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How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (Metacritic) | – | 89 | 20 |
| Creator reviews (3 tracked) | – | 63 | 3 |
| All-time Steam reviews | – | – | 0 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 90 | 750 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | – | – | 0 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Acclaim gate: the raw blend lands at 89.1, but scores above 88 must be earned in front of a mass audience; this verdict rests on 12,376.324 player reviews, a largely self-selected fanbase. As more players weigh in, the ceiling rises (full scale unlocks at 100,000 reviews).
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 0 reviews sampled · 0 total reviews in window · weighted 0 up / 0 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (119)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 100
“Opinions on what the best 3D Mario titles are varied and polarizing. Is 3D World the best 3D Mario outing? For a game that came out nearly a decade ago, it still feels fairly new, which is not something that can be said of other recently released Mario ports. And while Bowser’s Fury may not be a full-fledged game, I almost cried when it was done, aching for more open-world Mario goodness. With all due respect to Super Mario Odyssey, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is the definitive Mario experience available on the Switch right now.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury for Nintendo Switch effectively handles two important tasks: introducing new players to the classic game that came from the Wii U, as well as pleasing hungry fans with new great content. Definitely a must-play for all Super Mario fans.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Whether you find yourself making a beeline for the nearest Cat Shine or simply hanging out with the family of cats who live on an impossible ledge, the island paradise of Bowser’s Fury is a joyous invitation to wander. ”
read full review ↗ - 100
“Super Mario 3D World remains one of the better linear Mario games, and anyone playing it for the first time is in for an absolute treat. Add to that the curious bonus adventure that is Bowser's Fury and you've got a package that provides great value for money. It isn't without its flaws, but most of these (online multiplayer, repetitive missions in Bowser's Fury) relate to the new additions; the main game itself remains as pure and perfect as it was seven years ago. Had it just been Super Mario 3D World on its own, we'd be thoroughly recommending it anyway; Bowser's Fury is just the cherry on top.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“An overclocked, moustached package of nostalgic goodies and refreshing, innovative greatness. While 3D World aged amazingly, and with a bit of polish shines strong again, Bowser's Fury could be the greatest Super Mario game of all time... When a miserable number of technical imperfections and shorter length of a game are its only flaws, be sure that we are talking about an absolutely mind-blowing title that should be a direction the series takes from now on. An Odyssey we were promised long ago, has finally reached us.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“One could say that Nintendo is rehashing golden oldies for the Switch. But you have to admit that Wii U wasn't very popular, and it would be a shame to lose many great games due to the platform's popularity. That's why this new version of Super Mario 3D World, accompanied by a really interesting Bowser's Fury stand-alone title, looks so interesting.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Mario’s greatest multiplayer outing is back, and the timing couldn’t be better. Eight years on, 3D World is still an utter joy, combining the kind of inventive level design that Mario 64 and Galaxy fans love with the cutesy, accessible charm of the NMSBU games. Combine that with a bonus six-hour expansion that takes the crown of being the weirdest Mario outing to date and there’s undoubtedly enough here to put a smile on your face.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Super Mario 3D World may not have had much added to it aside from an online function that is limited to only saving progress for the host, but it didn't necessarily need much else. Nintendo successfully found a way to evolve the 2D classics without going open world, and the result is one of the most consistently fresh and enjoyable games around, which, despite lacking the challenge of the NES games, has something for just about everyone. The bonus Bowser's Fury solo adventure is an absolute delight with a brilliant core idea that adds a crazy tension to Mario platforming, but it is hard to present a case for purchasing this pack just to play it. Whilst full of great content, it is too short-lived to feel worth the asking price, and really needs a standalone purchase option. ”
read full review ↗ - 95
“Super Mario 3D World is one of the best platformers ever. Period. It is a formidable testament in creative level design that shows everything a Mario Bros. game should be. Bowser’s Fury is an interesting experiment that tries to take the 3D World engine into an open world. The result is fun, but lacks the polish that made 3D World a classic. A must own game for Switch owners.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury might be one of the strongest Mario games available on Switch. The base game is fun and varied, while Bowser’s Fury offers a distinctive, inventive, and superb open-world 3D Mario experience.”
read full review ↗ - 100
“Bringing one of the best games of the whole Mario franchise to Switch, with a few little tweaks here and there, would have been enough to make a Super Mario 3D World repackage an essential part of anyone’s Switch library. But Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury goes a whole lot further, with the addition of what could just as well have been a whole new standalone game, and a brilliant one at that.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Super Mario 3D World was already one of the best 3D Mario games to date. Toss in some tweaks and a decent-sized expansion with new ideas and this package is a no-brainer. There is little to complain about with this latest Mario title on Switch. It is yet another must-own game for the platform. I am excited to see where Mario goes next and this is a perfect end to the 35th anniversary celebration of gaming’s first and oldest icon.”
read full review ↗
Pure Nintendo
GameMAG
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Nintendo Life
PLAY Zine
GRYOnline.pl
Gfinity
Cubed3
LevelUp
NintendoWorldReport
ZTGD…and 107 more tracked reviews.