The Mario cat is finally out of the bag. Yesterday Nintendo gave us a longer look at Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, but today it’s released a full, seven-minute overview trailer of what the game will be. While we pretty much knew what the 3D World part of the game would be, this is the first time we’re getting a full understanding of what the Nintendo Switch-exclusive content, Bowser’s Fury, is. The trailer paints a picture of a game that’s a cross between the more exploratory antics of Super Mario Galaxy or Odyssey and the structured play of 3D World, with a dash of Super Mario Sunshine‘s paint aesthetic.
The first part of the trailer focuses on 3D World. There’s not a whole lot new with this version of the game. The biggest inclusion is online play, which was not a feature on the Wii U version. There’s also a new “Snapshot” photo mode that will allow you to snap pictures at any moment, add filters, and even place stickers that you collect onto your photos. There are some tweaks to gameplay as well, with characters seemingly moving a bit faster than they did on the Wii U.
Now, for the juicier part of the Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury overview. Bowser’s Fury was shrouded in mystery after its announcement, but Nintendo has finally revealed how the gameplay will work. Mario will be accompanied on his adventure by Bowser Jr., who hovers around and uses a paintbrush, as the pair try to stop a very, very angry Fury Bowser, who either doesn’t like cats or is fed up with Mario beating him over and over. Bowser Jr. can either be controlled by AI in single-player mode or by a second player during the game.
The goal of the additional content is to collect Cat Shines from across the map in order to uncover a giant Giga Bell that will transform Mario into a giant, glowing, golden super lion Mario and allow him to take on Bowser. Just how that game mechanic will play out is yet to be revealed. However, as you explore the vast Lake Lapcat, Fury Bowser will occasionally awaken, raining down spikes and shooting lasers, and you will just have to survive until he calms down and goes away.
There’s no word on how long this additional content should last, but taking a look at the map, it seems pretty expansive. With the addition of portability, online play, and Bowser’s Fury, the full price tag on this port feels a bit more palatable. Super Maro 3D World + Bowser’s Fury will release on Feb. 12 on Nintendo Switch.
