SUPER Mario 64 remains to this day one of the most important video games in history.

Nintendo has never quite managed to eclipse the achievements of Mario 64 – until now.

Super Mario Odyssey feels very much like it was intended to be the true successor to the Nintendo 64 classic.

Much like the Nintendo’s other 2017 hit, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, in Odyssey, exploration is the theme of day.

There’s no hub world here, instead you travel to the many weird and wonderful locations in Mario’s flying ship, the ‘Odyssey’.

Each world contains a large number of Moons to uncover, which are used to power the Odyssey.

You are accompanied in your adventures by Cappy, a spirit that takes the form of Mario’s hat that can possess enemies, granting new skills.

For example, the pesky Chain Chomp from previous outings can now be possessed and used to smash through walls. The same can be done with Bullet Bill.

You even get the chance – very early on in the game – to possess a T Rex. Just let that sink in.

Cappy is also used in other ways to help you traverse the world, and is central to the numerous boss fights in the game.

The mechanic opens up so many new possibilities, and experiencing them is an absolute joy. To say this new feature is a game-changer would be an understatement.

Cappy can also be controlled by a second player, which makes for a fun, if somewhat limited co-op experience.

Controlling Mario has never felt so good, which is down to ultra-responsive controls and an expanded move-set.

Changeable outfits is also a welcome feature.

Graphically, Mario Odyssey looks absolutely wonderful, although the colours do not quite look as vibrant when playing in handheld mode.

The greatest aspect of Odyssey is uncovering the countless secrets tucked away in its worlds.

In this sense it is all too clear the developers were taking notes from the equally outstanding, Breath of the Wild.

It would be fair to say that Nintendo has endured a rocky few years, but with Mario Odyssey, Ninty has yet again reminded the world why they are adored and revered by so many.

10/10