- Well crafted levels
- Simple and easy-to-use controls
- 3D element does wonders for the franchise
- Limited StreetPass and gyrometer features
- Eventually the game ends
It has been so long since we last heard the words Super Mario Land; so long, in fact, that we have not come across the name since the time of the original Game Boy. But rest assured, Super Mario Land is back in 3D and this game is the true model of what a 3D game should be. This game revolutionizes the way 3D games should be played, and only with the 3D effect activated can the gamer fully appreciate the experience of Jump man’s newest adventure.
The 3D effect can be tempered and changed to better fit anyone’s comfort zone. The player can either choose to have the effect pop out of the screen or sink in simply by pressing Up or Down on the D-pad. No matter where the stage is set, whether it is on a grass meadow, underwater or on an airship, the gamer will experience the effect fully at all times.
The graphics of the game are in some ways similar to Mario Galaxy’s style. The textures are crisp and the environment is absolutely beautiful. With the added effect of the 3D, the universe of Mario can truly pop out and shine through the player’s eyes. It can be said that it is one of the best looking games currently on the system. It truly takes advantage of the system’s capabilities.
The stages take the best of the 3D graphics and blend it perfectly with the 2D platforming of the classic games. In summary, most stages offer 3D and 2D segments to give off the modern perspective of platforming as well as quenching the need of a classic 2D Mario Jump fever. There are eight worlds in total. The gamer will play through many challenges and enjoy many elements taken from the classic Mario Bros., such as the Music Blocks from Super Mario Bros. 3, and the modern Mario Galaxy, which includes the timed challenges and the music oriented disappearing blocks. The eight worlds are relatively easy and hardcore gamers will fly through them quickly. However, there is quite an amount of secrets to be discovered in each stage, as it was done in Mario Galaxy, and it adds more depth to the big universe that is Super Mario 3D Land.
Close to everyone recognizes the songs from the Super Mario games, and the iconic, mushroom loving, plumber always leaves the audience with catchy tunes and sounds to make their inner child cry with joy. This game is no different. The music in 3D Land is still as enjoyable as ever and it syncs perfectly with the current stage’s ambiance, from the cheerful to the spooky. Sound effects are just as equally great. They are crisp and precise, matching even the tiniest action done by the player; a sound will accompany any action, adding on to the gamer’s interaction while playing. From shooting fireballs, to spinning Toads with the Tanooki tail or even the classic sound from grabbing a Mushroom, it all accumulates to better this title.
Power ups have always been a special feature in any Mario platform game. Super Mario 3D Land’s main star power up is the Tanooki Suit. The suit comes back from a long 22 year absence. It gives the player the ability to float over obstacles and swing the tail on enemies. It is useful in almost every stage of the game and it represents the main theme. Other power ups found are the Boomerang Suit, the Fire Flower and the Starman. The game mainly focuses around the first three however, the Starman being somewhat less accessible. Each of the three is needed for different puzzles and situations in order to find certain secrets and even shortcuts. Power ups feel like they are an important part of the game, especially since Mario can lose them with a single hit.
Another special perk of the game occurs when a player has consecutive life losses. In the event of that happening, Mario will receive a Super Tanooki Leaf, which is essentially the fusion of a Tanooki Suit and a Starman; and the best part is that it remains permanent until the end of the level. After that, it reverts back to a normal Tanooki Suit. As another bonus perk, if the player continues to lose beyond having received the Super Tanooki Leaf, he or she will have the option of using a power up which will teleport them all the way to the end of the stage. However, these perks are only applicable on the first run through the eight worlds.
As an added element, the gyroscope technology has been implemented into the game. Certain stages have a pair of binoculars stationed where Mario can look around for secrets. While tilting the system, the gamer is able to look around, only to find a Toad lending a hand or showing the way.
For the hardcore platform-loving gamers, all you enthusiasts will get your share of challenges. Beyond the eight worlds that the player originally has to complete, there is another series of special worlds with a difficulty level that will take everyone back to the original NES days. From the start of this series, the player unlocks the Stone Tanooki Leaf where, as an added bonus, Mario can ground pound by transforming into a statue (reminiscent of the original Tanooki Suit from Super Mario Bros. 3). Also, the younger lean green machine is also unlockable. To complete the new series, the gamer must collect every gold medal from every stage of the game, as well as having completed the new levels one by one. That is no easy task as some stages place Mario on a timed course, while some others offer a Shadow Mario challenge.
Writter's Blox:
Personally, I absolutely loved playing this game. It was a refreshing experience to be able to jump around with Mario and Luigi again. The easy of this title is simply amazing. Since its release, I have been enjoying all the stages, and am still replaying them today. Maybe it is the inner child in me that is crying with joy for this game. One thing is for sure, this game should be in every 3DS owner's library. It is the representation of what a 3D platformer should be.
Editor comment
It has been so long since we last heard the words Super Mario Land; so long, in fact, that we have not come across the name since the time of the original Game Boy. But rest assured, Super Mario Land is back in 3D and this game is the true model of what a 3D game should be. This game revolutionizes the way 3D games should be played, and only with the 3D effect activated can the gamer fully appreciate the experience of Jump man’s newest adventure.
The 3D effect can be tempered and changed to better fit anyone’s comfort zone. The player can either choose to have the effect pop out of the screen or sink in simply by pressing Up or Down on the D-pad. No matter where the stage is set, whether it is on a grass meadow, underwater or on an airship, the gamer will experience the effect fully at all times.
The graphics of the game are in some ways similar to Mario Galaxy’s style. The textures are crisp and the environment is absolutely beautiful. With the added effect of the 3D, the universe of Mario can truly pop out and shine through the player’s eyes. It can be said that it is one of the best looking games currently on the system. It truly takes advantage of the system’s capabilities.
The stages take the best of the 3D graphics and blend it perfectly with the 2D platforming of the classic games. In summary, most stages offer 3D and 2D segments to give off the modern perspective of platforming as well as quenching the need of a classic 2D Mario Jump fever. There are eight worlds in total. The gamer will play through many challenges and enjoy many elements taken from the classic Mario Bros., such as the Music Blocks from Super Mario Bros. 3, and the modern Mario Galaxy, which includes the timed challenges and the music oriented disappearing blocks. The eight worlds are relatively easy and hardcore gamers will fly through them quickly. However, there is quite an amount of secrets to be discovered in each stage, as it was done in Mario Galaxy, and it adds more depth to the big universe that is Super Mario 3D Land.
Close to everyone recognizes the songs from the Super Mario games, and the iconic, mushroom loving, plumber always leaves the audience with catchy tunes and sounds to make their inner child cry with joy. This game is no different. The music in 3D Land is still as enjoyable as ever and it syncs perfectly with the current stage’s ambiance, from the cheerful to the spooky. Sound effects are just as equally great. They are crisp and precise, matching even the tiniest action done by the player; a sound will accompany any action, adding on to the gamer’s interaction while playing. From shooting fireballs, to spinning Toads with the Tanooki tail or even the classic sound from grabbing a Mushroom, it all accumulates to better this title.
Power ups have always been a special feature in any Mario platform game. Super Mario 3D Land’s main star power up is the Tanooki Suit. The suit comes back from a long 22 year absence. It gives the player the ability to float over obstacles and swing the tail on enemies. It is useful in almost every stage of the game and it represents the main theme. Other power ups found are the Boomerang Suit, the Fire Flower and the Starman. The game mainly focuses around the first three however, the Starman being somewhat less accessible. Each of the three is needed for different puzzles and situations in order to find certain secrets and even shortcuts. Power ups feel like they are an important part of the game, especially since Mario can lose them with a single hit.
Another special perk of the game occurs when a player has consecutive life losses. In the event of that happening, Mario will receive a Super Tanooki Leaf, which is essentially the fusion of a Tanooki Suit and a Starman; and the best part is that it remains permanent until the end of the level. After that, it reverts back to a normal Tanooki Suit. As another bonus perk, if the player continues to lose beyond having received the Super Tanooki Leaf, he or she will have the option of using a power up which will teleport them all the way to the end of the stage. However, these perks are only applicable on the first run through the eight worlds.
As an added element, the gyroscope technology has been implemented into the game. Certain stages have a pair of binoculars stationed where Mario can look around for secrets. While tilting the system, the gamer is able to look around, only to find a Toad lending a hand or showing the way.
For the hardcore platform-loving gamers, all you enthusiasts will get your share of challenges. Beyond the eight worlds that the player originally has to complete, there is another series of special worlds with a difficulty level that will take everyone back to the original NES days. From the start of this series, the player unlocks the Stone Tanooki Leaf where, as an added bonus, Mario can ground pound by transforming into a statue (reminiscent of the original Tanooki Suit from Super Mario Bros. 3). Also, the younger lean green machine is also unlockable. To complete the new series, the gamer must collect every gold medal from every stage of the game, as well as having completed the new levels one by one. That is no easy task as some stages place Mario on a timed course, while some others offer a Shadow Mario challenge.
Writter's Blox:
Personally, I absolutely loved playing this game. It was a refreshing experience to be able to jump around with Mario and Luigi again. The easy of this title is simply amazing. Since its release, I have been enjoying all the stages, and am still replaying them today. Maybe it is the inner child in me that is crying with joy for this game. One thing is for sure, this game should be in every 3DS owner's library. It is the representation of what a 3D platformer should be.
