Super Mario 3D World Deluxe: A Comprehensive Review

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into Super Mario 3D World Deluxe, a fantastic title that has captured the hearts of many. If you're wondering whether this game is worth your time and money, you've come to the right place. We'll explore everything from the gameplay mechanics and level design to the multiplayer mayhem and the new Bowser's Fury expansion. So, grab your favorite power-up and let's jump right into it!

What Makes Super Mario 3D World Deluxe Special?

At its core, Super Mario 3D World Deluxe is a delightful blend of classic Mario platforming with innovative 3D gameplay. First released on the Wii U, this gem didn't get the attention it truly deserved, but the Deluxe version on the Nintendo Switch has given it a new lease on life. The game shines with its vibrant graphics, charming characters, and incredibly creative level design. It’s not just a run-of-the-mill platformer; it's an experience that consistently surprises and delights.

Gameplay and Mechanics

The gameplay in Super Mario 3D World Deluxe is smooth, responsive, and incredibly fun. You can play as Mario, Luigi, Peach, or Toad, each with their unique abilities. Mario is the all-rounder, Luigi jumps higher, Peach can float for a short time, and Toad is the fastest. This variety adds a layer of strategy, especially when playing with friends. Navigating the levels feels intuitive, and the controls are easy to pick up, making it accessible for both newcomers and seasoned Mario veterans.

One of the standout features is the Super Bell, which transforms your character into a cat suit-clad feline. Cat Mario can climb walls, pounce on enemies, and perform a dive attack, adding a fresh dynamic to the gameplay. Other power-ups like the Double Cherry, which creates clones of your character, and the Boomerang Flower, which lets you toss boomerangs at enemies, keep the gameplay exciting and varied. The level design cleverly incorporates these power-ups, challenging you to use them in creative ways to progress.

Level Design: A Masterclass in Creativity

The level design in Super Mario 3D World Deluxe is nothing short of brilliant. Each world introduces new themes, mechanics, and challenges that keep the experience fresh and engaging. From the whimsical Sprixie Kingdom to the gravity-defying Cosmic World, every level is meticulously crafted with a keen eye for detail. The game strikes a perfect balance between challenging and rewarding, ensuring that you're always motivated to push forward.

The levels are packed with secrets and collectibles, encouraging exploration and replayability. Green Stars are hidden throughout each level, and you'll need to collect them to unlock new worlds. Stamps, which can be used in Miiverse posts (a feature from the Wii U era, now mostly for in-game use), add another layer of collectibility. The levels are designed to be played multiple times, whether you're hunting for collectibles, trying to beat your best time, or playing with friends.

Multiplayer Mayhem: Fun with Friends

One of the biggest draws of Super Mario 3D World Deluxe is its multiplayer mode. Up to four players can team up (or compete!) to conquer the levels. Playing with friends adds a chaotic, hilarious, and often challenging dynamic to the game. Coordinating your movements, reviving fallen teammates, and competing for the crown at the end of each level creates memorable moments. The game's design encourages teamwork, but also allows for plenty of playful sabotage.

The different character abilities shine in multiplayer. Luigi's high jump can help him reach hidden areas, while Peach's float ability can save her from precarious falls. Toad's speed makes him ideal for racing through levels, and Mario's all-around skills make him a reliable choice. The Super Bell and Double Cherry power-ups are even more fun in multiplayer, leading to hilarious moments as you climb walls, pounce on each other, and navigate levels with a horde of clones.

Bowser's Fury: A Bold New Direction

Super Mario 3D World Deluxe isn't just a port; it also includes the brand-new Bowser's Fury expansion. This standalone adventure takes Mario to Lake Lapcat, a sprawling open world where he must team up with Bowser Jr. to stop a monstrous, Fury Bowser from wreaking havoc. Bowser's Fury is a significant departure from the linear levels of the main game, offering a more open-ended experience that feels like a blend of Super Mario 3D World and Super Mario Odyssey.

Exploring Lake Lapcat

Lake Lapcat is a seamless, interconnected world made up of islands, each with its own unique theme and challenges. You can freely explore the lake, navigating between islands on Plessie, the friendly Loch Ness Monster-like creature. The world is visually stunning, with vibrant colors and dynamic weather effects. The open-world design allows for a greater sense of freedom and exploration, a refreshing change from the more structured levels of the main game.

The Fury Bowser Threat

Fury Bowser is the main antagonist of the expansion, a towering, monstrous version of Bowser engulfed in flames. He periodically emerges from the black sludge that covers the lake, unleashing fiery attacks and changing the environment. These Fury Bowser encounters are epic and challenging, requiring you to use all your skills and power-ups to survive. Defeating Fury Bowser involves collecting Cat Shines, which power up the Giga Bell, allowing Mario to transform into the giant Cat Mario and battle Fury Bowser head-on. These battles are a highlight of the expansion, offering a thrilling sense of scale and spectacle.

Bowser Jr.'s Assistance

In Bowser's Fury, Mario isn't alone; he's joined by Bowser Jr., who acts as a supporting character. Bowser Jr. can assist Mario in combat, collect items, and even reveal hidden areas. You can control Bowser Jr.'s level of involvement, making him either more or less helpful depending on your preference. In two-player mode, one player controls Mario, while the other controls Bowser Jr., adding a fun cooperative element to the game.

A Glimpse into the Future of Mario?

Bowser's Fury feels like an experiment, a glimpse into what a future open-world Mario game might look like. The seamless world, dynamic challenges, and focus on exploration are exciting additions to the Mario formula. While it's shorter than the main game, Bowser's Fury offers a substantial and satisfying experience that adds significant value to Super Mario 3D World Deluxe. It's a bold step forward and leaves us eager to see what Nintendo has in store for the future of Mario games.

Visuals and Performance

Super Mario 3D World Deluxe looks fantastic on the Nintendo Switch. The game's vibrant colors, charming character models, and detailed environments truly pop on the console's screen. The game runs smoothly in both docked and handheld modes, maintaining a consistent frame rate even in the most chaotic multiplayer sessions. The visual enhancements over the Wii U version are noticeable, making this the definitive way to experience the game.

Bowser's Fury also looks impressive, with its vast open world and dynamic weather effects. The Fury Bowser encounters are particularly stunning, with the fiery behemoth casting a menacing shadow over Lake Lapcat. The game's performance is generally solid, although there can be occasional frame rate dips during intense moments, especially in handheld mode. However, these are minor issues that don't detract significantly from the overall experience.

Sound and Music

The soundtrack in Super Mario 3D World Deluxe is upbeat, catchy, and perfectly complements the on-screen action. The music is full of memorable melodies and playful arrangements that enhance the game's cheerful atmosphere. The sound effects are classic Mario, with familiar jingles and satisfying noises that add to the overall fun. The audio design in Bowser's Fury is equally impressive, with a more dramatic and orchestral score that underscores the epic scale of the adventure.

Replayability: So Much to Discover

Super Mario 3D World Deluxe is a game that keeps on giving. The main game is packed with levels to explore, collectibles to find, and challenges to overcome. Playing through the game with different characters adds variety, and the multiplayer mode ensures that every playthrough is unique. Bowser's Fury provides a substantial standalone adventure that can be completed in around 6-8 hours, adding even more value to the package. Whether you're a completionist aiming to collect every Green Star and Stamp or simply looking for a fun game to play with friends, Super Mario 3D World Deluxe has plenty to offer.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

So, is Super Mario 3D World Deluxe worth it? Absolutely! This is a fantastic package that combines a classic Mario platformer with a bold new expansion. The gameplay is smooth, the level design is brilliant, the multiplayer is chaotic fun, and Bowser's Fury offers a fresh and exciting experience. Whether you missed out on the original Wii U release or you're a longtime Mario fan looking for a new adventure, Super Mario 3D World Deluxe is a must-have for the Nintendo Switch. It’s a game that will bring a smile to your face and keep you coming back for more.

Pros:

• Engaging gameplay and smooth controls
• Creative and varied level design
• Hilarious and fun multiplayer mode
• Bowser's Fury is a fantastic open-world expansion
• Vibrant visuals and catchy music

Cons:

• Occasional frame rate dips in Bowser's Fury

Overall Score: 9.5/10

Super Mario 3D World Deluxe is a masterpiece of platforming, offering hours of fun and excitement. It's a game that showcases the best of Mario and hints at an exciting future for the series. Don't miss out on this one, guys!