Pure Fun, and that's all it needs to be.
At first I was very excited about a new 3D Super Mario game because of how much I have enjoyed all the 3D Mario adventure games over the years, and boy was I right to be excited. This game is just plain fun, and that's it need to be. To the point, simple, and creative. Mario games have the "special" charm included in every game and you are guaranteed to have a blast.
As far as game play goes, it's great! If you've never liked Mario games then you won't like this one, but if you've always loved them then you're absolutely sure to love this one. The game did a great job of having a small sense of exploration along with a simple and fun objective, which is to get to the end of the level and jump to the top of the Mario flag pole.
The goal of the game is simple: Save Peach from Bowser. No originality whatsoever, but none is needed. We don't expect a great story from Mario games, we expect a ton of fun, and this game is a ton of fun. There are fun powers to get like fire Mario, raccoon Mario, and boomerang Mario. My only complaint for this game would have to be how easy it is. I understand that it's aimed toward children AND adults, but you can definitely get through levels with ease.
The graphics and 3D features are nice and very good looking. The fact that it's on the Nintendo 3DS really immerses you within the experience more rather than just a normal screen, so that's always fun.
Don't get me wrong, the game CAN be hard at points, but overall, it's just pure fun you kind of glide and sale through. The levels are well designed and fun to explore, with small side objectives like collecting the 3 special coins in every map, it keeps the game feel less linear, but nothing can over shadow the fact that the game is simple.
Super Mario 3D Land for Nintendo 3DS is a great game, full of fun and memorable moments, but it's way too easy for the majority of the game. I you're looking for a challenge; look elsewhere. If you're looking for fun; look no further!
I give the game an 8.5 Great!