Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury: Nintendo Switch Review

Hey guys! Get ready to jump into a world of pure fun with Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury on the Nintendo Switch. This isn't just a rehash; it's a delightful package that brings back the charm of the original Wii U title while adding a brand-new, open-world experience that'll keep you hooked. Whether you're a longtime Mario fan or new to the Mushroom Kingdom, this game has something special for everyone. Let’s dive into what makes this game a must-have for your Switch library!

A Classic Returns: Super Mario 3D World

Super Mario 3D World is a vibrant, colorful, and incredibly engaging adventure that originally graced the Wii U. Now, it's back and better than ever on the Nintendo Switch. The game shines with its unique blend of 3D platforming and classic Mario elements. You can play as Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad, each with their own distinct abilities. Mario is your all-around hero, Luigi jumps higher, Peach can float for a short time, and Toad is the fastest on the ground. This variety adds a layer of strategy and replayability as you navigate through each level.

The level design in Super Mario 3D World is nothing short of brilliant. Each world is packed with creative challenges, hidden secrets, and delightful surprises. From climbing up towering structures to exploring underwater ruins, the game constantly introduces new mechanics and ideas that keep the gameplay fresh and exciting. The power-ups are also a major highlight. The Super Bell, which transforms your character into a cat, allowing you to climb walls and pounce on enemies, is particularly purr-fect. The Double Cherry, which creates clones of your character, adds a chaotic and hilarious twist to the gameplay. Navigating levels with multiple Marios, Luigis, Peaches, or Toads is an absolute blast, especially in multiplayer mode. Speaking of multiplayer, Super Mario 3D World truly shines when played with friends and family. Up to four players can join in on the fun, creating a lively and often chaotic experience. Coordinating your movements, helping each other reach difficult areas, and competing for the highest score adds a whole new dimension to the game. Just be prepared for some friendly competition and maybe a few accidental bumps along the way. The Switch version also includes some enhancements that make the experience even better. The characters move slightly faster, making the gameplay feel more fluid and responsive. The online multiplayer has also been improved, allowing you to team up with friends and players from around the world. Whether you're playing solo or with others, Super Mario 3D World is a delightful adventure that will keep you entertained for hours on end. It’s a testament to the timeless appeal of Mario and a perfect example of what makes 3D platformers so much fun.

Bowser's Fury: A New Open-World Adventure

Bowser's Fury is the brand-new addition to this package, and it’s a game-changer! This open-world adventure takes Mario to Lake Lapcat, a vast and interconnected world filled with islands, structures, and of course, plenty of cats. The concept is simple but brilliant: Bowser has become a giant, furious beast, and it's up to Mario to stop him. Teaming up with Bowser Jr., you'll explore this open world, completing challenges and collecting Cat Shines to restore peace to the lake. Bowser's Fury introduces a dynamic weather system and a day-night cycle that adds to the sense of immersion. During normal gameplay, the world is bright and cheerful, but every so often, Bowser awakens, and the world transforms into a dark and stormy landscape. Giant spikes erupt from the ground, lava rains from the sky, and Bowser himself appears, breathing fire and causing chaos. These intense moments require you to find and activate a Giga Bell, which transforms Mario into a giant cat, Meowser, allowing you to battle Bowser in an epic showdown.

The open-world design of Bowser's Fury is a refreshing departure from the traditional level-based structure of Super Mario 3D World. You're free to explore the lake at your own pace, discovering new areas and challenges as you go. The seamless transitions between areas and the interconnectedness of the world create a sense of freedom and adventure that's rarely seen in Mario games. The gameplay in Bowser's Fury is a perfect blend of exploration, platforming, and combat. You'll need to use all of Mario's skills and abilities to overcome the challenges that await you. The cat suit returns, allowing you to climb walls and pounce on enemies, and there are plenty of new power-ups to discover as well. Bowser Jr. also plays a significant role in the game. He can assist you in combat, paint walls to reveal hidden secrets, and even fly you to new areas. You can customize his abilities to suit your play style, making him a valuable ally in your quest to defeat Bowser. The battles with Fury Bowser are truly epic in scale. These showdowns require you to use all of your skills and strategies to defeat the giant beast. Transforming into Meowser and trading blows with Bowser is an exhilarating experience that you won't soon forget. Bowser's Fury is a fantastic addition to the Super Mario 3D World package. It's a bold and innovative adventure that showcases the potential of open-world Mario games. Whether you're exploring the vast landscapes, battling Fury Bowser, or teaming up with Bowser Jr., this game offers a unique and unforgettable experience. It’s a must-play for any Mario fan and a perfect example of Nintendo's ability to constantly reinvent and innovate the franchise.

Graphics and Performance

On the Nintendo Switch, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury looks absolutely stunning. The vibrant colors, detailed environments, and smooth animations bring the Mushroom Kingdom to life in a way that's never been seen before. The game runs at a solid 60 frames per second in both docked and handheld mode, ensuring a smooth and responsive gameplay experience. The visuals in Super Mario 3D World have been noticeably enhanced for the Switch. The textures are sharper, the lighting is more dynamic, and the overall level of detail is significantly improved. The game looks fantastic on both the big screen and the Switch's handheld display. Bowser's Fury is even more impressive from a technical standpoint. The open-world environment is vast and detailed, with seamless transitions between areas. The dynamic weather system and day-night cycle add to the sense of immersion, and the battles with Fury Bowser are truly spectacular. The game manages to maintain a consistent frame rate even during the most intense moments, which is a testament to the optimization efforts of the developers. Whether you're playing on the TV or on the go, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is a visual treat. The game looks and runs great on the Nintendo Switch, showcasing the console's capabilities and delivering a polished and enjoyable experience. The attention to detail and the smooth performance make this game a joy to play.

Final Verdict

So, should you grab Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury for your Nintendo Switch? Absolutely! This package is a fantastic value, offering two incredible Mario adventures in one. Super Mario 3D World is a delightful and charming platformer that's perfect for both solo and multiplayer fun. Bowser's Fury is a bold and innovative open-world adventure that showcases the potential of the Mario franchise. Together, these two games offer hours of entertainment and a must-have addition to any Switch library. The improved graphics, smooth performance, and enhanced online multiplayer make this the definitive version of Super Mario 3D World. And Bowser's Fury is a brand-new experience that you won't want to miss. Whether you're a longtime Mario fan or new to the series, this game has something for everyone. It’s a testament to the timeless appeal of Mario and a perfect example of Nintendo's ability to constantly innovate and reinvent the franchise. So, grab your Switch, gather your friends and family, and get ready for a purr-fectly amazing adventure in the Mushroom Kingdom!