Super Mario Odyssey: A First Timer's Playthrough Perspective

Background

Alright, I have a confession to make.

As a lifelong Nintendo fan, I've played my fair share of video games from many of the flagship franchises. Heck, Tears of the Kingdom has completely absorbed my free time for more than a month. But, one game I haven't played is Super Mario Odyssey.

* Gasp *

I know, I know. I deserve the criticism, BUT in my defense I just purchased a Nintendo Switch when Tears of the Kingdom came out, and I have been having a blast playing new titles and getting up to speed with what I've missed. So, I figured what better time than now to play this highly regarded game.

As an added bonus, I'll be treating this as a daily journal, and you'll be able to get an honest review of my thoughts on the game and progress. Let me be clear right from the get-go:

• I run 110% at the main objectives in games.

• I will miss things.

• I will not know or attempt to learn names of some of the characters - I can always look them up later on our website resources :)

Hopefully, this will add a bit of humor to the review. Without further ado, let's get started.

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Day 1: Cappy, Power Stars, and Weird Rabbit Minibosses

Super Mario Odyssey kicks off with a bang. You're whisked into the action as Mario and Bowser are fighting on top of Bowser's flying ship. Princess Peach has a weird tiara with eyes on top of her head and Bowser is wearing a white tuxedo. I think they're getting married? I have no idea what's going on.

Almost immediately, Mario loses the fight and is thrown off the ship into a land filled with ghost hats. One of the ghost hats seems to have taken a liking to me and is named Cappy. Cappy already feels like the F.L.U.D.D. of this game, and is a core component to the gameplay mechanics. Our first journey? To find and restore Cappy's ship so we can save Princess Peach from a wedding. I'm still a bit confused, but let's roll with it.

Super Mario Odyssey | Image: Nintendo

The first "world" I've landed in feels like a prehistoric jungle. There are dinosaurs, chain chomps, and goombas galore.

Speaking of Goombas - if you're still reading this (who wouldn't be, right), don't be a Goomba and follow us on social media (links at the bottom of the page)!

After a quick few boss fights with some rabbit-looking things, I finally find the Odyssey ship and restore some power that lets Mario chase after Bowser. Onward to World Two: The Sand Kingdom.

Super Mario Odyssey - Odyssey Ship | Image: Nintendo

Upon landing in the Sand Kingdom, something is clearly wrong with the desert: it's incredibly cold, there's ice everywhere, and Mario can't stop shaking. Apparently Bowser is also after a sacred wedding ring. Who came up with the story for this game?

Super Mario Odyssey - Mario on the Run | Image: Nintendo

I quickly defeat Bowser's rabbit creature minion on top of an inverted pyramid, which opens up a new hole to explore. No, not like that. Get your mind out of the gutter.

Super Mario Odyssey - Inverted Pyramid | Image: Nintendo

I jump down the hole, navigate through some mazes, and finally see this sight in the distance. My first thought: it looks like the toy spider's head in Toy Story. This is clearly a boss fight.

Super Mario Odyssey | Image: Nintendo

Update: it was a boss fight, the head also has hands, and I died a few more times than I would like to admit. In my defense, it was late and I was very tired, but happy to make solid progress on the first day.

Super Mario Odyssey | Image: Nintendo

First Impressions

I'm glad to be playing Super Mario Odyssey at a time when the hype has died down and I can enjoy the game for what it is. My honest impression so far?

It's alright.

I was going into the game with huge expectations. Others have mentioned that it's one of the best 3D Mario games they've ever played. I just don't have that feeling yet, but I do hope it comes to me.

From the beginning, you're thrown directly into the action, with little exposition or world building to give you an attachment to the Kingdoms. There's also almost no explanation to the Power Moon system and why you're collecting them other than to give the Odyssey ship more power to travel.

For background, my favorite 3D Mario game is hands down Mario Sunshine. For a game that is almost two decades old, the unique playstyle, world building, and sense of accomplishment are unparalleled. Mario Odyssey doesn't do that for me, and I feel like I'm dropping into a zone, collecting Power Moons in random ways/places, then moving onto the next world.

I'm going into Day 2 with an open mind. I'll also try to do a better job paying attention to the names of characters. I promise.

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