Super Mario 3D Land builds on an already fantastic gaming template to create an exciting new adventure featuring some of the greatest moments from the franchise’s history and tonnes of unique content which completely refreshes one of the most innovative and original series in gaming.
The 3D effect on Nintendo’s new handheld is stunning. However, until now it’s been little more than an aesthetic addition used to liven up old N64 games.
This has been one of the biggest criticisms of the 3DS so far; the 3D effect doesn’t add to the gameplay, so what’s the point?
In response to the naysayers, Nintendo have launched Super Mario 3D Land, the first game on the system where using the 3D is essential if you want to complete the game.
With the effect turned off, some of the worlds are difficult to negotiate and it’s only once you turn it on that you can appreciate the full depth of the level designs.
3D Land excels as a portable title. The levels are short and sweet, often less than five minutes each, and the game is broken up nicely allowing you to dip in and out as you please.
Just because this is a portable game though, doesn’t mean that it’s void of a challenge. The difficulty increases nicely through the first 8 worlds but never gets too taxing, making it accessible for younger gamers and more casual players.
Once you complete the main story though, an additional 8 ‘special’ worlds open up, offering a challenge more suited to a ‘hardcore’ gamer. These levels are typically more complex variations of early levels that create entirely new challenges.
What makes Super Mario 3D Land so impressive though, is the attention to detail. Ahead of its release fans were pleased to see a return of the famous Tanooki suit from Super Mario Bros. 3, but it’s not just this classic power-up that references older games from the series.
The sprite on the lower map is the same 8-bit image used in the first Super Mario Bros. NES game. Every so often you’ll come across brief moments of side-scrolling fun reminiscent of early versions. The aesthetic is extremely similar to the look first established in Super Mario 64 and, perhaps most satisfyingly, the final battle with Bowser steals from Mario’s first appearance – we’re talking Donkey Kong, with Bowser hurling Barrels at Jump-Man as he negotiates a particularly complex part of the castle.
This latest adventure from Mario (and eventually Luigi) is one of the most entertaining yet. And although it’s packed full of classic Mario moments, the result completely redefines platforming, like many of its predecessors.
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