Super Mario Odyssey: A Beginner's Guide To Playing
Hey guys! So you're ready to jump into the amazing world of Super Mario Odyssey? Awesome! This game is seriously packed with fun, surprises, and a whole lot of hat-throwing action. Whether you're a seasoned Mario player or totally new to the Mushroom Kingdom, this guide will help you get started and make the most of your odyssey. Let's dive in!
Getting Started with Super Mario Odyssey
So, you've booted up the game, and you're staring at the title screen – now what? Don't worry; getting started is super easy! The initial setup is straightforward, but understanding the basics will set you up for a fantastic adventure. First things first, you'll be introduced to the main storyline: Bowser is up to no good (surprise, surprise!) and is planning to marry Princess Peach. Of course, Mario isn't having any of that, so he sets off on a journey to stop the wedding. The game's narrative provides a simple yet effective backdrop for the incredible gameplay that follows.
When you start a new game, you'll be prompted to select your preferred control scheme. Super Mario Odyssey offers a variety of control options, including using the Joy-Cons, the Pro Controller, or even playing in handheld mode. Experiment a bit to see which feels most comfortable for you. Each method has its advantages; for example, motion controls with the Joy-Cons can make certain actions, like throwing Cappy in specific directions, more intuitive. Don't be afraid to switch it up later if you find a different scheme suits you better as you progress. Mastering the controls is key to fully enjoying the game. Understanding how Mario moves, jumps, and interacts with Cappy will open up a world of possibilities. Pay attention to the tutorial prompts at the beginning of the game; they offer valuable insights into the core mechanics. Trust me; a little practice goes a long way in becoming a Super Mario Odyssey pro.
Now, let's talk about the game's overall structure. Super Mario Odyssey isn't just about running from left to right to reach a flagpole. Instead, it features a series of interconnected kingdoms, each with its own unique environments, challenges, and secrets. Your primary goal in each kingdom is to collect Power Moons, which fuel the Odyssey, your trusty airship. Gathering enough Power Moons allows you to travel to new kingdoms and advance the story. The beauty of the game lies in its open-ended design. You're free to explore each kingdom at your own pace, discovering hidden areas and tackling challenges in any order you choose. This sense of freedom makes Super Mario Odyssey incredibly engaging and rewarding.
Basic Controls and Movement
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of controlling Mario and making the most of his abilities. The basic movements are pretty standard for a Mario game, but Super Mario Odyssey adds a few twists that you'll need to master. First up, running and jumping. Use the control stick to move Mario around, and press the jump button (usually the B or A button) to make him jump. You can also perform a longer jump by holding down the jump button. This is crucial for clearing larger gaps and reaching higher platforms. But here's where it gets interesting: Mario can also perform a variety of other moves, such as the ground pound, where he slams down to the ground, and the triple jump, where he jumps three times in quick succession for extra height and distance. Practice these moves to get a feel for their timing and range. They'll come in handy in countless situations.
Now, let’s talk about Cappy, Mario’s new best friend and his magical hat. Cappy is the key to Super Mario Odyssey's unique gameplay mechanics. You can throw Cappy by pressing the Y button (or the X button, depending on your control scheme). Throwing Cappy allows you to attack enemies, collect items, and, most importantly, capture objects and creatures. Capturing is a game-changing mechanic that lets you take control of various characters and objects in the game world. From Goombas to T-Rexes, each capture has its own unique abilities and advantages. Experiment with different captures to discover new ways to solve puzzles, traverse environments, and defeat enemies. To make the most of Cappy, you'll also need to learn how to control his movements. You can throw Cappy in different directions by using motion controls or the control stick. You can also hold down the throw button to make Cappy hover in place, creating a temporary platform for Mario to jump on. Mastering Cappy's movements is essential for reaching hidden areas and collecting all the Power Moons.
Don't forget about the dive move! After jumping, press the ZL button (or the ZR button) to make Mario dive forward in mid-air. This move is incredibly useful for covering long distances and avoiding obstacles. You can also combine the dive with Cappy's throw to perform a Cappy throw dive, which allows you to travel even further. The Cappy throw dive is a bit tricky to master, but it's well worth the effort. It's one of the most versatile moves in the game and can be used to reach all sorts of secret areas. Also, remember that Mario is pretty agile. He can climb ledges, swim in water, and even roll down hills. Use these abilities to your advantage to explore every nook and cranny of the game world.
Exploring Kingdoms and Finding Power Moons
Okay, so you've got the controls down. Now it's time to explore the amazing kingdoms of Super Mario Odyssey and hunt for those precious Power Moons! Each kingdom is a unique and vibrant world filled with secrets, challenges, and memorable characters. To make the most of your exploration, here are a few tips and tricks.
First and foremost, take your time. Super Mario Odyssey is designed to reward exploration. Don't just rush through each kingdom trying to reach the next objective. Instead, take a leisurely stroll and soak in the sights and sounds. Look for hidden paths, talk to the locals, and experiment with different captures. You never know what you might find. Power Moons are hidden everywhere, from obvious locations to cleverly concealed areas. Some Power Moons are awarded for completing specific tasks or challenges, while others are simply waiting to be discovered. Keep an eye out for glowing spots on the ground, suspicious-looking objects, and anything that seems out of place. These are often clues to hidden Power Moons.
Use your map to your advantage. The map shows you the layout of each kingdom and marks the locations of key landmarks, such as Odyssey landing sites, Crazy Cap stores, and boss battles. You can also use the map to fast-travel to previously visited locations, which is incredibly useful for revisiting areas and collecting any Power Moons you might have missed. Speaking of Crazy Cap stores, be sure to visit them in each kingdom. These stores sell a variety of costumes and souvenirs that you can use to customize Mario's appearance. Some costumes are purely cosmetic, while others grant Mario special abilities or allow him to access certain areas. Souvenirs, on the other hand, can be used to decorate the Odyssey, making it your own personal airship.
Don't be afraid to experiment with captures. Capturing is one of the most unique and rewarding aspects of Super Mario Odyssey. Each capture has its own unique abilities and advantages, and some captures are required to solve puzzles or reach certain areas. Experiment with different captures to discover new ways to interact with the environment and overcome obstacles. Also, be sure to talk to the locals in each kingdom. They often provide valuable hints and tips about hidden Power Moons and other secrets. Some characters will even give you Power Moons directly, so it's always worth striking up a conversation. Pay attention to your surroundings! Super Mario Odyssey is full of visual cues and environmental storytelling. Keep an eye out for patterns, symbols, and other details that might lead you to hidden treasures. The game's designers have put a lot of thought and care into creating each kingdom, and there's always something new to discover.
Advanced Techniques and Tips
Ready to take your Super Mario Odyssey game to the next level? Here are some advanced techniques and tips that will help you become a true Mario master! Let's start with mastering Cappy's abilities. We've already covered the basics of throwing Cappy, but there's much more to learn. One of the most useful techniques is the Cappy throw jump. To perform this move, throw Cappy forward and then jump on top of him. This allows you to reach higher platforms and cover longer distances. You can also use Cappy as a temporary platform by holding down the throw button. This is especially useful for navigating tricky platforming sections.
Another advanced technique is the homing throw. To perform this move, shake the Joy-Cons (or flick the control stick) after throwing Cappy. This will cause Cappy to home in on the nearest enemy or object. The homing throw is incredibly useful for targeting enemies that are far away or moving quickly. It's also great for collecting items that are out of reach. Let's talk about movement now. We've already covered the basic moves, but there are a few more advanced techniques that you should know. One of the most useful is the rolling jump. To perform this move, start rolling and then jump. This will give you a boost of speed and momentum, allowing you to cover even longer distances. The rolling jump is great for traversing large areas quickly and avoiding enemies.
Another useful technique is the wall jump. To perform this move, jump towards a wall and then press the jump button again when you make contact. This will cause Mario to jump off the wall and gain some height. The wall jump is essential for navigating narrow passages and reaching high platforms. Don't forget about the ground pound jump! To perform this move, ground pound and then jump just before you hit the ground. This will give you a boost of height and momentum, allowing you to reach even higher platforms. The ground pound jump is a bit tricky to master, but it's well worth the effort. It's one of the most versatile moves in the game and can be used to reach all sorts of secret areas. Be creative with your captures! Capturing is not just about solving puzzles and defeating enemies. It's also about experimenting and finding new ways to interact with the environment. Try capturing different objects and creatures to see what they can do. You might be surprised at what you discover.
Final Thoughts
Super Mario Odyssey is a fantastic game that offers something for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned Mario player or a complete newcomer, you're sure to have a blast exploring the game's vibrant kingdoms, collecting Power Moons, and capturing all sorts of creatures. So go ahead, grab your Joy-Cons, and embark on your own odyssey! With a little practice and a lot of creativity, you'll be a Super Mario Odyssey master in no time. Happy gaming!