Super Mario Odyssey#Plot
{{short description|2017 video game}}
{{Use American English|date=April 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2025}}
{{Infobox video game
| image = Super Mario Odyssey.jpg
| caption = Game icon featuring Mario and Cappy
| alt = The icon art shows Mario, a cartoon-like mustachioed man, jumping and throwing his anthropomorphic hat, Cappy, towards the viewer. Behind them is a collage consisting of screenshots from different areas from the game, including a large picture of an urban location.
| developer = Nintendo EPD{{efn|Development assistance from 1-UP Studio.}}
| publisher = Nintendo
| director = Kenta Motokura
| producer = Yoshiaki Koizumi
Koichi Hayashida
| designer = {{ubl|Futoshi Shirai||Shinya Hiratake}}
| programmer = {{ubl|Norihiro Aoyagi|Wataru Tanaka}}
| artist = {{ubl|Rikuto Yoshida|Naoki Mineta|Sho Murata}}
| writer = Hiroaki Hishinuma
| composer = {{ubl|Naoto Kubo|Shiho Fujii|Koji Kondo}}
| series = Super Mario
| platforms = Nintendo Switch
| released = {{vgrelease|WW|October 27, 2017}}
| genre = Platform, action-adventure
| modes = Single-player, multiplayer
}}
{{nihongo foot|Super Mario Odyssey|スーパーマリオ オデッセイ|Sūpā Mario Odessei|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a 2017 platform game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. An installment in the Super Mario series, it follows Mario and his new ally Cappy—a sentient hat—as they journey across various kingdoms to save Princess Peach from Mario's nemesis Bowser's plans of forced marriage. In contrast to the linear gameplay of prior entries, the game returns to the primarily open-ended, 3D platform gameplay featured in Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine.
In the game, Mario explores various kingdoms and collects Power Moons hidden inside them, used as a fuel source to power an airship known as the Odyssey to travel to new locations. Cappy's main function is his capture ability, letting Mario possess enemies and other objects, helping him solve puzzles and progress in the game. The game includes a multiplayer mode and also supports virtual reality with a Nintendo Labo virtual reality kit, added in an update.
Developed by Nintendo's Entertainment Planning & Development division, the game entered development in 2013 soon after the release of Super Mario 3D World. Various ideas were suggested during development, and to incorporate them all the team decided to employ a sandbox-style of gameplay. Unlike previous installments such as Super Mario 3D Land and Super Mario Run, which were aimed at a more casual audience, the team designed Super Mario Odyssey to appeal somewhat more to the series' core fans.
Super Mario Odyssey was released on October 27, 2017 to acclaim, with praise for its inventiveness, originality, and for improving on concepts introduced in prior Mario games. It has been ranked as one of the highest-rated video games ever made. The game won several awards and has sold 29.04 million copies by December 31, 2024, making it one of the best-selling Switch games.
Gameplay
{{Multiple image
|align = left
|direction = vertical
|image1 = Super Mario Odyssey, Seaside Kingdom.png
|caption1 = The player navigates the Seaside Kingdom as Mario, controlling a Goomba Tower using Cappy's capture ability.
|image2 = Super Mario Odyssey, Cascade Kingdom.png
|caption2 = A 2D zone in the Cascade Kingdom, one of many side-scrolling sections that imitate the gameplay and visuals of the original Super Mario Bros.
}}
Super Mario Odyssey is a platform game in which players control Mario as he travels across 14 different worlds, known as "kingdoms" within the game, on the hat-shaped ship Odyssey to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser, who plans to forcibly marry her.{{cite news|last1=Orland|first1=Kyle|title=Super Mario Odyssey brings Mario to Nintendo Switch, the "real world"|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/01/super-mario-odyssey-brings-mario-to-nintendo-switch-the-real-world/|access-date=January 13, 2017|work=Ars Technica|date=January 12, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113052211/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/01/super-mario-odyssey-brings-mario-to-nintendo-switch-the-real-world/|archive-date=January 13, 2017|df=mdy-all}}{{cite news|last1=Tamburro|first1=Paul|title=Super Mario Odyssey is Going to be the Weirdest Mario Game Yet – CraveOnline|url=http://www.craveonline.com/entertainment/1277815-super-mario-odyssey-going-weirdest-mario-game-yet|access-date=June 13, 2017|work=CraveOnline|date=June 13, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807233404/http://www.craveonline.com/entertainment/1277815-super-mario-odyssey-going-weirdest-mario-game-yet|archive-date=August 7, 2017|df=mdy-all}} The kingdoms in the game return to the exploration-based level design featured in Super Mario 64.{{cite news|last1=Gilbert|first1=Ben|title=Forget about that 'Super Mario' game on your iPhone — this is the new Mario game you're looking for|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/super-mario-odyssey-nintendo-switch-photos-video-2017-1/#its-used-to-great-effect-in-gameplay-in-this-instance-mario-throws-his-hat-and-it-floats-in-mid-air-thus-providing-a-platform-where-mario-can-bounce-to-more-sturdy-footing-11|access-date=January 15, 2017|work=Business Insider|date=January 14, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170114202720/http://www.businessinsider.com/super-mario-odyssey-nintendo-switch-photos-video-2017-1/#its-used-to-great-effect-in-gameplay-in-this-instance-mario-throws-his-hat-and-it-floats-in-mid-air-thus-providing-a-platform-where-mario-can-bounce-to-more-sturdy-footing-11|archive-date=January 14, 2017|df=mdy-all}}{{cite news|author=Paste Staff|title=Super Mario Odyssey Announced for the Nintendo Switch|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2017/01/super-mario-odyssey-announced-for-the-nintendo-swi.html|access-date=January 15, 2017|work=Paste Magazine|date=January 13, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116174524/https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2017/01/super-mario-odyssey-announced-for-the-nintendo-swi.html|archive-date=January 16, 2017|df=mdy-all}}{{cite news|last1=Plante|first1=Chris|title=Super Mario Odyssey is an open world sandbox game for Nintendo Switch|url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/1/12/14257408/nintendo-new-super-mario-odyssey-announced-switch|access-date=January 13, 2017|work=The Verge|date=January 12, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170114015639/http://www.theverge.com/2017/1/12/14257408/nintendo-new-super-mario-odyssey-announced-switch|archive-date=January 14, 2017|df=mdy-all}} Each kingdom has Mario searching for and clearing various objectives in order to obtain items known as Power Moons, which are the power source of the Odyssey and grant access to new kingdoms. Checkpoint flags littered throughout the kingdoms allow Mario to instantly warp to them once activated.{{cite magazine|last1=Peckham|first1=Matt|title=10 Things Nintendo Told Us About 'Super Mario Odyssey'|url=https://time.com/4816417/super-mario-odyssey-interview-e3/|access-date=June 15, 2017|magazine=Time|date=June 13, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614233048/http://time.com/4816417/super-mario-odyssey-interview-e3/|archive-date=June 14, 2017|df=mdy-all}} Certain levels feature areas called "flat" zones, where Mario is placed in a 2D side-scrolling environment similar to his appearance in the original Super Mario Bros.
In addition to his pre-existing moves, like triple-jumping and wall-jumping, Mario can throw his cap, the physical form of a hat spirit named Cappy, in multiple directions to attack enemies and use as a temporary platform.{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/6/13/15788152/super-mario-odyssey-nintendo-switch-preview-e3-2017|title=Super Mario Odyssey is big, complex, and surprisingly hard|date=June 13, 2017|website=The Verge|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170624224006/https://www.theverge.com/2017/6/13/15788152/super-mario-odyssey-nintendo-switch-preview-e3-2017|archive-date=June 24, 2017|url-status=live|last1=Webster|first1=Andrew|access-date=June 13, 2017|df=mdy-all}} When the cap is thrown at certain objects, enemies, or non-playable characters, Mario is able to take possession of them, referred to as "capturing", allowing him to use unique abilities. For example, Mario can capture a Bullet Bill to fly across large gaps, a Tyrannosaurus to trample objects, a bolt of electricity called a Spark Pylon to climb up electric wires, and a tank called a Sherm to fire at enemies and break blocks for passage.{{cite news|last1=Frank|first1=Allegra|title=Mario possesses man, a frog, a dinosaur and more in Super Mario Odyssey|url=https://www.polygon.com/e3/2017/6/13/15793510/super-mario-odyssey-hat-costume-list-trailer-nintendo-switch-e3-2017|access-date=June 13, 2017|work=Polygon|date=June 13, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709001705/https://www.polygon.com/e3/2017/6/13/15793510/super-mario-odyssey-hat-costume-list-trailer-nintendo-switch-e3-2017|archive-date=July 9, 2017|df=mdy-all}}{{cite news|last1=Krupa|first1=Daniel|title=Super Mario Odyssey Hands-on Preview – A Brilliantly Bizarre Adventure|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/06/13/e3-2017-super-mario-odyssey-hands-on-preview-a-brilliantly-bizarre-adventure|access-date=June 13, 2017|work=IGN|date=June 13, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613204745/http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/06/13/e3-2017-super-mario-odyssey-hands-on-preview-a-brilliantly-bizarre-adventure|archive-date=June 13, 2017|df=mdy-all}} Some actions can be accelerated by using motion controls in the Joy-Con controllers, but the game is otherwise fully playable with the Joy-Con attached to the console.{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/10/27/16560180/super-mario-odyssey-guide-motion-controls|title=Super Mario Odyssey's motion controls are recommended, but not required|first=Allegra|last=Frank|date=October 27, 2017|access-date=November 5, 2017|work=Polygon|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171106210552/https://www.polygon.com/2017/10/27/16560180/super-mario-odyssey-guide-motion-controls|archive-date=November 6, 2017|url-status=live}} Throughout the game, Mario can pick up coins that come in two types; regular gold coins and purple ones unique to each kingdom, to spend on items such as new hats and outfits, some of which are required for completing certain objectives. The game uses a health system similar to the Super Mario Galaxy games; although Mario has unlimited lives, the only penalty for dying is paying up to ten coins. The player can also collect items known as 'Life-Up Hearts' which grant three extra hit points. The game also features cooperative play, in which a second player takes control of Cappy and can move more independently of Mario.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-e3-207-super-mario-odyssey-local-co-op-co/1100-6450983/|title=Nintendo E3 207: Super Mario Odyssey Local Co-op Confirmed, Other Player Controls Cappy|last=Newhouse|first=Alex|date=June 15, 2017|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=June 15, 2017|archive-date=September 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902115115/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-e3-2017-super-mario-odyssey-local-co-op-c/1100-6450983/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/e3/2017/6/15/15811558/super-mario-odyssey-co-op-cappy|title=Super Mario Odyssey will feature co-op|last=Ramos|first=Jeff|date=June 15, 2017|website=Polygon|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170615211112/https://www.polygon.com/e3/2017/6/15/15811558/super-mario-odyssey-co-op-cappy|archive-date=June 15, 2017|url-status=live|access-date=June 15, 2017|df=mdy-all}}
The game requires a minimum number of Power Moons to be collected from each kingdom to move onto the next, though these may be obtained from any source, making major objectives largely optional. Once Bowser is defeated, each kingdom is repopulated with more Power Moons to collect.{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/11/8/16624100/super-mario-odyssey-design|title=Why the design of Super Mario Odyssey feels so good|first=Ben|last=Kuchera|date=November 8, 2017|access-date=November 8, 2017|work=Polygon|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171109081143/https://www.polygon.com/2017/11/8/16624100/super-mario-odyssey-design|archive-date=November 9, 2017|url-status=live}} Collecting enough Power Moons allows for additional outfits to be purchased and unlocks two bonus levels. One of these levels is a boss rush called Dark Side, with 250 Power Moons required to enter. The other is a platforming gauntlet called Darker Side that combines many elements of the game, and requires 500 Power Moons to enter. In addition to this, there is also a level based on Peach's Castle from Super Mario 64 unlocked by beating the game. This level allows Mario to face harder versions of previously defeated bosses and earn additional Power Moons by completing in-game achievements.{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/10/26/16553906/super-mario-odyssey-post-game-unlocks-ending|title=Super Mario Odyssey unlocks a ton of bonuses after you beat the game|first=Phillip|last=Kohlar|date=October 27, 2017|access-date=November 6, 2017|work=Polygon|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107060925/https://www.polygon.com/2017/10/26/16553906/super-mario-odyssey-post-game-unlocks-ending|archive-date=November 7, 2017|url-status=live}}
The game features a photo mode that allows players to use a free-moving camera to take and save screenshots, with additional options such as filters and stickers.{{cite magazine|last1=Crecente|first1=Brian|title='Super Mario Odyssey': Hands-On With The Photo Mode, The Flipping Forks, The Hats|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/news/super-mario-odyssey-fixes-breath-of-the-wild-flaw-w504513|access-date=September 20, 2017|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=September 20, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921001812/http://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/news/super-mario-odyssey-fixes-breath-of-the-wild-flaw-w504513|archive-date=September 21, 2017|df=mdy-all}}{{cite news|last1=Pereira|first1=Chris|title=Nintendo Switch's Super Mario Odyssey Has A Really Cool Photo Mode|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-switchs-super-mario-odyssey-has-a-really-/1100-6453325/|access-date=September 20, 2017|work=GameSpot|date=September 14, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921000413/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-switchs-super-mario-odyssey-has-a-really-/1100-6453325/|archive-date=September 21, 2017|df=mdy-all}} Use of the Odyssey-themed Mario, Peach, and Bowser Amiibo figurines allow for special in-game abilities and unlocking special costumes which are otherwise unavailable until after the player completes the game and collects enough Power Moons.{{Cite news|first1=James|last1=O'Connor|date=13 September 2017|url=https://www.vg247.com/2017/09/14/new-super-mario-odyssey-footage-shows-more-hats-more-worlds-and-amiibo-support/|title=New Super Mario Odyssey footage shows more hats, more worlds, photo mode, and amiibo support|work=VG247.com|access-date=September 21, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922005727/https://www.vg247.com/2017/09/14/new-super-mario-odyssey-footage-shows-more-hats-more-worlds-and-amiibo-support/|archive-date=September 22, 2017|df=mdy-all}} Other Amiibo can be scanned to provide hints to finding Power Moons.{{Cite news|url=https://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/super-mario-odyssey-has-minigames-a-tiara-and-the-best-dinosaur/|title=Super Mario Odyssey has minigames, a tiara, and the best dinosaur|work=EGMNOW.com|access-date=September 21, 2017|language=en-US|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170920074955/https://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/super-mario-odyssey-has-minigames-a-tiara-and-the-best-dinosaur/|archive-date=September 20, 2017|df=mdy-all}}
A hide-and-seek minigame, called "Luigi's Balloon World", was released as part of an update on February 21, 2018. In this mode, players have 30 seconds to hide a balloon somewhere in a kingdom, which is then attempted to be found by others playing the same mode. A leaderboard system ranks the players who have found the most balloons.{{cite web|last1=Sarkar|first1=Samit|title=Super Mario Odyssey's first DLC adding Luigi balloon hunt|url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/1/11/16878088/mario-odyssey-dlc-outfits-trailer-release-date-luigi-balloon-world|website=Polygon|date=January 11, 2018|access-date=January 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112042301/https://www.polygon.com/2018/1/11/16878088/mario-odyssey-dlc-outfits-trailer-release-date-luigi-balloon-world|archive-date=January 12, 2018|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/02/21/super-mario-odyssey-balloon-world-update-out-this-week-according-to-nintendo-website|title=Super Mario Odyssey Balloon World Update Out Now|last=Corrigan|first=Hope|date=2018-02-21|website=IGN|language=en-US|access-date=2018-10-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002020508/https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/02/21/super-mario-odyssey-balloon-world-update-out-this-week-according-to-nintendo-website|archive-date=October 2, 2018|url-status=live}}
The game was updated in 2019 to be compatible with the Nintendo Labo virtual reality kit. In this mode, Mario must complete challenges in a number of kingdoms to recruit musicians and give them instruments by completing tasks related to musical notes.{{cite web|last1=Lane|first1=Gavin|title=Hands On: Super Mario Odyssey VR – A Non-Essential But Pleasant Return Trip|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/04/hands_on_super_mario_odyssey_vr_-_a_non-essential_but_pleasant_return_trip|website=Nintendo Life|date=April 27, 2019|access-date=29 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190429002858/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/04/hands_on_super_mario_odyssey_vr_-_a_non-essential_but_pleasant_return_trip|archive-date=April 29, 2019|url-status=live}}
Plot
Bowser kidnaps Princess Peach from the Mushroom Kingdom and takes her aboard his airship, intent on forcibly marrying her. Mario, also aboard, attempts to rescue her but is knocked off the ship by Bowser's hat after a brief fight and falls into the neighboring Cap Kingdom. With Mario gone, Bowser stomps on Mario's cap and lets it drift into the ship's rear propellers, shredding the cap to pieces. A piece of the hat is grabbed by Cappy, one of the Cap Kingdom's sentient hat-like creatures called Bonneters. The two meet, and he explains to Mario that Bowser also kidnapped his sister Tiara to be used as Peach's wedding tiara. Cappy joins Mario and takes the shape of Mario's cap, providing him with the ability to throw his cap and temporarily control or capture other creatures and objects and utilize their abilities. They travel to the nearby Cascade Kingdom, recover an airship called the Odyssey, and begin hunting Bowser down.
Mario and Cappy explore the various kingdoms to collect Power Moons to fuel the Odyssey and battle the Broodals—a team of anthropomorphic rabbit wedding planners hired by Bowser—who steal items including a dress, a cake, and a bouquet from different kingdoms to set up Bowser's wedding. Eventually, they catch up to Bowser in his own kingdom; however, Bowser subsequently departs for his wedding on the Moon and leaves the two to fight the Broodals in their Mecha-Broodal. They defeat the Mecha-Broodal and follow Bowser to the Moon.
Mario and Cappy fly the Odyssey to the Moon's surface and confront Bowser inside a cathedral. After Mario falls through a trapdoor set up by Bowser, the two battle in the Moon's interior, where Bowser is defeated and Mario frees Peach and Tiara, however the cavern quickly begins to collapse. Upon landing deeper in the moon, Mario takes control of an unconscious Bowser using Cappy and escapes to the surface with Peach and Tiara. Back on the surface, Mario prepares to propose to Peach, but Bowser regains consciousness and proposes as well. The two fight over her hand in marriage before an overwhelmed Peach demands they stop, and she boards the Odyssey with Cappy and Tiara. The rivals are both heartbroken, until Peach tells Mario to come home with her. Mario boards the ship just in time, leaving Bowser stranded on the moon.
In the post-game, Mario and Cappy collect more Power Moons that were released from Moon rocks to traverse other parts of the Moon, known as "Dark Side" and "Darker Side", to complete other challenges. Meanwhile, Peach and Tiara travel the world on their own terms, and meet up with Mario along the way, giving him Power Moons each time they meet.
Development
File:Yoshiaki Koizumi and Koichi Hayashida at E3 2013 (cropped).jpg (left) and Koichi Hayashida (right) in 2013; they served as the game's producers.]]
Super Mario Odyssey was developed by Nintendo's Entertainment Planning & Development division, with additional assistance from 1-Up Studio. The game was produced by Yoshiaki Koizumi and Koichi Hayashida, the same producers behind Super Mario 3D World,{{Cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/04/08/next-3d-mario-game-in-development|title=Next 3D Mario Game in Development|last=Campbell|first=Evan|date=April 8, 2014|website=IGN|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130102701/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/04/08/next-3d-mario-game-in-development|archive-date=January 30, 2016|url-status=live|access-date=June 11, 2017|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|last1=Stevens|first1=Colin|title=The State of Nintendo's Development Teams|url=https://www.hardcoregamer.com/2018/05/16/the-state-of-nintendos-development-teams/299202/|website=Hardcore Gamer|date=May 16, 2018|access-date=12 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180812213913/https://www.hardcoregamer.com/2018/05/16/the-state-of-nintendos-development-teams/299202/|archive-date=August 12, 2018|url-status=live}} and directed by Kenta Motokura. Shigeru Miyamoto reassumed his role of what he calls the "Creative Fellow", and the developers gave him concepts and he gave feedback in return. According to Koizumi, Miyamoto "left us to our own devices quite a lot".{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/8/28/16213402/nintendo-yoshiaki-koizumi-super-mario-odyssey-interview-gamescom-2017|title=Nintendo's Yoshiaki Koizumi on Super Mario Odyssey and the future of the Switch|date=2017-08-28|access-date=2021-08-26|website=The Verge|last=Byford|first=Sam|archive-date=August 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210826143803/https://www.theverge.com/2017/8/28/16213402/nintendo-yoshiaki-koizumi-super-mario-odyssey-interview-gamescom-2017|url-status=live}}
Odyssey was designed to appeal somewhat more to Mario{{'s}} core audience; a departure from the series' then-recent focus on casual players, the game focuses more on dense, open-world exploration rather than the linear gameplay recent Mario games have taken, following instead the format of games such as Super Mario 64 or Super Mario Sunshine.{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2017/1/12/14253898/nintendo-switch-event-2017-live-stream|access-date=January 12, 2017|title=Watch the Nintendo Switch presentation here|work=Polygon|date=January 12, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113062857/http://www.polygon.com/2017/1/12/14253898/nintendo-switch-event-2017-live-stream|archive-date=January 13, 2017|df=mdy-all}}{{cite news|last1=Osborn|first1=Alex|title=Miyamoto Offers a Few New Super Mario Odyssey Details|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/01/13/miyamoto-offers-a-few-new-super-mario-odyssey-details|access-date=January 15, 2017|work=IGN|date=January 13, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170114215727/http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/01/13/miyamoto-offers-a-few-new-super-mario-odyssey-details|archive-date=January 14, 2017|df=mdy-all}}{{cite news|last1=Makuch|first1=Eddie|title=Super Mario Odyssey Is on the "Core Side," Like Super Mario 64, Miyamoto Says|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/super-mario-odyssey-is-on-the-core-side-like-super/1100-6446935/|access-date=January 15, 2017|work=GameSpot|date=January 13, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116215623/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/super-mario-odyssey-is-on-the-core-side-like-super/1100-6446935/|archive-date=January 16, 2017|df=mdy-all}} According to Miyamoto, after Super Mario Galaxy and 3D World, linear gameplay was focused on less and the game would "go back to the roots, to Mario Sunshine". The game did intend to have camera control that was much easier to use than Sunshine, however. The first concept that came to be for Odyssey involved Koizumi using motion controls; he pictured motion actions that the Joy-Con controllers could be used for, and the most natural fit was throwing an object. To create a sense of connection to this gimmick, Mario's own hat was the object chosen to be thrown.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gq.com/story/super-mario-odyssey-director|title=The Director of Super Mario Odyssey Explains Why Nobody Ever Outgrows Mario|date=2017-10-24|access-date=2021-09-01|website=GQ.com|last=Rivera|first=Joshua|archive-date=March 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305015925/https://www.gq.com/story/super-mario-odyssey-director|url-status=live}}
=Design=
In an interview with Koizumi, he stated that every core gameplay concept was decided on very early into the game's development cycle, with the philosophy of creating an entirely new experience for the series. These ideas consisted of traveling between kingdoms, collecting Power Moons, and other settings. Cappy was also created in the first prototype, and motion controls were built off of this.{{Cite magazine|url=https://time.com/4816417/super-mario-odyssey-interview-e3/|title=10 Things Nintendo Told Us About 'Super Mario Odyssey'|date=2017-06-13|access-date=2021-08-27|magazine=Time|last=Peckham|first=Matt|archive-date=August 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827120152/https://time.com/4816417/super-mario-odyssey-interview-e3/|url-status=live}} Another goal was keeping the game running at 60 frames per second. Certain locations, such as New Donk City, contained a more realistic look and humans; this design choice was to emphasize the feeling of a new location that is different from what was expected.
One of the main aspects considered was the Switch's portability and TV docking, which affected how the game could be played. Motion controls were also implemented, being usable with two Joy-Cons in each hand or the Pro Controller. The developers were careful in making sure the game was fun to play in these distinct ways. To bridge the two, the game was balanced to allow gameplay in short bursts or long sessions to satisfy both fields. Kenta Motokura mentioned at an interview at E3 that the game was made possible to play in these two ways; the player has the choice of either following a set storyline or can find power moons simply by exploring. They also made sure each platforming stage had numerous ways of completion.
Elements from the sandbox game Minecraft was a point of consideration during the design of gameplay. They initially thought a game with camera movement comparable to Minecraft would be difficult for children, but later changed their minds and believed this to be sufficient due to Minecraft{{'}}s popularity amongst children.{{Cite web|url=https://metro.co.uk/2017/06/19/super-mario-odyssey-interview-with-yoshiaki-koizumi-and-kenta-motokura-please-look-forward-to-it-6718082/|title=Super Mario Odyssey interview with Yoshiaki Koizumi and Kenta Motokura – 'Please look forward to it!'|date=2017-06-19|access-date=2021-09-07|website=Metro|last=Jenkins|first=David|archive-date=July 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711103310/https://metro.co.uk/2017/06/19/super-mario-odyssey-interview-with-yoshiaki-koizumi-and-kenta-motokura-please-look-forward-to-it-6718082/|url-status=live}}
=Setting and characters=
{{Quote box|quote="Mario has always been a hat-wearing character, but because of the new action involved in this hat, we decided to make it into a character" ... "Part of it was we wanted to have someone Mario would go on this adventure with" ...|source= Director Kenta Motokura, 2017 Time, interview|width=30em|align=right}}
The developers constructed prototypes of gameplay gimmicks or platforming stages first; from there, they would discuss what kind of setting or theme the prototype would best fit within, and the locations would be constructed second. Thirdly, the locations would be taken and more ideas were designed specifically for them. The game's locations were built around the themes of journey and surprise, according to Kenta Motokura. The kingdoms have purchasable souvenirs to help make them more relatable and easier to connect to. Since the kingdoms were also open-world areas, the developers filled them with diversity and small details to give them a sense of empathy by making the player feel connected. Each kingdom was based on personal experiences from the designers, and they built off these locations by experimenting with how Mario could interact with them. The ability to take in-game screenshots was also considered by the team to be a natural fit.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/10/31/16577860/super-mario-odyssey-travel-interview-kenta-motokura|title=How Nintendo turned Super Mario Odyssey into the ultimate vacation|date=2017-10-31|access-date=2021-08-27|website=The Verge|last=Webster|first=Andrew|archive-date=August 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830162502/https://www.theverge.com/2017/10/31/16577860/super-mario-odyssey-travel-interview-kenta-motokura|url-status=live}}
Cappy was created into a character a little later after the hat throwing mechanic was introduced because the developers wanted a "buddy" to travel alongside Mario. The developers prioritized the city environment when selecting which environments to represent in Odyssey. They wanted a familiar aspect from the series to anchor players in the novel setting, and so chose Pauline, a character who first appeared alongside Mario in Donkey Kong, to be the mayor of New Donk City.{{cite news|last1=Plunkett|first1=Luke|title=Super Mario Odyssey's Outfits Are A Nice Throwback|url=http://kotaku.com/super-mario-odysseys-outfits-are-a-nice-throwback-1796076020|access-date=June 14, 2017|work=Kotaku|date=June 13, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614112516/http://kotaku.com/super-mario-odysseys-outfits-are-a-nice-throwback-1796076020|archive-date=June 14, 2017|df=mdy-all}}
={{anchor|Jump Up, Super Star!}}Music=
File:Jump_up_super_star_sample.mp3
While doing character work for Pauline, they gave her an interest in jazz music. This led her to becoming a singer, with the inclusion of the song "Jump Up Super Star!" Super Mario Run had previously featured a track with vocals{{YouTube|id=KORoB9K5to8|time=38s|title=Introductory video to the new features in Super Mario Run}} September 29, 2022.{{cite AV media|people= Kenta Nagata|date= |title= Super Mario Run assets|trans-title= |type= |language= |url= https://supermariorun.com/assets/sound/bgm.mp3|access-date= November 21, 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230116151124/https://supermariorun.com/assets/sound/bgm.mp3|archive-date= January 16, 2023|format= mp3|time= 00:21|location= |publisher= Nintendo|id= |isbn= |oclc= |quote= Show me your love, show me your love|url-status= live}} that was added in an update released one month prior to Odyssey.{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/9/28/16380152/super-mario-run-remix-10-update-iphone-android|title=Super Mario Run's new rapid-fire remix mode is just what the game needed|date=September 29, 2017|website=The Verge|url-status=live|last1=Webster|first1=Andrew|access-date=November 21, 2022|df=mdy-all|archive-date=September 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929045343/https://www.theverge.com/2017/9/28/16380152/super-mario-run-remix-10-update-iphone-android}} A swing music-inspired song, "Jump Up Super Star!" was composed by the game's lead composer, Naoto Kubo, with vocals by Kate Higgins.{{cite web|last1=Osborn|first1=Alex|title=How Nintendo Made the Lyrics for Super Mario Odyssey's Jump Up Super Star|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/11/20/how-nintendo-made-the-lyrics-for-super-mario-odysseys-jump-up-super-star|website=IGN|date=November 20, 2017|access-date=December 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101150506/http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/11/20/how-nintendo-made-the-lyrics-for-super-mario-odysseys-jump-up-super-star|archive-date=January 1, 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|last1=Hilliard|first1=Kyle|title=Kate Higgins On Playing Pauline And Singing "Jump Up Superstar" For Super Mario Odyssey|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2017/10/27/kate-higgins-on-playing-pauline-and-recording-quot-jump-up-superstar-quot-for-super-mario-odyssey.aspx|magazine=Game Informer|access-date=December 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171214043255/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2017/10/27/kate-higgins-on-playing-pauline-and-recording-quot-jump-up-superstar-quot-for-super-mario-odyssey.aspx|archive-date=December 14, 2017|url-status=live}} The song's chorus was made simple to be memorable and easy to sing along to. Lyrics were written in Japanese by Nobuyoshi Suzuki and translated to English by Rob Heiret. Another theme song, "Break Free (Lead the Way)", followed a similar process.{{cite web|last1=Moyse|first1=Chris|title=Super Mario Odyssey Sound Selection available on iTunes today|url=https://www.destructoid.com/super-mario-odyssey-sound-selection-available-on-itunes-today-479035.phtml|website=Destructoid|date=December 22, 2017|access-date=January 8, 2018|archive-date=September 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902115116/https://www.destructoid.com/super-mario-odyssey-sound-selection-available-on-itunes-today/|url-status=live}}
A sampler album containing 12 tracks from the game was released on iTunes in December 2017. A four-disc soundtrack containing 136 tracks was released in Japan in 2018 by Being Inc. The soundtracks include English, Japanese, and instrumental versions of "Jump Up Super Star!" and "Break Free (Lead the Way)". The discs also include commentary from some of the development staff.{{cite web|last1=Wong|first1=Alistair|title=Super Mario Odyssey Original Soundtrack Will Begin Its Journey On February 28, 2018|date=January 2, 2018|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2018/01/02/super-mario-odyssey-original-soundtrack-will-begin-journey-february-28-2018/|website=Siliconera|access-date=January 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180107204211/http://www.siliconera.com/2018/01/02/super-mario-odyssey-original-soundtrack-will-begin-journey-february-28-2018/|archive-date=January 7, 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Younger|first1=Rob|title=Super Mario Odyssey Soundtrack Goes on Sale Next Month|url=http://twinfinite.net/2018/01/mario-odyssey-soundtrack-sale-next-month/|website=Twinfinite|date=January 2, 2018|access-date=February 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228163008/http://twinfinite.net/2018/01/mario-odyssey-soundtrack-sale-next-month/|archive-date=February 28, 2018|url-status=live}}
Release
File:E3 - 2017 (35235953901).jpg]]
The game was teased via the Nintendo Switch console announcement trailer in 2016;{{cite news|last1=Frank|first1=Allegra|title=Nintendo Switch is getting a new Mario game|url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/10/20/13344776/mario-nintendo-switch-game|access-date=January 13, 2017|work=Polygon|date=October 20, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116152949/http://www.polygon.com/2016/10/20/13344776/mario-nintendo-switch-game|archive-date=January 16, 2017|df=mdy-all}}{{cite news|last1=Pereira|first1=Chris|title=Nintendo Switch Reveal Teased a New Mario Game|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-switch-reveal-teased-a-new-mario-game/1100-6444641/|access-date=January 13, 2017|work=GameSpot|date=October 20, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161114022251/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-switch-reveal-teased-a-new-mario-game/1100-6444641/|archive-date=November 14, 2016|df=mdy-all}} in January 2017 during a Nintendo presentation, Odyssey was formally announced to be in development, and was followed shortly after with gameplay footage.{{cite news|last1=Nunneley|first1=Stephany|title=Super Mario Odyssey video breaks down what we know about the game so far|url=https://www.vg247.com/2017/01/15/super-mario-odyssey-video-breaks-down-what-we-know-about-the-game-so-far/|access-date=January 15, 2017|work=VG247.com|date=January 15, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116122922/http://www.vg247.com/2017/01/15/super-mario-odyssey-video-breaks-down-what-we-know-about-the-game-so-far/|archive-date=January 16, 2017|df=mdy-all}} A section at E3 2017 was themed around New Donk City, and was filled with kiosks that allowed people to play a demo.{{Cite web|last1=Hall|first1=Charlie|title=Nintendo's E3 booth put fans in Super Mario Odyssey's New Donk City|work=Polygon|date=June 15, 2017|url=https://www.polygon.com/e3/2017/6/15/15814446/nintendo-e3-booth-tour-new-donk-city-super-mario-galaxy|access-date=June 17, 2017|df=mdy-all|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809191351/https://www.polygon.com/e3/2017/6/15/15814446/nintendo-e3-booth-tour-new-donk-city-super-mario-galaxy|archive-date=August 9, 2017|url-status=live}} The announcement at E3 2017 was the most popular part of the presentation on social media and was considered the best part of the show by other attending developers.{{Cite web|author1=GamesIndustry Staff|title=The GamesIndustry.biz E3 Award Winners|work=GamesIndustry.biz|date=June 16, 2017|url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2017-06-16-the-gamesindustry-biz-e3-award-winners|access-date=June 17, 2017|df=mdy-all|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170616215856/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2017-06-16-the-gamesindustry-biz-e3-award-winners|archive-date=June 16, 2017}}{{Cite web|last1=Sarkar|first1=Samit|title=Nintendo and Mario dominate E3 2017 Game Critics Awards|work=Polygon|date=June 28, 2017|url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/6/28/15885754/e3-2017-game-critics-awards-winners|access-date=June 28, 2017|df=mdy-all|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170628201243/https://www.polygon.com/2017/6/28/15885754/e3-2017-game-critics-awards-winners|archive-date=June 28, 2017}} Critics also noted the game's density of secrets and noted the format of open-world exploration.{{Cite web|last1=Schreier|first1=Jason|title=I Played 30 Minutes Of Super Mario Odyssey And It Sure Is Impressive|work=Kotaku|date=June 13, 2017|url=http://kotaku.com/i-played-30-minutes-of-super-mario-odyssey-and-it-sure-1796037732|access-date=June 15, 2017|df=mdy-all|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170615083232/http://kotaku.com/i-played-30-minutes-of-super-mario-odyssey-and-it-sure-1796037732|archive-date=June 15, 2017}}{{Cite web|last1=Bailey|first1=Kat|title=The Good and (Maybe) Bad of Super Mario Odyssey|work=USgamer|date=June 15, 2017|url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/the-good-and-maybe-bad-of-mario-odyssey|access-date=June 15, 2017|df=mdy-all|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170624205250/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/the-good-and-maybe-bad-of-mario-odyssey|archive-date=June 24, 2017}}
Two weeks before the game's release, Nintendo uploaded a Broadway inspired promotional music video of "Jump Up Super Star!", which featured live-action dancers alongside a CGI animated character of Mario.{{cite web|last1=Alexander|first1=Julia|title=Live-action Super Mario Odyssey trailer makes Mario a Broadway star|url=https://www.polygon.com/nintendo-switch/2017/10/11/16457852/super-mario-odyssey-live-action-trailer-new-donk-city|website=Polygon|access-date=January 2, 2018|date=October 11, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019163308/https://www.polygon.com/nintendo-switch/2017/10/11/16457852/super-mario-odyssey-live-action-trailer-new-donk-city|archive-date=October 19, 2017|df=mdy-all}} The song was released on the digital music storefront iTunes shortly after and became one of the top 40 best sellers in the United States.{{cite web|last1=Kelbaugh|first1=Tyler|title=Super Mario Odyssey's Theme, "Jump Up, Super Star", Breaks into the iTunes Top 25|url=http://twinfinite.net/2017/10/jump-up-super-star-itunes/|website=Twinfinite|date=October 21, 2017|access-date=October 22, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171022060827/http://twinfinite.net/2017/10/jump-up-super-star-itunes/|archive-date=October 22, 2017|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|last1=Swalley|first1=Kirstin|title=Super Mario Odyssey Official Music Video, Theme Song Coming to iTunes|url=http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2017/10/10/super-mario-odyssey-official-music-video-theme-song-coming-to-itunes/275155/|website=Hardcore Gamer|date=October 10, 2017|access-date=October 19, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019215835/http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2017/10/10/super-mario-odyssey-official-music-video-theme-song-coming-to-itunes/275155/|archive-date=October 19, 2017|df=mdy-all}}
The game officially released October 27, 2017,{{cite news|last1=Alexander|first1=Julia|title=Super Mario Odyssey comes to the Switch this October|url=https://www.polygon.com/e3/2017/6/13/15791790/super-mario-odyssey-nintendo-switch-e3|access-date=June 13, 2017|work=Polygon|date=June 13, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711055608/https://www.polygon.com/e3/2017/6/13/15791790/super-mario-odyssey-nintendo-switch-e3|archive-date=July 11, 2017|df=mdy-all}} alongside Amiibo of Mario, Peach, and Bowser in their respective wedding attire.{{Cite web|last1=Goldfarb|first1=Andrew|title=E3 2017: Super Mario Odyssey Amiibo Revealed|work=IGN|date=June 13, 2017|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/06/13/e3-2017-super-mario-odyssey-amiibo-revealed|access-date=June 15, 2017|df=mdy-all|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613211425/http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/06/13/e3-2017-super-mario-odyssey-amiibo-revealed|archive-date=June 13, 2017}} In addition, a limited-time Odyssey themed Nintendo Switch was released, containing the console, Joy-Con reminiscent to the color of the character Cappy, a Switch console carrying case, and a Nintendo eShop digital download code for Odyssey.{{cite web|last1=Buckley|first1=Sean|title=Play 'Super Mario Odyssey' in style with this themed Switch bundle|url=https://www.engadget.com/2017/09/13/mario-odyssey-bundle/|website=Engadget.com|date=September 13, 2017 |access-date=September 14, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913234014/https://www.engadget.com/2017/09/13/mario-odyssey-bundle/|archive-date=September 13, 2017|df=mdy-all}} {{anchor|Super Mario Cereal}}Later that December, Nintendo partnered with food manufacturing company Kellogg's to release a limited quantity breakfast cereal—"Super Mario Cereal"—in the US. The back of the box contains an NFC tag that can be scanned like an Amiibo toy, which provides exclusive in-game extras.{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/11/29/16714980/super-mario-cereal-amiibo-nintendo-kelloggs|title=Nintendo's new Super Mario breakfast cereal is also an amiibo|last=McWhertor|first=Michael|date=November 29, 2017|website=Polygon|access-date=November 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171129191927/https://www.polygon.com/2017/11/29/16714980/super-mario-cereal-amiibo-nintendo-kelloggs|archive-date=November 29, 2017|url-status=live}}
Reception
{{Video game reviews
|MC = 97/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/super-mario-odyssey/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch|title=Super Mario Odyssey for Switch Reviews|website=Metacritic|access-date=December 8, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026132835/http://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/super-mario-odyssey|archive-date=October 26, 2017|df=mdy-all}}
|OC = 98% recommend{{cite news |title=Super Mario Odyssey Reviews |url=https://opencritic.com/game/4504/super-mario-odyssey |access-date=January 20, 2025 |work=OpenCritic |language=en}}
|Destruct = 9.5/10{{cite web|last=Carter|first=Chris|date=October 27, 2017|url=https://www.destructoid.com/review-super-mario-odyssey-467151.phtml|title=Review: Super Mario Odyssey|website=Destructoid|access-date=October 27, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171027131531/https://www.destructoid.com/review-super-mario-odyssey-467151.phtml|archive-date=October 27, 2017|df=mdy-all}}
|EGM = 10/10{{cite magazine|last=Schaefer|first=Emma|date=October 26, 2017|url=http://www.egmnow.com/articles/reviews/super-mario-odyssey-review|title=Super Mario Odyssey review|magazine=EGMNow|access-date=October 26, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026214349/http://www.egmnow.com/articles/reviews/super-mario-odyssey-review|archive-date=October 26, 2017|df=mdy-all}}
|GI = 9.75/10{{cite magazine|last=Reiner|first=Andrew|date=October 26, 2017|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/super_mario_odyssey/b/switch/archive/2017/10/26/super-mario-odyssey-review.aspx|title=A Clever Tip Of The Hat – Super Mario Odyssey – Switch|magazine=Game Informer|access-date=October 26, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171027004538/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/super_mario_odyssey/b/switch/archive/2017/10/26/super-mario-odyssey-review.aspx|archive-date=October 27, 2017|df=mdy-all}}
|GameRev = {{Rating|5|5}}{{cite web|last=Tamburro|first=Paul|date=October 26, 2017|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/353097-super-mario-odyssey-review-a-new-era|title=Super Mario Odyssey Review – A New Era|publisher=Game Revolution|access-date=October 26, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026124434/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/353097-super-mario-odyssey-review-a-new-era|archive-date=October 26, 2017|df=mdy-all}}
|GSpot = 10/10{{cite web|last=Brown|first=Peter|date=October 26, 2017|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/super-mario-odyssey-review/1900-6416795/|title=Super Mario Odyssey Review|website=GameSpot|access-date=October 26, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026214308/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/super-mario-odyssey-review/1900-6416795/|archive-date=October 26, 2017|df=mdy-all}}
|GRadar = {{Rating|5|5}}{{cite web|last=Loveridge|first=Sam|date=October 26, 2017|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/super-mario-odyssey-review/|title=Super Mario Odyssey review|website=GamesRadar+|access-date=October 26, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026214022/http://www.gamesradar.com/super-mario-odyssey-review/|archive-date=October 26, 2017|df=mdy-all}}
|GTM = 10/10{{cite magazine|title=Super Mario Odyssey|magazine=GamesTM|publisher=Future plc|issue=193|publication-date=November 2, 2017|page=64}}
|GB = {{Rating|5|5}}{{cite web|last=Ryckert|first=Dan|date=October 26, 2017|url=https://www.giantbomb.com/reviews/super-mario-odyssey-review/1900-774/|title=Super Mario Odyssey Review|publisher=Giant Bomb|access-date=October 26, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026214118/https://www.giantbomb.com/reviews/super-mario-odyssey-review/1900-774/|archive-date=October 26, 2017|df=mdy-all}}
|IGN = 10/10{{cite web|last=McCaffrey|first=Ryan|date=October 26, 2017|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/10/26/super-mario-odyssey-review|title=Super Mario Odyssey Review|website=IGN|access-date=October 26, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026163202/http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/10/26/super-mario-odyssey-review|archive-date=October 26, 2017|df=mdy-all}}
|NLife = {{rating|10|10}}{{cite web|last=Whitehead|first=Thomas|date=October 26, 2017|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/super_mario_odyssey|title=Review: Super Mario Odyssey (Switch)|website=Nintendo Life|access-date=October 26, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026214242/http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/super_mario_odyssey|archive-date=October 26, 2017|df=mdy-all}}
|Poly = 9.5/10{{cite web|last1=Kollar|first1=Philip|last2=Frank|first2=Allegra|date=October 26, 2017|url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/10/26/16551724/super-mario-odyssey-review|title=Super Mario Odyssey review|website=Polygon|access-date=October 26, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026214204/https://www.polygon.com/2017/10/26/16551724/super-mario-odyssey-review|archive-date=October 26, 2017|df=mdy-all}}
}}
Super Mario Odyssey was met with "universal acclaim", according to the review aggregator Metacritic. As of 2025, Metacritic ranks Odyssey as the joint third-highest-rated game of all time.{{efn|Super Mario Odyssey shares its status as third-highest rated game on Metacritic with Grand Theft Auto V, Super Mario Galaxy 2, Super Mario Galaxy, Metroid Prime, NFL 2K1, Perfect Dark, Halo: Combat Evolved, Grand Theft Auto III, Red Dead Redemption 2, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Disco Elysium: The Final Cut, and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3.{{Cite web |title=What Games to Play Right Now |url=https://www.metacritic.com/browse/game/ |access-date=January 20, 2025 |website=Metacritic |language=en |archive-date=October 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019111924/https://www.metacritic.com/browse/game/ |url-status=live }}}} OpenCritic determined that 98% of critics recommended the game. As of 2025, OpenCritic ranks Odyssey as the highest-rated game of all time.{{cite news |title=Best Games of All Time |url=https://opencritic.com/browse/all |access-date=January 20, 2025 |work=OpenCritic |language=en}}
Andrew Webster of The Verge thought that the structure of the game lent itself well to the portable nature of the Switch, which players could play for either long sessions in order to follow the missions, or in short bursts while collecting "Power Moons", which the author compared to the "shrines", or hidden mini-dungeons, which were scattered throughout Breath of the Wild. Despite the praise, Webster noted that the motion controls "felt frustratingly imprecise", preferring the accuracy of standard controls. The ability for Mario to turn into his 2D Super Mario Bros. form in certain segments was compared to the puzzles featured in The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds,{{cite news|last=Donlan|first=Christian|title=Nintendo consolidates an already special year|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-06-14-nintendo-consolidates-an-already-special-year|access-date=June 20, 2017|work=Eurogamer|date=June 14, 2017|language=en-UK|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170615234918/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-06-14-nintendo-consolidates-an-already-special-year|archive-date=June 15, 2017|df=mdy-all}} while VentureBeat noted the game's similarities to the Sonic the Hedgehog series.{{cite web|last1=Grubb|first1=Jeff|last2=Minotti|first2=Mike|date=June 19, 2017|title=Super Mario Odyssey is a Sonic the Hedgehog clone|url=https://venturebeat.com/2017/06/19/super-mario-odyssey-is-a-sonic-the-hedgehog-clone/|website=VentureBeat|access-date=June 21, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170620050505/https://venturebeat.com/2017/06/19/super-mario-odyssey-is-a-sonic-the-hedgehog-clone/|archive-date=June 20, 2017|df=mdy-all}}
The staff of Edge praised the inventiveness of the game's new ideas and the risks Nintendo had taken to deviate from the established formula of Mario games, which they believed had paid off. They likened the game to Super Mario 64 and called it the spiritual successor that had previously not yet been achieved. The staff also complimented the introduction of Cappy and the capturing mechanic, which they called the most versatile ability in the Mario series to date, and enjoyed how the ability allowed Nintendo to reinvent a number of their favorite gameplay activities.{{cite magazine|title=Play • Super Mario Odyssey|magazine=Edge|publisher=Future plc|issue=312|publication-date=October 12, 2017|pages=98–100|issn=1350-1593}} Famitsu gave the game a score of 39/40, the same as Super Mario 64 and the highest score for a 3D Mario game since then.{{Cite web|url=http://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/gaming/867864/Super-Mario-Odyssey-Nintendo-Switch-REVIEW-Famitsu-score-release-date|title=Super Mario Odyssey Nintendo Switch REVIEW: New verdict in – and it's NOT a perfect score|last=Martin|first=Liam|date=October 19, 2017|website=Daily Express|language=en|access-date=October 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019122506/http://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/gaming/867864/Super-Mario-Odyssey-Nintendo-Switch-REVIEW-Famitsu-score-release-date|archive-date=October 19, 2017|url-status=live}} Perfect 10/10 scores were also awarded by IGN and GameSpot, who both praised the game's originality.
In contrast, Ian Dallas, the creator of What Remains of Edith Finch, gave Super Mario Odyssey a lukewarm review. He explained, "My problem with Super Mario Odyssey is that it's not actually satisfying to finish. This is not to say it isn't worth playing; it absolutely is. I just don't think it's worth finishing."{{cite news|last1=Dallas|first1=Ian|title=Super Mario Odyssey is fun to learn and pointless to master|url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/1/8/16846618/super-mario-odyssey-year-in-review-ian-dallas|access-date=January 27, 2018|work=Polygon|publisher=Vox Media|date=January 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180127143230/https://www.polygon.com/2018/1/8/16846618/super-mario-odyssey-year-in-review-ian-dallas|archive-date=January 27, 2018|url-status=live}} Phil Hornshaw of Digital Trends gave the game 4/5 stars, saying that "Mario's first turn on the Switch is fun, but lacks the innovation and creativity of Nintendo's best." Hornshaw also noted that the "Controls and camera can be imprecise" and "frustrating".{{Cite web|last=Hornshaw|first=Phil|date=2017-10-31|title='Super Mario Odyssey' doesn't need to reinvent the wheel to keep you hooked|url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/game-reviews/super-mario-odyssey-review/|access-date=2021-12-25|website=Digital Trends|language=en|archive-date=December 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225211308/https://www.digitaltrends.com/game-reviews/super-mario-odyssey-review/|url-status=live}}
The song "Jump Up, Super Star!" debuted at number 33 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 for the week of November 11, 2017.{{Cite magazine|title=Kate Davis|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/kate-davis/chart-history/jpn/|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2020-05-09|archive-date=January 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126223732/https://www.billboard.com/music/kate-davis/chart-history/JPN/song/1050529|url-status=live}}{{Cite magazine|title=Japan Hot 100 Chart|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/japan-hot-100/2017-11-11|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2020-05-09|archive-date=March 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325054412/https://www.billboard.com/charts/japan-hot-100/2017-11-11|url-status=live}} In Japan, the song reached No. 1 on the Japanese iTunes Store.{{Cite web|title=Super Mario Odyssey : Jump Up, Super Star! casse les charts US et japonais < News < Puissance Nintendo|url=https://www.p-nintendo.com/news/super-mario-odyssey-jump-up-super-star-casse-les-charts-us-et-japonais-249206|website=www.p-nintendo.com|access-date=2020-05-09|quote="Et le Japon n'est pas en reste car le titre est numéro 1 sur l'archipel. Une belle réussite commerciale, ce qui est relativement rare pour une bande-son issue d'un jeu vidéo à cette échelle."|archive-date=October 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013015408/https://www.p-nintendo.com/news/super-mario-odyssey-jump-up-super-star-casse-les-charts-us-et-japonais-249206|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title="Jump Up, Super Star" Is #1 on iTunes in Japan. Climbing Up Charts In America|url=https://switchingworlds.com/jump-up-super-star-is-1-on-itunes-in-japan-climbing-up-charts-in-america/|date=2017-10-21|website=Switching Worlds|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-09|archive-date=November 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128020843/https://switchingworlds.com/jump-up-super-star-is-1-on-itunes-in-japan-climbing-up-charts-in-america/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=『マリオオデッセイ』主題歌が iTunes Storeで１位に！Mステ出場もありえる！？|url=https://switchsoku.com/soft/mario_odyssey/12677|date=2017-10-21|website=switchsoku.com|language=ja|access-date=2020-05-09|archive-date=February 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201222246/http://switchsoku.com/soft/mario_odyssey/12677|url-status=live}} On the US iTunes Store, the song debuted at 25 in the "All Genres" category.{{Cite news|title=Super Mario Odyssey's Theme, "Jump Up, Super Star!" Breaks into the iTunes Top 25|url=https://twinfinite.net/2017/10/jump-up-super-star-itunes/|date=2017-10-21|website=Twinfinite|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-09|quote="The catchy track, which sells for $1.29, has actually managed to break into the All Genre Top 25!"|archive-date=June 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618230154/https://twinfinite.net/2017/10/jump-up-super-star-itunes/|url-status=live |last1=Jecks |first1=Chris }} Kate Higgins performed "Jump Up, Super Star!" live at The Game Awards 2017 ceremony.{{Cite web|title=Meet Kate Higgins, the Auburn grad who's in your house|url=https://www.al.com/entertainment/2018/07/kate_higgins.html|last=Henderson|first=Jeremy|date=2018-07-16|website=al|language=en|access-date=2020-05-14|quote="What with that Auburn jazz degree, it was right up Kate's alley. She nailed it. Nintendo actually asked her to perform the song live at the 2017 Game Awards show last December in front of an army of fans in Mario hats."|archive-date=January 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126223730/https://www.al.com/entertainment/2018/07/kate_higgins.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=The 7 most memorable moments of The Game Awards 2017|url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/12/8/16752058/game-awards-2017-highlights-winners-zelda-fromsoftware-death-stranding|last=Frank|first=Allegra|date=2017-12-08|website=Polygon|language=en|access-date=2020-05-14|quote="The best musical moment, though? A full performance of “Jump Up, Super Star,” the amazing theme song to Super Mario Odyssey."|archive-date=January 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180102223823/https://www.polygon.com/2017/12/8/16752058/game-awards-2017-highlights-winners-zelda-fromsoftware-death-stranding|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Super Mario Odyssey Has Sold Over 10 Million Units Worldwide, Making It Best-Selling Switch Game|url=https://www.thegamer.com/super-mario-odyssey-sold-10-million-units-worldwide/|date=2018-04-26|website=TheGamer|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-14|quote="'Jump Up, Super Star!' was even performed by Kate Higgins, the song's English singer, at the 2017 Game Awards"|archive-date=January 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126223805/https://www.thegamer.com/super-mario-odyssey-sold-10-million-units-worldwide/|url-status=live}}
=Sales=
Three days after release, more than two million copies of the game were sold worldwide, with 500,000 in Japan.{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/super-mario-odyssey-sells-2-million-copies-in-3-da/1100-6454503/|title=Super Mario Odyssey Sells 2 Million Copies In 3 Days|last=Newhouse|first=Alex|date=October 30, 2017|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=October 31, 2017|archive-date=September 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902115116/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/super-mario-odyssey-crosses-2-million-copies-sold-/1100-6454503/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=James|last=Brightman|url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2017-11-01-super-mario-odyssey-sells-over-500-000-copies-in-japan-in-a-few-days|title=Super Mario Odyssey sells over 500,000 copies in Japan in a few days|website=GamesIndustry.biz|date=November 2017|access-date=November 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171103230556/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2017-11-01-super-mario-odyssey-sells-over-500-000-copies-in-japan-in-a-few-days|archive-date=November 3, 2017|url-status=live}} During its launch week, the game competed with Assassin's Creed Origins, which it was narrowly outsold by in the United Kingdom.{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/top-10-uk-sales-chart-super-mario-odyssey-beaten-t/1100-6454456/|title=Top 10 UK Sales Chart: Super Mario Odyssey Beaten To No.1 By Assassin's Creed Origins|last=Dayus|first=Oscar|date=October 30, 2017|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|access-date=October 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107004030/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/top-10-uk-sales-chart-super-mario-odyssey-beaten-t/1100-6454456/|archive-date=November 7, 2017|url-status=live}} In the US and Europe, it became Nintendo's fastest-selling Super Mario game ever, with 1.1 million copies sold in the US within five days.{{cite web|first=Chris|last=Pereira|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/super-mario-odyssey-becomes-fastest-selling-mario-/1100-6454587/|title=Super Mario Odyssey Becomes Fastest-Selling Mario Game Ever In US, Europe|website=GameSpot|access-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107113142/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/super-mario-odyssey-becomes-fastest-selling-mario-/1100-6454587/|archive-date=November 7, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2017/11/02/super-mario-odyssey-is-now-the-fastest-selling-mario-game-ever-in-the-us/#37e12ba948fb|title='Super Mario Odyssey' Is Now The Fastest-Selling Mario Game Ever In The US|first=Paul|last=Tassi|magazine=Forbes|date=November 2, 2017|access-date=December 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208004021/https://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2017/11/02/super-mario-odyssey-is-now-the-fastest-selling-mario-game-ever-in-the-us/#37e12ba948fb|archive-date=December 8, 2017|url-status=live}} According to The NPD Group, the game was the bestselling video game of October 2017,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2017/11/16/nintendo-wins-big-in-october-with-super-mario-odyssey-and-the-nintendo-switch/#48dabb0a216e|title=Nintendo Wins Big in October With 'Super Mario Odyssey' And The Nintendo Switch|first=Erik|last=Kain|magazine=Forbes|date=November 16, 2017|access-date=December 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203083142/https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2017/11/16/nintendo-wins-big-in-october-with-super-mario-odyssey-and-the-nintendo-switch/#48dabb0a216e|archive-date=December 3, 2017|url-status=live}} and was listed by Amazon as the online retailer's highest-selling game of the year.{{cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/amazon-currently-lists-super-mario-odyssey-as-their-best-selling-video-game-of-2017-475485.phtml|title=Amazon currently lists Super Mario Odyssey as their best-selling video game of 2017|first=Chris|last=Moyse|website=Destructoid|date=December 30, 2017|access-date=December 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180207131413/https://www.destructoid.com/amazon-currently-lists-super-mario-odyssey-as-their-best-selling-video-game-of-2017-475485.phtml|archive-date=February 7, 2018|url-status=live}} By December 2017, Super Mario Odyssey had sold 9.07 million copies worldwide, making it the bestselling game for the Switch at that time.{{Cite web|title=Switch overtakes Wii U lifetime sales as Super Mario Odyssey hits 9 million units sold|url=https://www.vg247.com/2018/01/31/switch-overtakes-wii-u-lifetime-sales-as-super-mario-odyssey-hits-9-million-units-sold/|date=2018-01-31|access-date=2018-11-17|archive-date=June 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615014246/https://www.vg247.com/2018/01/31/switch-overtakes-wii-u-lifetime-sales-as-super-mario-odyssey-hits-9-million-units-sold/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=IR Information: Sales Data – Top Selling Title Sales Units|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/index.html|date=2018-01-31|access-date=2018-11-17|archive-date=January 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130072006/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/index.html|url-status=live}} As of December 2024, it had sold 29.04 million copies.{{cite web | url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/index.html | title=IR Information : Sales Data - Top Selling Title Sales Units | access-date=February 8, 2025 | archive-date=January 30, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130072006/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/index.html | url-status=live }}
=Awards=
Entertainment Weekly and Giant Bomb both ranked the game second in their list of the "Best Games of 2017",{{cite magazine|last1=Morales|first1=Aaron|last2=Abrams|first2=Natalie|url=http://ew.com/gaming/best-video-games-2017/2-super-mario-odyssey-switch/|title=The Year's Best Games|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|issue=1496–97|date=December 29, 2017|pages=92–94|access-date=December 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171217190951/http://ew.com/gaming/best-video-games-2017/2-super-mario-odyssey-switch/|archive-date=December 17, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|author=Giant Bomb staff|date=December 29, 2017|url=https://www.giantbomb.com/articles/game-of-the-year-2017-day-five-best-worst-cast-and/1100-5708/|title=Game of the Year 2017 Day Five: Best, Worst, Cast, and Capture|publisher=Giant Bomb|access-date=December 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171230114718/https://www.giantbomb.com/articles/game-of-the-year-2017-day-five-best-worst-cast-and/1100-5708/|archive-date=December 30, 2017|url-status=live}} and GamesRadar+ ranked it fourth on their list of the 25 Best Games of 2017,{{cite web|author=GamesRadar staff|date=December 22, 2017|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/best-games-2017/3/|title=The best games of 2017: Page 3|website=GamesRadar+|access-date=March 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180326064341/https://www.gamesradar.com/best-games-2017/3/|archive-date=March 26, 2018|url-status=live}} while Eurogamer and Polygon ranked Super Mario Odyssey third on their lists of the "Top 50 Games of 2017".{{cite web|author=Eurogamer staff|date=December 30, 2017|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-12-30-eurogamers-top-50-games-of-2017-10-1|title=Eurogamer's Top 50 Games of 2017: 10-1|website=Eurogamer|access-date=December 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231051755/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-12-30-eurogamers-top-50-games-of-2017-10-1|archive-date=December 31, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|author=Polygon staff|date=December 18, 2017|url=https://www.polygon.com/2017-best-games/2017/12/18/16781674/best-video-games-2017-top-50-mario-pubg-zelda|title=The 50 best games of 2017|work=Polygon|publisher=Vox Media|access-date=February 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331191219/https://www.polygon.com/2017-best-games/2017/12/18/16781674/best-video-games-2017-top-50-mario-pubg-zelda|archive-date=March 31, 2019|url-status=live}} Ars Technica ranked the game as their Game of the Year,{{cite web|author=Orland, Kyle|date=December 24, 2017|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/12/ars-technicas-best-video-games-of-2017/|title=Ars Technica's best video games of 2017|website=Ars Technica|access-date=January 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203231332/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/12/ars-technicas-best-video-games-of-2017/|archive-date=February 3, 2018|url-status=live}} while The Verge named it as one of their 15 Best Games of 2017.{{cite web|author=Verge staff|date=December 15, 2017|url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/12/15/16776632/best-games-2017-zelda-mario-pubg-destiny|title=The 15 best games of 2017|website=The Verge|access-date=June 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215151914/https://www.theverge.com/2017/12/15/16776632/best-games-2017-zelda-mario-pubg-destiny|archive-date=December 15, 2017|url-status=live}} Readers and staff of Game Informer voted the game as the best platforming game of the year,{{cite magazine|author=Game Informer staff|date=January 4, 2018|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2018/01/04/game-informers-best-of-2017-awards.aspx?PostPageIndex=3|title=Game Informer's Best Of 2017 Awards (Page 3)|magazine=Game Informer|access-date=January 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180107034002/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2018/01/04/game-informers-best-of-2017-awards.aspx?PostPageIndex=3|archive-date=January 7, 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|last=Cork|first=Jeff|date=January 4, 2018|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2018/01/04/reader-s-choice-best-of-2017-awards.aspx?PostPageIndex=3|title=Reader's Choice Best Of 2017 Awards (Page 3)|magazine=Game Informer|access-date=January 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180107034922/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2018/01/04/reader-s-choice-best-of-2017-awards.aspx?PostPageIndex=3|archive-date=January 7, 2018|url-status=live}} while the former also voted it as Game of the Year, along with Best Nintendo Game.{{cite magazine|last=Cork|first=Jeff|date=January 4, 2018|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2018/01/04/reader-s-choice-best-of-2017-awards.aspx|title=Reader's Choice Best Of 2017 Awards|magazine=Game Informer|access-date=January 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180107034849/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2018/01/04/reader-s-choice-best-of-2017-awards.aspx|archive-date=January 7, 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|last=Cork|first=Jeff|date=January 4, 2018|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2018/01/04/reader-s-choice-best-of-2017-awards.aspx?PostPageIndex=5|title=Reader's Choice Best Of 2017 Awards (Page 5)|magazine=Game Informer|access-date=January 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180107034046/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2018/01/04/reader-s-choice-best-of-2017-awards.aspx?PostPageIndex=5|archive-date=January 7, 2018|url-status=live}} Electronic Gaming Monthly also ranked the game at number four in their list of the 25 Best Games of 2017.{{cite web|author=EGM staff|date=December 31, 2017|url=http://www.egmnow.com/articles/features/egms-best-of-2017-part-five-5-1/|title=EGM's Best of 2017: Part Five: #5 ~ #1|publisher=EGMNow|access-date=January 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180107062753/http://www.egmnow.com/articles/features/egms-best-of-2017-part-five-5-1/|archive-date=January 7, 2018|url-status=dead}}
The game won the award for "Best Switch Game" in Destructoid{{'}}s Game of the Year Awards 2017.{{cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-s-award-for-best-switch-game-of-2017-goes-to--478453.phtml|title=Destructoid's award for Best Switch Game of 2017 goes to...|last=Valdez|first=Nick|date=December 19, 2017|website=Destructoid|access-date=January 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105114306/https://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-s-award-for-best-switch-game-of-2017-goes-to--478453.phtml|archive-date=January 5, 2018|url-status=live}} It also won the awards for "Best Platformer" and "Best Original Music" in IGN{{'}}s Best of 2017 Awards,{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2017-awards/Best_Platformer|title=Best of 2017 Awards: Best Platformer|website=IGN|date=December 20, 2017|access-date=December 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231213750/http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2017-awards/Best_Platformer|archive-date=December 31, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2017-awards/Best_Original_Music|title=Best of 2017 Awards: Original Music|website=IGN|date=December 20, 2017|access-date=December 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225063827/http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2017-awards/Best_Original_Music|archive-date=December 25, 2017|url-status=live}} whereas the game's other nominations were for "Game of the Year" and "Best Switch Game".{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2017-awards/Game_of_the_Year|title=Best of 2017 Awards: Game of the Year|website=IGN|date=December 20, 2017|access-date=December 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171204232133/http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2017-awards/Game_of_the_Year|archive-date=December 4, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2017-awards/Best_Switch_Game|title=Best of 2017 Awards: Best Switch Game|website=IGN|date=December 20, 2017|access-date=December 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205064321/http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2017-awards/Best_Switch_Game|archive-date=December 5, 2017|url-status=live}} It was also nominated for "Switch Retail Game of the Year" and "Overall Game of the Year" by both reader and staff votes in Nintendo Life{{'}}s Game of the Year Awards.{{cite web|last=Whitehead|first=Thomas|date=December 31, 2017|title=The 2017 Nintendo Life Game of the Year Awards (Reader's Choice)|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/12/feature_the_2017_nintendo_life_game_of_the_year_awards|website=Nintendo Life|publisher=Gamer Network|access-date=January 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063928/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/12/feature_the_2017_nintendo_life_game_of_the_year_awards|archive-date=January 6, 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Whitehead|first=Thomas|date=December 31, 2017|title=The 2017 Nintendo Life Game of the Year Awards (Staff Choice)|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/12/feature_the_2017_nintendo_life_game_of_the_year_awards?page=2|website=Nintendo Life|publisher=Gamer Network|access-date=January 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106064001/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/12/feature_the_2017_nintendo_life_game_of_the_year_awards?page=2|archive-date=January 6, 2018|url-status=live}} The game won the Game of the Year award at the National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers award event, where it won all but one of the categories it was nominated for.{{cite web|url=http://navgtr.org/archives/3351/|title=Nominee List for 2017|publisher=National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers|date=February 9, 2018|access-date=February 15, 2018|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180215172210/http://navgtr.org/archives/3351/|archive-date=February 15, 2018|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://navgtr.org/archives/3365/|title=Horizon wins 7; Mario GOTY|publisher=National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers|date=March 13, 2018|access-date=March 14, 2018|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180314070824/http://navgtr.org/archives/3365/|archive-date=March 14, 2018|url-status=dead}} Odyssey also won the awards in IGN{{'}}s Best of E3 for "Best Platformer", "Best Nintendo Switch Game", and "Game of Show";{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/06/13/best-of-e3-2017-awards|title=Best of E3 2017 Awards|work=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|date=June 13, 2017|access-date=June 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613215614/http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/06/13/best-of-e3-2017-awards|archive-date=June 13, 2017|url-status=live}} and in Destructoid{{'}}s Best of E3 for "Best of Show".
= Research =
A preliminary study conducted in Germany found that playing Super Mario Odyssey significantly reduced depression symptoms more than a cognitive training program ("CogPack") or standard treatments. The study, involving 46 individuals with depression, compared the effects of the video game, the cognitive program, and standard treatments, including medication and psychotherapy, over six weeks. Participants playing the video game reported higher treatment motivation and showed notable improvements in depressive symptoms. The study also assessed cognitive functions, finding improvements in visuo-spatial memory in both the video game and cognitive training groups, but more selectively in the video game group. Despite these positive results, the study had limitations like participant awareness of the group assignment and a small sample size, potentially affecting the results' generalizability.{{Cite web |last=Hedrih |first=Vladimir |date=2023-12-21 |title=Cognitive trainings using video games might increase subjective well-being of individuals with depression |url=https://www.psypost.org/2023/12/cognitive-trainings-using-video-games-might-increase-subjective-well-being-of-individuals-with-depression-215084 |access-date=2023-12-22 |website=PsyPost |language=en-US |archive-date=December 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222180855/https://www.psypost.org/2023/12/cognitive-trainings-using-video-games-might-increase-subjective-well-being-of-individuals-with-depression-215084 |url-status=live }}
Modifications
On June 18, 2022, Super Mario Odyssey: Online, a mod for Super Mario Odyssey, was released, implementing online multiplayer functionality into the game. The mod had been developed by CraftyBoss since 2021. The mod allows for up to ten simultaneous players to play through the game with the game progress being syncronized across all players. A hide-and-seek mode is also available, where the players are divided into hiders and seekers; after a time limit, seekers try to find and touch the hiders, which kills them and respawns them as seekers. Hiders have a stopwatch that ticks up until they die, the player with the highest accumulated time wins. Super Mario Odyssey: Online is popular among various streamers, such as Cjya, Fir, GrandPooBear and SmallAnt, who often collaborate and play together, particularly hide and seek.{{Cite web |last=Ladiges |first=Robin Christopher |title=Super Mario Odyssey: Online |url=https://smoo.it |access-date=2025-04-27 |website=smoo.it |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Faulkner |first=Cheri |date=2022-06-19 |title='Super Mario Odyssey' mod adds multiplayer for up to ten players |url=https://www.nme.com/news/super-mario-odyssey-mod-adds-multiplayer-for-up-to-ten-players-3250570 |access-date=2025-04-27 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Reeve |first=Justin |date=2022-06-20 |title=Super Mario Odyssey Gets Multiplayer Support For Ten Players Thanks To Modders |url=https://www.thegamer.com/super-mario-odyssey-multiplayer-support-modders/ |access-date=2025-04-27 |website=TheGamer |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Diaz |first=Ana |date=2024-07-06 |title=Super Mario Odyssey is actually the best venue for virtual hide-and-seek ever |url=https://www.polygon.com/24191500/super-mario-odyssey-hide-and-seek-mod |access-date=2025-04-27 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}}
Notes
{{Notelist}}
References
{{Reflist|30em|refs=
{{Cite web|url=http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/winners.html|title=2017 Winners|publisher=Game Critics Awards|date=July 2017|access-date=July 2, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702064755/http://gamecriticsawards.com/winners.html|archive-date=July 2, 2017}}
{{Cite web|first=Brett|last=Makedonski|url=https://www.destructoid.com/and-destructoid-s-e3-2017-game-of-the-show-is--444677.phtml|title=And Destructoid's E3 2017 Game of the Show was...|website=Destructoid|date=June 23, 2017|access-date=July 2, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170624091801/https://www.destructoid.com/and-destructoid-s-e3-2017-game-of-the-show-is--444677.phtml|archive-date=June 24, 2017}}
}}
External links
- {{official website}}
{{Super Mario}}
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Category:Cooperative video games
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Category:Nintendo Entertainment Planning & Development games
Category:Nintendo Switch games
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Category:Open-world video games
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Category:Video games developed in Japan
Category:Video games scored by Koji Kondo
Category:Video games about dinosaurs
Category:Video games set on fictional planets
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Category:Video games that use Amiibo figurines
Category:Video games scored by Naoto Kubo
Category:British Academy Games Award for Game Design winners