Super Mario 3D Land adds the simple and joyous fun that was missing from the 3DS library
GRAPHICS/3D EFFECT:
The graphics in this game are outstanding. They are extremely similar to the Mario Galaxy games, some of the best looking on the Wii, and they are extremely well renedered here. The sprites are very detailed, and the worlds are colorfull, varied and a lot of fun to look at. If there is a negative is that the worlds aren't exactaly surprising in the visual departament, in the sense that the themes are followed from the previous games, but still looks really good.
The 3D in this game is very similar to the effect seen in Ocarina of Time 3D, as you don't really have a lot thrown in your face, but it makes the game feel extremely natural, and the added depth helps the plataforming and just looks incredible
4.7/5
SOUND:
The music in this game is composed of mostly remixes from previous games, tradition of the Mario series. And while some, like the airship theme, are really good, most others are unremarkable. While fun to listen to, there isn't a lot that I find myself humming to, or even remember. Also, most of the characters grunts are apropriate, although Mario sounds weird in this game. While fitting the game, the music is just okay. 3.2/5
GAMEPLAY:
The game is a 3D plataformer. However, this game has a unique gameplay style unique to it. Unlike the 2D games, you can run in all directions with the circle pad; but unlike other 3D games, your objective is not to collect stars, but to reach the end of the level. It is a really cool mechanic that works amazingly.
The game is set up like the 2D games, with an overworld where you can select a level, which progress in a linear fashion. Unlike New Super Mario Bros and World however, there aren't branching paths, so you will have to stand a level even if you don't like, but that isn't too big an issue, since there are very few levels that are badly designed.
The levels themselves are in a similar fashion to the 2D games, as you run from start to finish untill you reach the flagpole, which marks the end of the level. However, since the game is 3D, the levels do have a certain amount of free roaming to them, and you at times have to search for the exist a bit. It makes for interesting levels. And since the controls are tight, and the level design is good, the plataforming is fun to do, with never hard-to-reach plataforms and enemies to kill.
Power ups return from the previous games, but they are quite unique to this game. The fire flower works like always, but this game brings back the tanooki suit from Bros. 3, and while you can't fly with it, you can descend slowly with it and swing the tail, and it is an awesome power up, though you will miss flying for the begining of the game. There is also a new addition to this game, the boomerang suit, which mimics a boomerang bro, and you can throw boomerangs with it. It is interesting, and a lot of fun to use.
Okay, so I have been gushing on this game so far, but there is something that plagues this game throughout. And that is its low length and difficulty. This game is a cake walk mostly, and it can be beaten in less than 5 hours in your first playthough. The gameplay's length is heightned with 8 special worlds that are indeed much more difficult, but they aare plagued by Nintendo not giving up collectibles in this game, as you need to collect Star Coins in order to access the latter levels, and, you guesses it, you have to get ALL in order to beat the extra world in its entirety, and some are a real pain to collect.
But, even with the incredibly short game, it still is really fun, and the replay value exists already in replaying those really fun levels again. 4.5/5
OVERALL:
Super Mario 3D Land is a must own for 3DS owners, for being different than previous Mario games and a lot of fun on its own. Its short length and easy difficulty prevent it from being a system seller, but there still are many hours of replay valeu down the road.
The good:
-Beautiful graphics and great use of 3D
-Music is quite fitting...
-Unique mix of gameplay styles that is a lot of fun
-Power ups add a lot to the game
-Exquisit level design and superb plataforming
-Extra worlds give up a challenge
The bad:
-Very short and easy
-Having to collect Star Coins is annoying
-... but unremarkable