Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury: A Complete Guide
Hey guys! Get ready to dive into the wild and wonderful world of Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury! This isn't just one game, but two amazing adventures packed into one awesome package. Whether you're a seasoned Mario pro or a newbie ready to jump into the Mushroom Kingdom, this guide is your ultimate companion. We're going to break down everything you need to know, from the vibrant stages of Super Mario 3D World to the open-world madness of Bowser's Fury. Let's-a go!
Super Mario 3D World: A Classic Enhanced
Super Mario 3D World is a delightful romp through colorful courses with your favorite characters: Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Toad. Each character has unique abilities, adding a fun layer of strategy to the gameplay. Mario is your all-around hero, Luigi jumps the highest, Peach can float for a short time, and Toad is the fastest on the ground. Understanding these differences is key to mastering the game.
The game shines with its creative level design. You'll explore everything from grasslands and deserts to underwater ruins and gravity-defying platforms. The power-ups are another highlight. The Super Bell transforms you into a cat, allowing you to climb walls and pounce on enemies. The Double Cherry creates clones of your character, leading to chaotic fun and puzzle-solving opportunities. The Boomerang Flower lets you toss boomerangs to defeat enemies and collect items from a distance. Strategically using these power-ups is essential for navigating the game's challenges and discovering hidden secrets.
One of the best features of Super Mario 3D World is its multiplayer mode. You can team up with up to three friends locally or online to tackle the levels together. The cooperative gameplay adds a whole new dimension to the experience, as you can help each other reach tricky spots, revive fallen teammates, and compete for the highest score. Communication and coordination are key to success, especially in the more challenging levels. Playing with friends also introduces an element of delightful chaos, as you might accidentally throw each other off platforms or steal power-ups. These moments of hilarity are part of what makes Super Mario 3D World such a memorable multiplayer game.
The enhanced version on the Nintendo Switch includes several improvements over the original Wii U release. The characters move faster, making the gameplay feel more fluid and responsive. The online multiplayer has been improved, allowing for smoother and more reliable connections. There's also new content, such as the Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker bonus levels, which offer unique puzzle challenges. These enhancements make Super Mario 3D World even more enjoyable and accessible, whether you're a returning player or experiencing it for the first time.
The game's charm lies in its ability to constantly surprise and delight you. Just when you think you've seen it all, a new mechanic, enemy, or level design is introduced. This keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging throughout the entire adventure. Whether you're collecting Green Stars, stamping your passport, or simply enjoying the colorful visuals, Super Mario 3D World is a game that will bring a smile to your face. So gather your friends, grab your controllers, and prepare for a purr-fectly delightful experience!
Bowser's Fury: An Open-World Mario Adventure
Bowser's Fury is a standalone adventure that offers a unique open-world experience within the Super Mario 3D World universe. You'll explore Lake Lapcat, a sprawling area filled with islands, platforms, and secrets. The gameplay is more exploratory than traditional Mario games, allowing you to freely roam and discover new areas at your own pace. The world is seamless, with no loading screens between areas, creating a truly immersive experience.
The central mechanic of Bowser's Fury is the looming threat of Fury Bowser. This gigantic, enraged version of Bowser periodically emerges from the black sludge, wreaking havoc on the landscape. During these moments, the environment changes dramatically, with fiery meteors falling from the sky and Bowser unleashing devastating attacks. You must use your skills and power-ups to survive these encounters and eventually confront Fury Bowser directly. These battles are epic in scale and require you to think strategically and react quickly.
To calm Fury Bowser, you must collect Cat Shines scattered throughout Lake Lapcat. These collectibles are hidden in various challenges and puzzles across the different islands. Some Cat Shines are found by completing platforming challenges, while others require solving puzzles or defeating enemies. As you collect more Cat Shines, you'll unlock new areas of Lake Lapcat and gain access to powerful Giga Bell power-ups. These Giga Bells transform Mario into a giant cat, allowing him to battle Fury Bowser on equal footing. The sense of scale and power during these battles is truly exhilarating.
One of the most interesting aspects of Bowser's Fury is the partnership between Mario and Bowser Jr. Bowser Jr. accompanies you on your adventure and can assist you in various ways. He can attack enemies, collect items, and even paint over corrupted areas with his paintbrush. You can customize Bowser Jr.'s behavior through the options menu, telling him to be more aggressive or supportive. This dynamic adds a new layer to the gameplay, as you must coordinate your actions with Bowser Jr. to overcome challenges. The evolving relationship between Mario and Bowser Jr. also adds a surprising emotional depth to the story.
Bowser's Fury also features dynamic weather and time-of-day cycles. The environment can change from sunny and peaceful to dark and stormy in an instant. These changes affect the gameplay, as some challenges are only accessible during certain weather conditions or times of day. For example, a platforming challenge might be easier to complete when it's raining, as the water slows down your momentum. The dynamic weather adds a sense of unpredictability and encourages you to explore the world in different ways. The changing time of day also creates a visually stunning experience, as the lighting and shadows transform the landscape.
The open-world design of Bowser's Fury encourages exploration and experimentation. You're free to tackle the challenges in any order you choose, and there's always something new to discover. Whether you're searching for hidden Cat Shines, uncovering secrets in the environment, or simply enjoying the breathtaking views, Bowser's Fury offers a refreshing and innovative take on the traditional Mario formula. It's a must-play for any fan of the series and a great introduction to the world of open-world gaming.
Tips and Tricks for Mastering Both Games
Alright, let's arm you with some killer tips and tricks to conquer both Super Mario 3D World and Bowser's Fury. These strategies will help you snag those elusive Green Stars, defeat tough bosses, and generally become a Mario master. Ready to level up your game?
General Tips:
- Explore Every Nook and Cranny: Both games are packed with hidden secrets and collectibles. Take your time to explore each level thoroughly. Look behind waterfalls, inside pipes, and under platforms. You never know what you might find!
 - Master the Movement: Mario's moveset is versatile. Learn to use wall jumps, long jumps, and ground pounds effectively. These techniques will help you reach difficult areas and overcome challenging obstacles.
 - Experiment with Power-Ups: Don't be afraid to try out different power-ups. Each one has unique abilities that can help you in different situations. The Super Bell is great for climbing walls, the Double Cherry creates clones for puzzle-solving, and the Boomerang Flower allows you to attack enemies from a distance.
 - Pay Attention to the Environment: The environment often provides clues about hidden items or secret passages. Look for visual cues, such as sparkling spots or suspicious cracks in the wall. These can lead to valuable rewards.
 - Don't Give Up: Both games can be challenging, but don't get discouraged. Keep practicing, and you'll eventually overcome the obstacles. Remember, even the best players fail sometimes. The key is to learn from your mistakes and keep trying.
 
Super Mario 3D World Specific Tips:
- Use Each Character's Abilities: Each character has unique strengths. Mario is well-rounded, Luigi jumps high, Peach floats, and Toad is fast. Choose the character that best suits your playstyle or the challenges of the level.
 - Collect Green Stars: Green Stars are essential for unlocking new levels. Be sure to collect all three Green Stars in each level. Some are easy to find, while others require more exploration and puzzle-solving.
 - Stamp Your Passport: Collecting stamps is another fun goal in Super Mario 3D World. Stamps are hidden throughout the levels and can be used to decorate your Miiverse posts. Collecting all the stamps is a completionist challenge that will test your skills and knowledge of the game.
 - Team Up with Friends: Super Mario 3D World is best enjoyed with friends. The cooperative gameplay adds a new dimension to the experience, as you can help each other reach tricky spots and overcome challenges together. Just be prepared for some friendly competition and chaotic moments!
 
Bowser's Fury Specific Tips:
- Explore Lake Lapcat: Lake Lapcat is a vast and interconnected world. Take your time to explore each island and discover its secrets. There are hidden Cat Shines, challenges, and collectibles waiting to be found.
 - Use Bowser Jr.'s Abilities: Bowser Jr. can be a valuable ally in Bowser's Fury. Customize his behavior through the options menu to suit your playstyle. He can attack enemies, collect items, and paint over corrupted areas.
 - Prepare for Fury Bowser: Fury Bowser is a formidable foe. Learn his attack patterns and be ready to dodge his attacks. Use power-ups strategically to gain an advantage in battle.
 - Collect Cat Shines: Cat Shines are essential for calming Fury Bowser and progressing through the game. Collect as many Cat Shines as you can to unlock new areas and power-ups.
 - Take Advantage of the Weather: The dynamic weather in Bowser's Fury can affect the gameplay. Pay attention to the weather conditions and use them to your advantage. For example, you might be able to reach a hidden area during a rainstorm.
 
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Play These Games
Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is more than just a game; it's an experience. It's a celebration of everything that makes Mario great: inventive level design, charming characters, and delightful gameplay. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the series, these games offer something for everyone.
Super Mario 3D World is a masterclass in 3D platforming. Its colorful worlds, creative power-ups, and multiplayer mode make it a joy to play alone or with friends. The enhanced version on the Nintendo Switch adds even more polish and content, making it the definitive way to experience this classic game.
Bowser's Fury is a bold and innovative experiment. Its open-world design, dynamic weather, and epic battles against Fury Bowser offer a fresh and exciting take on the Mario formula. The partnership between Mario and Bowser Jr. adds a surprising emotional depth to the story, making it a memorable and unique adventure.
Together, these two games offer hundreds of hours of gameplay. Whether you're exploring the vibrant stages of Super Mario 3D World or battling Fury Bowser in the open world of Bowser's Fury, you're sure to have a blast. So grab your Nintendo Switch, gather your friends, and prepare for an unforgettable Mario adventure! You won't regret it!