PlatformOVERALL
Nintendo 3DS9.00
Overall 9.00
Super Mario 3D Land is the closest hybrid between 2D Mario and 3D Mario we have ever seen. The level design and structures resemble the 2D levels while Mario's movements and skills are taken from the 3D games. Borrow some of the best elements from Galaxy, mix it all up and you have yourself the best handheld Mario title of all time.

3D Land starts off very easy but don't let the laughable difficulty sway you. This game is pretty massive and will reach a point where your platforming skills will properly be tested. The first time you play through the game, 40+ levels, it is a fun romp but it is missing the challenge. Afterwards you unlock what is basically a remixed hard mode where you replay all the levels again but this time they are    arranged differently to make it much more challenging. You play the levels in a brand new order so it doesn't feel like you are just playing the game again. In total there are over 80 levels with many secrets to find so in terms of content the game is stacked.

Mario as always controls like a dream and everything feels right about the mix of 3D with more 2D like levels. Gone are large open areas, instead it is mostly small paths that have some width to it to allow you to run around a 3D space. The game is at its best when you are going from side to side to in and out to diagonally into a level. The game plays with perspectives beautifully which gets enhanced with the amazing 3D effects.

Level design is where I had my issues as you get a taste of Galaxy like levels but this game never reaches the highs of the Galaxy games. Neither is it as well crafted as the best 2D Mario's of days old. Too many levels are simple concepts that don't impress. The many powerups as always are fun but I found them to be unbalanced or something, as if you used them more as an aid than a gameplay mechanic. Yes I know a powerup by definition should be an aid but since SMB3 the powerups have been used in ingenious ways and outside a few hidden coins that require a powerup they never shine in the way powerups do in Galaxy.

It may not be the best Mario adventure but it is a damn great one and again definitely the best on handhelds. This game is a showcase for the 3DS as the game makes the most out of the 3D effects. No it does not effect gameplay, it never will, it just looks damn cool. There are some great new music tracks and of course a mix of oldies. This was the best game the 3DS had to offer (RE has that honor now) and like clockwork another gem by Nintendo.
Posted by Dvader Sat, 11 Feb 2012 02:17:39
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Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:23:15
You gave me an experiment about seeing in 3D, which is common knowledge. I am talking about the benefits of 3D for gameplay.

GG maybe so but I would have to check. Sounds more like a bad camera angle than 3D.
 
Thu, 16 Feb 2012 05:53:41
It is not just seeing 3D, but it is also moving through a 3D environment. Hence the tree climbing.

You really should not use the term common knowledge, because with your post you are actually saying that you lack it.
 
Thu, 16 Feb 2012 07:00:39
I never stated anything about that in my post, you completely are making something up.
 
Thu, 16 Feb 2012 18:18:06
You posted that seeing 3D is common sense, while you have no clue at all what the actual benefits of stereoscopic depth perception is. So much for your common sense.

Sorry to break it to you, but millions of creatures have evolved the ability to see depth separately from each other and it was not because it looks 'cool'.

I dare you to do the test and prove me wrong.
 
Thu, 16 Feb 2012 20:36:14
What is going on here? Nyaa
 
Fri, 17 Feb 2012 23:03:20
Why do I have no clue as to the benefits of depth perception, I know the benefits. You just pulled that out of your ass.
 
Sat, 18 Feb 2012 07:41:47
You claim 3D will never ever benefit gameplay, it only looks cool. Do you even read the shit you post?

The only thing that needs to be pulled out of an ass is your head.

@GG
Vader is getting schooled, that is what is going on.
 
Sat, 18 Feb 2012 11:49:24
It has to be said that the tree climbing example is poor, though unless you already suck at tree climbing. The most hardcore of tree climbing is often done with one eye closed for long periods of time simply to avoid the closed eye getting poked out. Trees don't like being climbed.
 
Sat, 18 Feb 2012 15:00:56
LOL
 
Sat, 18 Feb 2012 15:35:44
And again Iga you NEVER once explain how the 3D on a 3DS will benefit gameplay. So you just go in circles to avoid the subject cause you got nothing.
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