"Super Mario Odyssey," one of the most anticipated video game releases of the year has dropped Friday for Nintendo Switch. As expected, the game does not disappoint and provides an amazing sandbox experience for its players. The one thing that has "Odyssey" fans polarized is the game's control scheme which, though not required, makes use of motion controls with two Joy-Con sticks held separately on either hand.
Enabling the motion controls in the game is optional, and the designers have included a setting to turn it on or off, depending on the preference of the user as well on how the player is using the Switch. Players using the Switch as a handheld device generally do not want motion controls because that means they will have to move the entire device.
While some players may prefer to play the game in handheld mode or with the Joy-Cons connected together on a grip with the motion controls turned off, it is clear that the designers of the game have put a lot of thought in the motion control system of the game.
In fact, when the game is loaded, there is a splash screen that appears telling players that while there are lots of ways to play the game, having a Joy-Con in each hand with motion controls activated is recommended.
There are some complex moves in the game that are only possible by using motion controls. These moves are detailed in the game's action guide which is found in the main menu.
Many moves that involve throwing Cappy, Mario's cap sidekick, require motion controls to be easily performed. These include the downward throw, upward throw, spin throw, and homing cap throw.
Shaking the Joy-con also allows players to increase the height and reach of Mario's jump. Lastly, there are some moons in the game that can only be collected by performing moves that involve motion control.
