This progressive difficulty climb, paired with the at times intense medal challenges, make for an addictive and brilliant handheld experience that provides an impressive balance of easy and hard, long levels and short levels, big areas and small ones.Īll of the levels, even the easier ones, are truly memorable and instantly classic, just like in the original Super Mario Bros. Collecting all three hidden medals in all of the levels will take even the most proficient gamer some thinking and trying to pull off. The level design grows more complex and diverse, drawing creative inspiration from Super Mario Galaxy 2's more difficult trials and applying them to this 2D/3D platforming hybrid in a way that's never been done before. New mechanics and challenges introduced after World 8 greatly enhance the experience and up the challenge significantly. I've stomped a few Goombas in my day, but some of the later levels still took many, many tries to best. Hardcore gaming enthusiasts should take comfort in the fact that the ease of the first few worlds is most certainly not indicative of the game's overall difficulty level. Things really pick up in the difficulty department after defeating World 8. While still completely enjoyable and creative - blending old school Mario concepts like Music Blocks and flagpoles with Galaxy innovations like flip switches and timed, disappearing platforms - you'll run through most of these worlds rather quickly.
The first eight worlds of 3D Land make for an engaging playthrough, though most of them I found relatively easy. As Mario jumps off a bouncy mushroom and soars out of your screen - or pulls off a daring jump onto a tiny platform to nab a secret or hidden medal - it becomes apparent that 3D Land represents the kind of experience the 3DS was always meant for. From the clever platforming puzzles to the creative level design, every aspect of the game is heightened by the masterful use of an effect that up until now has essentially only been used as an optional visual boost.
By relying on 3D as an important mechanic rather than a second thought to enhance the visuals, the developers achieved the most effective 3D I've ever seen in any medium, as well as the most brilliant use of it. You can play without 3D enabled, but it makes things considerably more difficult and frustrating - this game was designed to be played in 3D, and you can't fully experience it otherwise.Ĭertain parts of 3D Land, during which a small 3D symbol appears on the top screen, you'll find near impossible to pull off without activating the 3D. You can adjust it with a simple touch of the D-pad to either pop out or sink in more, depending on which suits the area best or just which you prefer at the moment. Super Mario 3D Land - Video Review (WARNING - This video contains spoiler footage of later levels)Īs the first 3DS title to actually use 3D as an integral part of the gameplay experience, 3D Land's platforming relies heavily on the precision leant by the 3D effect.