Super Mario Odyssey

I knew it would be you.

Tell us. But not too much! Just the right amount of spoilers, please.

Oh, still gathering impressions, but I really do like it.

The platforming still uses the familiar controls from 64/Sunshine/Galaxy a few new jumping tricks facilitated by Cappy, the companion character. Movement and jumping are as tight as they ever were.

Possessing enemies and objects is really neat, and very intuitive. Once you encounter a new type of enemy (or friendly) that can be possessed, and get the hang of them, you'll quickly see how they can be used for transport, puzzle solving, etc.

Swimming deviates a bit from the old Mario 64 controls (you don't hold A to dogpaddle anymore for example), but I think this is partially because you can possess aquatic creatres for quick transport.

In addition to possession, Cappy can just be thrown as a weapon. There are some neat throwing tricks that can be done with the motion controls in addition to pressing 'Y' for a normal toss. They're useful, but definitely optional. The game suggests using the separated joycons for the best experience, but I've had no trouble pulling off moves with them in their little dock, or using the pro controller. They are a little awkward when playing in handheld mode, as you'd be jerking the screen as well, but I haven't seen any point where they've been necessary.

The score is gorgeous, and fully orchestrated like Galaxy 1 and 2. Musical themes are varied, and sometimes not what you might expect. I'm in a forest area right now, and the tune reminds me of a catchy 60's spy theme, but still fits really well.

The worlds are bridge and colourful, and everything looks quite detailed. Mario's hair and moustache look much more like real hair, without losing their cartoonish quality. Similarly you can see the textures on his clothing when the camera is close, and enemies have similar detail.

The worlds vary in size, but several are quite large, and each contains various sub areas. Finding Power Moons (this game's equivalent of Stars or Shines) doesn't usually send you back to the beginning of the world unless you're in a sub area, or have completed a boss fight (which is often accompanied by new areas of the world becoming available).  Waypoint flags are used as quick travel points within each world, and instead of using the traditional 1-Up, you just lose some coins if Mario dies.  I like this change, as for many years now, Mario games have usually throw far more lives at you than you really need.

I've used a few of my amiibos, and they seem to have limited functionality in unlocking different outfits for Mario, which would be available for purchase with in-game coins anyway. So far I've unlocked Luigi and Wario outfits, along with Mario's pre-SMB3 look, with red coveralls and a blue shirt.

Don't worry, man. I'm sure Nintendo will make a bad game eventually.

Wow, more so than BotW, even?