Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is coming to the Nintendo Switch very soon, so we thought we’d talk about five things that have got us HYPED to play the game.
– It has ALREADY got a Metascore of 93 so you know it’s going to be good
Ok, so technically Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury hasn’t been released or reviewed, so it doesn’t have a Metascore just yet. However, the Super Mario 3D World portion of the game has already been available on the Nintendo Wii U and that proved to be a hit with the critics, with plenty of 10/10 scores in place as well as an average Metascore of 93. That’s pretty impressive, right?
When you consider that there are going to be improvements made to the game this time around such as new gameplay mechanics, sped-up gameplay, and a photo mode, it’s probably not unrealistic to think that this Nintendo Switch release of the game might get an even higher score – ESPECIALLY since it also has a whole new addition in Bowser’s Fury.
Either way, early opinions of the game were pretty good, so it’s definitely something to build up your excitement if you were one of the many gamers who skipped the Nintendo Wii U.
– Super Mario 3D World has online co-op play this time around
Co-op play isn’t completely unheard of in the Super Mario series, whilst the original Nintendo Wii U release of Super Mario 3D World even allowed up to four-players to work together to tackle the game’s challenging levels.
However, it was restricted to just local play before. Worry not, though; this new release of Super Mario 3D Worldfeatures online co-op, meaning you can dive into the game with up to three friends even if you’re whole countries apart. When you consider we live in a COVID-19 world right now, it’s probably one of the most important additions to the game – especially since it’s so fun to play in co-op thanks to the fast and frantic nature of the gameplay.
With four characters who feel different to play, a competitive element that comes with score chasing or simply racing to climb the end-of-level flag pole, and with plenty of levels to play through that are packed to the brim with replayability, I expect it’ll be easy to lose HOURS playing through Super Mario 3D Worldonline with your pals.
– Super Mario 3D World has got that old-school Super Mario vibe
Listen, I’m a big fan of the 3D Super Mario games that encourage the player to explore and discover objectives themselves, but sometimes you just want to get from point A to B, right?
That’s what you get with Super Mario 3D World, with each level more linear in design than in the more modern 3D Super Mario titles but still offering plenty of variety, loads of different enemies to face off against, a wide array of unique and kooky power-ups to use (I’m looking at you, Cat Mario), and a ton of hidden collectibles for those who take the time to look a little closer around their surroundings.
Did I mention that it has an old-school world map that sees you switching between levels too? Yep, whilst Super Mario 3D World takes the more modern approach with its 3D visuals and world, it feels more like old-school Super Mario as far as the gameplay is concerned thanks to its ingenious linear level design… it’s something that I really adore about the game.
– Bowser’s Fury looks like it’s going to be a uniquely fresh experience
Whilst Super Mario 3D World feels more old-school and linear in design, Bowser’s Fury looks like it plays more like one of the more modern titles (particularly Super Mario Sunshine) thanks to its open-world and player-controlled 3D camera. There’s a big emphasis placed on exploration, with the setting of Lake Lapcat bringing with it an array of different platforming challenges as you look to collect the elusive Cat Shines to take on your old foe Bowser (more on that in a bit).
Fresh from helping Mario out in Paper Mario: The Origami King, Bowser Jr comes along for the ride to give some assistance too. That’s two titles in a row that the little rascal has helped Mario out… is he turning over a new leaf and embracing a role as a good guy?! Yeah, probably not, but he will still lend a helping hand by attacking enemies and unlocking power ups by using his paintbrush in the environment. He can be controlled by a second player if you like so a friend can join in on the Cat Shine-collecting action, though unlike Super Mario 3D World this is restricted to local play only.
– Taking on Bowser in Bowser’s Fury looks INSANE
Want to know the thing I’m most excited for about Bowser’s Fury? Taking on Bowser himself, with a raging storm hitting Lake Lapcat and awakening the corrupted (and very angry) Fury Bowser from his slumber. Know what he does then? Yep, he unleashes his titular fury, with his attacks changing up the landscape thanks to the barrage of meteors he sends your way. He’ll also unleash a brutal energy beam attack toward Mario when he can, making Fury Bowser feel a bit like Godzilla in a way… only scarier.
Whilst these gargantuan showdowns will test your platforming and survival prowess, Mario isn’t completely helpless… well… provided that he has managed to grab five Cat Shines, which will allow him to transform into Giga Cat Mario and unleash his paws upon Fury Bowser. A Kaiju-like battle will unfold and upon felling Fury Bowser will restore peace to the land once more and unlock new islands for the player to explore.
Be warned though: that peace isn’t permanent and it won’t take long for Bowser to come back for round two. Honestly, I CANNOT wait to experience it all myself.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is coming to the Nintendo Switch on February 12th 2021. Find out more about the game on the eShop through this link.
