Super Mario Odyssey Costume Challenge
Super Mario Odyssey is finally out, and I've been enjoying myself. This game introduces a new mechanic in that Mario can wear different outfits, so I decided to challenge myself. I decided to pick out outfits for each kingdom, under certain conditions: I can't use any outfits bought with local currency, and I can't use any clothing item more than once. Needless to say, spoilers for most of the game's kingdoms and outfits are ahead.
Cap Kingdom: Black Fedora/Black Suit
This outfit just really fit the color palette of the Cap Kingdom well, and that's really all there is to it.
Also, just look at this cool picture!
Cascade Kingdom: Diddy Kong Hat/Diddy Kong Suit
The Cascade Kingdom is a prehistoric themed island kingdom, and the whole "Dinosaur Island" thing just reminds me of Super Mario World. As such, it makes sense to have an outfit themed around a character that debuted on the SNES: Diddy Kong.
Sand Kingdom: King's Crown/Gold Mario Suit
With this outfit, I kind of just went for a pharaoh's sarcophagus style, since there are pyramids, albeit inverted ones, in a desert, akin to ancient Egypt.
Wooded Kingdom: Mechanic Cap/Luigi Suit
I picked the Luigi Suit because it matched the local color palette well, and the Mechanic Cap is there because the local residents (shown in the image) are machines, and it would make sense for Mario to be ready to repair them should the need arise.
Lake Kingdom: Fashionable Cap/Fashionable Outfit
This a kingdom known for its fashion, so why not wear the outfit with "fashionable" in its name?
Cloud Kingdom: Bowser's Top Hat/King's Outfit
The Cloud Kingdom is where you first confront Bowser, so his hat is a natural fit here (besides, it matches the local color palette). Meanwhile, the King's Outfit have the same light, majestic feel to them that the Cloud Kingdom has.
Lost Kingdom: Gold Mario Cap/Pirate Outfit
I picked the Pirate Outfit because I could easily imagine a pirate ship landing on this island's shores and burying some treasure here. As for the Gold Mario Cap, I just picked it because I could also imagine the captain either using stolen gold to make it, or just simply stealing it, and it would have been less generic than the Pirate Hat.
Metro Kingdom: Classic Cap/Classic Suit
This city is themed around Donkey Kong, so it only makes sense to wear Mario's (or as he was called at the time, Jumpman's) outfit in the original arcade game.
Snow Kingdom: Football Helmet/Football Uniform
If Mario is going to participate in the local races, he's going to need some protection!
Seaside Kingdom: Pirate Hat/Boxer Shorts
The Boxer Shorts are the closest thing to a swimsuit that Mario can wear in this game, and the Pirate Hat makes sense, as I can imagine Mario playing around, pretending to be a pirate in this kingdom.
Luncheon Kingdom: Doctor Headwear/Doctor Outfit
Let's face it, when there's this much food around, someone's going to overeat or get sick.
Ruined Kingdom: Waluigi Cap/Waluigi Suit
Trust me, it's the Waluigi outfit. To be honest, this was the best that I could come up with. At the very least, the Waluigi outfit, to say it again, matches the local color palette.
Bowser's Kingdom: Mario Cap/Hakama
Mario is wearing his standard cap because he likely is a feared figure in Bowser's domain, and the iconic cap would likely strike fear into the hearts of his enemies as a result. Meanwhile, the Hakama matches the feudal Japan aesthetic that Bowser's Kingdom is going for.
Moon Kingdom: Metal Mario Cap/Metal Mario Suit
Sure, the Moon is perfectly safe in Mario's world, but it is quite hostile in real life. As a result, a drone might need to be employed for exploration, and I find that this outfit highly resembles such a thing.
Well, that just about wraps it up! This was a fun article, so let me know if you want to see more! With that, I leave you with my new profile picture.