Mario's debut on the Switch console is a hit. Whats new in this game is the hat he throws (he still jumps on foes too) can allow him all sorts of things from possessing enemies, acting with the environment, or creating a springboard to jump off. He is still rescuing Princess Peach against Bowser, who this time is serious and is making plans to marry her (LOL Dannnggg)!!! You'll travel a host of unique worlds as Bowser plunders them to get items for the wedding just right, and can return to them for further exploration at nearly any time!


Graphics: 9 
First off, there are many unique worlds and even more different styles for our hero, who does a lot of dress-up in this game. Some are from past games (A cowboy outfit like in Mario Party 2, Dr Mario!) but many, many more are new - such as Chef, Tacky dressed, and even dressing up in some other Mario-character outfits! 

The graphics compared to the other Switch centerpiece, Zelda Breath of the Wild -- Mario Odyssey is not as (ha) breathtaking, but still boasting some impressive locales that can be quite beautiful or frightening. There is a real sense of scale in effect in this game that can be  very impressive.  One of the few issues I had is a design choice, mingling of real-world looking characters with... cartoony characters. Its odd, but hey, its a Mario game!  Other that that, it can be very original looking and a lot of fun to explore --One of my favorite bits are the side-scrolling old-school parts hidden in stages!


Sound: 9
Every world has its own theme, sometimes a different one for when its in trouble (when you show up to rescue them) and then one after your return trips. Sound effects like the echo in caves and tried and true noises like the bullit bill firing, its all here, and there is even a sound test.


Addictiveness: 7
Its a good game. I liked Zelda:BotWild more, but couldn't find myself addicted to this game, despite Odyssey having just as much trials and secrets as Zelda. Maybe its because Mario Odysseys's worlds can end up being kind of on the small side, while there are large worlds, they never feel, well, massive somehow.

Story: 7
Its nothing new, rescue the princess, but I did like the touch of Bowser not being afraid of commitment. Take a hint, Mario! The new enemies are strange rabbits, which i didn't really understand the choice. This seemed like a good time to use the Koopalings/Bowser Jr., since they would have a new 'mommy'.  I did like the story continues a little after the main quest.

Depth: 10
So many power moons. When I beat the game I was around 200 and something, but 200's nothing. There are somewhere in the 800s! If you want to get them all to unlock secret locations, outfits, and the like, be my guest. At some point I just had enough and couldn't farm some of them. Unfortunately, this is where the real depth is, grinding for these moons, so if that is not a good incentive for the post-story mode, sorry.


Difficulty: 7
Its a bit deceptive to grade. Just focusing on the story, the game is pretty easy actually, maybe a 3 or 4.  But there are far more moons that are difficult to get (they usually appear after you beat the game) and really ratchet up the challenge. Things like a boss rush and gauntlet add to the punishment.


Overall: 8.5
Mario's back, and hes got a lot of catching up with Peach to do! Wear some funny outfits, learn some new tricks like side-somersaults and taking your enemies powers, and see the striking kingdoms of this game!