Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is shaping up to be more than just another Wii U port. While the bulk of the game is an enhanced version of the 2013 masterpiece, its Bowser's Fury expansion has finally been outlined. Unlike the content added to most Wii U games on Nintendo Switch, this seems to be a substantial addition to the game. Not only is this new content, but it's also decidedly different than the rest of 3D World. While the trailer outlining Bowser's Fury has left a lot of questions, it seems that this side adventure may recapture the spirit of Super Mario Odyssey.
Bowser's Fury coming within striking distance of Odyssey's appeal is surprising because the base 3D World experience is not like Odyssey in most respects. They're both 3D Mario platformers, but the games interpret that idea differently. 3D World is a lot more like a 2D Mario title in the sense that the game is level-based, throwing the player into contained, timed platforming challenges. In contrast, Super Mario Odyssey is sprawling, focused on sandbox design and player-driven exploration.
An Open-Ended Adventure?
However, Bowser's Fury seems to be tapping into this nonlinear design philosophy. The trailer appeared to take place in a fairly seamless open space, with clear lines of sight to other platforming challenges. While the trailer doesn't show uninterrupted traversal, making it unclear exactly how open the area truly is, there is reason to be hopeful. A key piece of evidence in favor of Bowser's Fury being open-ended is the apparent lack of a timer, a staple element of 3D World's design which imposes a sense of urgency on the player. With that appearing to be absent, the new content may be fairly explorative after all.
There is also the question of the new cat-like collectable that has seemingly replaced the flagpoles of the base 3D World experience. While it's unclear exactly how these function, it does lend more credence to this game being more in line with Odyssey down to the finer details. The animation for collecting one of these items even looks similar to Mario picking up one of Odyssey's Power Moon.
Considering how triumphant Super Mario Odyssey was, it's good to see the game influencing other Mario titles. For as exemplary as Super Mario 3D World is, its linear design makes it a far cry from Odyssey's style. As such, considering that this port will be many players' first modern 3D Mario post-Odyssey (outside of Super Mario 3D All-Stars of course), integrating a side story that draws on Odyssey's strengths is smart. After all, getting to explore the creativity of Super Mario 3D World at the pace of Odyssey sounds like a fresh, refined experience.
Cautious Optimism and Cause for Concern
There is a good chance that Bowser's Fury will end up being a fun synthesis of Odyssey and 3D World. Beyond teasing an explorative focus, the trailer showed all manner of 3D World power-ups and platforming concepts being repurposed in this new, Odyssey-like open context. There are even nods to other Mario titles, such as Bowser Jr. showing up as Mario's companion alongside his infamous Super Mario Sunshine paintbrush. On the whole, it seems like this expansion is going to be a fun amalgamation of what made various 3D Mario games special.
Still, there are many questions that are currently unanswered. It's unclear what Bowser Jr.'s role in the experience is, as well as the scope of Bowser's Fury on the whole. For as exciting as this new content could be, there is the real possibility that it ends up being a two or three hour add-on. Unfortunately, the majority of Wii U ports like Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker have touted new content but greatly under-delivered. There are even more questions to be asked about the base 3D World experience, such as the full extent of its online co-op. Hopefully, these questions will be answered soon, possibly through another trailer or a focused Direct.
Even if these questions aren't answered until launch, the current information pertaining to Bowser's Fury does paint an optimistic picture. This new mode seems incredibly confident and inventive, with a cohesive aesthetic and an edgy, Godzilla-like Bowser. Its platforming looks fun and stylish, teasing a truly great experience -- that is, on top of the already excellent 3D World base experience. Hopefully, Bowser's Fury can recapture the magic of Super Mario Odyssey with its own flair when the game launches on February 12.