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

Hey guys! Get ready for a wild ride because we're diving deep into Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury on the Nintendo Switch! This isn't just a rehash; it's a fantastic package deal that brings back a Wii U gem while adding a brand-new, open-world experience that'll keep you glued to your screen. Whether you're a seasoned Mario veteran or a newcomer ready to jump into the Mushroom Kingdom, there's something here for everyone. We're going to break down everything you need to know, from the classic levels of Super Mario 3D World to the fresh, fiery challenges of Bowser's Fury. So, grab your Joy-Cons, and let's-a go!

Super Mario 3D World: A Cooperative Platforming Masterpiece

Super Mario 3D World is the main course here, and it’s an absolute delight. Originally released on the Wii U, this game shines with its creative level design, vibrant visuals, and incredibly fun multiplayer. You can play as Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, or Toad, each with their own unique abilities. Mario is the all-rounder, 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, especially when you’re playing with friends. The levels are ingeniously designed, constantly introducing new mechanics and challenges that keep things fresh. One moment you're scaling a skyscraper, the next you're navigating a transparent pipe, and then you're riding on the back of a friendly Plessie through a vibrant ocean. The power-ups are another highlight. The Super Bell transforms you into a cat, allowing you to climb walls and pounce on enemies. The Double Cherry creates clones of your character, leading to chaotic and hilarious moments, especially in multiplayer. The Boomerang Flower lets you toss boomerangs to defeat enemies from a distance, adding a tactical element to combat. Graphically, Super Mario 3D World is a treat for the eyes. The game is bursting with color, and the character models are incredibly expressive. The environments are detailed and varied, from lush green fields to spooky haunted mansions. The music is equally fantastic, with catchy tunes that perfectly complement the on-screen action. The online multiplayer is a welcome addition in the Switch version. While the original Wii U game was limited to local co-op, you can now team up with friends online to tackle the levels together. This adds a whole new dimension to the game, allowing you to share the fun with players from around the world. However, online play can sometimes be a bit laggy, so it’s best to play with friends who have a stable internet connection. Whether you're playing solo or with friends, Super Mario 3D World is a must-play for any Nintendo fan. Its charming visuals, creative level design, and addictive gameplay make it a timeless classic.

Bowser's Fury: An Open-World Mario Evolution

Now, let's talk about the star of the show: Bowser's Fury. This is a brand-new adventure that feels like a bold step forward for the Mario franchise. It's an open-world experience where you explore Lake Lapcat, a vast and interconnected world filled with islands, secrets, and a perpetually enraged Bowser. The premise is simple: Bowser has become gargantuan and furious, and it's up to Mario and Bowser Jr. to team up and stop him. The story might sound straightforward, but the gameplay is anything but. The open-world design allows you to explore at your own pace, discovering new challenges and collectibles as you go. The world is divided into several distinct areas, each with its own theme and set of objectives. You'll be exploring beaches, climbing mountains, and navigating underwater ruins, all while keeping an eye out for Bowser's fiery attacks. Speaking of Bowser, he's a constant threat in Bowser's Fury. Periodically, he'll awaken and unleash a devastating assault on the world. The sky turns dark, fire rains down, and Bowser himself emerges from the lake, breathing fire and causing havoc. These encounters are intense and exhilarating, forcing you to adapt and strategize on the fly. To defeat Bowser, you'll need to collect Cat Shines, which are scattered throughout the world. These act as keys to unlock the Giga Bell, which transforms Mario into a giant cat, allowing him to battle Bowser in epic, kaiju-style showdowns. These battles are a highlight of the game, offering a thrilling and visually impressive spectacle. The gameplay in Bowser's Fury feels like a natural evolution of the 3D Mario formula. The open-world design encourages exploration, and the constant threat of Bowser adds a sense of urgency and excitement. The power-ups from Super Mario 3D World make a return, and they're just as fun and versatile as ever. The Cat Suit is particularly useful for navigating the open world, allowing you to climb walls and reach hidden areas. Bowser Jr. acts as a support character, helping you out in battles and finding collectibles. You can even adjust his level of assistance to suit your playstyle. Graphically, Bowser's Fury is a significant step up from Super Mario 3D World. The environments are more detailed, the lighting is more dynamic, and the character models are more expressive. The game runs smoothly on the Nintendo Switch, even during the most intense Bowser encounters. Bowser's Fury is a fantastic addition to the Mario franchise. Its open-world design, thrilling Bowser encounters, and polished graphics make it a must-play for any fan of 3D platformers.

Visuals and Performance: A Switch Upgrade

Visuals and Performance are key aspects to consider when revisiting a game on new hardware. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury gets a noticeable upgrade on the Nintendo Switch. The original Super Mario 3D World was already a visually appealing game on the Wii U, but the Switch version benefits from improved resolution and smoother frame rates. The colors are more vibrant, the textures are sharper, and the overall presentation is cleaner. This makes the game look even more charming and inviting. Bowser's Fury, being a brand-new game, takes full advantage of the Switch's capabilities. The open world is beautifully realized, with detailed environments and dynamic lighting. The character models are expressive, and the special effects are impressive, especially during the Bowser encounters. The performance is generally smooth, but there are occasional frame rate dips, particularly in handheld mode. However, these dips are infrequent and don't significantly detract from the overall experience. The Switch version also includes some minor gameplay tweaks and improvements. The movement speed of the characters has been slightly increased, making the game feel more responsive. The online multiplayer is a significant addition, allowing you to play with friends from around the world. Overall, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is a visually impressive and well-optimized game on the Nintendo Switch. The improved resolution, smoother frame rates, and minor gameplay tweaks make it a worthwhile upgrade for fans of the original Wii U game.

Multiplayer Mayhem: Fun with Friends

Multiplayer Mayhem is where Super Mario 3D World truly shines. The game supports up to four players in local and online co-op. Playing with friends adds a whole new dimension to the experience, turning the already chaotic levels into a hilarious free-for-all. Each player controls one of the four main characters: Mario, Luigi, Peach, or Toad. As mentioned earlier, each character has their own unique abilities, which can be used strategically to overcome challenges. However, the real fun comes from the unpredictable nature of multiplayer. Players can pick each other up, throw each other off platforms, and compete for power-ups. This can lead to some incredibly funny and frustrating moments, but it's all part of the charm. The online multiplayer in the Switch version is a welcome addition. While the original Wii U game was limited to local co-op, you can now team up with friends online to tackle the levels together. This adds a whole new dimension to the game, allowing you to share the fun with players from around the world. However, online play can sometimes be a bit laggy, so it's best to play with friends who have a stable internet connection. Bowser's Fury also supports multiplayer, but it's a bit different from Super Mario 3D World. In Bowser's Fury, one player controls Mario, while the other controls Bowser Jr. Bowser Jr. can assist Mario by attacking enemies, collecting items, and painting walls. While it's not quite as chaotic as the four-player co-op in Super Mario 3D World, it's still a fun way to experience the game with a friend. Whether you're playing solo or with friends, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury offers a compelling and rewarding multiplayer experience. The unpredictable nature of co-op, combined with the creative level design, makes it a game that you'll want to play again and again.

Is It Worth It?: The Final Verdict

So, is it worth it? Absolutely! Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is a fantastic package deal that offers hours of fun and entertainment. Super Mario 3D World is a charming and well-designed platformer that shines with its creative levels and addictive multiplayer. Bowser's Fury is a bold and innovative open-world adventure that feels like a natural evolution of the 3D Mario formula. The improved visuals, smoother frame rates, and online multiplayer make this a worthwhile upgrade for fans of the original Wii U game. Whether you're a seasoned Mario veteran or a newcomer to the franchise, there's something here for everyone. The game is accessible enough for beginners, but it also offers plenty of challenges for experienced players. The multiplayer is a blast, and the single-player campaign is equally engaging. The combination of Super Mario 3D World and Bowser's Fury offers a diverse and satisfying gaming experience. You get the classic, linear platforming of Super Mario 3D World alongside the open-world exploration of Bowser's Fury. This variety keeps the game fresh and exciting, and it ensures that there's always something new to discover. The value proposition is also excellent. You're getting two complete games for the price of one, and both games are of exceptional quality. This makes Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury one of the best deals on the Nintendo Switch. In conclusion, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner. Its charming visuals, creative level design, addictive gameplay, and excellent value make it a game that you'll want to play again and again. So, grab your Joy-Cons, gather your friends, and get ready for a super-powered adventure! You won't be disappointed.