Welcome to Cool Bits where we point out our favorite small video game moments.
A Cool Bit can be a secret, an Easter Egg, or just a small detail that really resonated
with us.
And this time, we'll be taking a look at lot of small details that resonated with us
in Super Mario Odyssey's Mushroom Kingdom.
Okay, so one of the coolest moments in Super Mario Odyssey doesn't come come until after
you've beaten the game.
Because just when you think you've seen it all, a brand new Kingdom becomes available:
and it's none other than the one than the Mushroom Kingdom itself.
And not only is it a full level in its own right, but it's hiding a surprising amount
of references to past games in the series, even if may not seem like it.
Because the Mushroom Kingdom here, and Peach's Castle by extension, doesn't seem to be
based around on any single past incarnation, even if is evocative of many of them.
But it doesn't take long to realize that there's one game in particular that it references
quite a bit more than the others, being of course, Super Mario 64.
You might first notice it with those distinctive bubbly trees--only in proper 3D this time.
Or when you first step foot into Peach's Castle and hear that classic music as you
explore a similarly shaped foyer.
And hey, do you remember that secret where you would stand on the sun icon and look into
the light from the ceiling?
Yep that's back too--only instantly awarding a Power Moon this time.
And then there are the nearby Tower interiors that are shaped just like a room from Super
Mario 64, complete with framed pictures you can jump into.
And yes, it even makes the same noise at the start of each mission too
And in case all of that didn't tip you off, there's the courtyard that's pretty much
tripped directly from Super Mario 64 in all of its polygonal glory, even requiring you
to look the part by wearing the appropriate Cap and Suit
Now if you played Super Mario 64 at all, then none of this is news to you.
But there are quite a few other throwbacks that are a little more subtle.
Such as how Yoshi can once again can be found as an end-game reward, on the roof of Peach's
Castle.
And just like before, you still can't ride him, which makes having to Capture him all
the more fitting.
Now if you want to collect all the Power Moons in the Mushroom Kingdom, then you're going
to have to drain the moat at some point--just like you did back in Super Mario 64.
Even the process is similar, requiring you to ground pound a few specific objects.
And like before, you'll find a an entrance into the castle on the right.
Oh, and when you're exploring the castle grounds, the complete lack of music interspersed
only by chirping birds is also exactly how it was in Super Mario 64 too.
And speaking of birds, some of the ones that can be found here resemble the Penguins that,
of course, first appeared in that classic game.
And on that note, even though the chests in the courtyard are new to this area, the idea
of having to unlock them in a set order is, once again, lifted directly from Super Mario
64.
And although the Boos that used to be found here have gone missing, it's almost a little
too fitting that members of the undead show up if you fail to unlock the chests in the
right order.
Now up to this point in Super Mario Odyssey, you've seen three different versions of
Dorrie--the sea creature that first appeared in Super Mario 64, which each one being a
different color.
So it's fitting that a fourth would appear in the Mushroom Kingdom--except this one is
the blue version, matching his polygonal predecessor perfectly.
Oh, and real quick--the lake that the Dorie here is swimming in is shaped like a Mushroom.
Neat!
In fact, there are so many Super Mario 64 references, that they aren't even exclusive
to the Nintendo 64 version of the game.
Because you know that maze near the castle where you have to chase the rabbit?
Yeah, well the exact same thing happened at the start of Super Mario 64 DS too.
And speaking of Super Mario 64 DS, the ramp they added from the moat just left of Peach's
Castle can also be seen in the Mushroom Kingdom
So by now, there's little doubt this entire kingdom is clearly built as a love-letter
to Super Mario 64, which is fitting given that Super Mario Odyssey was designed to be
a return to that game's style.
But that doesn't mean it's the only game to get some love, because there are a references
to a couple of other games in the series too--and no, we don't just mean the 2D section themed
to Super Mario Bros.
Because you may have noticed one of the trees looks just a little different from the others,
bearing a Tanooki tail.
This is a direct callback to the Tail Tree from the opening of Super Mario 3D Land.
And finally, for many of you, your first glimpse of the Mushroom Kingdom may have been by way
of Yoshi's House.
But did you catch that his entire home is a direct reference to its first appearance
in Super Mario World?
Not only does it have the same brick fireplace, but there are three trees to provide shelter.
Oh, and the entire thing is surrounded by a picket fence--just like as shown on the
map in Super Mario World.
Neat!
The Mushroom Kingdom has always been home to a lot of secrets, but never quite to this
extent.
So it's pretty fun to see it all the ways in which it celebrates its heritage--both
big and small--and we think those are some pretty cool bits.
And that wraps it up for this episode of Cool Bits for Super Mario Odyssey.
Now let us know if you have any Cool Bits of your own by posting in the comments and
we may feature it in a future episode.
Thanks for watching and make sure to subscribe for more Cool Bits and other informative game
videos.
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