《超級瑪利歐 奧德賽》（Super Mario Odyssey）是任天堂於2017年10月為Switch推出的3D平台動作冒險遊戲，是《超級瑪利歐》系列繼《Super Mario 64》、《Super Mario Sunshine》與《Super Mario Galaxy》後的又一部大型沙盒式作品。本作被視為系列的進化之作，不僅在操作上大幅創新，也在關卡設計、敘事節奏與探索自由度上帶來前所未有的體驗。

劇情以經典的拯救碧姬公主為主軸，但加入全新角色與設定，增添不少新鮮感。開場即展現瑪利歐與宿敵庫巴（Bowser）在飛船上激烈對決，而這次庫巴不僅再次綁架碧姬公主，還計劃舉辦一場強迫婚禮，甚至連來自帽子王國的帽子公主蒂雅拉（Tiara）也成他的新娘裝飾。瑪利歐在被擊落後結識帽子王國的居民卡比（Cappy），他為了救出妹妹蒂雅拉，與瑪利歐結盟，成為瑪利歐的新拍檔。卡比可化為帽子型態，與瑪利歐一同展開一場穿越各國、阻止庫巴婚禮的旅程。

本作最大特色在於「帽子擬態」的創新機制。瑪利歐能透過丟出卡比帽子來「附身」或「擬態」各種敵人與物件，例如附身Goomba來走在冰面上不打滑、變成火球在熔岩中移動、甚至控制一台坦克進行射擊。這種擬態能力取代傳統的「吃道具變身」機制，讓每一個敵人都可能成為解謎的關鍵。這項玩法大幅提升關卡的自由度與互動性，也讓人在每個新國度都期待會遇見什麼新奇事物可操控。

在操作層面上，保留傳統的跳躍技巧，如後空翻、三段跳與牆跳等，但也加入更多進階動作，例如帽子跳（Cap Jump）與帽子投擲之後接跳等，這些組合動作讓資深玩家能挑戰高難度的平台技巧，同時也讓喜歡探索的玩家有更多走「隱藏路線」的可能性。操作支援Joy-Con體感控制，例如揮動操作可以使卡比帽子旋轉攻擊，但也可以用按鍵操作完成。

關卡設計上，採用類似《Super Mario 64》的沙盒式開放區域，每一個國度都是一個大型的3D場景，進行自由探索、收集「力量之月」（Power Moons），這些月亮取代傳統的關卡終點。每個國度都有自己的主題風格與文化特色，從紐頓市（New Donk City）這樣的擬真都市，到沙之國、雪之國、料理之國等富有創意與視覺衝擊力的場景。可以依自己節奏遊玩，不必線性完成所有任務，而是以自由收集、觸發事件、解謎、挑戰Boss等方式，逐步解鎖新地點。

此外，《奧德賽》特別強調細節與驚喜。除了主線劇情外，每個國度都藏有大量支線內容、隱藏月亮與秘密地區，也有豐富的服裝收集系統，可以換上不同主題服裝，有時甚至成為進入特定地點的條件之一。遊戲後期更開放經典的「月之國」與特別的挑戰關卡，並在通關後解鎖大量新目標，讓追求100%完成的玩家可以盡情投入。

在市場評價方面，幾乎獲得一致好評。全球媒體普遍給予極高分數，讚揚其創意無限的玩法、充滿驚喜的世界設計、絲滑流暢的操作手感，以及對系列傳統的完美致敬與革新融合。尤其是卡比擬態系統被視為革命性機制，賦予平台遊戲全新生命。此外，音樂表現也廣受好評，主題曲《Jump Up, Super Star!》更成為遊戲代表性印象，為整體冒險增添歡樂與動感氛圍。儘管部分玩家指出本作的難度相對較低、Boss戰重複性稍高，但對於老少皆宜、鼓勵探索與自由玩法的設計理念而言，這些都無礙其成為任天堂Switch平台最具代表性的作品之一。

總結而言，這是結合創意、自由與懷舊情感的傑出3D動作遊戲。它不僅重新定義平台遊戲的可能性，也讓每位玩家都能在探索世界的過程中，找到屬於自己的樂趣與驚奇。對於任何一位Switch玩家而言，這無疑是必玩的經典作品。

Super Mario Odyssey is a 3D platforming action-adventure game developed by Nintendo and released for the Nintendo Switch in October 2017. As a major sandbox-style installment in the Super Mario series following Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy, it is widely regarded as a bold evolution of the franchise. The game introduces innovative controls and unprecedented freedom in level design, storytelling, and exploration, delivering a fresh and immersive experience.

The story centers on the classic mission to rescue Princess Peach, but spices things up with new characters and settings. The game opens with an intense showdown between Mario and his arch-nemesis Bowser aboard an airship. This time, Bowser not only kidnaps Peach but plans to forcibly marry her in a grand wedding. He also captures Tiara, a princess from the Cap Kingdom, to use as part of Peach’s wedding attire. After being defeated and sent plummeting from the airship, Mario lands in the Cap Kingdom, where he meets Cappy, Tiara’s brother. Cappy joins Mario on his quest, becoming a new companion who can transform into Mario’s iconic cap. Together, they embark on a globe-trotting adventure to stop Bowser’s wedding and rescue both princesses.

The game's signature innovation is the "capture" mechanic, where Mario can throw Cappy to possess or transform into various enemies and objects. This ability allows him to take control of creatures like Goombas to walk safely on ice, transform into a fireball to travel through lava, or even pilot a tank to blast obstacles. This gameplay feature replaces traditional power-ups and significantly enhances interactivity and puzzle-solving, encouraging experimentation and creativity in each new kingdom.

On the gameplay front, Odyssey retains classic moves like the backflip, triple jump, and wall kick, while adding advanced techniques such as the Cap Jump and hat toss combos. These moves appeal to veteran players looking for precision and challenge, while also offering more ways for exploration-focused players to discover hidden paths and secrets. The controls also support Joy-Con motion input, such as flicking to make Cappy spin, though all functions can be executed with standard button controls as well.

Level design embraces an open-ended, sandbox format reminiscent of Super Mario 64. Each kingdom is a large 3D environment full of activities, secrets, and collectibles, particularly the Power Moons that have replaced the traditional level-end goals. Each kingdom has its own thematic and cultural identity, ranging from the urban realism of New Donk City to the vibrant Sand Kingdom, frosty Snow Kingdom, and even the whimsical Luncheon Kingdom. Players can explore at their own pace, with no strict order to complete objectives—free to collect moons, trigger events, solve puzzles, and challenge bosses in whatever way suits them.

Beyond the main storyline, Odyssey emphasizes details and hidden surprises. Each kingdom is filled with side content, secret moons, and hidden areas. The game also features a costume system, allowing Mario to change outfits themed after various worlds and sometimes required to access special areas. Later stages unlock the classic Moon Kingdom and other challenging levels, and after finishing the story, a wide array of new goals becomes available, offering extended replay value for those aiming for 100% completion.

Critically, Super Mario Odyssey received widespread acclaim. Reviewers praised its boundless creativity, delightfully surprising worlds, fluid and responsive controls, and the way it both honors and reinvents classic Mario elements. The capture mechanic, in particular, was seen as a revolutionary addition that breathed new life into platforming gameplay. The game's soundtrack also drew praise, with the theme song “Jump Up, Super Star!” becoming an iconic musical highlight that perfectly captures the game’s upbeat spirit.

Some players noted that the game’s difficulty was relatively light and that boss battles could be somewhat repetitive. However, these minor criticisms did not detract from the game’s overall brilliance. Its accessible design, rich exploration opportunities, and inventive gameplay made it a standout title suitable for players of all ages.

In summary, Super Mario Odyssey is a masterful blend of creativity, freedom, and nostalgic charm. It redefines what a platformer can be and offers every player the chance to experience joy and discovery in their own way. For any Nintendo Switch owner, it’s undoubtedly a must-play classic.