Now that I've had the game for a while now, I feel like I've earned the right to write a review. I haven't finished the game yet, but I'm more than halfway through the main worlds.

Mine came in a red box instead of a white one like the normal 3DS box. I don't know if that was just me or what, but it isn't all that important. Inside is the manual and the game, as one should assume. This stuff is unimportant so I'll just get right into the actual game.

The first thing I have to say about this game is that it looks very good. The graphics are quite sharp and the text is easy to read, which is good. Some games don't have that. Story is introduced immediately, and it's what you've probably come to expect from Mario games. Princess Peach was kidnapped, you gotta help her, that whole scenario. It does its job as a story, it drives the game along. Don't expect the riveting story and amazing plot twists of Bioshock here, there are other places for that.

So you're thrown into level 1 in world 1 and there was one thing that absolutely drove me insane immediately; Mario runs very slowly. I feel like I'm playing as a new slug character or something, but it's just normal Mario. There is an option to dash, which helps a little, but even the dash is barely faster than a leisurely jog. One gets used to it quickly, after the first couple of levels, but it really does get on my nerves.

Speaking of dashing, there are special moves you can do in the game. You can long jump, crouch, side somersault, ground pound, roll, all that good stuff. However, you are NEVER told any of this stuff while you're actually in the game. No tutorials about it whatsoever. Instead, you are expected to read the manual. I have never had to read the manual of a game to learn essential parts of a game until I got this. I never read the manuals because they always teach you what is needed to play in the game, so you don't have to waste time. I am on world 5 and learned about these moves the day I wrote this review.

That said, it isn't actually really needed to play the game. You can learn to dash easily, and that's the only extra move needed to successfully play the game. The other stuff can help, but only in niche situations.

So I haven't said too much positive stuff about this game yet, but I wanted to get the negatives out of the way first. Let's get on with the positive aspects of the game.

This game is a lot of fun. I have no clue why, but I thoroughly enjoy this game every time I play. There's just something about the game play that is really addicting, which is a good thing. It's just a lot of fun being able to run around in 3D environments, finding cool secret passages, trying to find a quicker way to clear an obstacle. Sometimes, story isn't always the driving factor in a game, and this game proves it in my opinion.

Power ups. There is the Tanooki (or Tanuki) suit, which is by far the most helpful if you ask me. There is the fire Mario power-up, and there is the grow mushroom. I have yet to come across a giant mushroom, but I am fine without them. The Tanooki suit lets you glide around after jumping or falling, which is beyond helpful. It also lets you do a tail attack, which is helpful as well. The fire suit is best for clearing out enemies or an enemy that is far away from you. The grow mushroom lets you grow back to normal size if you were shrunk, and otherwise gives you 10 coins.

The levels are all different, even if they are in the same world. Some add new features, some add new enemies. Some give new uses to old features, some just use old features but with a different layout. In any case, I have yet to come across a level that I particularly dislike. They all feel well designed, and there aren't really things that try to kill you in a manner that feels like cheating. I do wish the levels were a bit more difficult, but I am still not done with the game and they keep getting harder as I go.

There are a lot more things to cover, but those things should just be experienced instead. It's really hard to describe one specific thing about the game that makes it fun, so you have to play for yourself to see. This game is also suitable for all ages. If you're an adult and you own a 3DS, then you should get this game for it. It doesn't feel overly kiddified, which I come across on many occasions when playing games on the 3DS console. If you're a parent looking to buy this game for their kid, I would get it. It's a very enjoyable game that doesn't take a whole lot of processing power to understand, which is a nice change of pace from a lot of modern games. There are also multiple save slots on the cartridge, so you could have multiple players sharing this one cartridge if they were willing to do so.

There is no question about Mario. He has not only been the most influential video game character of all time, but has had honestly the most definitive impact on how we play great platform games that have never lost their luster. Over 25 years after Super Mario Brothers debuted, people still love to go for the flag, and try to knock Bowser off his perch all to save Princess Toadstool from the claws of the king. The game franchise has never honestly gotten old, and has stayed just as strong today for every Nintendo era. The last Mario platformer for the go handheld was New Super Mario Brothers for the Nintendo DS. It really was fun and entertaining for the DS, and Mario's Wii games like Super Mario Galaxy have changed the way we play with Mario in zero gravity. But now with the Nintendo 3DS which came out just last Spring, they haven't yet had a definitive Mario platformer. Well, they are about to have one now, and a little treat for the fans young and old of the past 25 years too.

Super Mario 3D Land, is a new and exciting Mario game that still shows how amazing the Mario games have never gotten old. The game brings in a new twist on the classic 2D platformers by bringing back some of the amazement from the classic Super Mario Brothers 3. Just like what New Super Mario Bros. Wii did by bringing back the forgotten Koopa kids and giving them a hard-hitting challenge against Mario. This time it is the beloved tanooki racoon suit returning to the mix from Mario 3 returns, as shown in the story of the game, as well as the classic foe Boom-Boom. As Bowser not only captures Peach, but steals a bunch of tanooki leaves giving Bowser, and his cohorts tanooki powers to try and stop Mario from his wrath on the Mushroom Kingdom. It is challenging as characters like the classic goomba and Boo now can go against Mario with tanooki racoon tails to try and swat you. But that isn't just it alone, Mario also has new elements of power at his side too: including the tanooki leaf, the classic mushroom, as well as the new Boomerang power-up, which Mario can throw boomerangs at his foes and they will come back to him at his side, just like the classic Boomerang Brothers from Super Mario 3.

The gameplay takes all the elements from the classic Mario games in both 2D and 3D like Super Mario 64, and giving them a 3D twist by having you race against the clock trying to make it to the goal before time runs out. There are also classic items to be found including the bonus coins, and warp pipes, as well as a few new treats as well. The gameplay is very addictive from start to finish, and has shown that they haven't gotten old. The controls are also very simple and easy to master on each level, as you leap from block to block, and hopping in pipe to pipe, all trying to make your way to the goal. The sound is also classic Mario as well, by not getting old, and remaining distinctive as before. It takes timing and a lot of guts to master this new adventure, but honestly die hard Mario fans will definitive love this new challenge, as well as new ones too.

All in all, Super Mario 3D Land is a definite must buy game for the Nintendo 3DS. It truly has shown that no matter what the gaming universe has to come around, Mario has still been a great constant in the gaming universe that continues to evolve and be just as fun today as it did back then. I definitely love the challenge this game has, and I know this will be a great game for you to play on the Nintendo 3DS (and only available on the Nintendo 3DS.) There haven't been a lot of definitive games for the Nintendo 3DS since last Spring, but this is definitely one of them that I absolutely recommend.

Graphics: A-

Sound: A-

Control: A

Fun & Enjoyment: A

Overall: A-

I'll begin this review with just one statement: Buy this game. Super Mario 3D Land is one of the main reasons to own a 3DS even a year after its release, and is definately one of the most fun and beautiful 3DS titles to date. Another installment in a heralded franchise, 3D Land is nothing new, yet fresh and incredible. 3D Land has several strong things going for it, and with only a few weaknesses, deserves its praise as one of the best games for the 3DS.

Graphics- 10/10

Graphically, this game is the one of the best on the 3DS right now. Mario and all of the other crazy characters stand out in stark 3D relief, but remain comically animated and very pleasing to look at. The level graphics are superb, and the colors are bright and cheerful. If picking this game up for the graphics, you will not be dissatisfied.

Level Design- 9.5/10

The level design in this installment of the Super Mario Land franchise is what makes this game shine. Former installments took a side-scrolling approach to design, and it is what made Mario so iconic. But this 3D level design still retains a side-scrolling feel, but now in a "Free-World" aspect. Mario can run anywhere he pleases (as long as he stays in his parameters), yet he still must find a flag post and evade enemies. The creators of this game may have taken a risk, but it definately pays off.

Content- 9.5/10

Honestly, the first eight worlds are a piece of cake. I finished all of them in about two days, and was scared I had just completed a game in record time. Was it really this short? My fears were not realized, luckily, as this game features another eight worlds after, called "special" worlds and introduce Luigi. Although these Special levels often use the first eight worlds' level design they pose a much greater challenge, and the collecting of Star Coins offers a fun side-quest of sorts.

Story- 10/10

What can I say? Every Mario fan knows how this works. Bowser kidnappes Princess Peach, this time while using Tanooki Suits, and Mario must rescue her. Then Bowser kidnappes Luigi and Mario must rescue him. But this story always stays fresh. And besides, who even picks up a Mario game for a serious story?

Gameplay- 10/10

The gameplay in Super Mario 3D Land is very intuitive. Running and jumping make a return (of course) along with Wall Jumps, Rolls, and other more recent yet familiar Mario moves. The three third-tier power-ups (Fire, Tanooki, and the more recent Bommerang) are beautifully thought-out and useful.

While Mario 3D Land does not deviate far from the Super Mario norm, it makes a few key additions to the franchise while still retaining a classic feel. Much like the Galaxy games, this title is colorful, fun, and well worth the money it costs. It is one of the chief reasons to own a 3DS and gives us a glimpse at what this gaming system can do.

I'm a big fan of the original Mario games—Super Mario World and Super Mario Bros. 3 are probably my favorites that I played as a kid. I recently bought a Nintendo 3DS and have been enjoying the nostalgia of playing platformer games and Pokémon. (College kid with a recent tax return = poor financial decisions, but so worth it.)

I particularly enjoyed this game. Mario has had other 3D games, most notably Mario 64. But that one is more of an adventure game and less of a platformer. This one has exactly the same sort of side-scrolling that is so familiar in the earlier Mario games, but now it uses eye-popping 3D graphics, an updated soundtrack (sometimes with guitar solos), and some newer characters. (I've never played as Boomerang Mario at least—it's a welcome addition to Mario's many special abilities.)

My only complaint is that it is sometimes a bit too easy. I finished the game with something like 60 extra lives—it's pretty standard to get 1 or 2 1Ups without trying, since coins are so plentiful (you get 2 coin bonuses at the end of every level, plus there are a lot throughout the level too), and there are usually a couple green mushrooms that are easy to find. But after you've finished the original game, you can play it on a more challenging mode in a parallel world, much like the star road in Super Mario World.

All in all, solid gameplay, a satisfying collection of new puzzles and familiar bad guys, and I love the nostalgic aspect of the classic elements of Mario games revamped into this gorgeous 3D adventure.

Simply put, this game is delightful. It's pure, blissful fun that hearkens back to the old school games while introducing thoughtful and interesting new elements. (I feel like a Nintendo PR person writing this, but just thinking about this game puts a smile on my face).

The game is divided up into worlds, each with a certain number of levels. You pass through a linear overworld and complete each level, earning up to three stars in each world. Completionists can also strive for one other accomplishment - I'll let you figure that one out when you play.

It's the little touches that make the game shine. The way you kill Bowser will bring back memories for many gamers (I'll leave it up to you to find out if you don't already know).

The 3D effect is well done and often makes for awe-inspiring scenery. When you fly downward or upward ("out of" or "into" the screen) you'll see why the 3D effect is both useful and entertaining. It can also be used to solve puzzles. While it can be nauseating, it's also a thrill for the times when you do have it on.

For those who got started with a 3DS with Pokemon X and Y, this is a great second game. You'll be thrilled with the allusions to Mario's past. And, more likely than not, you won't be able to put it down.

This game is awesome. Glad I’m able to rediscover such a great game in 50’s Nintendo has always been my go to for console gaming.

This is one of the best Mario games I have ever played! The 3D is amazing; the depth perception is what puts it over the top. The game itself it a lot of fun and you will see some 'shout-outs' to classic Mario games in some levels. The golden feather is my very helpful if you come to a challenging level. It will appear when you start a level, if you have died several times in a row.

After you have beaten the game, a Special World is activated so it is basically 2 worlds in 1 game. You were playing to rescue Princess Peach, but now Luigi is trapped. In the special world, you can play as Luigi or Mario, the levels are harder and there is no golden feather. Also, there are less power ups and beware of the poisonous mushrooms!

Another cool thing is the photo album. There is a 3D photo for each new world and you can always go back to the mushroom house in World 3 to save them to your 3DS or 3DS XL. Of course, this means you can graffiti, customize, and share.

I am still waiting for a current Mario game to have a Star World - that is the only thing that could have improved this game for me, otherwise, it is perfect! If you have a 3DS or 3DS XL, this is the game I recommend!

To old school gamers: I've played all of the old school Mario games like the original Mario Bros on NES, Super Mario 64, Mario Bros 3, the lost levels, Super Mario World, and others in that era. I haven't touched New Super Mario Bros or any of the new school stuff. So imagine my surprise when I played the first level of this game! With that in mind,

Pros:

-Wonderful gameplay captures the retro feeling of the old Mario games while introducing something new. I can't really explain it in words, but something about the gameplay is so retro, yet modern. This is definitely the best point of the game. It can appeal to both "old school" and "new school" gamers.

-The graphics are delightful, especially in 3D.

-Every element of the gameplay has clearly been tweaked, like in the old games. You can tell that the developers play-tested and made sure that every enemy, obstacle, and power-up is exactly where it should be.

Cons:

-Most of the stars are terribly easy to collect.

-The same stupid story. I know most people won't agree with me since it's a Mario game, but there is potential for so much more! And it's 2014 already; it's no excuse to cling to a story heavy with graphical limitations made in 1985. Traditional? Yes. Good? No.

Super Mario 3d Land is exactly what you get and, hours of fun for the child who receives it. I gave it as a gift and, he hasn't stopped playing it non stop. He had the game before in his other 3ds it, came with it but, had a tragic demise. He wanted this game back sooooooo much as he had fond memories of it and, it was well worth it. Didn't disappoint the child in question... nor me ;o)

entrega rápida e produto em otimo estado

Ist nicht für Deutsche Geräte spielbar

Le gustó mucho a mi hijo de 6 años, como es principiante creo que se le ha hecho fácil jugarlo

J’ai acheté ce jeu pour pouvoir y rejouer sur ma 3ds. Hélas la cartouche n’est pas détecté par ma 3ds, pourtant quand je mets un autre jeu cela fonctionne. Mais pas avec celui-ci reçu pourtant sous blister d’Amazon. Peut être un bug ou un défaut de fabrication ne dépensant pas d’Amazon.