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

Hey guys! Get ready for a wild ride because Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury has arrived on the Nintendo Switch, and it's an absolute blast! This isn't just a simple port; it's a delightful package that combines the charm of Super Mario 3D World with an exciting new open-world adventure in Bowser's Fury. Whether you're a long-time Mario fan or new to the series, this game offers something for everyone. So, grab your Joy-Cons, and let's dive into what makes this game a must-have for your Switch library!

Super Mario 3D World: A Classic Reimagined

Super Mario 3D World originally graced the Wii U, and while it was a fantastic game then, it's found a new lease on life on the Nintendo Switch. The game's core appeal lies in its brilliant level design and the ability to play with up to four players. Imagine teaming up with your friends or family, each controlling Mario, Luigi, Peach, or Toad, as you navigate colorful and inventive worlds. The co-op experience is chaotic, hilarious, and genuinely fun. Seriously, trying to coordinate jumps and attacks with your buddies while avoiding enemies is a recipe for endless laughter.

But it's not just about the multiplayer madness; Super Mario 3D World shines as a single-player experience too. Each level is meticulously crafted, offering a delightful mix of platforming challenges, hidden secrets, and creative power-ups. The Super Bell, which transforms your character into a cat, is a particular highlight. Clambering up walls and pouncing on enemies as a feline Mario is ridiculously fun and adds a unique layer to the gameplay. The Double Cherry, which creates clones of your character, also leads to some mind-bending puzzles and chaotic moments. The level of variety in the level design keeps things fresh and exciting, ensuring you're always eager to see what the next world has in store.

The Switch version of Super Mario 3D World also brings some welcome enhancements. The characters move slightly faster, making the gameplay feel more responsive and fluid. The online multiplayer functionality has also been improved, allowing you to team up with friends across the globe. While online play can sometimes be a bit laggy, it's still a great way to experience the game with others when you can't all be in the same room. Super Mario 3D World is a testament to Nintendo's ability to create timeless and engaging platformers. It’s a game that’s easy to pick up but difficult to master, offering hours of fun for players of all skill levels. The vibrant graphics and catchy music further enhance the experience, making it a joy to play from start to finish. If you missed out on this gem on the Wii U, now is the perfect time to jump in and discover why it's considered one of the best Mario games of all time.

Bowser's Fury: A Roaring Open-World Adventure

Bowser's Fury is a brand-new adventure included with Super Mario 3D World, and it's a significant departure from the linear level design of the main game. Instead, you're dropped into a sprawling open world called Lake Lapcat, where you team up with Bowser Jr. to stop his father, Bowser, who has become a colossal, raging beast known as Fury Bowser. This new format provides a fresh and exciting experience, blending the classic Mario platforming with open-world exploration. Imagine Super Mario Odyssey but with a darker, more intense atmosphere – that's Bowser's Fury in a nutshell.

The gameplay in Bowser's Fury revolves around collecting Cat Shines, which are similar to the Stars or Shines in other Mario games. These Cat Shines are scattered throughout Lake Lapcat, hidden in various challenges and puzzles. Each area of the lake features multiple Cat Shines to collect, encouraging you to explore every nook and cranny. The world is interconnected, allowing you to freely roam between different islands and locations. This sense of freedom is incredibly refreshing and adds a new dimension to the traditional Mario formula. However, the real game-changer in Bowser's Fury is the intermittent appearances of Fury Bowser. Periodically, the sky darkens, and Fury Bowser emerges, wreaking havoc on the landscape. During these moments, the world transforms into a dangerous and challenging environment. Fury Bowser breathes fire, shoots lasers, and generally makes life difficult for Mario. To combat this threat, you must collect enough Cat Shines to activate the Giga Bell, which transforms Mario into a giant cat, allowing you to battle Fury Bowser in epic showdowns. These battles are visually stunning and incredibly satisfying, providing a thrilling climax to each Fury Bowser encounter. The dynamic weather system and the constant threat of Fury Bowser create a sense of urgency and excitement that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It’s a bold and innovative take on the Mario formula, showcasing what the series is capable of when it dares to break away from tradition. Bowser's Fury is more than just a bonus mode; it's a fully-fledged adventure that stands on its own, offering a unique and unforgettable experience.

Visuals and Performance: A Switch Upgrade

Both Super Mario 3D World and Bowser's Fury look fantastic on the Nintendo Switch. The vibrant colors and detailed environments truly pop on the Switch's screen, whether you're playing in handheld mode or on your TV. The improved resolution and textures make the game look noticeably sharper and more refined than its Wii U counterpart. The performance is also solid, with a smooth frame rate that holds up well even during the most chaotic multiplayer moments. Bowser's Fury, in particular, is a visual showcase, with its dynamic weather effects and impressive draw distances. The sheer scale of Fury Bowser is awe-inspiring, and the battles against him are a visual feast. The game runs smoothly even with all the action on screen, a testament to the optimization efforts by Nintendo. While there might be occasional frame drops in Bowser's Fury when things get particularly hectic, they are rare and don't detract significantly from the overall experience. Overall, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is a visually stunning game that takes full advantage of the Nintendo Switch's capabilities. Whether you're a graphics snob or simply appreciate a well-polished game, you'll be impressed by the visual fidelity and performance of this title. It's a joy to look at and a pleasure to play, making it a standout title on the Switch.

Final Verdict: A Must-Have for Switch Owners

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is an absolute must-have for Nintendo Switch owners. It combines the classic charm and multiplayer fun of Super Mario 3D World with the innovative open-world adventure of Bowser's Fury, creating a package that offers hours of entertainment. Whether you're a long-time Mario fan or new to the series, there's something here for everyone. The improved visuals, smoother performance, and enhanced online multiplayer make this the definitive version of Super Mario 3D World. And Bowser's Fury is a revelation, showcasing the potential of the Mario series to evolve and innovate. It's a bold and exciting adventure that's unlike anything else in the Mario universe. So, if you're looking for a fun, engaging, and visually stunning game to play on your Nintendo Switch, look no further than Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury. It's a purr-fect addition to your library!