Good ol' Exploration
Super Mario Odyssey is a return to the roots of 3D Mario, with a heavy emphasis on exploration. The collectibles are much less prizes for challenges than they are incentives to explore, and the game is better for it. The game's unique transformations and awesome control scheme keep it from getting dull from beginning to end.. to second end... and third end. The bar has been set.
For my full thoughts, click here for the video review.