Super Mario 3D World + Bowser Fury

A modern reborn classic

Super Mario 3D World it occupies a special place in my heart for several reasons; but mostly it was the first game I covered as head of analytics at Destructoid. That was almost eight years ago.

As I said with many, many words, it quickly established itself as one of the best Mario games already made, but many people quickly mentioned that they had no intention of owning a Wii U.

Well, now you have no excuse!

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser Fury (Light switch)
Developer: Nintendo
Editor: Nintendo
Release date: February 12, 2021
MSRP: $ 59.99

Super Mario 3D World did not get the recognition it deserved on Wii U. It was asleep. Even disrespected, just as Luigi is routinely disrespected by Nintendo. But now it’s back on a platform that hasn’t been forgotten right after launch (burn). People will remember this time.

I’m just going to talk briefly about 3D World here because it’s basically the same as the 2013 original that I covered extensively in my original review. It’s still great, look! And with online gambling, it will be even easier to attract other people. The mechanical “speed increase”, although subtle at first, really makes a difference on several levels and brings 3D World down to a level in terms of action.

It still has everything that made me fall in love for the first time. Strong and varied level design. Fantastic, interactive power-ups. And the multiplayer option that looks less cramped than some of the other 2D offerings. But enough 3D World, let’s talk about Bowser’s Fury, since many of you are probably dying to know what is it really.

It’s an experience, as far as I can tell! But a damn good one.

Almost like the project of a new world totally open Mario adventure, Bowser’s Fury puts Mario (and partner Bowser Jr., who can be controlled by AI or a local friend) in a new sandbox that takes about three hours to complete and five hours at 100%. This is a little short! But since I immediately loaded a new saved file and played it again, there is something special there.

Like many fleeting antics, it never exceeds what is welcome. Bowser’s Fury may not be as long as one Mario game, but it looks as powerful as one when you’re actually playing. Meanwhile, Bowser can wake up and destroy his day with projectiles in Fury mode, changing the map in the process. Although it is not what unpredictable, offers a feeling of tension, since you usually about to clean a stage before that extra Fury wrinkle appears. The first time Bowser wakes up and that metal theme hits right, he immediately takes him to his unique world.

Your final goal is to get enough Cat Glows to face the final boss (at which point the credits will roll), or go to each Glow for a 100% rating. Basically, it works like most 3D Mario games since 64. Also never really asks also a lot of you. The puzzles are usually uniform on each part of the map (hunt with red coins, make Bowser blow up a specific set of blocks, reach the end of a course), but they are always fun. Some are even very well hidden, to the point that some of you even look for a guide. But these are exceptions and not the rule.

It’s cheerful and that’s a good thing. I often spent an excessive amount of time just exploring the world, observing the sights (and the distance). It also has a good degree of variation if you are looking for a challenge. Bowser Jr.’s AI can be switched to do nothing or help you defeat enemies and pick up power-ups, and an inventory of items on demand (which plops out power-ups) allows you to remain in control even for moments hot. He even has a mount, since his faithful steed Plessie can be mounted to navigate the vast waters of the map; and once you meet a certain requirement, the quick trip to important locations is unlocked. And this is Bowser’s Fury.

To be clear, I still fully recommend this version of 3D World even without Bowser’s Fury. Adjustments are small overall and Bowser’s Fury will not quench the most hardcore of Mario fans looking for a new game, but the package as a whole is magical. If you were one of the many who missed this Wii U classic, fix it.

_{[This review is based on a retail build of the game provided by the publisher.]}

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser Fury reviewed by Chris Carter