Mario's latest debut has enough charm, innovation and depth to make it a welcome addition to the franchise.
Almost a year has passed and now Mario has hopped, spun and 1-up'd his way into a portable third dimension, with the release Super Mario 3D Land. Super Mario 3D Land makes no attempt to complicate its aging formula. Mario remains an ever so questionable candidate for protecting Princess Peach and again Bowser, the King of the Koopas, has committed another vile act of cliché antagonism.
Kidnapping the Princess and traversing the obtuse and uncanny land of the Mushroom Kingdom, Mario must chase his dastardly foe and save Peach from a child-appropriate and comically subjective fate. Although this is not viewed as a bad thing. A wave of nostalgia, bathed in the imaginative innovations that the 3DS mechanics can offer make Super Mario 3D Land a unique adventure.
The game capitalises upon the functionality of the console and embeds the signature gameplay, graphics and sound engineering that reminds us of what great classic gaming has produced. In every sense, Super Mario 3D land delivers a familiar experience with a new perspective. This is exactly how Nintendo has presented and marketed the newest entry to the franchise. Mario's latest adventure pays homage to the motives that made the series.
Upon starting the game, it is obvious Super Mario 3D Land is much more a linear game than previous titles, and, unlike instalments such as Super Mario 64, there are considerable limits placed on the game. Level design is simple, point 'A' to 'B', with a general path outlined and a time limit enforced. Although some of these restrictions can be eased or made to seem less apparent, restraints are enforced to impose the act of a gauntlet. In simplest terms, every level is a race to dash, jump and fireball your way to the ending flag.
Graphically the game is what anyone acquainted with the Mario experience would expect. Bright, cute, crisp and imaginative imagery will flood your screen like never before. Most comparable to Super Mario Galaxy's zany and unearthly style, 3D land offers a pleasant vision of the Mushroom Kingdom. But of course, what is the newest Mario Land game without the mention of 3D? As the very title suggests, this member of the series utilises and embraces the 3D capabilities available. The entire play through supports auto-stereoscopic 3D. The effect never becomes over bearing and adds a comfortable amount of depth and extendibility to each environment.
To say the least, the game plays effortlessly and enjoyably in 3D, and, unlike many 3DS titles, this game you will find yourself cranking 3D slider to the max with confidence.
Super Mario 3D Land is a welcome addition to the series, and, although some mechanics may feel borrowed and recycled, this is one of those titles that many 3DS owners have been waiting for since the launch of the console itself.