You can always count on Mario to deliver.
In Mario Odyssey, Nintendo shows once again that it is the king of incremental design: take a tried and true format and augment it by focusing on one or two things, which you develop to perfection.
The two mechanics that carry this game to greatness are its exquisite movement controls and its focus on opt-in goals. Everything in Odyssey is designed to be smooth: Both in how you control Mario and the goals you are presented with to encourage you to explore the depths of the movement system. None of Odyssey's levels are linear. In fact, they are intentionally designed to beg you to try and find or make shortcuts, lacing jumps you can just about make inbetween the various Moons that are this game's overarching McGuffin. Sometimes, you don't even need a moon to enjoy testing your limits: Mario is just so fun to control that just doing a cool jump, or exploring a difficult to reach section of the level is reward by its own merit. Don't worry though, I have never experienced a moment where my effort in reaching a tough spot were not reward with a moon, some coins or an interesting view or character to talk to.
This sense of freedom, both in movement and objective, is where Odyssey truly develops its adventurous spirit: Who knows what you'll pull off next, or where the next Moon might be hiding? What cool creatures can you morph into using your magic hat (haven't even gotten to this!)? What gorgeous setting will this new level present to you? While I didn't feel the need to keep playing after beating the final level, I was thoroughly absorbed all the way through to that point. The fact that I can return to each level and be confident that there will be new adventures to be had, means I am happy to keep this game in my collection.
Who says you can't go back after your Odyssey has been completed?
In Mario Odyssey, Nintendo shows once again that it is the king of incremental design: take a tried and true format and augment it by focusing on one or two things, which you develop to perfection.
The two mechanics that carry this game to greatness are its exquisite movement controls and its focus on opt-in goals. Everything in Odyssey is designed to be smooth: Both in how you control Mario and the goals you are presented with to encourage you to explore the depths of the movement system. None of Odyssey's levels are linear. In fact, they are intentionally designed to beg you to try and find or make shortcuts, lacing jumps you can just about make inbetween the various Moons that are this game's overarching McGuffin. Sometimes, you don't even need a moon to enjoy testing your limits: Mario is just so fun to control that just doing a cool jump, or exploring a difficult to reach section of the level is reward by its own merit. Don't worry though, I have never experienced a moment where my effort in reaching a tough spot were not reward with a moon, some coins or an interesting view or character to talk to.
This sense of freedom, both in movement and objective, is where Odyssey truly develops its adventurous spirit: Who knows what you'll pull off next, or where the next Moon might be hiding? What cool creatures can you morph into using your magic hat (haven't even gotten to this!)? What gorgeous setting will this new level present to you? While I didn't feel the need to keep playing after beating the final level, I was thoroughly absorbed all the way through to that point. The fact that I can return to each level and be confident that there will be new adventures to be had, means I am happy to keep this game in my collection.
Who says you can't go back after your Odyssey has been completed?