Key Details of
Super Mario Odyssey
Cappy and the Capture Mechanic
- Mario is joined by a sentient hat named Cappy, who can be thrown to interact with the environment and possess enemies, objects, and creatures.
- This unique “capture” feature allows Mario to gain special abilities based on what he captures—like flying as a Bullet Bill, stretching as an Uproot, or swimming as a Cheep Cheep.
Open-Ended, Sandbox Worlds
- The game features large, non-linear kingdoms full of secrets, puzzles, and collectibles.
- Inspired by Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine, each kingdom is packed with exploration opportunities.
- No fixed order—players can approach objectives at their own pace.
Diverse Kingdoms to Explore
- Over 15 distinct kingdoms including:
o Metro Kingdom (New Donk City): A city with skyscrapers and taxis.
o Sand Kingdom (Tostarena): A desert with hidden ruins.
o Luncheon Kingdom: A food-themed colorful world.
o Cascade Kingdom, Seaside Kingdom, Mushroom Kingdom, and more.
Power Moons and Progression
- Instead of stars or shines, players collect Power Moons to power up the Odyssey ship and unlock new kingdoms.
- There are over 880 Power Moons in the game (with many more small challenges), offering massive replay value.
Costumes and Customization
- Mario can unlock and wear a wide variety of costumes, some referencing past Mario games or real-world cultures.
- Some outfits are required to access certain areas, adding a puzzle element to fashion!
Smooth, Responsive Controls
- Tight, polished platforming controls with new moves like:
o Cap jump
o Cap throw & dive
o Roll move for quick travel
- Compatible with motion controls for cap throws (optional).
Snapshot Mode
- Built-in photo mode lets players pause the game, adjust the camera, add filters, and take creative screenshots.
Assist Mode
- A helpful mode for beginners or younger players:
o Hints, guidance arrows, and increased health.
o Great for co-op with kids or newcomers.
Two-Player Co-op Mode
- One player controls Mario, while the second controls Cappy, adding a fun, cooperative dynamic.
- Ideal for playing with friends or family.
- Post-Game Content and Challenges
- After the main story, more Power Moons appear.
- Access to the Mushroom Kingdom, Master Cup races, and tougher platforming challenges.
- Luigi’s Balloon World (free DLC) adds a hide-and-seek mini-game with online rankings.
Developer Description
Super Mario Odyssey was developed and published by Nintendo, one of the most iconic names in the video game industry. The development was led by Nintendo EPD (Entertainment Planning & Development), the company’s main game development division.
The game’s director, Kenta Motokura, previously worked on titles like Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario 3D World, bringing deep experience and creative vision to the project. Under his leadership, the team focused on blending the best elements of classic Mario games with bold new ideas, like the open-world exploration and the unique “capture” mechanic introduced through Cappy.
The producer, Yoshiaki Koizumi, a veteran known for his work on The Legend of Zelda and Donkey Kong Jungle Beat, ensured that the game stayed true to Mario’s legacy while pushing boundaries.
Development began shortly after the release of Super Mario 3D World in 2013, with a focus on creating a launch-period flagship for the then-upcoming Nintendo Switch. The game was revealed officially in January 2017 and released on October 27, 2017.