Super Mario Odyssey : l'aventure ultime de Mario

Super Mario Odyssey: Mario's Ultimate Adventure

1485 words | Reading time : 7 minute(s)

GameSuper Mario OdysseyNintendo Switch

One thrown cap, and Mario takes control of whatever it touches. Developed by Nintendo EPD with 1-Up Studio under the direction of Kenta Motokura, Odyssey launched on 27 October 2017 on Switch. This piece breaks down the capture mechanic, the landmark kingdoms of the journey, the freedom of movement inherited from Mario 64 and how long the game lasts.

Super Mario Odyssey is a 3D platform video game developed by Nintendo EPD and released in October 2017 on the Nintendo Switch. A genuine love letter to Mario's history, this game offers an open world, brand-new mechanics and a spirit of exploration that reinvent the classic formula. Joined by his living hat, Cappy, Mario travels through wildly different kingdoms to rescue Princess Peach… once again!

Contents

Development background

Super Mario Odyssey was created by the core team behind Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario 3D World. Director Kenta Motokura and producer Yoshiaki Koizumi set out to create a “ sandbox ” Mario, echoing the freedom offered by Super Mario 64, but with modern mechanics and a wealth of content never seen before in the series. Development focused on the player's freedom, creativity and surprise at every single moment.

Synopsis

Mario once again squares up to Bowser, who this time is planning a planet-wide wedding with Peach. Beaten in the opening moments of the adventure, Mario teams up with Cappy, whose sister Tiara has also been kidnapped. Together they chase Bowser aboard the Odyssey, an airship powered by Power Moons, visiting kingdoms in every corner of the world.

A revolutionary gameplay idea: the capture

The game's great innovation is the capture mechanic, made possible by Cappy. By throwing his hat onto certain enemies or objects, Mario can take them over temporarily and use their abilities.

  • Chain Chomp to smash through walls
  • Frog for dizzying jumps
  • Electricity to travel along power lines
  • Goomba to walk on ice without slipping (and win over a female Goomba)
  • T. Rex for a flood of raw power

More than 50 different captures are available, each one opening up new ways to solve puzzles or explore the levels.

The landmark kingdoms

17 kingdoms make up the world of Super Mario Odyssey, each with a strong identity, carefully crafted architecture and a soundtrack all its own:

  • Bonneton (Cap Kingdom) – the opening world, monochrome and misty
  • Cascade Kingdom – raw nature, dinosaurs and cliffs
  • New Donk City – a realistic metropolis with cars, human passers-by and Pauline as its mayor
  • Sand Kingdom – quicksand, ruins and pyramid puzzles
  • Luncheon Kingdom – ground made of colourful food, culinary enemies
  • Moon Kingdom – low gravity, wedding chapel, ethereal scenery

Every kingdom is packed with secrets, platforming challenges and mini-games, which boosts the replay value and the urge to search every last corner.

Mario in the Luncheon Kingdom of Super Mario Odyssey, surrounded by fork-headed locals
Every kingdom has its own people and its own palette: here, the Luncheon Kingdom and its Volbonans.

Exploration and freedom of movement

In this instalment Mario has the widest range of moves ever seen:

  • Backflip, triple jump, wall jump
  • Midair dive combined with the cap throw to stretch jumps out
  • Roll to build up speed over long distances

This level of handling lets you tackle every situation in several ways and encourages experimentation. Some challenges are within reach very early on, while others only open up once you master advanced techniques worthy of speedrunners.

Content and lifespan

  • 880 Power Moons unique ones (and up to 999 with purchased moons)
  • More than 40 outfits to collect: nods to Dr. Mario, Mario 64, Mario Builder…
  • Regional Coins specific to each kingdom, needed to buy exclusive items
  • Original bosses such as the Broodals (the wedding-planner rabbits) and huge creatures inspired by a wide range of cultures

The game also serves up recurring challenges such as the Koopa race, retro 8-bit segments and a post-game that is generous for completionists.

A tribute to the whole Mario saga

Super Mario Odyssey is bursting with references to the earlier games:

  • Retro segments in 8-bit 2D set into the walls
  • Outfits drawn from every generation
  • Musical and sound nods to the older entries
  • New Donk City pays direct tribute to Donkey Kong (1981)

It is at once a love letter for long-time fans and a perfect gateway for newcomers.

Mario as an 8-bit sprite climbing a New Donk City façade alongside Pauline
The 8-bit sections replay 1981's Donkey Kong on the city walls.

Music and atmosphere

The orchestral soundtrack, composed by Naoto Kubo and Shiho Fujii, moves between epic sweeps, city jazz, traditional music and electronica. The flagship track “ Jump Up, Super Star! ”, performed by Pauline, has become one of the modern anthems of the franchise.

Promotional artwork for the Super Mario Odyssey concert, orchestra and singer on stage
Odyssey's sung soundtrack earned concerts of its own.

Critical and commercial reception

  • Metacritic score: 97/100
  • Sales: 30.80 million copies (official Nintendo figures, 30 June 2026)
  • Awards: Game Awards 2017 (Best Family Game); also nominated for Game of the Year and Best Game Direction

The game is often named alongside Super Mario 64, Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario World as one of the greatest platform games ever made.

Why is Super Mario Odyssey a cult classic?

  • Gameplay that is rich and accessible, with brand-new movement options
  • A core mechanic that innovates: the capture
  • Art direction that is varied and consistent
  • Content on a massive scale and lasting replay value

Quick facts: Super Mario Odyssey

Type 3D sandbox-style platform game
Developer Nintendo EPD (with 1-Up Studio)
Release 27 October 2017 on Nintendo Switch (worldwide release)
Director / Producer Kenta Motokura / Yoshiaki Koizumi (and Koichi Hayashida)
Signature mechanic The capture, via the living hat Cappy
Content 17 kingdoms, 52 captures, 880 Power Moons
Reception Metacritic 97/100, over 30 million copies sold

🍄 Want to keep the adventure going? Discover our Mario toys in the shop.

FAQ

  • Which console can you play Super Mario Odyssey on?
    The game came out on 27 October 2017, exclusively on Nintendo Switch.
  • Who is Cappy?
    Cappy is the living hat who travels with Mario. By throwing him onto certain enemies or objects, Mario can capture them and use their abilities for a while.
  • How many kingdoms are there to explore?
    The game has 17 kingdoms (including those unlocked after the main adventure), each with its own identity, architecture and soundtrack, such as Bonneton, New Donk City or the Moon Kingdom.
  • How many Power Moons do you need to collect?
    There are 880 Power Moons to find in the game, a total that can climb to 999 by buying extra moons in the Crazy Cap shops.
  • Was the game well received?
    Yes, it scored 97/100 on Metacritic, sold more than 30 million copies and won Best Family Game at the Game Awards 2017.

Conclusion

Super Mario Odyssey captures the Nintendo spirit perfectly: an adventure that is joyful, inventive and full of surprises. More than just another entry, it is a true gaming odyssey that restores the 3D platformer to its former glory — a work that is major and simply essential.

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