You know getting
up at 5am to watch the Switch event after going to sleep not even 4
hours earlier is really hard. But now after two coffees and a walk in
the snow I'm ready to welcome you to this first Trailer Watch of the
Weekend. While some may think the Switch event was underwhelming,
especially if you believed the countless rumors beforehand, I was
pretty happy with it overall. And what's most important, we got a lot
of great game trailers.
I'd like to start
with the game that looked the most unusual. Super Mario Odyssey takes
the well known Plumber on a Journey into unknown worlds. Seeing Mario
jump around between ordinary people was pretty strange, but the
trailer still made it look cool. Generally this trailer made the hype
for this game go from zero to hero in less than one minute. But I
jump ahead. First let us take a look at the unveil trailer of Super
Mario Odyssey.
Right from the get
got we start with a shot of New Donk City. The Influences of New York
are apparent, but the more interesting aspects is where they differ.
New Donk City is named after Donkey Kong. If this is not apparent
enough then you can spot on the sign at the bottom of the picture
that the Name of the Street we pan over is Dixie St. It's interesting
that they choose such a ''realistic'' approach for a city named after
Donkey Kong, but also fitting in a way. This City is probably the
place where the events of the original Donkey Kong took place. Yes
I'm talking about the Arcade with Pauline, Jumpman and Donkey Kong.
If this assumption proves true then I hope we also get to see Marios
first girlfriend. Also this could mean that Mario Odyssey takes us to
long forgotten areas in the Plumbers past, so maybe we'll visit
Sarasaland and the Island from Super Mario Land 2.
Also another
thing, that can't be missed, in this picture is the huge advertisment
for Crazy Cap. In fact I think this is the entrance to the Crazy Cap
shop in this City. Later in the trailer we see Mario enter such a
shop in the Mexican looking world. As we know Marios Cap is alive in
this game, so maybe in this shops you can buy upgrades for it.
Did you spot it?
On the upper right edge of the screen we can see Marios Airship,
which he uses to travel between the different worlds. Don't worry we
later get a better look at it.
But whats also
interesting in this picture is the green billboard in the upper right
part of it. You can see a skeleton wearing a sombrero on it. Later on
we see that this creatures are the inhabitants of the Mexican looking
world. So maybe the billboards in New Donk City advertise later
stages of the game.
Here we get
another confirmation that this is truly the City of Donkey Kong. On
the lower right side we can see an advertisement for Diddy's Mart.
Also if we
remember the billboard with the Mexican skeleton from earlier, the
billboard seen here, advertising, what seems to be called, Kogwhld
(maybe it should spell Kogworld) could also show of a later world in
the game. Especially since the yellow thing right above the letter L
on the billboard looks a lot like the robots seen later in the forest
looking stage of the game.
Of course the
other two billboards, which can't be seen fully, would also advertise
later stages of the game. This could mean that New Donk City takes
place early on in the game, or that it's just used to show that this
is one huge World Mario is exploring.
And here is our
hero. Ready to jump into action.
Now we get a
different angled view of the city. Notice the green billboard on the
upper left side of the screen. Yes it's the same one as in the
previous shoots. Below you can see the other two billboards, which
were partially obstructed in the previous pictures. This gives us a
rough idea where Mario is now. But that is not all we can see in this
picture. Directly above Mario on the other side of the street you can
spot two Purple collectables on a balcony. From later in the trailer
we know that these aren't classic coins, but triangle shaped.
We also can see
some coins and a huge crate on the side of the red building slightly
left of Mario.
It still seems
rather strange seeing moderately real looking people in a Mario game.
This screen proves
that Mario can literally bounce of anything and gives us a first
glimpse into his new moveset.
If you look
closely you can spot a Checkpoint Flag on the Plaza ahead. Does this
mean that the game has a set start and Goal, just like with Super
Mario 3D World and only the way you arrive at that goal is open
ended? Or maybe it's a way to save during a rather long hunt for a
particula Power Star. Anyways its presence in the level is
intriguing.
Yes Mario can now
wall jump. Also if you look in the background you can spot a red
scaffold reminiscent of the original Donkey Kong, which makes me
further believe that this is the City where the original Arcade Game
took place.
Calling this game
Assassins Mario now seems rather fitting.
A look at the
landing platform where Mario has parked his airship. If this is the
start or the goal of the level (or both) I can't say.
And now an
overview shoot of New Donk City. Or at least the explorable part of
New Donk City. The cut of edges look rather bad to be honest and
overall the level is not as big as I hoped, but there are still
enough things to explore.
On the tall
building to the right upper side we can once again spot the purple
triangle coins.
So this is the
airship Mario will use to travel between worlds. The Hat theme is
quite apparent. Aside from the airship itself even the lantern next
to Mario is shaped like a Hat. What's more interesting is the
checkpoint flag and the globe. Why would there be a checkpoint on the
ship? Well my guess is that it's not really for any gameplay reason,
but because at the start of the game your take the Airship from
Bowser. As we see later on he is also sporting a new Look and cool
Hat, so maybe he uses the Hat Power (Yes I know how that sounds) for
sinister purposes. And at the start of the game you take the Airship
from him and now hunt him around the world.
The globe is most
probably a means to select your next travel goal.
Now we leave
New Donk City and instead take a look at this Mexican Desert Ice
themed world. We can see that all the Water in this World has been
frozen, and for some reason is staying that way. Also we can spot a
Checkpoint Flag at the entrance to the small village. Interestingly
this is right at the start of the level, so why they put a checkpoint
there eludes me. But maybe this isn't a traditional checkpoint, but
more a sign that this world is still under Bowsers control.
Oh and we see one
of Marios new moves. He can now roll around like a ball. Cool.
Now we get a closer look at these Purple Triangle Coins. Mario collects some next to the frozen fountain in the center of the town. By the way this game looks absolutely phenomenal.
This brooding
forest level is probably called Kogwhld (or Kogworld) as we know from
the billboard in New Donk City.
Here we see some
coins on the top of a tree right of Mario as well as the yellow robot
inhabitants of this world. Whats most interesting however is the sign
for Crazy Caps on the left side. As I speculated earlier this seems
to be an upgrade shop that is present in every world of the game.
This Scene
probably taking place in the same brooding forest world. The central
red pillar matches the look of the tower on the billboard in New Donk
City.
Before Mario dives
into the awesome looking water take a look at the purple bolt nuts
behind him. Maybe the Purple ''Coins'' have a different shape
depending on the level. It could also mean that you have to collect
them for something special to happen. Kogwhld has the feeling of an
old abandoned factory inside a forest. Maybe you need to collect the
purple bold nuts to repair some of it's machinery.
And here we have
the confirmation that this world is the one advertised on the
billboard in New Donk City. The huge central building is
unmistakable. Behind Mario we also see a P-Switch, as well as another
one a little bit further down.
Also the boss
fight, which we get to see later in the trailer takes place atop of
this structure.
What comes now is
probably the most Mario looking course so far and it heavily reminds
me of Sweet Sweet Canyon from Mario Kart 8.
Interesting is
that each world seems to have non-hostile NPCs inhabiting it. The
Humans in New Donk City, the Skeletons in the Mexican looking level
and now these Fork People. Maybe they'll even give you tips, Quests
or otherwise interact with you.
Apart from the
NPCs we can also spot a rabbit on the huge orange apple directly
above Mario.
Here we get
another look at the rabbit from behind, while Mario carries a Turnip
above his head, reminiscent of Super Mario Bors. 2. We also can see
something purple just behind the apple, further solidifying my theory
that every course will sport those collectables.
Generally this
world especially looks very abstract and dream like. And guess what
game was entirely a dream? Super Mario Bros. 2. So maybe this is a
return to that place which would mean we'd get Phanto in 3D.... so
hopefully I'm wrong
Also something
that isn't shown on the Picture, but the Rabbit immediately runs away
when Mario comes close. So it seems they serve the same purpose as in
Super Mario Galaxy and 3D World.
Now it's finally
time for the enemies to give their debut. Mario is attacked by a,
well I think you'd call him, Pan Bro and a Spiny. It's nice how they
adapted the Hammer Brother to fit into this specific level. On some
promotional screen shots we can also see that the Gumbas in New Donk
City wear construction helmets.
I think this is a
nice touch which gives the world and enemies more character.
I really like this
scene. Not only does it show a lot of character with Mario and his
expression, but it also proves that the Worlds will have a Day/Night
cycle. If this does more than just change the look and feel of level
slightly remains to be seen. But I think it's very possible that some
Stars are only obtainable during the Night and others only during
daytime.
I'm sure this
scene doesn't have any deeper meaning, but it shows that the
Developers try to make the worlds feel alive. Instead of obstacle
courses for Mario to conquer these are organically designed Worlds to
explore.
Back to the
food/dream land and we get a slightly different angle of the (what I
assume to be) first area in this world. On the right side we can
spot, what seems to be, a shop. What is sold there is anyone’s
guess however.
Hot Soup is hot.
This scene is accompanied by the unmistakable sound of Mario losing
some of his HP. Also in the background we can spot the purple
collectables once again.
These Crazy Cap
Shops are most certainly going to play a big role in the game. Next
to this shop we can say many Caps stapled atop of each other. Maybe
Mario can buy them or at least get their properties for his hat. For
example the Football Helmet would allow him to break walls with his
head. The huge Sombrero could be used for gliding. Etc.
Bowser truly has
style. After rocking the Cat look in Super Mario 3D World he now
shows off his fashion sense. Also Peachs new Tiara looks lovely.
This scene
probably takes place at the start of the game. From the way it's cut
and Peaches scream for Mario it seems as if Mario is thrown off the
Airship by something. Probably Bowsers Hat.
Yes Mario has a
cool new move. He can now throw his hat and use it as a bounce pad.
This gives him even more varied possibilities of traversing the open
worlds.
And he even gets
to ride a cat. Now I'm a little envious. There are several
interesting sights in this picture. Of course the huge locked chest
next to Mario is an eye catcher. But what's also interesting is the
sign just behind him and the cat. This seems to be some kind of Bus
Station. The two benches further solidify this look. So maybe you can
only mount those cats at these specific places.
Also the huge
upside down Pyramid in the background seems to have some story
relevance. Later in the trailer we see it in a more dramatic scene.
Peach doesn't look
too happy about this wedding. More interestingly this shows that
there isn't only a day/night cycle but also that the weather can
change. If this happens dynamically or only for specific scripted
circumstances remains to be seen. Anyways New Donk City looks amazing
in the rain.
No Koopa Kids.
Instead we get evil looking wedding Bunnies. They all have a rather
interesting design and all wear a unique Hat, further strengthening
the theme of this game. Maybe you unlock their Hats (and powers)
after you beat them.
It seems as if
each and every world will have it's unique boss. This huge bird is
obviously the enemy in the dream/food world.
Like I said
earlier the boss fight of Kogwhld takes place on top of the huge
central structure against the most Bowser Looking of the four
Rabbits. His poison ability looks rather interesting.
And this is the
Boss fight of New Donk City it seems. And from the looks of it, it
would better fit into a Bayonetta than a Mario Game. I'm really
intrigued how Mario aims to defeat this beast with only jumps and
maybe Hat throws.
And that concludes
this Trailer Watch for now. I hope that together we could get a
little more insight into Super Mario Odyssey and if I missed
something then please point it out. Also let me know your
Observations about Marios newest Adventure in the comments.
And as always
thanks for reading
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