Should You Play Super Mario 3D World Before Bowser’s Fury?
As a longtime Nintendo gamer and fan of the Super Mario series, this question comes up frequently regarding the latest Switch release. My clear answer: no, you do NOT need to complete Super Mario 3D World before playing Bowser’s Fury.
The two games are bundled together, but they are completely separate adventures that can be played independently in any order. There may be minor references or assets shared between titles, but no progression in one game unlocks anything in the other.
Feel free to hop between 3D World’s linear stages and Bowser Fury’s open-world playground at your leisure! Now let’s dive deeper into how these two modern Mario classics compare.
Key Gameplay Differences
While both deliver the colorful platforming gameplay Mario is known for, 3D World and Bowser’s Fury have vastly different approaches.
Super Mario 3D World
This game originated on Wii U, faithfully recreated on Switch with faster speeds. It focuses on:
- Linear progression through short stages to reach the goal pole
- 4-player local co-op with characters having unique abilities
- Creative 3D level design with hidden secrets off the critical path
With over 100 stages across 8 worlds, this game has an emphasis on variety, replayability, and multiplayer chaos.
Bowser’s Fury
This new mini open-world represents a fresh direction for the Mario franchise with:
- Free-roaming exploration across Lake Lapcat to find Cat Shines
- 2-player cooperative play with Mario and Bowser Jr. working together
- Constant threat of a rampaging Fury Bowser, who must be defeated
The open zone structure facilitates discovery-driven gameplay not bound by linear progression.
| Super Mario 3D World | Bowser‘s Fury | |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Linear stage progression | Open world zone |
| Multiplayer | Up to 4 players locally | 2 players locally |
| Play Time | ~10 hours (Main Story) | ~3 hours (Main Story) |
| Level variety | 100+ creative stages | Mini open world with platforming challenges and secrets |
| Boss design | Creative enemies and obstacles | Epic kaiju battles against Fury Bowser |
Both offer the refined platforming Mario is known for, but their approaches create diversity.
Interesting Details on Design Evolution
Looking closer at interviews with the game’s director reveals fascinating insight on how Bowser‘s Fury builds upon 3D World‘s foundation while innovating in new directions:
“We decided to combine these two games because we wanted more people to experience the fun of 3D World, while also trying something new with Bowser’s Fury and its free-roaming gameplay." – Koichi Hayashida
Fans initially expected a simple Wii U port, but were thrilled that Nintendo went beyond expectations to deliver an entirely new adventure. Some standout details:
- Bowser’s Fury began development a year into creating the 3D World port
- The team experimented with having Mario ride around in a go-kart before deciding on free-form platforming
- Concept art shows the huge scale of Fury Bowser compared to Mario
This background on the design process shows how 3D World laid technical and creative groundwork for innovating in exciting new directions with Bowser’s Fury.
Analysis of Core Gameplay Mechanics
Now that we’ve covered key differences on a high level, let’s do a deeper analytical dive into some gameplay mechanics and statistics.
Power-ups
Both games feature classic Mario power-ups, but Bowser‘s Fury introduces new twists. For example:
- Cat Mario‘s ability to climb walls opens up verticality and hidden areas
- The Lucky Cat power-up giving Mario continuous coins to throw recalls Super Mario Bros 2‘s vegetable tossing
- Most exciting is the colossal Giga Cat Mario who finally matches the scale of Fury Bowser
I particularly love how Giga Cat Mario reinforces the iconic size theming for an epic showdown.
Enemy Design
Enemies in 3D World stick closer to the Mario formula, while Bowser’s Fury gets more creative:
- Goombas soaked in black paint add puzzle elements to traction and transforming the world
- Komboo combines classic Koopa Troopa and Boos traits into an ethereal spirit
- Poison Cheep Cheeps have a damaging toxic aura around them
These “corrupted” enemies further the ink infection motif and make simple foes more challenging.
Bosses
Speaking of challenging, the bosses take completely divergent approaches:
| Super Mario 3D World | Bowser‘s Fury |
| Creative enemies guarding the end of linear stages | Fury Bowser as constantly roaming menace |
| 39 unique boss types | 3 sizes of Fury Bowser with evolving movesets |
| Bosses defeated permanently | Fury Bowser returns until 100% game completion |
Rather than introducing complex new enemies, Bowser himself serves the sole boss role to drive the kaiju combat theme home. He starts small but eventually towers skyscraper-sized during epic clashes!
Meanwhile 3D World sticks to the standard formula focused instead on variety over spectacle. Both approaches have their merits.
My Take As A Gaming Expert
With all we’ve covered, which entry point into this Mario multiverse would I recommend? As much I adore 3D World, I have to go with Bowser’s Fury for new players.
The condensed open world structure makes it more accessible for modern gamers accustomed to exploration freedom. Its fresh take also makes it ideal for veteran Mario fans seeking new mechanical twists on the classic formula.
However,you can’t go wrong with either! 3D World is a must-play eventually for the delightful co-op chaos and creative stage design. Treat yourself by playing both games together in this value-packed compilation.
Whichever vibrant Mario adventure you choose, you’ll be greeted with Nintendo’s trademark polish, joyful gameplay and smiles for miles. Here’s to many more magnificent Mario memories ahead!
Sources: Nintendo, IGN, Washington Post
