I picked up Super Mario Odyssey a while back, not expecting much. Within an hour, I could not put it down.
This Super Mario Odyssey review covers everything you need to know before buying or replaying the game.
I have played through multiple kingdoms, tested every mechanic, and spent way too long chasing Power Moons.
In this blog, you will find a full breakdown of gameplay and controls, world design, graphics and performance, and tips to get more out of the game.
I have been reviewing Nintendo titles for years, so you are in good hands. Let's get into it.
What Makes Super Mario Odyssey Different?
Super Mario Odyssey breaks away from the classic Mario formula in ways that actually work.
Most Mario games push you in one direction, but here, each kingdom is open and you move at your own pace.
That freedom changes how you play. You are not rushing through levels. You are checking corners, testing ideas, and looking around.
Cappy, Mario's hat, acts as a weapon, a tool, and a puzzle solver all at once. You throw him at enemies to take control, bounce off him mid-air, and use him to reach higher spots.
The game also balances well for both new and experienced players, which is genuinely rare.
Super Mario Odyssey Gameplay Review
Smooth controls, smart levels, and mechanics that reward you for paying attention.
Smooth Platforming and Creative Level Design
The controls feel tight. Jumps land exactly where you aim. Running feels fast but never out of control.
Level design is creative without being confusing. Each area introduces something new, then builds on it. Nothing overstays its welcome.
Capturing Enemies and Using Special Abilities
Capturing is the main mechanic here. Different enemies give different abilities.
Take over a Goomba? Stack them high. Grab a Bullet Bill? Fly across gaps. Each capture feels different, and learning what each one does is genuinely fun.
Puzzle Solving, Exploration, and Hidden Secrets
The game rewards curious players. Walk into a strange corner and you often find something. Hit an odd block and a secret appears.
Puzzles are clever but not frustrating. Most take a minute of thought, not an hour of trial and error.
Why Collecting Power Moons Feels Addictive
Power Moons replace Stars from older Mario games. There are hundreds of them.
Finding one feels satisfying. Finding five in one area feels like a win. The game keeps you chasing more without feeling like a chore.
Best Kingdoms and World Design in Super Mario Odyssey
Every kingdom brings a fresh look, a fresh feel, and new things to do.
Finding New Donk City and Metro Kingdom
New Donk City is a standout. It looks like a real city. There are people walking around, buildings to climb, and a festival sequence that became one of gaming's most talked-about moments.
It feels different from every other part of the game, and that contrast works really well.
Sand Kingdom, Seaside Kingdom, and Snow Kingdom Highlights
Sand Kingdom is wide and open. There is a lot to see and even more hidden below the surface.
Seaside Kingdom adds water mechanics that feel fresh. Snow Kingdom is shorter but sharp in its design.
Each of these feels thought through, not just filled in.
Secrets, Mini-Games, and Hidden Areas
Most kingdoms have mini-games. Some are quick. Some take real skill.
Hidden rooms are scattered throughout. Finding them by accident is one of the best feelings in the game.
How Each Kingdom Feels Different
The art style shifts between kingdoms. The music changes. Even the enemies are different.
You never feel like you are replaying the same place with a new coat of paint.
Graphics, Music, and Nintendo Switch Performance
The game looks and sounds great, both at home and on the go.
Visual Style and Art Direction Review
The art direction is confident. Some areas are realistic. Some are cartoonish. Both styles sit together without clashing.
That took real creative skill to pull off.
Docked vs Handheld Mode Experience
Docked mode gives you sharper visuals on a big screen. Handhelds hold up well too.
There is no major drop in quality either way. For a Switch game, that is a strong result.
Soundtrack and Audio Highlights
Each kingdom has its own music. The tracks match the mood perfectly.
New Donk City even has a full live-action musical sequence. It is unexpected and really works.
Attention to Detail Across Every World
Small things stand out. Shadows are accurate. Water reflects. NPCs react to Mario.
These details add up. They make the world feel alive.
Super Mario Odyssey Review Gamespot and Critical Reception
Critics praised this game loudly when it launched, and time has only backed that up.
What Critics Loved About the Game
Reviewers pointed to the variety, the pacing, and the creativity. The Cappy mechanic got particular attention for changing how Mario plays.
Common Praise From Fans and Reviewers
Players loved the freedom to look around. They also praised the post-game content, which added hours of extra play after the credits roll.
Motion Controls and Minor Drawbacks
Motion controls are optional. Some moves are easier with them. Others feel forced.
The game is fully playable without them. That flexibility is appreciated.
How Odyssey Compares to Other Mario Games
Against Super Mario Galaxy, it trades tight linear design for open exploration. Against Super Mario 64, it modernises nearly everything.
It sits comfortably among the best Mario titles made.
Tips for Enjoying Super Mario Odyssey Even More
Small habits make a big difference when playing this game.
- Talk to NPCs in each kingdom. Many will give you hints or hand over Power Moons directly.
- Ground pound glowing spots on the floor. This is one of the easiest ways to find hidden moons.
- Throw Cappy in the air and jump on him to reach higher platforms and hard-to-reach spots.
- Go back to old kingdoms after finishing new ones. New Moons appear as the story moves forward.
- Use the in-game hint system if you get stuck. It saves time and actually points you in the right direction.
Conclusion
I still remember finishing Super Mario Odyssey and immediately wanting to start it all over again.
That feeling does not happen often. If you are sitting on the fence, just give it one hour. You will know right away.
This Super Mario Odyssey review was written to help you make that call with confidence. If it helped, drop a comment below or share it with a friend who plays on Switch.
I would love to hear which kingdom stood out most for you. Go ahead and let me know in the comments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to finish Super Mario Odyssey?
The main story takes around 10 to 15 hours. Collecting all Power Moons can take 30 to 40 hours depending on your pace.
Can kids play Super Mario Odyssey?
Yes, the game is rated E for Everyone. It is friendly for younger players while still offering enough challenge for adults.
Does Super Mario Odyssey work well in handheld mode?
It runs smoothly in both handheld and docked modes. The visual quality stays consistent, making it a great game to play on the go.
Are motion controls required in Super Mario Odyssey?
No, motion controls are optional. The game is fully playable using standard button controls without any loss in experience.
Is Super Mario Odyssey still worth buying in 2026?
Absolutely. The gameplay, design, and content still hold up. It remains one of the strongest titles available on the Nintendo Switch.
