Cascade Kingdom
- Not to be confused with Fossil Fields.
The Cascade Kingdom is the second kingdom visited in Super Mario Odyssey. It is the greater location of Fossil Falls, which is a prehistoric dinosaur-themed area. The main landmark of this kingdom is the waterfall flowing down from the skeleton of a Triceratops, while its background appears to be inspired from the real-life Iguazu Falls located between Argentina and Brazil. Mario first arrives in this kingdom via a spark pylon located on top of the Top-Hat Tower in the Cap Kingdom, which snaps upon his exit. When he arrives here, he is introduced to the game's main collectible, the Power Moons, as well as the Odyssey, a hat-shaped airship used to travel between the game's kingdoms. During his first visit here, Mario must defeat Madame Broode in order to collect a Multi Moon, which is used to power up the Odyssey and allow it to travel to the next kingdom - the Sand Kingdom.
The Cascade Kingdom is one of the few kingdoms in the game that does not have any known residents, even though dinosaurs, and in particular, T-Rexes, are known to live there. It is located east of the Cap Kingdom and west of the Sand Kingdom.
Concept and creation
To give the impression that there was going to be a magnificent adventure, Fossil Falls was designed with impressive elements such as a spreading blue sky, a huge waterfall, and a T-Rex.[1] The main differences between the concept art and the final design lie in the sleeping T-Rex wearing a red top hat and the presence of pterasaurs flying in the sky.
Brochure details
A Tall Drink of Water
There are many waterfalls in the Cascade Kingdom, but the area known as Fossil Falls is a special one.
There are few sights in nature as grand as the millions of gallons of water pouring every second out of this giant triceratops skeleton.
Nature in Balance
The stone spire standing near the great falls has miraculously remained balanced upright in this position, presumably for eons.
Of particular interest are the cubes of unknown material embedded in the stone. These cubes are the reason for the common theory that the spire somehow fell from the sky. While this theory is difficult to prove, it is equally hard to doubt when looking at this miraculous stone structure.
The Ancient Wall
No ordinary cliff face, this structure was carved out painstakingly over many long years by people unknown. The wall is composed mainly of fossils, and evidence suggests it has been broken many times, causing some to suggest that something is buried inside. Visitors are encouraged to explore the mysteries surrounding the Great Barrier, if they dare.
The Prehistoric Tyrant
The biggest draw for tourists to this area is that dinosaurs still live here. Many people willingly put themselves at considerable risk for a glimpse of the ancient "terrible lizards."
T-Rex, most terrible of all dinosaurs, can pulverize a boulder with a single blow. On the other hand, most people don't realize how much time they spend napping.
An Old, Odd Structure
No one knows how a Bonneton-style structure got buried here. Bonneters travel often, so they may have lived here in the past. It is a helpful landmark if you get lost, though.
Natural Patterns: The Fossil
If you look closely at the stone walls, you will notice fossils mixed in. Think of it as nature's mosaic, and remember it always.
Three Keys to the Kingdom
- Experience the glory of nature with the eye-popping Great Falls.
- See dinosaurs, prehistoric rulers of a bygone age.
- Find treasures of the past, tucked away everywhere you look.
Map
Checkpoint Flag locations
Waterfall Basin/Odyssey
This is the starting area of the kingdom where Mario finds himself after leaving the Cap Kingdom. During later visits, the Odyssey lands in this area. Initially, there is a Checkpoint Flag in this area, which permanently vanishes in later visits since it is replaced with the one on the Odyssey. South of the Checkpoint Flag, on a small ledge overlooking the abyss, are three regional coins. Nearby is a pole Mario can climb, with a spark pylon on top. A Cap Cloud is also nearby.
Shortly ahead, between the basin and the waterfall, are a few piles of dirt and fossils. Additionally, there is a Chain Chomp in the area, as well as a Crazy Cap shop run by Bonneters which appears later in the game. The Roving Racers are found here after completing the story, and this area serves as the starting point for the Cascade Kingdom's Koopa Freerunning race.
Names in other languages
| Language | Name | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese | 滝つぼ手前[?] Takitsubo Temae |
Waterfall Basin Front | |
| Spanish (NOE) | Base de la catarata[?] | Waterfall Basin |
Stone Bridge
At the north end of the map is a stone bridge where many Burrbos spawn. Mario may reach this area by moving along platforms attached to a wall on the side, where he may find a few regional coins along the way. To provide a shortcut, he may capture either a Big Chain Chomp or T-Rex to demolish the rubble in the way. Near the Checkpoint Flag for this area is a small circle of sprouts with a sign providing information on how to perform a Spin Throw, which can be used to turn the sprouts into flowers, revealing a heart. To the right of the Checkpoint Flag is a narrow ledge leading to the entrance of a secret area, although it is blocked off by a boulder during Mario's first visit.
Names in other languages
| Language | Name | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese | 岩の橋[?] Iwa no Hashi |
Stone Bridge | |
| Spanish (NOE) | Puente de Piedra[?] | Stone Bridge |
Top of the Big Stump
On top of a high ledge next to the Odyssey's original location is a tree stump with a Checkpoint Flag on it overlooking an area with Chain Chomps and a Big Chain Chomp. It can be accessed normally once Mario captures a Chain Chomp to destroy some Rock Blocks blocking the Warp Pipe leading to the area. There are four regional coins nearby as well as the Above a High Cliff Power Moon and a Warp Door leading to the Dinosaur Nest bonus area.
Names in other languages
| Language | Name | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese | 切りかぶの上[?] Kirikabu no Ue |
Top of the Stump | |
| Spanish (NOE) | El gran tocón[?] | The Big Stump |
Fossil Falls Heights
This Checkpoint Flag is found at the summit of Fossil Falls. For the most part, Fossil Falls Heights is made up of two small platforms with a short bridge connecting them. On one side, there are two Chain Chomps, a Checkpoint Flag, and a pole Cappy suggest Mario climb up. Mario must capture one of the Chain Chomps to fling them at the rubble blocking off the other side, where Madame Broode is then fought. A number of Power Moons can be found on this side, though not until future visits. Power Moon #8: Across the Floating Isles appears next to the summit. A scarecrow also appears in the area where Madame Broode is battled. Tossing Cappy onto it activates Cascade Kingdom Timer Challenge 2, where Mario must perform two Triple Jumps to reach a Power Moon at the top. A piece of Hint Art in the Dark Side depicts Poochy buring a Power Moon somewhere in the Cascade Kingdom. This Power Moon can be found buried in the outer edge of the arena.
Below the summit is a ledge with a Moon Rock. Captain Toad may be found on the adjacent ledge, where he provides Mario Power Moon #11: Good Morning, Captain Toad! After activating this kingdom's Moon Rock, three other Power Moons become available for collection, all of which are found in Fossil Falls Heights. Power Moon #29: Next to the Stone Arch can be obtained by jumping off the bridge. Power Moon #30: Guarded by a Colossal Fossil, must be revealed by tossing and holding down Cappy onto the glowing spot of the triceratops head fossil. Mario may capture one of the Chain Chomps on the other side and launch them toward a fossil piece near the spark pylon to reveal Power Moon #33: Inside the Busted Fossil.
A speedy method of reaching Fossil Falls Heights involves capturing the T-Rex, revealing the trampoline at the base of its nest, and using it to gain a lot of height before diving toward the summit.
Names in other languages
| Language | Name | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese | ダイナフォー高地[?] Dainafō Kouchi |
Fossil Falls Heights | |
| Spanish (NOE) | Sobre el Salto del Fósil[?] | Above Fossil Falls |
Island in the Sky
This island is found above the main part of the Cascade Kingdom. It can be accessed using a painting found in either the Snow Kingdom or the Seaside Kingdom, depending on which kingdom the player chooses to go to first. Located on the island is the Secret Path to Fossil Falls! Power Moon.
Names in other languages
| Language | Name | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese | 空に浮かぶ小島[?] Sora ni Ukabu Kojima |
Islet Floating in the Sky | |
| Chinese | 飘在空中的小岛 (Simplified) 飄在空中的小島 (Traditional)[?] Piāo zài kōngzhōng de xiǎodǎo |
Islet Floating in the Sky | |
| Russian | Остров в небе[?] Ostrov v nebe |
Island in the Sky | |
| Spanish (NOE) | Islote en el cielo[?] | Islet in the Sky |
Bonus areas
| Bonus area | Accessed via | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
 Dinosaur Nest |
Red door | Down the staircase-forming platforms south of the "Top of the Big Stump" Checkpoint Flag | A spacious underground area where Mario must capture a T-Rex and smash all the rocks and Burrbos to obtain a Power Moon. |
 Chain Chomp Cave |
Warp Pipe | In the wall behind the northwestern plateau | A cavernous area consisting of three partitioned rooms full of Chain Chomps among pools of poison. The method to progress plays out similar to a billiards game, in that Mario must capture the nearest Chain Chomp and hit it against the other Chain Chomps so that the last one hits a hole in the back wall, with the last room earning him a Power Moon. A hidden, fourth room lies beyond the exit, which holds another Power Moon. |
 Chasm Lifts Area |
Red door | To the right of the Stone Bridge from the Checkpoint Flag | An 8-bit area situated over a large chasm. |
 Mysterious Clouds |
Moon Pipe | Just northwest of the Stone Bridge Checkpoint Flag | A platforming area featuring Cap Clouds, pendulum-like lifts, and many Burrbos. |
 Gusty Bridges |
Moon Pipe | At the Odyssey's original location | A platforming area featuring bridges activated by throwing Cappy at Lever Switches or being pushed back and forth by towers blowing wind at them, and many Burrbos. |
Enemies
Enemies marked with an asterisk (*) are only found in bonus areas.
- T-Rex Icon SMO.png
T-Rexes (Harmless)
8-bit Goombas
8-bit Koopa Troopas*
Objectives
- Our First Power Moon: The goal is to obtain the first Power Moon found by the Waterfall Basin.
- Multi Moon Atop the Falls: The goal is to defeat Madame Broode to obtain the first Multi Moon.
Paintings
There are two paintings in this kingdom. At the right side of the bridge near the Odyssey, there is a small cave with some regional coins that can be accessed by swimming to it. Inside, there is a painting that leads to the Island in the Sky at Bowser's Kingdom that can be only entered after completing the main game.
The other painting is located at the Island in the Sky, which can only be accessed from a painting in the Seaside Kingdom or the Snow Kingdom.
Power Moons
- Main article: List of Power Moons in the Cascade Kingdom
There are a total of 42 Power Moons (39 regular Power Moons and 1 Multi Moon) in the Cascade Kingdom. During the player's first visit to this kingdom, they can collect 16 of the Power Moons and the Multi Moon. After the player leaves this kingdom and comes back (at any point), 2 more Power Moons are available to collect. The player can also collect a Power Moon if they travel to this kingdom using a painting found in a future kingdom (either the Snow or Seaside Kingdom). One additional Power Moon can also be found when the player encounters the Tostarenan tourist in the kingdom. After the player defeats Bowser in the Moon Kingdom, 4 more Power Moons become available to collect. The Moon Rock will also be available to destroy, causing 15 additional Power Moons to be accessible.
In order to power up the Odyssey and progress to the next kingdom, the player must collect at least 5 Power Moons.
Regional coins
- Main article: List of regional coins in the Cascade Kingdom
The Cascade Kingdom contains 50 regional coins, which take the form of stone wheels.
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
- Main article: Mine Cart Cascade Crusade
A new level inspired by the Cascade Kingdom appears in the Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo Switch versions of Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, where Captain Toad needs to drive a Mine Cart and shoot Vegetables. Biddybuds appear as enemies in the level.
Gallery
In-game brochure
Cascade Kingdom icon
Fossil Falls sticker
Stone Disk coin
Stone Disk currency icon
Stone Disk currency icon
.svg)
.svg)
Desktop wallpaper of a T-Rex pursuing Mario
Calendar artwork for the month of September
Postcard for the Cascade Kingdom as seen on the game's packaging
Mario by the Waterfall Basin
Mario as a T-Rex
Mario as a T-Rex
Mario sleeping next to a T-Rex
Mario as the Big Chain Chomp
Mario attacking Burrbos
Madame Broode with her Chain Chompikins at Fossil Fall Heights
Mario throwing Cappy at Fossil Fall Heights
The Crazy Cap stand
Names in other languages
Cascade Kingdom
| Language | Name | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese | 滝の国[?] Taki no kuni |
Waterfall Country | |
| Chinese | 瀑布國 (Traditional) 瀑布国 (Simplified)[?] Pùbù guó |
Waterfall Country | |
| Dutch | Watervalrijk[?] | Waterfall Realm | |
| German | Kaskadenland[?] | Cascade Country | |
| Italian | Regno delle Cascate[?] | Waterfalls Kingdom | |
| Korean | 폭포 왕국[?] Pokpo Wangguk |
Waterfall Kingdom | |
| Russian | Каскадное царство[?] Kaskadnoye tsarstvo |
Cascade Kingdom | |
| Spanish | Reino de las Cataratas[?] | Waterfalls Kingdom |
Fossil Falls
| Language | Name | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese | ダイナフォー[?] Daina Fō |
Pun on "dinosaur" and "fall" | |
| Chinese | 达伊纳弗 (Simplified) Dáyī'nàfú 恐龍瀑 (Traditional) Kǒnglóng pù[?] |
Dino Fall Dinosaur Falls |
|
| Dutch | Tricera-top[?] | Pun on Triceratops | |
| German | Fossilfälle[?] | Fossil Falls | |
| Italian | Rapide Fossili[?] | Fossil Rapids | |
| Korean | 다이너폴[?] Daineopol |
Dino Fall | |
| Russian | Костяной водопад[?] Kostyanoy vodopad |
Bone Waterfall | |
| Spanish | Salto del Fósil[?] | Fossil Waterfalls Derived from Salto del Ángel (Angel Falls in English) |
Trivia
- According to Kenta Motokura, the Cascade Kingdom was at least partially influenced by Super Mario World, another game where Mario is alongside dinosaurs.[2]
- Thematically, the Cascade Kingdom may have potentially been influenced by the 1990 science fiction novel Jurassic Park. Similar to the Cascade Kingdom, the novel takes places on a lush, Latin American island inhabited by dinosaurs. The T-Rex's design is reminiscent of the Tyrannosaurus rex from the film adaptation of Jurassic Park, rather than to what the animal might have actually looked like.[3]
References
- ^ Post about the concept art of Fossil Falls from the official Japanese Super Mario Odyssey Twitter account. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
- ^ Nintendo. (June 15, 2017). Super Mario Odyssey - Co-Op Demonstration - Nintendo E3 2017. YouTube. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ Jacqueline Ronson. (May 20, 2016). The Tyrannosaurus Rex Had Lips and It Probably Didn't Roar. Inverse. Retrieved January 5, 2018.
