I n life, a few things are inevitable: death, taxes and the continual kidnapping of Princess Peach. But after more than 30 years of at least one new Mario adventure per Nintendo console, it helps to have a feature that differentiates the latest from the last.

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 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 never been slicker to control ... it can become a thing of pure joy just to hurtle Mario around levels exploring and finding power moons at your own pace It is fair to say that the Nintendo Switch's first seven months have been better than anyone expected.

It's classic Mario; Mario's never controlled better; Beautiful worlds; Incredible title song; A genuinely great game

Doesn't live up to previous Mario greats; Some open world aspects don't work as well as they should; Boring story; even for a Mario game; Too easy to reach the credits; Missing that Nintendo magic and soul

Super Mario Odyssey is both the first proper Mario game on Switch (and no, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe doesn't count) and Nintendo's first fully 3D Mario adventure game since Super Mario Galaxy 2 on the Wii.

Absolutely gorgeous to look at and glorious to play, So; Much; Content, Never had so much fun with a photo mode before

Only the dedicated will see everything it has to offer

Within eight months of its release, the Nintendo Switch has received one of the best chapters in The Legend of Zelda saga, and one of the best Super Mario games ever. Not too shabby Nintendo, not at all.

Whether as a moustachioed frog, tank, bullet or T-Rex, players will spend as much time inhabiting the bodies of their foes as the title character's trademark dungarees in Super Mario Odyssey .

One of the most daring and influential game designs of all time makes a long overdue comeback in Mario's most madcap adventure yet.

The core Mario franchise has constantly defined and redefined video games. Super Mario Bros and Super Mario World built and perfected the 2D platformer, with Mario World continuing to be the benchmark of quality over 25 years later.

Incredible design and world building; Satisfying gameplay loop; Classic formula made brand new

Unnecessary motion controls; Giant control tips