: Unlike traditional Mario games that follow a linear "save the princess" path, Odyssey focuses on the joy of exploration. Some scholars, like Duane Rousselle on Medium , have analyzed the game's ending, noting how it deviates from classic tropes by emphasizing the shared journey over a traditional "happily ever after" trophy.

: The core of any Mario game is how the character feels to control. Critics and players alike, such as those on Reddit's patientgamers , praise the game's fluidity. The addition of "capturing"—using Mario’s hat to take control of enemies—shifted the gameplay from a standard platformer to a diverse set of micro-games.

Official versions of are not available for free or for purchase on PC; the game is a Nintendo Switch exclusive. Be cautious of websites offering "free PC downloads," as these are often scams or contain malware.

: The game has sparked debate regarding its structure. While many love the dense, secret-filled kingdoms, others, like reviewers at Polygon , have argued that the sheer variety can sometimes come at the cost of a cohesive world-building experience.

If you are looking for an essay or analysis on the game's impact and themes, The Evolution of Play: An Essay on Super Mario Odyssey

: The game is an "homage to all things Mario," famously punctuated by the New Donk City festival which combined 8-bit gameplay with a 3D environment to celebrate the series' longevity.

Super Mario Odyssey serves as both a celebration of the franchise's history and a bold leap into modern open-ended design. Released in 2017, it returned to the "sandbox" style of Super Mario 64 while introducing a transformative new mechanic: Cappy.