Gameplay
Super Mario Odyssey vs. Breath of the Wild
Comparing the gameplay of the two games is difficult, as they’re so disparate and designed for different bases. Mario Odyssey is, of course, a platformer while Zelda appeals to adventure and action-RPG fans. However, both games completely redesign their series’ traditional gameplay.
Breath of the Wild provides the same basis of close quarters combat, and long range archery, but it all feels so different. Weapons degradation affects everything, but combat in general just feels more weighty and deliberate. Link’s moves are a bit more limited this time than in past titles, but that’s effective in amping up combat situations. Like we said before, running around the world and using Link’s different items and abilities to explore feels fantastic. One downside to the game though has to be its boss fights. They aren’t bad per say, just not varied, something a bit disappointing when looking at the history of the franchise. Still, Breath of the Wild succeeds much more than it fails with its gameplay.
Super Mario Odyssey is a game almost entirely based around its gameplay, like most Mario titles. The platforming and controls feel silky smooth like other 3D Mario titles, and running around interacting with everything is an absolute joy. We already said this earlier, but it cannot be overstated how drastically the hat throwing and capturing changes up Mario. The sheer ability to control all of these characters and items is impressive, while simultaneously mixing up gameplay in exciting ways. You never know what new characters you might find in a new area to control, and what puzzles they’ll be able to help you solve.
Super Mario Odyssey just barely ekes out Breath of the Wild in the gameplay department, purely because of the fun factor of everything in the game. Still, they’re for very different audiences so it’s very much up to your discretion on which you enjoy more.
