Difficulty:

Just Right

Time Spent:

20 to 40 Hours

The Bottom Line:

"Highly addictive"

Super Mario 3D Land is a colorful and dynamic romp through eight new worlds. Once again, Princess Peach has been locked up in a cage by bad boy Bowser and is just waiting to be rescued. (You think after all these years she would have learned some self-defense skills?) The game pays homage to one of my favorite games of all time, Super Mario Bros. 3, with the return of the Tanooki suit and Bowsers warships. Each world is composed of 5 levels, which you progress through linearly. Mario can also visit a Toad house to receive an extra power-up item, or a "Mystery Box" level with coins (and more!) inside.

In terms of layout and game play, Super Mario 3D Land does not deviate too much from the classic Mario game set-up. Mario can run, punch, swim, and climb, to name a few options. Additional powers and actions are available when wearing a special suit or hat. My favorite suit is, of course, the Tanooki suit. Wearing his fluffy raccoon outfit, Mario is able to knock enemies down with a tail spin attack, and float for a few seconds after jumping. This floating power enables access to platforms or areas which are otherwise too far away. Plus, Mario looks simply adorable while wearing it!

The use of 3D gives Mario's surroundings a new and improved depth. I felt like I was actually inside my DS playing the game as Mario himself. I also noticed small touches that made the game even more beautiful, such as glittering 3D dandelion fluff that scatters into the air when you run into it.

Perhaps the most addictive and time consuming aspect of this game is the amount of extra side quests. For each level, there are three star coins to collect. These are often found in hidden or difficult to reach places. Also, you can earn Golden Flags for each level that you finish at the very top of the traditional Mario flag pole. There are also glittering stars you can earn for playing through each level without dying more than 5 times. Did I mention you also have to beat every level as Luigi? As a self-proclaimed completionist, I found myself obsessed with meeting these goals. The extras also make a seemingly short and straight-forward game take much longer to complete.

Overall, Super Mario 3D Land is a solid and entertaining game that is suitable for all ages. Whether you are a lifelong fan or starry-eyed newcomer, Super Mario 3D Land invites you in and promises you a good time.

Bottom line: I won't stop playing until I find every single star coin!