Mario's first turn on the Switch is fun, but lacks the innovation and creativity of Nintendo's best.

Lots of cool places to explore; Well-polished gameplay; Endgame provides great puzzle variety; Full of fun details; nods to past games; Highly accessible for new players

Often feels somewhat simplistic; Not as innovative as other Mario games; Controls and camera can be imprecise; frustrating

It isn't often that a game like Super Mario Odyssey comes along. I mean this both literally and figuratively. Even since Nintendo started the 3D Mario series with 1996's Super Mario 64 , we've received precisely three other entries: Super Mario Sunshine and both Super Mario Galaxies .

Possibly the best platformer game ever made; Cappy adds so much to the game in terms of mechanics and movement; Beautiful; varied kingdoms to visit and explore; Music is top-notch; Hundreds and hundreds of power moons to collect; expanding gameplay significantly

Motion controls feel shoehorned in at spots

Super Mario Odyssey is easily one of the best games on the Nintendo Switch. It's every bit as visually and technically impressive as Breath of the Wild, and as revolutionary in terms of adding new concepts and mechanics to a well-established series.

Fun, varied gameplay; Many kingdoms to explore and challenges to beat; Capture mechanic adds exciting problem-solving elements; Costumes and Snapshot mode are a blast

Very limited multiplayer

Super Mario Odyssey is one of those games that just quickly invites you in and lets you take in its full glory. Being the first true sequel to Super Mario 64 and Sunshine in nearly two decades, this game does little to not disappoint you.

Beautiful game; tons of available moves; lots of nostalgia

Some annoying Power Moons; co-op isn't super great; encourages motion controls too much

One feeling kept washing over me as I played Super Mario Odyssey: joy. This title is, without a doubt, one of the most joyous, exuberant, delightful games I've played this year, if not in the last five or even 10.

Innovative gameplay; Colorful; beautiful graphics; Creative levels

Camera isn't tight enough; Motion controls required for some moves and are difficult; if not impossible; to use in handheld mode

Super Mario Odyssey displays a clear understanding of what makes Mario tick, and is neck and neck for top billing among its esteemed predecessors. It surprises you with not just inventive mechanics, of which there are many, but with expertly tuned level design and moments of charismatic wit.

A large game where nearly every landmark is put to good use; Extensive variety of platforming challenges and puzzles; Capture ability turns almost every enemy into an opportunity; and greatly expands Mario's skillset; Dozens of new outfits let you customize Mario to suit your mood; Strange...

Some of Cappy's minor actions require the use of motion controls

It's extraordinary, really, that after all this time a new Mario game can feel as fresh as any that preceded it. Cappy is a revelation, exploring Kingdoms is bliss, and Super Mario Odyssey is a masterpiece.

The result of capturing something surprises throughout; Mario's fluid movement; Kingdom layouts are exceptional; Exploration is constantly rewarded

Mario has been through a lot. He has ventured through lava-filled castles no less than 64 times, he's walked on literal Sunshine, and has been across the Galaxy and back again. Mario Odyssey is the latest entry in the popular 3D Mario series, featuring collectathon gameplay very reminiscent of Super...

Updated for a new generation, yet full of old school charm and nostalgia for long time Mario fans. Super Mario Odyssey is simply one of the most joyous games of all time.

In several ways, Super Mario Odyssey seems too eager to please. The game's basic storyline-Mario must rescue Princess Peach from Bowser-remains obligatorily familiar, no doubt to avoid ticking off a legion of traditionalists.