Super Mario 3D World
Review

Super Mario 3D World (2013) (known as Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury on the Switch) is a platform game you can play with up to 4-players in the same place. While all Mario games are good for families, this cooperative and competitive play makes it great for families and friends to play together.

You work together to free the Sprixies from Bowser, who invaded Sprixie Kingdom. Or you can compete to earn the crown on each level. Either way, you are running, jumping, stomping and collecting your way around meticulously designed levels.

This interaction of the Mario formula adds new power-ups that include turning into a cat that can climb walls. Unlike other Mario games, you have a larger choice of either using Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach or Toad. They all have unique abilities for example Princess Peach glides over gaps, while Luigi has his trademark extra-high jump.

The player using the Wii U GamePad Controller can touch the screen to search for hidden blocks and freeze enemies, this adds another aspect to the multiplayer fun and is a good way for younger players (or perhaps novice parents and carers) to get involved. If any player is left too far behind they are rejoined to the action in a bubble.

On the Switch, the game comes with Bowser's Fury. Much more than simple bonus material, this is a game in its own right. You play a world in the style of Super Mario Odyssey. Here though, it's much more of an open world with environmental hazards that change over time.

Every so often, Bowser emerges like Godzilla from the ocean and starts attacking you with fireballs. This not only adds a novel hazard but grants access to special parts of the world only available during these night attacks.

It's an open-world challenge that offers a different way to enjoy the running, jumping and exploring of Mario. It's not four players like the Super Mario 3D World game, but you can get a second player to help you by knocking enemies out of the way.

Our examiner, Andy Robertson, first checked Super Mario 3D World 3 years ago. It was re-examined by Ben Kendall and updated 3 months ago.