Mario runs past the low-sloping pyramids of hieroglyphic-streaked catacombs of ancient Egypt. It’s a far cry from the Mushroom Kingdom, but not out of place in a game that takes the adventurous plumber to Easter Island, through bamboo forests, and even into the cloudy night sky, dappled with perfect stars. Playing through this sometimes-forgotten detour in the Nintendo franchise made me realize something: There are few Mario games as creative and transportive as this.
