Super Mario 3D Land is an entry in the main series of Mario platformers. It was developed and published by Nintendo for their 3DS handheld console in 2011. This release was the first game in the Mario series to utilize stereoscopic 3D, which is what the 3DS's early years were all about! As usual, Nintendo's use of 3D on its own system is of the highest quality, and turning it on adds plenty of depth, which the level designers took advantage of throughout the game.



Occasionally, I'll be spotted by self-admitted know-nothings who are looking for a game to get as a gift, these consumers are usually relatives that have no kids and have no idea what kids like to play. My advice, and likely the advice of many others, is that you cannot go wrong with a Mario game. Its safe, its fun, and always a joy to look at. Nintendo has spent an incredible amount of resources and time to make sure the quality of their games stand up among the best in the video game industry. This has lead to Mario being the safest option, and for many this often labels it as a 'beginner' series of video games that a lot people remember growing up with, though some have moved on from.

Super Mario 3D Land is a game that attempts to use modern graphics and game design to take fans back in time through the creation of a simple and classic Mario game. Like other Mario titles, there's a world map, though it only serves as a means to choose your world and level. Switching between worlds is as easy as touching the tab for the world you desire on the touch screen. Old power ups return, namely the Tanuki leaf that lets Mario turn into a Tanuki, and there is the always popular Fire Flower. The game also features new power ups, which always seems to be a pattern with Mario games; each platformer will typically have a unique power up of its own.


The game starts off easy, then you beat it and a secondary set of levels open up, which have added difficulty and goals. Some of these have you start the level with only 30 seconds! As a result, you have to follow the bread crumb trail of clocks or enemies through these short, fast paced levels. Others have a nasty shadow that chases after you and follows a few steps behind you in the direct path you just took. This event has you planning moves carefully, while at the same time, moving quickly. In some cases, the level is taken straight from the first set of levels, just with one of these, or other additions put in to make it much harder.

Is any of this a surprise though? Mario is the closest that gaming has to a ubiquitous mascot, and his appeal is universal thanks to decades of mostly careful management of the character. You see Mario on everything and and in most everything that Nintendo does. Even if he's just a toy resting on a shelf in the background, his influence is felt throughout the company. And why not? Mario is Nintendo's ultimate cashcow, and a good reminder of how valuable this company is to gaming as a whole. Even with decades of financial losses, Nintendo would still be sitting on the most valuable gold mine of intellectual property in all of gaming.

So this leads me to my next point about the red plumber himself. What can really be said about Mario as a character that hasn't passed through at least one pair of lips or a keyboard by now? There's nothing I can really add. Super Mario 3D Land is a game that every 3DS gamer should experience if you haven't already, and as always, it is the perfect choice for introducing a young child to the world of video games. I started as a child with Mario myself, and I'm sure most of us have formed at least some important memories as either Mario or Luigi.

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