Is Super Mario 3D World Better Than Odyssey? No, Odyssey Is Superior Overall.

If I had to choose one game as definitively "better" between Super Mario 3D World and Super Mario Odyssey, I would pick Odyssey as the superior Nintendo platforming experience overall. With its expansive worlds, possession mechanics, wealth of moons to collect and sheer sense of freedom, Odyssey represents the future of 3D Mario games. That said, 3D World is an incredible game in its own right that every fan should play as well. But forced to choose just one, Odyssey wins out for me.

Now let‘s take a deep dive into the differences between these two phenomenal Nintendo games and why I believe Odyssey has the edge.

Gameplay Styles – Odyssey‘s Open Exploration Edges Out 3D World‘s Courses

The most obvious difference is their core gameplay formats. 3D World features linear, gauntlet-style courses clear start and end points. Odyssey uses giant open sandboxes encouraging heavy exploration.

Personally, I prefer Odyssey‘s open worlds. Unlocking new kingdoms and then having the freedom to explore every corner however I see fit is incredibly rewarding. There‘s a child-like sense of wonder in stumbling upon new challenges, mini-games and puzzles simply by investigating what‘s over the next hill. The worlds feel more alive, teeming with secrets begging to be unearthed.

That‘s not to diminish 3D World‘s superbly designed, cleverly crafted courses. But the explorable worlds of Odyssey give me greater replay value after beating the main story. I can get lost for hours searching for all 999 Power Moons scattered about.

My Pick: Odyssey

Power-Ups and Abilities – Cappy Possession Opens Up Gameplay Possibilities

3D World brings back classic power-ups like the Fire Flower along with new additions like the Cat Suit. Odyssey introduces Cappy, allowing Mario to possess enemies and objects to gain new powers.

Cappy blows open the gameplay possibilities, facilitating Odyssey‘s open world level design. Possession abilities like a T-Rex, frog and tank aren‘t just cool – they directly influence exploring puzzles and platforming challenges. Cappy feels like a natural evolution of Mario‘s core mechanics rather than just tacked on features.

I give Odyssey the edge here. Capturing a Chain Chomp to smash through blocks or taking control of a rocket to reach high places never gets old. Cappy adds so much variety and creativity. 3D World‘s power-ups are fun but more limited.

My Pick: Odyssey

Multiplayer Experience – 3D World‘s 4-Player Co-Op Can‘t Be Beat

For multiplayer fun, 3D World clearly comes out on top. The 4-player local co-op is an absolute joy, with levels tailored around multiplayer challenges. Odyssey‘s 2-player co-op feels limited by comparison. Playing with family and friends is when 3D World truly shines brightest.

My Pick: 3D World

Visuals and Art Direction – Both Are gorgeous

Visually, both games are stunning and bursting with artistic charm while utilizing different aesthetics. I‘m calling this one a draw. 3D World resembles a fleshed out arts and crafts project with its tactile textures. Odyssey impresses with its realism twinged with Mario magic. Which one you prefer comes down to personal taste.

My Pick: Draw

Music – Both Have Memorably Catchy Tracks

The music in both games amazingly completes the experience whether it‘s 3D World‘s bouncy big band energy or Odyssey‘s cinematic orchestral sweeps. Again this category is too close to call – both soundtracks stand toe-to-toe. I find myself humming tracks from both games constantly.

My Pick: Draw

Level Design – Odyssey‘s Dense Open Worlds Win Out

Level design is phenomenal in both entries but for different reasons. I give a slight nod to Odyssey. The way every open world feels crammed with platforming challenges, puzzles, secret minigames and other interactive elements shows masterful level crafting. There‘s a sense of joy in stumbling upon the diverse gameplay ideas sprinkled everywhere.

That isn‘t to say 3D World‘s courses aren‘t brilliant – they absolutely are. But I‘m personally enamored with the many layers to explore in Odyssey‘s kingdoms.

My Pick: Odyssey

Bosses and Enemies – Odyssey Has More Variety Overall

The enemies and bosses in both games are memorable, but Odyssey has a wider diversity. Capturable enemies like Chain Chomps along with several multi-phase boss fights like the Lord of Lightning give Odyssey the edge for me. Not to mention all the bonus post-game brutal challenges to test your skills against. That‘s not to discount exquisite fights like 3D World‘s battle against the snow fencing bunny Motley Bossblob. But Odyssey wins out here.

My Pick: Odyssey

Post-Game Content – Hunting Hundreds of Power Moons

I have to give Odyssey the nod for post-game content as well. While 3D World offers rewarding challenges like World Crown, Odyssey‘s sheer volume of Power Moons to find takes the cake. I spent over 60 hours after the credits scouring every kingdom thoroughly to gather all 999 Power Moons – and some were diabolically hidden. The sense of satisfaction from 100% completion is immense.

My Pick: Odyssey

Innovation And Impact – Odyssey Modernizes 3D Mario Games

In terms of pushing the franchise forward, Odyssey feels like the modern 3D Mario blueprint going forward. The globe-trotting exploration blended with possession mechanics brought fresh ideas while respecting tradition. Odyssey takes the magic of classics like Mario 64 or Sunshine and updates it for a new generation. That gives it the edge in innovation.

My Pick: Odyssey

Let‘s take a quick look at some fun facts comparing these two phenomenal Mario games:

• Odyssey has 15 different kingdoms to explore while 3D World has 16 unique worlds.
• Both let you play as characters other than Mario – Luigi, Toad and Peach in 3D World and Cappy in Odyssey.
• Odyssey has over 50 capturable enemies and objects. 3D World has 9 different power-ups.
• 3D World sold over 9 million copies worldwide as of March 2022. Odyssey has sold over 25 million copies as of June 2022.
• Odyssey has around 75 bosses. 3D World has about 30 bosses.
• Critical reception:
  • 3D World – 93 Metacritic score
  • Odyssey – 97 Metacritic score
• Speedrun records:
  • 3D World – 33 minutes
  • Odyssey – 58 minutes
• Longest level:
  • 3D World – Hands-On Hall (about 15 minutes)
  • Odyssey – Metro Kingdom (about 90 minutes of gameplay)

Both games are stacked with delightful content, but Odyssey edges out ahead in my book by bringing core Mario mechanics into ambitious new open world territory. But every fan should play both!

Super Mario Odyssey and Super Mario 3D World are both phenomenal games packed with masterful craftsmanship only Nintendo can provide. You can‘t go wrong with either. Odyssey nudges ahead as the superior experience in my book due to the sense of freedom and replayability from its sandbox worlds.

Yet 3D World remains an absolute blast, especially with friends. Its vibrant, tactile visuals and gratifying, gauntlet-style courses offer endless platforming fun. Whichever adventure you choose, you‘ll enjoy hours upon hours of pure gaming joy.

Want my advice? Play both eventually! But if forced to pick one first, go with Super Mario Odyssey as a "modern classic" 3D Mario experience. Then dive into the delights of 3D World afterwards. That way you can savor the masterful level design of both games. Sound like a plan, buddy? Let me know once you conquer these two superb Nintendo titles!