Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury: Nintendo Switch!
Hey guys! Let's dive into the amazing world of Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury on the Nintendo Switch! This game is not just a port; it's an enhanced experience that brings back the magic of the original Wii U title while adding a brand-new adventure that's both innovative and incredibly fun. Whether you're a long-time Mario fan or new to the series, this game has something special for everyone. We'll cover everything from the engaging gameplay to the stunning visuals, and why this is a must-have for your Switch library.
What Makes Super Mario 3D World So Special?
Super Mario 3D World is a delightful romp through colorful and creative levels. Originally released on the Wii U, it shines with its multiplayer madness and unique power-ups. One of the standout features is the ability to play with up to four players simultaneously. Imagine teaming up with your friends or family, each controlling Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, or Toad, and navigating through intricate courses together. The cooperative gameplay adds a layer of chaotic fun as you help (or hilariously hinder) each other to reach the flagpole at the end of each level. It’s a blast to coordinate jumps, share power-ups, and compete for the highest score.
Each character has their own unique abilities, too! Mario is the all-around balanced character, Luigi jumps higher, Princess Peach can float for a short time, and Toad is the fastest on the ground. These differences add strategic depth to the gameplay, encouraging players to experiment with different characters to find the best fit for each level. The level design is another high point. Each world is brimming with inventive ideas and challenges that keep the gameplay fresh and exciting. You'll encounter clear pipes that transport you to different parts of the level, blocks that disappear and reappear, and enemies that require clever strategies to defeat. The game also introduces the Super Bell, which transforms your character into a cat, allowing you to climb walls and pounce on enemies. This power-up adds a vertical element to the levels, opening up new areas and secrets to discover.
The game isn't just about reaching the end of each level; it's about exploring every nook and cranny to find hidden secrets and collectibles. Each level contains three Green Stars that are often cleverly hidden and require skillful platforming or puzzle-solving to obtain. Collecting these Green Stars is essential for unlocking new levels and progressing through the game. There are also Stamps hidden throughout the levels, which can be used to decorate your Miiverse posts (though Miiverse is no longer active, the Stamps are still fun to collect!). The vibrant and colorful graphics of Super Mario 3D World truly pop on the Nintendo Switch. The game runs smoothly, and the visuals have been enhanced to take advantage of the Switch's capabilities. The character models are expressive, the environments are detailed, and the special effects are eye-catching. The soundtrack is also fantastic, with catchy tunes that perfectly complement the on-screen action. Whether you're playing in docked mode on your TV or in handheld mode on the go, Super Mario 3D World looks and plays great.
Bowser's Fury: A Fresh Take on Mario
Bowser's Fury is a completely new adventure that accompanies Super Mario 3D World, offering a unique open-world experience unlike anything we've seen before in a 3D Mario game. Instead of the traditional level-based structure, Bowser's Fury takes place in a seamless, interconnected world called Lake Lapcat. This sprawling environment is filled with islands, platforms, and secrets to discover, and it's all connected by a vast lake that you can traverse by riding Plessie, a friendly dinosaur-like creature.
The story revolves around Bowser, who has become gigantic and enraged, covered in black goop and wreaking havoc across Lake Lapcat. Mario teams up with Bowser Jr. to try and stop his father's rampage. This unlikely alliance adds an interesting dynamic to the game, as Bowser Jr. can assist Mario in combat, reveal hidden secrets, and provide hints. The gameplay in Bowser's Fury is a blend of classic Mario platforming and open-world exploration. You'll run, jump, and climb your way through the various islands of Lake Lapcat, collecting Cat Shines to power up the Giga Bell. These Cat Shines are scattered throughout the world and require you to complete various challenges, such as defeating enemies, solving puzzles, or navigating tricky platforming sections. The open-world structure allows you to approach these challenges in any order you choose, giving you a sense of freedom and agency.
One of the most striking features of Bowser's Fury is the dynamic weather system and the constant threat of Fury Bowser. Periodically, Bowser will awaken and unleash a devastating attack on Lake Lapcat, turning the sky dark and fiery. During these Fury Bowser attacks, the environment changes, revealing new platforms and challenges. You can fight back against Fury Bowser by collecting Cat Shines and activating the Giga Bell, which transforms Mario into Giga Cat Mario, allowing you to battle Bowser in epic kaiju-style showdowns. These battles are visually stunning and incredibly exciting, with Mario and Bowser exchanging blows in a clash of titans. The seamless integration of the open world, the dynamic weather, and the Fury Bowser attacks create a sense of constant tension and excitement. You never know when Bowser is going to appear, so you always have to be on your guard. This keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging, encouraging you to explore every corner of Lake Lapcat to prepare for the next inevitable encounter with Bowser.
Why You Should Play It On Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch version of Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury isn't just a simple port; it's the definitive version of the game. Nintendo has made several enhancements and improvements that make this version the best way to experience these two fantastic adventures. One of the most significant improvements is the increased movement speed for all characters in Super Mario 3D World. This makes the game feel more responsive and dynamic, allowing you to navigate the levels with greater agility. The Switch version also includes online multiplayer, allowing you to team up with friends and family even if you can't be in the same room. This is a great addition that enhances the cooperative fun of Super Mario 3D World.
Bowser's Fury also benefits from the Switch's hardware. The game runs smoothly in both docked and handheld mode, with crisp graphics and stable frame rates. The open-world environment of Lake Lapcat is beautifully rendered, and the Fury Bowser attacks are visually stunning. The Switch's portability also makes it easy to take Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury with you on the go. Whether you're traveling, waiting for an appointment, or just relaxing at home, you can always jump into a quick game of Mario. The Switch's versatility makes it the perfect platform for these two adventures.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Absolutely! Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is a fantastic package that offers hours of fun for both solo players and groups. Super Mario 3D World is a delightful and inventive platformer with charming characters, creative level design, and addictive multiplayer. Bowser's Fury is a bold and innovative open-world adventure that pushes the boundaries of what a Mario game can be. Together, these two games offer a diverse and compelling experience that's sure to please fans of all ages.
If you missed out on Super Mario 3D World on the Wii U, now is the perfect time to jump in. The enhanced graphics, improved gameplay, and online multiplayer make this the definitive version of the game. And Bowser's Fury is a must-play for any Mario fan, offering a fresh and exciting take on the classic formula. So grab your Nintendo Switch, gather your friends and family, and get ready for a wild and wonderful adventure in Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury!