Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury: A Complete Guide

Hey guys! Get ready to dive headfirst into the amazing world of Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury! This isn't just a simple port; it's a fantastic package that brings together the delightful co-op platforming of Super Mario 3D World and the innovative open-world adventure of Bowser's Fury. Whether you're a seasoned Mario veteran or a newcomer ready for some fun, this guide is here to help you conquer every level, find every secret, and defeat every boss. Let's jump in!

Super Mario 3D World: A Classic Reimagined

Super Mario 3D World originally charmed us on the Wii U with its vibrant levels, creative power-ups, and the ability to play with up to four players. Now, it’s even better on the Nintendo Switch! The gameplay revolves around navigating colorful, intricate courses filled with enemies, obstacles, and hidden goodies. The core objective is simple: reach the flagpole at the end of each level. But the journey is anything but ordinary.

Mastering the Basics

First things first, let's talk about the controls. Mario and his friends (Luigi, Peach, and Toad) each have unique abilities. Mario is your all-around hero, Luigi jumps higher, Peach can float for a short time, and Toad is the fastest. Understanding these differences is key to tackling different level designs. The basic moves include jumping, running, crouching, and using power-ups. Don't underestimate the power of a well-timed jump or a strategic power-up! Experiment with different characters to find your favorite playstyle and how they can uniquely interact with the environment.

Exploring the Worlds

The game is structured into various Worlds, each containing multiple levels. These Worlds range from grasslands and deserts to underwater kingdoms and spooky mansions. As you progress, the levels become increasingly challenging, introducing new mechanics and enemies. Don't rush through! Take your time to explore each nook and cranny. Hidden areas often contain Green Stars, which are essential for unlocking later levels. Also, keep an eye out for Stamps, which you can use to decorate your Miiverse posts (remember those?). Even though Miiverse is gone, collecting stamps is still a fun completionist task.

Power-Ups: Your Best Friends

Super Mario 3D World is famous for its power-ups, and they're crucial for overcoming obstacles. The Super Mushroom makes you bigger, the Fire Flower lets you throw fireballs, and the Super Leaf turns you into a Tanooki, allowing you to float and perform a tail whip. But the star of the show is the Super Bell, which transforms you into Cat Mario! As Cat Mario, you can climb walls, pounce on enemies, and perform a ground pound. Mastering the use of these power-ups is vital for surviving the more challenging levels. Each power-up opens new possibilities, encouraging creative problem-solving and adding layers of strategy to the gameplay.

Co-op Mayhem

One of the biggest draws of Super Mario 3D World is the co-op multiplayer. Playing with friends and family adds a whole new dimension of chaos and fun. Coordinate your moves to reach secret areas, help each other across tricky platforms, or compete to see who can collect the most points. Just be prepared for some friendly competition and maybe a few accidental (or intentional) bumps along the way! Communication is key, but sometimes the best moments come from the unpredictable interactions and emergent gameplay that co-op brings.

Bowser's Fury: An Open-World Mario Adventure

Bowser's Fury is a completely different beast (pun intended!). It’s an open-world adventure set in Lake Lapcat, where everything is cat-themed. Mario teams up with Bowser Jr. to stop his dad, who has become giant and furious. This standalone adventure combines the classic Mario platforming with open-world exploration, creating a unique and exciting experience.

Navigating Lake Lapcat

Lake Lapcat is divided into several islands, each with its own set of challenges and objectives. These islands are interconnected, allowing you to explore freely. The goal is to collect Cat Shines, which are similar to stars or suns in other Mario games. Collecting enough Cat Shines will allow you to activate the Giga Bell and battle Fury Bowser.

Fury Bowser: A Force of Nature

The main antagonist, Fury Bowser, is a formidable foe. He appears periodically, unleashing fiery attacks and transforming the landscape. When Fury Bowser emerges, the environment changes, creating new platforms and challenges. You can use these moments to your advantage, finding new areas and collecting Cat Shines. To defeat Fury Bowser, you need to become Giga Cat Mario by using a Giga Bell. This epic battle is a highlight of the game, showcasing the scale and intensity of the open-world format.

Teaming Up with Bowser Jr.

In Bowser's Fury, you're not alone. Bowser Jr. accompanies you on your adventure, providing support and assistance. He can attack enemies, collect items, and reveal hidden areas. You can even customize Bowser Jr.'s abilities to suit your playstyle. While Bowser Jr. is controlled by the AI in single-player mode, a second player can take control in co-op, adding another layer of fun to the experience. The dynamic between Mario and Bowser Jr. is surprisingly heartwarming, adding a unique narrative element to the gameplay.

The Cat Theme: Purr-fectly Charming

Everything in Lake Lapcat is cat-themed, from the enemies to the environment. You'll encounter Cat Goombas, Cat Koopa Troopas, and even Cat Piranha Plants. The feline motif adds a playful and whimsical touch to the game, making it even more enjoyable. The creativity and attention to detail in the cat-themed designs are truly impressive, making Lake Lapcat a memorable and visually stunning location.

Tips and Tricks for Mastering Both Games

Okay, now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into some tips and tricks to help you become a Mario master!

• Explore Every Nook and Cranny: Seriously, don't just rush through the levels. Take your time to explore every corner. You never know what secrets you might find. Hidden areas often contain Green Stars, Stamps, and other valuable items.
• Master the Power-Ups: Experiment with different power-ups to see how they can help you overcome obstacles. The Super Bell, in particular, is incredibly versatile, allowing you to climb walls and pounce on enemies.
• Use the Characters' Abilities: Remember that each character has unique abilities. Mario is your all-around hero, Luigi jumps higher, Peach can float, and Toad is the fastest. Choose the character that best suits the level's challenges.
• Coordinate in Co-op: Communication is key in co-op mode. Work together to reach secret areas, help each other across tricky platforms, and defeat enemies. Just be prepared for some friendly competition!
• Take Advantage of Fury Bowser: When Fury Bowser appears in Bowser's Fury, use the changing environment to your advantage. New platforms and pathways will appear, leading to new areas and Cat Shines.
• Customize Bowser Jr.: In Bowser's Fury, you can customize Bowser Jr.'s abilities. Experiment with different settings to find the ones that best suit your playstyle. He can be a valuable ally if used correctly.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Don't get discouraged if you're struggling with a particular level or challenge. Keep practicing, and you'll eventually master it. And don't be afraid to look up a guide if you're really stuck!

Final Thoughts

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is a fantastic package that offers something for everyone. Whether you're a fan of classic Mario platforming or you're looking for a new open-world adventure, this game has it all. With its vibrant levels, creative power-ups, and engaging multiplayer, it's sure to provide hours of fun for players of all ages. So grab your friends, power up your Switch, and get ready for an unforgettable Mario adventure! Happy gaming, everyone!