9 Nintendo Characters That Deserve the Super Mario Odyssey Treatment

The groundbreaking success of Super Mario Odyssey on the Nintendo Switch didn’t just redefine 3D platforming; it reignited a fervent desire among fans for more Nintendo characters to experience the expansive, globetrotting, and collection-heavy gameplay that made Odyssey a masterpiece. Mario Odyssey’s unique capture mechanic, allowing players to inhabit and utilize a vast array of enemies and objects with distinct abilities, provided an unparalleled level of interactive freedom and creative problem-solving. This ingenious system, coupled with the sheer joy of exploration across meticulously crafted kingdoms, set a new benchmark for what a 3D adventure could be. At Gaming News, we believe that the rich tapestry of Nintendo’s history is teeming with beloved characters whose unique traits and world-building potential are perfectly suited to receive this transformative Odyssey treatment. We’ve delved deep into the vast Nintendo archives and analyzed what makes these characters prime candidates for a similar, genre-defining adventure.

Why the Mario Odyssey Formula is So Compelling

Before we embark on our journey to reimagine other Nintendo franchises, it’s crucial to understand the core elements that propelled Super Mario Odyssey to critical and commercial acclaim. The Odyssey formula is a potent blend of several key ingredients:

• Freedom of Exploration: Each kingdom in Mario Odyssey felt like a vibrant, living world, brimming with secrets, hidden pathways, and emergent gameplay opportunities. The sheer density of discoverable content ensured that players were constantly rewarded for straying off the beaten path.
• Cappy’s Capture Mechanic: This was the game’s true innovation. Cappy, Mario’s sentient hat, could be thrown to capture nearly any enemy or object, granting Mario their abilities. This not only diversified gameplay but also encouraged players to experiment with every element of the environment.
• Diverse Moveset: Mario himself boasts an incredibly robust and satisfying moveset. From triple jumps and ground pounds to rolling and diving, his agile control scheme is the bedrock upon which the entire game is built.
• Collection-Driven Progression: The pursuit of Power Moons served as the primary motivation for exploration. These collectible items not only unlocked new kingdoms but also offered countless mini-challenges, puzzles, and rewards.
• Sense of Wonder and Discovery: Mario Odyssey consistently evoked a feeling of childlike wonder. The quirky characters, the imaginative kingdom designs, and the sheer surprise of what Cappy could capture created an unforgettable sense of discovery.

This powerful combination is what we believe can be translated to other Nintendo IPs, offering fans new and exciting ways to engage with their favorite characters and worlds.

Characters Ripe for the Mario Odyssey Treatment

The Nintendo universe is a treasure trove of iconic characters, each with a unique personality, backstory, and skillset that could be leveraged to create a compelling Odyssey-style adventure. We’ve identified nine characters who we believe are particularly well-suited for this expansive, capture-driven exploration.

1. Link (The Legend of Zelda Series)

While The Legend of Zelda series has seen its own evolution towards open-world exploration with titles like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, a Mario Odyssey-style adventure for Link would offer a distinctly different, yet equally exciting, experience. Imagine a Link who can utilize a Sheikah Slate – or a newly introduced artifact – not just for puzzles, but to “capture” the essence and abilities of a wide array of Hyrule’s creatures and artifacts.

Gameplay Potential:

• Creature Captures: Link could capture a Moblin to gain brute strength for smashing obstacles, a Lizalfos for enhanced agility and wall-climbing, or even a Keese for limited flight. Capturing a Stalfos could grant him the ability to reassemble himself if defeated in certain ways.
• Artifact Captures: Imagine capturing a Guardian Scout to wield its laser beam, or a Lizal Trick Roller to zip across the landscape at high speeds. Perhaps even capturing the essence of a Zonai device could grant temporary, specialized abilities.
• World Design: Instead of distinct kingdoms, imagine a vast, interconnected Hyrule, broken into thematic regions with unique capture opportunities. A Gerudo Desert region might feature sand-dwelling creatures and ancient machinery, while a Goron City could involve seismic abilities and stone-related puzzles.
• Progression: Link’s progression could be tied to collecting “Spirit Orbs” from mastering creature abilities or discovering ancient “Master Captures” that unlock new traversal methods or combat techniques. The focus would be on mastering the captured abilities to overcome environmental challenges and the iconic Zelda bosses.
• Storytelling: A narrative centered around a corruption spreading through Hyrule, causing creatures to act erratically, would provide a compelling reason for Link to harness their powers. The Triforce could play a central role, perhaps being shattered into fragments that grant unique capture powers when collected.

2. Samus Aran (Metroid Series)

Samus Aran, the stoic bounty hunter of Metroid, presents a fascinating opportunity to blend her signature power-ups with the Odyssey capture mechanic. While Metroid Dread showcased her incredible mobility and combat prowess, an Odyssey-style game could inject a new level of environmental interaction and player agency.

Gameplay Potential:

• DNA/Essence Captures: Instead of hats, Samus could collect and store “Genetic Samples” or “Exo-Suits” from defeated alien lifeforms. These samples would grant temporary access to unique abilities.
• Creature Abilities: Capturing a Space Pirate could grant enhanced melee attacks and a grapple beam. A Metroid Larva (perhaps a less hostile variant) could allow Samus to absorb energy-based attacks or float. A Chozo Artifact could grant telekinetic abilities for manipulating objects.
• Varia Suit Evolution: The Varia Suit itself could act as the central hub for these captured abilities, allowing Samus to switch between them on the fly. Different suit upgrades could expand the number of abilities she can carry or enhance their power.
• World Design: Imagine exploring diverse alien planets, each with unique flora, fauna, and environmental hazards that necessitate specific captured abilities. A volcanic planet might require heat resistance gained from a Ridley-like creature, while a crystalline cave could demand sonic abilities from a native bat-like species.
• Exploration and Collection: The primary collectibles could be “Metroid DNA Sequences” or “X Parasite Samples” that unlock new capture slots or upgrade existing ones. Hidden Chozo Relics could offer powerful, permanent upgrades or new traversal techniques.
• Boss Battles: Bosses could be designed with multiple phases, requiring Samus to cycle through different captured abilities to exploit their weaknesses.

3. Kirby (Kirby Series)

Kirby, the pink puffball known for his iconic inhalation ability, is arguably the most natural fit for an Odyssey-style game, given his history of copying enemy abilities. However, an Odyssey take would elevate this concept with a broader range of captures and a more expansive world.

Gameplay Potential:

• Expanded Copy Abilities: While Kirby can already copy abilities, the Odyssey treatment would allow for a much larger and more diverse roster of copy abilities, derived from a vast array of enemies and even environmental objects. Imagine inhaling a Waddle Dee to gain its spear-wielding capability, or a Sparky to unleash electrical attacks.
• Object Inhalation: Beyond enemies, Kirby could inhale and utilize objects. Inhaling a bomb block could allow him to store and throw it, while inhaling a spring could grant him a super jump.
• Multi-Capture Mechanics: Perhaps Kirby could inhale multiple enemies or objects simultaneously, allowing for combined abilities or temporary power-ups. Imagine inhaling a fire enemy and a sword enemy to gain a fiery sword attack.
• Dream Land Kingdoms: Explore vast, imaginative kingdoms inspired by Dream Land but on an unprecedented scale. From the rolling hills of Whispy Woods to the icy peaks of Planet Popstar, each area would offer unique challenges and capture opportunities.
• Collection and Customization: Collecting “Ability Stars” from mastered enemy types could unlock new cosmetic options for Kirby or permanent enhancements to his core abilities. Finding hidden “Sparkling Copies” of enemies could grant temporary, super-powered versions of their abilities.
• Story: A story involving an interdimensional threat that scatters Dream Land’s inhabitants and abilities across different worlds would provide a perfect narrative framework for Kirby’s journey.

4. Fox McCloud (Star Fox Series)

While Star Fox is primarily known for its on-rails shooting, reimagining it with an Odyssey-style, open-world exploration and vehicle-based capture mechanic could be revolutionary. Imagine Fox utilizing the Arwing not just for combat, but for agile traversal and interaction with a vast galaxy.

Gameplay Potential:

• Arwing Modifications/Captures: Instead of capturing enemies directly, Fox could “dock” the Arwing with alien technology or derelict ships to gain new functionalities. Docking with a “Crawler Bot” could allow the Arwing to traverse ground environments, while docking with a “Gravity Manipulator” could enable unique aerial maneuvers.
• Wing Commander Abilities: Special wing configurations, earned through exploration or by defeating bosses, could mimic the abilities of fallen allies or enemies. A “Peppy’s Boost Wing” could offer enhanced speed, while a “Wolf’s Destabilizer Wing” could allow for area-of-effect attacks.
• Galactic Exploration: Travel across multiple unique planets and space stations within the Lylat System. Each location would offer distinct environmental challenges and opportunities for Arwing modifications.
• Combat and Puzzle Integration: Combat scenarios would involve dogfighting in space, ground-based skirmishes requiring specific Arwing mods, and environmental puzzles solvable through precise maneuvering and strategic use of captured abilities.
• Collectible Power-Ups: Finding “Data Chips” containing schematics for new Arwing modules or “Rare Mineral Deposits” that can be traded for upgrades would drive exploration.
• Story: A narrative focused on Star Fox investigating a mysterious signal that has caused widespread chaos and technological anomalies across the Lylat System, forcing Fox to adapt and overcome by mastering alien tech.

5. Captain Falcon (F-Zero Series)

Captain Falcon, the iconic racer of F-Zero, could be the star of a high-octane Odyssey-style adventure that blends exhilarating vehicle combat with on-foot exploration. Imagine a game where Captain Falcon can utilize his signature Falcon Flyer and also engage in planet-side missions.

Gameplay Potential:

• Vehicle-to-Character Transition: Captain Falcon could seamlessly transition between piloting his Falcon Flyer and exiting it for on-foot exploration and combat. This would allow for diverse gameplay segments.
• “Falcon Boost” Abilities: Instead of capturing creatures, Falcon could collect and equip different “Falcon Mods” for his Flyer, each granting unique offensive or defensive capabilities. A “Drill Boost” mod could allow him to burrow through certain terrains, while a “Shield Boost” could provide temporary invincibility.
• Planet-Side Combat: When on foot, Captain Falcon could utilize his iconic martial arts moves, perhaps augmented by temporary power-ups found in the environment or earned through specific challenges. Imagine a “Charged Punch” that mirrors a boost ability.
• Interstellar Racing Circuits: Design sprawling, multi-tiered racing circuits that incorporate both vehicle combat and on-foot platforming sections. Perhaps specific parts of a track are only accessible by exiting the Flyer.
• Collectible “Force Energy”: The primary collectible could be “Force Energy” crystals, which are used to unlock new Falcon Mods, upgrade existing ones, or power up his on-foot abilities. Finding hidden “Legendary Parts” could unlock unique, game-changing modifications.
• Story: A narrative where Captain Falcon is drawn into a galactic conspiracy that extends beyond the racing circuits, forcing him to use his skills and technology to uncover the truth and save the galaxy from a tyrannical force.

6. Yoshi (Yoshi Series)

Yoshi, Mario’s loyal dinosaur companion, has a history of unique abilities, particularly his flutter jump and tongue-grabbing. An Odyssey-style game could expand these mechanics dramatically, offering a vibrant and accessible adventure.

Gameplay Potential:

• Fruit-Based Transformations: Instead of capturing enemies, Yoshi could consume specific “Super Fruits” found in the environment to temporarily transform into different forms, each with unique abilities. Imagine eating a “Meteor Melon” to gain the ability to cause small earthquakes, or a “Gusty Grape” to create powerful wind gusts.
• Buddy System Evolution: Perhaps Yoshi could partner with different creature companions, each offering a distinct support ability that can be activated. A “Spikeback Shell” companion could allow Yoshi to stomp on enemies, while a “Balloon Bird” companion could provide extended aerial traversal.
• Vibrant Worlds: Explore a series of visually distinct and cheerful worlds, each with its own unique ecosystem and Super Fruits. From lush jungles to crystal caves, the environments would be designed to encourage experimentation with Yoshi’s transformations.
• Egg-cellent Collectibles: The primary collectibles could be “Golden Yoshi Eggs” which, when collected in sufficient numbers, unlock new Super Fruits or permanent upgrades to Yoshi’s core abilities, like his flutter jump or tongue speed.
• Puzzle-Platforming Focus: The gameplay would emphasize clever use of Yoshi’s transformations and egg-throwing mechanics to solve environmental puzzles and navigate challenging platforming sections.
• Story: A lighthearted adventure where Bowser has kidnapped a rare species of Yoshi and scattered them across different lands, and Yoshi must travel to rescue them, learning new transformations along the way.

7. Donkey Kong (Donkey Kong Series)

Donkey Kong, the king of the jungle, offers a compelling blend of brute strength and surprising agility. An Odyssey-style game could transform his jungle adventures into a grand exploration across diverse, interconnected islands.

Gameplay Potential:

• Vine-Swinging and Ground-Pounding Mastery: Donkey Kong’s existing moveset would be expanded upon, with a focus on fluid traversal. Imagine using vines not just to swing, but to launch himself across vast distances or into hidden areas. His ground pound could be a key mechanic for activating switches or breaking through specific platforms.
• “Jungle Spirit” Infusions: Donkey Kong could collect and infuse himself with the “Jungle Spirits” of various jungle creatures. Infusing with a “Toucan Spirit” could grant him temporary flight or gliding abilities, while a “Rhino Spirit” could provide a devastating charge attack.
• Island Exploration: Journey across a series of lush, interconnected islands, each with its own unique biome and challenges. The progression could involve unlocking new islands by collecting specific “Island Keys” or defeating powerful guardians.
• Collectible Bananas and Kong Family Treasures: The classic bananas would return as a currency for upgrades, while hidden “Kong Family Treasures” could unlock new Jungle Spirit infusions or cosmetic items for Donkey Kong.
• Environmental Puzzles: Puzzles would revolve around utilizing Donkey Kong’s strength, agility, and Jungle Spirit abilities to manipulate the environment, activate ancient mechanisms, and overcome natural obstacles.
• Story: A narrative where a new threat emerges, capable of corrupting the very flora and fauna of Donkey Kong Island, forcing DK to embark on a quest across the archipelago to restore balance and protect his home.

8. Olimar (Pikmin Series)

Olimar, the tiny Hocotatian stranded on an alien planet, presents a unique perspective for an Odyssey-style game, focusing on strategic command of his Pikmin and exploration of a giant world.

Gameplay Potential:

• Pikmin Squad Commands and Infusions: Instead of capturing, Olimar would command diverse Pikmin types, each with unique abilities. The Odyssey twist could involve Olimar temporarily “merging” with specific Pikmin types to gain their abilities. Merging with a Red Pikmin could grant him fire resistance, while a Winged Pikmin merge could allow for limited flight.
• Giant World Exploration: The game would be set in a massive, overgrown version of Olimar’s alien planet, where ordinary objects appear as colossal structures. The focus would be on scaling these gigantic environments using Pikmin bridges, Pikmin lifts, and Olimar’s own limited mobility, augmented by Pikmin abilities.
• Resource Management and Collection: The core loop would involve collecting “Ship Parts” and “Nectar” to repair the Hocotate Freight, interspersed with challenges that require smart deployment of different Pikmin types and strategic use of merged abilities.
• Environmental Interaction: Puzzles would be heavily reliant on utilizing Pikmin for their unique properties – carrying objects, breaking down barriers, fighting off native fauna, and even activating ancient alien machinery.
• Boss Battles: Bosses could be enormous native creatures that require a combination of Olimar’s merged abilities and the strategic deployment of his entire Pikmin squad to defeat.
• Story: A more complex narrative about Olimar discovering the true nature of the alien planet and its inhabitants, perhaps uncovering a lost civilization and a threat that endangers both his homeworld and his current location.

9. Isabelle (Animal Crossing Series)

While seemingly an unconventional choice, Isabelle from Animal Crossing could lead a charming and expansive life-simulation adventure with Odyssey-like exploration and collection mechanics, focused on community building and island development.

Gameplay Potential:

• Tool-Based “Captures” and Upgrades: Isabelle wouldn’t capture enemies, but rather collect and upgrade a vast arsenal of tools and equipment that unlock new ways to interact with the world and its inhabitants. Imagine a “Grappling Hook” for vertical traversal, a “Terraforming Tool” for reshaping the landscape, or a “Harvesting Drone” for gathering resources efficiently.
• Island Hopping and Development: Isabelle could travel to a multitude of diverse islands, each with unique resources, villagers, and development opportunities. The goal would be to build and customize these islands, attracting new villagers and unlocking new facilities.
• Villager Interaction and Questing: The game would feature a deep villager interaction system, with NPCs offering unique quests and opportunities that contribute to island development and unlock new tools or island-specific benefits.
• Collection and Crafting: The core gameplay would involve collecting materials from the environment, crafting new items, furniture, and tools, and discovering hidden collectibles that provide lore or unique cosmetic rewards.
• Seasonal Events and Discovery: The game would dynamically incorporate seasonal events and weather patterns, influencing resource availability and introducing unique exploration challenges. Discovering hidden coves, secret caves, or ancient ruins would be key to progression.
• Story: A gentle narrative focused on Isabelle as the mayor of a new island archipelago, tasked with bringing prosperity and happiness to its diverse inhabitants, uncovering ancient secrets, and perhaps dealing with minor, whimsical antagonists who disrupt the peace.

We believe that these nine characters represent just a fraction of the potential within Nintendo’s expansive roster. The Super Mario Odyssey blueprint offers a fantastic framework for reimagining beloved franchises, and we are eager to see what future adventures Nintendo might bring to life. At Gaming News, we are committed to exploring the full spectrum of gaming possibilities.