A huge return to form after Galaxy's strict linearity, now with more fun collectibles than ever before. Odyssey has the best 3D platforming controls on the market that arguably surpass 64 in terms of skill expression, but they're a bit spoiled by some mandatory motion controls and vibration minigames (especially bad for Switch Lite owners).
Possessing enemies and objects is a fun spin on the Kirby formula that turns the game into a great big toy chest where every level has unique controls to compliment the incredible environment and soundtrack. The two vocal tracks in particular are some of the best and catchiest songs Nintendo has ever produced, and the orchestral arrangements are top tier as always.
The iconic 100 coin challenge is gone, as are 1-ups and lives, all replaced with an overhauled coin system that makes regular collecting actually important! 10 gold coins = 1 life, and they're also the main currency for bonus moons and costumes. Purple coins are even more valuable and limited, unlocking world-specific cosmetics, some of which are mandatory to access certain rooms. Here's where Odyssey runs into a common Metroidvania pet peeve: the map doesn't track which purple coins you've already found, so using a guide to complete a level still means checking every location. The map also doesn't have any marker system, but fast travelling to well-placed checkpoints is very fast. It's very good overall, but could use some fine tuning.
Lake Kingdom and Snow Kingdom are simultaneously the least fun and least interesting stages in the game, though the racing minigame in Snow Kingdom is really fun. Every other regular stage is excellent, and although Metro has the AMAZING festival section that's bursting with joy and love, I think Lost Kingdom is my favorite. The low gravity of Moon Kingdom and the endgame victory lap of Mushroom Kingdom are a treat as well. The boss fights in general are a slight downgrade from Galaxy, though not without their charm, but it's the post-Bowser final dash that really killed the buzz for me.
The game really opens up after the credits roll, giving tons of incentives to revisit old levels and collect all the moons. I haven't spent any serious time with the online challenge mode, but I've been in love with the concept of Luigi's balloon hunt ever since I watched Dunkey's videos covering them years ago. Nintendo found the perfect way to translate Mario Maker's culture of inviting other players around the world to beat your challenges, and it's just too cool.
A must-play for every Switch owner. Hard to believe it's 6 years old :\
Possessing enemies and objects is a fun spin on the Kirby formula that turns the game into a great big toy chest where every level has unique controls to compliment the incredible environment and soundtrack. The two vocal tracks in particular are some of the best and catchiest songs Nintendo has ever produced, and the orchestral arrangements are top tier as always.
The iconic 100 coin challenge is gone, as are 1-ups and lives, all replaced with an overhauled coin system that makes regular collecting actually important! 10 gold coins = 1 life, and they're also the main currency for bonus moons and costumes. Purple coins are even more valuable and limited, unlocking world-specific cosmetics, some of which are mandatory to access certain rooms. Here's where Odyssey runs into a common Metroidvania pet peeve: the map doesn't track which purple coins you've already found, so using a guide to complete a level still means checking every location. The map also doesn't have any marker system, but fast travelling to well-placed checkpoints is very fast. It's very good overall, but could use some fine tuning.
Lake Kingdom and Snow Kingdom are simultaneously the least fun and least interesting stages in the game, though the racing minigame in Snow Kingdom is really fun. Every other regular stage is excellent, and although Metro has the AMAZING festival section that's bursting with joy and love, I think Lost Kingdom is my favorite. The low gravity of Moon Kingdom and the endgame victory lap of Mushroom Kingdom are a treat as well. The boss fights in general are a slight downgrade from Galaxy, though not without their charm, but it's the post-Bowser final dash that really killed the buzz for me.
The game really opens up after the credits roll, giving tons of incentives to revisit old levels and collect all the moons. I haven't spent any serious time with the online challenge mode, but I've been in love with the concept of Luigi's balloon hunt ever since I watched Dunkey's videos covering them years ago. Nintendo found the perfect way to translate Mario Maker's culture of inviting other players around the world to beat your challenges, and it's just too cool.
A must-play for every Switch owner. Hard to believe it's 6 years old :\