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

Hey guys! Get ready to dive headfirst into the vibrant and exciting world of Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury! This isn't just a simple port; it's a fantastic package deal that brings back the beloved Wii U title with a fresh coat of paint and introduces an entirely new adventure. Whether you're a seasoned Mario veteran or a newcomer ready to experience the magic for the first time, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to conquer every level, beat every boss, and collect every last star. We'll break down the core gameplay of Super Mario 3D World, explore the open-world wonder of Bowser's Fury, and give you all the tips and tricks you need to succeed.

Super Mario 3D World: A Cooperative Platforming Masterpiece

Super Mario 3D World is a delightful evolution of the 3D Mario formula, blending the freedom of movement from games like Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine with the more structured level design of New Super Mario Bros. What truly sets it apart is its focus on cooperative multiplayer. Up to four players can team up as Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad, each with their unique abilities, to tackle a series of creatively designed stages. Mario is the all-rounder, Luigi jumps higher, Peach can float for a short time, and Toad is the fastest. This variety encourages experimentation and allows players to find their preferred playstyle. The levels themselves are a constant source of joy, packed with inventive mechanics, hidden secrets, and charming enemies. From scaling towering structures to navigating treacherous underwater mazes, there's always something new and exciting to discover. The game's power-ups add another layer of fun, with the Super Bell transforming characters into adorable cats that can climb walls and pounce on foes, and the Double Cherry creating multiple copies of your character for some chaotic, but hilarious, gameplay.

To truly master Super Mario 3D World, understanding the nuances of each character and power-up is key. Experiment with different character combinations in multiplayer to see who complements your playstyle. Don't be afraid to explore every nook and cranny of a level, as hidden areas often contain valuable Green Stars and stamps. Mastering the cat suit is essential for reaching certain areas and defeating enemies with ease. Pay attention to enemy patterns and learn how to time your jumps and attacks effectively. And most importantly, communicate with your teammates in multiplayer to coordinate your efforts and overcome challenges together. With its vibrant visuals, catchy music, and endlessly creative gameplay, Super Mario 3D World is a must-play for any Mario fan.

Gameplay and Mechanics

Super Mario 3D World shines with its intuitive and accessible gameplay. The controls are tight and responsive, allowing for precise movement and platforming. The game introduces several new mechanics, such as the Super Bell, which transforms players into cat form, granting them the ability to climb walls and perform powerful swipe attacks. The Double Cherry is another standout, creating clones of your character that mimic your every move, leading to some truly chaotic and hilarious moments, especially in multiplayer. The levels are designed with both single-player and multiplayer in mind, offering a balanced and enjoyable experience regardless of how you choose to play.

The game also features a variety of enemies, each with their own unique behaviors and attack patterns. Learning how to deal with each enemy is crucial for survival. Some enemies can be defeated with a simple jump, while others require the use of power-ups or special attacks. The game's boss battles are also a highlight, testing your skills and requiring you to utilize all the tools at your disposal.

Worlds and Levels

Super Mario 3D World is divided into multiple worlds, each with its own distinct theme and challenges. From grassy plains to icy mountains, each world offers a fresh and visually appealing experience. The levels within each world are cleverly designed, packed with secrets, and offer a satisfying level of challenge. Collecting Green Stars is essential for unlocking new levels and progressing through the game. Stamps, hidden throughout the levels, can be used to decorate your Miiverse posts (though this feature is no longer available on the Switch version, the stamps are still fun to collect!).

Bowser's Fury: An Open-World Mario Adventure

Bowser's Fury is a brand-new adventure that accompanies Super Mario 3D World, and it's a completely different beast. It takes the core gameplay of 3D World and transplants it into an open-world setting, creating a unique and thrilling experience. Players explore Lake Lapcat, a vast and interconnected world filled with islands, platforms, and secrets. The central gimmick is Fury Bowser, a gigantic and enraged version of Bowser who periodically emerges to wreak havoc on the landscape. Mario teams up with Bowser Jr. to collect Cat Shines, which are used to activate lighthouses and dispel Bowser's fury.

The open-world structure of Bowser's Fury allows for a greater sense of freedom and exploration than traditional Mario games. Players can freely roam Lake Lapcat, discovering new areas, completing challenges, and collecting Cat Shines at their own pace. The dynamic weather system and the ever-present threat of Fury Bowser add a sense of urgency and excitement to the gameplay. The game also introduces new power-ups, such as the Giga Bell, which transforms Mario into a giant cat, allowing him to battle Fury Bowser head-on. With its innovative gameplay, stunning visuals, and epic scale, Bowser's Fury is a must-play for any Mario fan.

To truly conquer Bowser's Fury, understanding the layout of Lake Lapcat is essential. Familiarize yourself with the locations of different islands and the challenges they offer. Pay attention to the weather patterns, as Fury Bowser's appearances can drastically alter the gameplay. Use Bowser Jr.'s abilities to your advantage, as he can assist you in combat and help you reach hidden areas. Mastering the Giga Bell is crucial for defeating Fury Bowser and restoring peace to Lake Lapcat. And most importantly, don't be afraid to explore every corner of the world, as hidden secrets and valuable rewards await those who venture off the beaten path. With its innovative gameplay, stunning visuals, and epic scale, Bowser's Fury is a must-play for any Mario fan.

Exploring Lake Lapcat

Lake Lapcat is a sprawling open world, segmented into various islands and regions, each with unique themes and challenges. Exploring every nook and cranny of Lake Lapcat is key to finding all the Cat Shines and unlocking the full extent of the adventure. The game cleverly encourages exploration by hiding Cat Shines in unexpected places and rewarding players who venture off the beaten path. The sense of freedom and discovery is a refreshing departure from the more linear structure of traditional Mario games.

The islands themselves are interconnected, allowing for seamless traversal and exploration. Players can swim, sail, and even fly between islands, making it easy to discover new areas and complete challenges. The dynamic weather system adds another layer of complexity, with rain, thunderstorms, and even volcanic eruptions impacting the gameplay.

Fury Bowser and the Giga Bell

The central antagonist of Bowser's Fury is Fury Bowser, a gigantic and enraged version of Bowser who periodically emerges to wreak havoc on Lake Lapcat. These encounters are intense and challenging, requiring players to utilize all their skills and power-ups to survive. Fury Bowser's attacks are devastating, and his presence can drastically alter the environment, creating new platforms and obstacles.

To combat Fury Bowser, Mario can utilize the Giga Bell, a powerful power-up that transforms him into a giant cat. In this form, Mario is able to battle Fury Bowser head-on, unleashing devastating attacks and absorbing massive amounts of damage. The Giga Bell battles are epic and visually stunning, offering a satisfying conclusion to each Fury Bowser encounter.

Tips and Tricks for Mastering Both Games

Okay, so you're ready to become a Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury master? Here are some essential tips and tricks to help you on your journey:

• Explore Everything: Seriously, don't just run through the levels. Take your time to explore every nook and cranny. You never know what secrets you might find, whether it's a hidden Green Star, a valuable power-up, or a secret passage to a new area.
• Master the Cat Suit: The Super Bell is your best friend in Super Mario 3D World. Use it to climb walls, pounce on enemies, and reach hidden areas. Practice your cat suit skills until you can navigate any obstacle with ease.
• Team Up with Friends: Super Mario 3D World is even more fun with friends. Coordinate your efforts, utilize each character's unique abilities, and work together to overcome challenges. Just be prepared for some friendly competition!
• Use Bowser Jr.'s Abilities: In Bowser's Fury, Bowser Jr. is more than just a sidekick. He can assist you in combat, paint over obstacles, and even reveal hidden areas. Make sure to utilize his abilities to your advantage.
• Pay Attention to Fury Bowser's Patterns: Fury Bowser's appearances are predictable, but his attacks are not. Pay attention to his patterns and learn how to dodge his attacks. Knowing when to strike is key to surviving these encounters.
• Collect Everything: Don't just focus on completing the levels. Collect every Green Star, stamp, and Cat Shine you can find. These collectibles are essential for unlocking new content and progressing through the game.
• Experiment with Power-Ups: Both games feature a variety of power-ups, each with its own unique abilities. Experiment with different power-ups to find the ones that suit your playstyle.
• Don't Give Up: Some levels and challenges can be tough, but don't give up! Keep practicing, experimenting, and learning from your mistakes. With enough perseverance, you'll eventually overcome any obstacle.

Conclusion: A Must-Have for Switch Owners

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is an incredible package that offers hours of fun and excitement for players of all ages. Whether you're a fan of cooperative platforming or open-world exploration, there's something for everyone to enjoy. With its vibrant visuals, catchy music, and innovative gameplay, this game is a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner. So, grab your friends, pick up your controllers, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable Mario adventure!