Super Mario 3D Land Review
I know my reviews typically consist of storytelling techniques in regard to movies, television, video games and literature… but all that goes out the window with Super Mario 3D Land. With a practically nonexistent plot, Super Mario 3D Land proves that gameplay trumps all, and Nintendo once more provides a game that’s an absolute pleasure to play.
This is the first game that feels specifically designed to take full advantage of the 3DS’ unique features. Super Mario 3D Land has the best 3D visuals you’ll see in a video game - the effect is never distracting and actually enhances the gameplay. By pressing up or down on the d-pad, you can further adjust the 3D depth. The fact that Nintendo allows for customization beyond the 3D slider shows the careful attention to detail. From the small 3D-esque puzzles to the gyroscopic controls, Nintendo squeezed every bit of originality out of the system.
That’s what makes Super Mario 3D Land such a pleasure to play. This really feels like the culmination of all the prior Mario platformers. There are nods to the Galaxy series, New Super Mario Bros., Super Mario 64, the Gameboy Mario Land series, and of course the NES/SNES originals. There’s even a reference to the Zelda franchise. Pulling out all the stops, Nintendo manages to combine these very different games into one cohesive package.
The platforming is spot-on and Nintendo includes decidedly short levels for a pick-up-and-play approach. There’s even a timer to insure you don’t stay in one place for too long. In a way, the game simultaneously encourages and limits exploration, but in a manner where you never feel rushed or frustrated.
Mario has all the moves from previous games including the blackflip, crouch, stomp, long jump, cartwheel jump, and a range of power ups (including the fan-favorite Tanooki suit). The only missing ability is the triple jump, though Nintendo includes a new dive ability which is cool, though used rarely. In short, there’s a lot you can do and the experience impressively rivals the Galaxy controls.
One problem that may or may not concern you involves the difficulty curve. The game is pretty easy and you don’t have to worry about ever seeing a ‘Game Over’ screen. You’ll easily have over a hundred lives by the time you finish world eight. In fact, the first eight worlds provide little challenge (except when trying to get all the Star coins).
But once you defeat Bowser (in one of the most epic boss encounters of any Mario game), you’ll unlock the Special Worlds. This is where the difficulty really picks up, providing news twists on old levels. Some level designs remain while adding new challenges akin to the Comet Stars in the Galaxy series, while other levels are entirely new. There’s a lot to complete in Super Mario 3D Land, and those looking to achieve 100% completion are going to spend a lot of time with their 3DS.
Super Mario 3D Land also includes StreetPass capabilities, allowing you to unlock new content by simply passing another 3DS owner on the street. The unlocked levels are short throwaways but they’re still a good incentive to carry your 3DS with you to crowded places. The other 3DS owner doesn’t even need to own a copy of Super Mario 3D Land for you to receive the content.
To date, Super Mario 3D Land is not only the definitive reason to own a 3DS, but it is also one of the greatest Mario games ever created. For the most iconic video game franchise in history, that’s high praise. Nintendo’s mantra that gameplay trumps all is fully-realized here, and after experiencing the addictive nature of the Mushroom Kingdom in stereoscopic 3D, you’ll never want to leave.
If you’re a Mario fan (and you should be!), stop what you’re doing and give this game a try. You won’t regret it.
-MP
Note: This review is taken from Review Hub Central.
