Super Mario 3D Land Review

Super Mario 3D Land. What can I say about Super Mario 3D Land. It's amazing? No, not good enough. Phenomenal? Nope, still not good enough. There is no word to describe Super Mario 3D Land. Let's just say it's everything you want in a Mario game and more.

As always, the levels and worlds are super creative. There's always something different in each level, even if you're doing the same basic thing, running and jumping. They each have their own style, and there are only a few repeats in level theme. Some are vibrant and colorful, while others are dark and hostile-looking.

The graphics are super, Nintendo has really upped the bar for 3D with this game. This game was MADE for 3D, it's not just a useless gimmick, it helps with perception, like where you want to jump. While I wouldn't call it essential, it's certainly helpful and adds to the experience. Not to mention it looks freaking amazing. It pops out at you, while not being so 3D it makes your eyes hurt (a problem I have had with Face Raiders, a few AR games, occasionally the 3D video taker, and a couple of videos on Nintendo Video), so in other words, the perfect use of 3D. It's like the Avatar of 3DS.

The music is great as usual, it fits in with the game's vibe. I'm really not good at going into details in music, so I'll leave it at that.

The gameplay is sort of a hybrid between Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario 64, but it most reminded me of Galaxy, even though in concept it looks just like 64. It may be a little hard to explain, but that's good. because that means it has it's own style. Obviously, you know what the gameplay of a Mario game is like. You run, you jump, typical stuff. But what makes it so good is that the controls are perfected, and the level design is amazing and inventive. It has what it takes to keep platforming fresh.

In the game, the map is as straightforward as straightforward can get. You move right, level to level, hit a toad house, level to level, hit a castle, go to next map. It's simple, but that's how it should be. You don't want a map to get too complicated for a platformer. (Look up Sonic Adventure 2, you'll get what I'm saying.) You also unlock special levels once you beat the game, which is basically a brand new campaign. Some levels are harder remakes, but a good number of them have nothing to do with their counterparts.

Another nice little feature is the way StreetPass was incorporated into the game. In the game, there are mystery boxes preset on the map. Here you can get coins and star medals (talked about in the next paragraph) to help you. When you StreetPass, you can get another one of these that is placed on one you already have. Also whenever you StreetPass someone with this game, you get to go back to a toad house and get a power-up. This can be helpful if you are stuck on a difficult level.

The replay value of this game is huge. Like I said, once you beat the main game, you get the special worlds, and you haven't really experienced the game unless you play these levels. In each level, you have to collect Star Medals, like in Galaxy 2, but unlike Galaxy 2, there are 3 in one level. You need these to continue the game, though they are relatively easy to obtain, even if you don't get all of them in each level. Also, either early on in the game or after you beat the initial levels (or something completely different, haven't played this game in about 5 months, LOL) you unlock Luigi. You get a badge on each level for if you beat it with Mario, Luigi, or both of them. There is also a "five-star system" as I am going to call it, where you get a little white star (not a cartoon power-up star like in the game) above your name for meeting these criteria. (Note: You don't have to do these in order.)

1. Beat the Final Boss (Bowser)
2. Complete all levels with Mario
3. Get all Golden Flags (top of the flag pole, not as hard as it sounds)
4. Collect all Star Coins
5. Not sure, but if you do all of the above, it will pop up.

If you do all this and then beat the final boss again (not sure which one, the inital levels or special levels boss), then you will unlock one final special level, which is very difficult. Doing all this took me around 30 hours, so obviously, the replay value is definitely there.

Overall, this game is one of the best of 2011, and a must for all 3DS owners. BUY. NOW.

Final Score:
10/10