One of the only Nintendo Switch exclusives with a confirmed 2021 release date so far is Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury. And while fans have had a pretty good idea of what to expect from the Super Mario 3D World part of the game, Nintendo has been more vague about what Bowser's Fury will entail. Now the curtain has been pulled back, and it looks like Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury is going to completely change how fans think about 3D World.
The base game for Super Mario 3D World is comprised of linear levels, marrying aspects of 3D Mario games with a level design philosophy from the 2D entries in the series. However, it seems as though Bowser's Fury is going to have a more open approach, similar to games like Super Mario 64, Sunshine, and Odyssey. The trailer shows Mario exploring a large environment and collecting things, in stark contrast to the more confined levels in the base 3D World game.
There are some other big changes coming with Bowser's Fury as well, namely the fact that Mario is teaming up with Bowser Jr. this time around to try to stop a super-powered version of Bowser. Mario will have his cat suit and other abilities to help him along the way, including a new power-up that essentially transforms Mario into what is a massive Super Saiyan cat, in what is one of the trailer's most visually-stunning moments.
Not only is Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury incorporating new gameplay features, but it also seems to be improving the visuals somewhat when compared to the Wii U version. The new gameplay experience, improved performance, and Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury use of online co-op may very well make it worthwhile for fans to double dip, even if they've already extensively played through the original game.
Something that's unclear from the trailer, though, is if the Bowser's Fury part of the game has co-op support. The trailer only shows Mario in action, and the more open-ended gameplay may make it difficult for Nintendo to incorporate co-op play in the same way it did for the 3D World base game. However, those details have yet to be clarified, so fans should standby for more information on that front.
Meanwhile, there are rumors that a Nintendo Direct will be taking place soon, so maybe Nintendo fans will get a much better idea of what new games they can expect this year sooner rather than later.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury launches February 12, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.