Super Mario Odyssey

Super Mario Odyssey

game

2017, Platform, Adventure

WISE
90%

WISE Score

89%

IGDB

Mario's hat is alive, he can possess a T-Rex, and it's genuinely one of the best platformers ever made—no notes.

Where to Play

Nintendo
Nintendo
Screenwise Verdict

This is what great kids' gaming looks like: creative, polished, and completely free of the monetization garbage that plagues so many modern titles. The capture mechanic is genuinely innovative—it's not just a gimmick, it fundamentally changes how kids approach problems and teaches them to think flexibly.

It's also just ridiculously fun. The worlds are gorgeous and varied, the movement feels great, and there's real joy in exploration. Nintendo nailed the balance between accessibility (younger kids can beat the story) and depth (older kids can chase hundreds of optional challenges).

The only real consideration is whether your kid can handle 3D platforming yet—camera control and spatial awareness take practice. But if they're ready, this is an easy recommend. No predatory design, no content concerns, just a really well-made game that respects both your kid's time and your wallet.

Age Fit

Best for ages 6-14, though the game's appeal extends beyond that. Younger kids (6-8) can enjoy it with help on trickier platforming sections, while older kids and teens will appreciate the depth and challenge of completionist goals. The difficulty curve is gentle enough for newcomers but rewarding for experienced gamers.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
92

Classic Mario charm with positive themes of perseverance and friendship. Mario teams up with Cappy in a cooperative adventure to save Princess Peach. No mean-spirited content, violence is cartoonish and slapstick (jumping on enemies, no blood or injury). Pacing is player-controlled in an open exploration format, avoiding the chaos of endless runners. Models determination and problem-solving.

Imaginative
95

Exceptional creativity with the 'capture' mechanic allowing players to possess and control dozens of objects, animals, and enemies—from T-Rexes to taxis to Goombas. Massive globe-trotting worlds invite exploration and discovery with hidden Power Moons rewarding curiosity. Each kingdom has distinct visual themes (desert, forest, city, underwater) encouraging players to experiment with different abilities and approaches. Open-ended gameplay supports creative problem-solving.

Safe
88

Very safe for a platformer. Users can interact online (likely for leaderboards/ghost data), but no chat functionality. No in-game purchases, no loot boxes, no gacha mechanics. The game has a clear endpoint rather than infinite compulsion loops, though collectible Power Moons provide optional extended play. IGDB rating of 89 suggests strong quality. Main safety consideration is that some younger players might find certain boss encounters mildly intense, but nothing inappropriate or shocking.

Enriching
85

Develops spatial reasoning, timing, and hand-eye coordination through 3D platforming challenges. Problem-solving skills are built through figuring out how to reach hidden moons and navigate environmental puzzles. The capture mechanic teaches adaptability—learning different control schemes for each possessed creature/object. Rewards exploration, persistence, and experimentation. While primarily entertainment-focused, it's cognitively engaging without being educational in an explicit way.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • The 'capture' mechanic is brilliantly innovative—kids get to control everything from frogs to electrical wires, teaching adaptability and creative problem-solving
  • Zero predatory monetization: no ads, no microtransactions, no battle passes—just a complete game you buy once
  • Perfectly scalable difficulty: younger kids can finish the main story, while completionists can hunt 880+ Power Moons for extended challenge
  • Encourages genuine exploration and curiosity rather than following waypoints—kids learn to observe environments and experiment
  • Co-op mode lets a second player control Cappy, making it accessible for younger siblings or parent-child teamwork
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What to Watch For

  • Some younger players (under 6) might struggle with 3D camera control and spatial navigation—expect some frustration during the learning curve
  • A few boss fights can be mildly intense for sensitive kids, though nothing scary by modern standards
  • Completionists beware: hunting all 880+ moons can become a time sink, though the game has a natural stopping point after the main story

Conversation Starters

  • "Which thing you captured was the most fun to control? What made it different from playing as Mario?"
  • "How did you figure out where the hidden Power Moons were? What clues did you look for?"
  • "If you could capture anything in real life like Mario does, what would it be and why?"
  • "Which kingdom was your favorite to explore? What made it special?"

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