Super Mario 3D Land is the 3DS defining game we've been waiting for.
Features
.For the first time in the Mario series: 3D
.Gameplay involving a combination of 2D and 3D Mario's, a first for the series
.98 levels of challenging platforming (Including a secret final level)
.16 worlds of platforming fun (Eight normal worlds and Eight secret worlds)
.The return of the Tanooki Suit and Super Leaf, powerups, as well as the obvious Fire Flower, Mushroom and Star. There's even new powerups like the Boomerang Flower, Propeller Box, and the Question Block.
.You can play as Mario or Luigi (when you unlock him at a certain point in the game)
.Tons of Star Medals to get, and via Streetpass, players can exchange them for other items
.Photo's from the game can be saved to your 3DS card
The game's story is relatively simple (as usual). Peach gets kidnapped (yet again, stupid Toads) by Bowser, and Mario has to save her yet again. Original. Anyways, the story progresses through photo's of Peach trying to escape, or her encounters with enemies (which can be viewed in an album in the 3rd world's Toad House). Mario freaks out and dives into the first world, where Peaches castle can be seen in the background.
The gameplay takes place as a balance between 2D and 3D Mario gameplay. The stages are timed, but have all the exploration of the 3D Mario games without being too tedious. Red Coins, I-ups after stomping a certain amount of enemies, and the flag pole goal also make this the game it is. And it's all worth it.
What makes Super Mario 3D Land so much fun are the short levels, which you can beat to set a new record for time. It's tough getting all the flag poles in each level (believe me, I did it and I beat the entire game), but thankfully there's no frustration factor at all. Star Medals are carefully hidden, and just when you can't find one, you'll accidentally stumble upon an obstacle hidden by part of the scenery or foreground, that make you say "Oh! Clever, Nintendo!" It's really fun trying to find them, and you have plenty of time in each, so you're free to explore more often than you could in previous 2D Mario's. Sometimes the camera changes from a 3D angle to a 2D angle, which is cool. Walking poles are an example of such.
The stage designs aren't as spectacular as the Galaxy games, but that's because those two games set the bar for creative level design in platforming. 3D Land's levels are still creative, including switches that activate panels, tilting platformers, conveyor belts, geysers, parts of the floor that move, and platforms that appear out of nowhere (not it's not bad popup) whenever you get close to one! The locations include your typical Mario grasslands, but also include caves, tunnels, beaches, Bowser's castles, Ships from Super Mario Bros. 3, clock towers, icelands, deserts, mansions, and more! The mansion stages are probably the best due to their spooky foggy atmospheres and creative puzzles (such as finding out which warp block to go in and platforms that move to another place in a flash). Cardboard cutouts of enemies and powerups lurk in each stage, some offer secrets when hit, another neat Idea by Nintendo. It's fascinating seeing the designs that were in previous 2D games evolved into 3D (not 3DS 3D, just regular 3D). Bosses often appear at the end of a world, and they play similar to the Nes SMB games, with a combination of a 3D camera angle. The final fight with Bowser is fantastic and epic.
After beating the eight worlds, you get to use pipes to move on to the special worlds (which include a Dry Bowser for a boss). Most are the same as the normal levels, except they use different color variations, different enemies, changed places for the star medals, use Shadow Mario, offer very limited time, or are even played backwards! Because of this, it makes the stages feel fresh and never boring. Powerups include the regular powerups that have appeared in EVERY Mario game, but also include the return of the Tanooki Suit (!!) and the Super Leaf (!!) from Super Mario Bros. 3.
These are by far the two best powerups in the game because you can use their floating powers to create tons of shortcuts to get to the goal faster, and there's many different ways to get to the end of a level! Using these "shortcuts" is really fun and makes this game so addicting! Also included are new cool powerups such as the Boomerang Flower (obviously used to fire boomerangs), The Propeller Box (use to get more height and reach platforms you couldn't reach with any other powerup), and the Question Block (you get more coins while wearing it, but it only appears in one level). Using these powerups is awesome, and using the Fire Flower can you fire fireballs at torches to light them and unlock secrets. Toad Houses are
used to colelct powerups, and you can actually explore the outside to get coins.
As for the 3D effect, it works beautifully. You change what kind of 3D angle you want (more depth or pop up) by pressing the d-up or d-down. It adds depth to the game and there's even some cool illusions like blocks popping out when you think you're right next to it. Platforms are easier to see in the distance as a result of the 3D, so use it!
After completing 97 levels, beating each with Mario and Luigi, getting all the gold flags and star medals from each level, a final, 98th level will be unlocked. It's very challenging and if you die, you go back to the beginning, but it's the best level in the game and there's a surprise near the end! The scenery is absolutely breathtaking too!
The graphics are best I've seen for a Mario game! The shading, 3D, detail, backgrounds, and smooth framerate make this a great looking 3DS title. The music is superb. Some are remixed from games like Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario Galaxy, and Super Mario Bros, and while these versions aren't as good as the originals, the soundtrack exclusive to this game is pretty sweet. The Desert and Snow music is very exceptional and nostalgic, and the Bowser's Castle music adds an epic evil flare. Not Galaxy good, but still, quite good.
Super Mario 3D Land is the 3DS defining game we've been waiting for. What it does it does better than any game before it, and its replay value is simple, but very high! It's kind of easy, but getting everything is the challenge! I can't recall how much fun I've had with a handheld title! Playing and reviewing this game was an honor for me, and as usual, Nintendo dished out another super quality Mario game, this time in glorious 3D! If there was ever a time to get a 3DS, now is the time. Easily the best 3DS game so far, Super Mario 3D Land might even be my favorite handheld game of all time!
Playtime: 21:49 (according to the 3DS)
Gameplay: 10/10: Fantastic. Perfect. Plenty of hidden blocks, secrets, star medals, branching paths, tons of shortcuts (with the tanooki and super leaf suits), and a sweet collision of 2D and 3D Mario fun. Perfection in a tiny 3DS cartridge. The slide pad works at its best here!
Graphics: 10/10: Beautiful scenery, smooth framerate, and a fantastic use of 3D effects.
Sound: 8/10: Music is not as good as the Galaxy games (which honestly the music in those games was spectacular and probably the best for any video game) but still solid and memorable. I love the intro music! Sound effects are also used appropriately and are cool.
Replay Value: 10/10: I can never stop playing this game, even though I beat it! Its use of both Mario sides make it a winner, winner, Kentucky Fried Chicken Dinner!