Everyone’s favorite plumber is making big waves at E3 2017. Already, two different Mario games have been announced: Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle and Super Mario Odyssey. So, what will our mustachioed hero be up to this year?
In Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle, Mario will be forced to once again defend the Mushroom Kingdom. But this time, he won’t be fighting the ol’ King Koopa. When evil Rabbids invade the Mushroom Kingdom, Mario must team up with his friends – Luigi, Yoshi, and Peach – to defend his home. In addition to his classic team, Mario also works with friendlier Rabbids donning the typical costumes of members of the Mushroom community. Ubisoft revealed the game at their E3 press conference and highlighted the adventure and combat sides of the game. In the adventure phases of the game, players can freely explore the levels. The combat phases, however, will feature a tactical, turn-based approach. Although Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle had two previous leaks, E3 marked the first official announcement of the game from Ubisoft. Mario will meet the Rabbids come August 29, 2017.
While Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is centered on the Mushroom Kingdom, Super Mario Odyssey will send our hero to faraway worlds. This Mario adventure is a sandbox-style game, comparable to Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine. Using an airship, Mario will travel from world to world in an attempt to, once again, save Princess Peach from Bowser’s grasp. And although the hero’s ultimate goal echoes typical Mario games, Super Mario Odyssey is anything but typical. Nintendo officially announced the game during the first morning of the E3. In the game, Mario explores detailed worlds with his new companion “Cappy.” Cappy can be used to attack enemies, collect coins, and possess nearly everything in the game. Yes, nearly everything. Ever wonder what the world looks like through the eyes of a Goomba? Well, throw Cappy at it and give it a whirl. In Super Mario Odyssey you can use your cap to possess a myriad of objects, creatures, enemies, animals, and vehicles. The game echoes Breath of the Wild in harnessing the player’s creativity, ingenuity, curiosity, and exploration. Each creature or object Mario transforms into gives him special abilities that can be used for a variety of things. So go crazy! Become a tank or a traffic cone; in Super Mario Odyssey you can do it all. Feel free to explore these new worlds on October 27, 2017.
So far, Mario has stolen the show at E3. We eagerly wait to see who or what will be the star today.
by Alex Moersen
Photos courtesy of the Entertainment Software Association (ESA).
