounder, Luigi jumps higher, Peach can float, and Toad is the fastest on the ground. This variety adds a layer of depth to the gameplay, as certain levels are easier to tackle with specific characters. The power-ups are another highlight, with the Super Bell transforming characters into adorable cats, allowing them to climb walls and pounce on enemies. The Double Cherry creates clones of your character, leading to some hilariously chaotic multiplayer moments. Together, all these elements blend seamlessly, creating a thoroughly enjoyable and replayable experience that honors the legacy of the Super Mario franchise while forging its own unique identity.
The level design in Mario 3D World is nothing short of exceptional. Each world introduces new themes and mechanics, keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting. One moment you might be exploring a haunted mansion filled with Boos, the next you could be navigating a lava-filled fortress. The game also features a host of challenging bonus levels that test your skills and reward you with Green Stars, which are essential for unlocking later stages. Collecting these Green Stars adds an extra layer of challenge for completionists, encouraging them to explore every nook and cranny of each level. The boss battles are equally creative and memorable, requiring players to use their wits and skills to defeat a variety of formidable foes. From giant Koopa Troopas to mechanical monstrosities, each boss presents a unique challenge that keeps you on your toes. Mario 3D World is a masterclass in 3D platforming, offering a perfect blend of accessibility and depth that will appeal to players of all skill levels.
Bowser's Fury: A Bold New Direction
Bowser's Fury is an entirely new adventure that accompanies Mario 3D World, and it's a significant departure from the linear, level-based structure of the main game. Instead, it offers an open-world environment called Lake Lapcat, where Mario teams up with Bowser Jr. to stop his father, Bowser, who has been transformed into a colossal, enraged beast known as Fury Bowser. This collaboration is unexpected and adds an interesting dynamic to the story, as Bowser Jr. genuinely wants to help Mario restore his father to his normal self.
The gameplay in Bowser's Fury is a blend of classic Super Mario elements and open-world exploration. Lake Lapcat is divided into several islands, each with its own unique theme and challenges. Players can freely explore these islands, collecting Cat Shines (similar to the Green Stars in Mario 3D World) to unlock new areas and trigger confrontations with Fury Bowser. The open-world structure allows for a greater sense of freedom and discovery, as players can tackle challenges in any order they choose. The world is seamless and interconnected, with no loading screens between islands, creating a truly immersive experience.
Fury Bowser is the centerpiece of Bowser's Fury, and his presence looms large over the entire game. Periodically, Fury Bowser will awaken, unleashing a fiery storm that transforms the environment and introduces new challenges. During these periods, the music becomes more intense, and the sky turns a menacing shade of red. Fury Bowser will attack Mario with fiery breath and explosive projectiles, forcing players to seek shelter or confront him head-on. Defeating Fury Bowser requires Mario to transform into Giga Cat Mario, a massive, powerful version of his cat form. These epic battles are a highlight of the game, showcasing the scale and intensity of Fury Bowser's rage.
Bowser's Fury also introduces a dynamic weather system that affects the gameplay. Rain can extinguish fires, while thunderstorms can create new pathways. The day-night cycle also plays a role, with certain challenges only appearing at specific times. These dynamic elements add a layer of depth and unpredictability to the game, encouraging players to adapt to the changing environment. The game also features a variety of new power-ups, including the Boomerang Flower and the Invincibility Bell, which provide Mario with new abilities to overcome obstacles and defeat enemies. Overall, Bowser's Fury is a bold and innovative expansion that showcases the potential of open-world Super Mario gameplay.
Visuals and Performance: A Feast for the Eyes
Both Mario 3D World and Bowser's Fury are visually stunning games, taking full advantage of the Nintendo Switch's capabilities. Mario 3D World features vibrant colors, detailed textures, and charming character animations. The game runs at a smooth 60 frames per second in both docked and handheld mode, providing a fluid and responsive gameplay experience. The enhanced resolution and improved lighting make the game look sharper and more vibrant than the original Wii U version. Bowser's Fury is equally impressive, with its seamless open world and dynamic weather effects. The game runs at a slightly lower resolution and frame rate than Mario 3D World, but it still looks fantastic, especially during the epic battles with Fury Bowser.
The art style in both games is consistent with the Super Mario franchise, featuring whimsical character designs, colorful environments, and a playful sense of humor. The game is filled with delightful details, such as the expressive faces of the characters and the intricate designs of the levels. The visual effects are also top-notch, with realistic water simulations, dynamic lighting, and impressive particle effects. Overall, Mario 3D World and Bowser's Fury are visually stunning games that showcase the artistic and technical capabilities of the Nintendo Switch.
Sound and Music: A Symphony of Fun
The soundtrack in Mario 3D World and Bowser's Fury is a perfect complement to the gameplay, featuring catchy melodies, upbeat rhythms, and memorable tunes. The music is composed by a team of talented musicians, including Mahito Yokota, Toru Minegishi, Yasuaki Iwata, and Koji Kondo, the legendary composer behind many of the Super Mario franchise's most iconic themes. The soundtrack blends classic Super Mario themes with new and original compositions, creating a vibrant and engaging audio experience. The sound effects are equally well-designed, with satisfying thumps, crashes, and pings that add to the game's overall sense of fun and excitement.
Mario 3D World features a mix of orchestral arrangements and upbeat electronic tracks, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere. The music changes dynamically as you progress through the levels, adapting to the environment and gameplay. The boss battle themes are particularly memorable, with dramatic melodies and intense rhythms that heighten the tension. Bowser's Fury features a darker and more ominous soundtrack, reflecting the game's more serious tone. The music becomes more intense during the Fury Bowser encounters, adding to the sense of urgency and danger. Overall, the soundtrack in Mario 3D World and Bowser's Fury is a masterpiece of video game music, enhancing the gameplay and creating a truly immersive experience.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
So, is Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury worth your hard-earned cash? Absolutely! This package offers two fantastic games in one, providing hours of fun and entertainment. Mario 3D World is a classic 3D platformer that has been polished and refined for the Nintendo Switch, while Bowser's Fury is a bold and innovative expansion that showcases the potential of open-world Super Mario gameplay. Whether you're a long-time fan of the Super Mario franchise or a newcomer to the series, this game offers something for everyone.
The combination of Mario 3D World's classic level design and Bowser's Fury's open-world exploration creates a diverse and engaging experience that will keep you coming back for more. The multiplayer mode in Mario 3D World is a blast, while the solo adventure in Bowser's Fury is equally enjoyable. The visuals and performance are top-notch, and the soundtrack is simply fantastic. Overall, Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner, and it's one of the best Super Mario games ever made. Go get it now, guys! You won't regret it!