Super Mario: Bowser's Fury

⭐ 8.5/10

(Originally written by Joseph)

I think you should all pat me on the back for how far I've come. After being a Mario hater for years, I recently wanted to return to one of these games. I said in my Odyssey review that I didn't think I'd ever think about the game after playing. I think about it all the time! Now I want more!

This game is essentially a big Odyssey level, featuring 100 new stars. It's definitely not as good as Odyssey, but I'd probably increase the score slightly for that one in retrospect. This one doesn't have the exact moveset, and the powerups here range from useless to game-breaking. It also has some issues I can't believe made it into the game, like sprint and throw being the same button, and the main new mechanic, Bowser's Fury, is totally undercooked and often infuriating.

BUT this game is still VERY fun. After I beat the main game, I wanted to keep going, and eventually I 100% completed this shorter game which I never do. So that says something. There is just something so satisfying about collecting stars. Mario is always wholesome and joyful and it's time I come to terms with actually liking these games.

There is also a few challenges that made Dark Souls seem like child's play. Totally caught me off guard, as most stars are super easy. I'm glad this game has a few of those.

So yeah, great game, I recommend if you have it. It comes bundled with 3D Land, which has its own merits and faults. I think my new ranking of these main 3D platformers would go: Odyssey, Sunshine, Bowser's Fury, Galaxy, 64.