Dying in Super Mario Odyssey doesn't cost a life, only 10 coins. This is the first game in the series to remove the life system.
The game breaks new ground for the Super Mario series with a vocal theme song titled 'Jump Up, Super Star!' The song is a catchy jazz number that reflects the game's energetic atmosphere.
Super Mario Odyssey brings back the open-world style of Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine. Some describe it as 'a reinvention of the sandbox platformer.'
It is the third Mario game to receive an E10+ (ages 10 and up) rating from the ESRB. It is also the first 3D Mario game to receive that rating.
Early plans for the game considered having Mario and Peach get married. The idea was later shelved.
The design of the Sand Kingdom was inspired by Mexico. Director Kenta Motokura drew the inspiration from a trip he took to the country.
It is the first 3D Mario game to offer Amiibo support. This lets players gain in-game advantages with various Amiibo figures.
For the 'Peronza Plaza' music, the musicians used kitchen knives and ladles to match the level's cooking theme. These unusual instruments give the track a distinctive feel.
The 'Jaxi' in the game were designed with inspiration from the Japanese lion-dog statues known as Komainu. These mythological figures add cultural depth to the game.
Princess Rosalina was planned to appear in the game as a street musician playing an acoustic guitar. In the concept art she is depicted wearing a black T-shirt and blue jeans.
This was the last main 3D Mario game in which Charles Martinet voiced Mario. Martinet's iconic voice bids farewell at this turning point in the series.
The game served as inspiration for the 'HD Rumble' feature in the Switch's Joy-Con controllers. This vibration technology offers players more precise and varied haptic feedback.
Some of Mario's sound effects were recycled from Super Mario Galaxy. It is a nostalgic nod to the series' past.
It is the only 3D Mario game in which Luigi appears but is not playable. Luigi takes on a supporting role in the game.
In the post-game moon, Princess Peach wears an outfit similar to Maetel's from the Galaxy Express 999 anime. It is a nice salute to Japanese pop culture.