Super Mario 3D Land Member Review for the 3DS

Just tonight, I completed the main portion of this game, and I would have to say that I was not disappointed.  Before this particular jewel came into my possession, however, I was under the impression that the game was "too easy" for the gamer generation of my time.  Well, as a gamer who was born and raised on the Regular Nintendo, for whoever may read this humble review, I for one know once again that sometimes you just have to play the game yourself if you "really" want to know it.



Now, don't get me wrong, I love Game Revolution's reviews.  I probably should've came to them first, as always, but enough about me.  Onto the review!

The first thing I noticed about this game was the fact that everything, of course, was in 3D.  Now, I'm not big on Nintendo games.  I never stepped beyond the Super Nintendo as far as personal consoles go, so playing Mario guys in three dimensions was somewhat of a large step for me.  Every Mario game since Mario 64, to me, always handled funny in my hands, but not this game.  Maybe it is the 3DS controls that makes it so simple, or maybe it is the fact that there really isn't "much" in each world and that the fact that it is so direct and linear draws me to it.  



The fact of the matter is, it works.  Not having to wonder the ENTIRE zone for secrets is something that I've desired for a long time.  Just 3 coins?  I can find those!  Just a hop here and a spin there, and there you have it: This game tells me that it isn't about perfectionists, but about platforming and the experience.  And let me tell you what, there are some fun levels!  From climbing poles, bouncing, to getting launched out of a cannon, you'll never feel like you've played the same level before.  Everything is different, each time.

The retro extras that were tossed into this experience were welcome as well.  It is always nice to know that Nintendo remembers it's fanbase, and rewards them for their loyalty to the genre.  Thank you Nintendo, and you're welcome!



The only problem, the ONLY one, to me, is the fact that when you are getting your butt whooped, Nintendo has decided to throw at God-mode Tanooki suit so that you can just skip and hop your way through the level unphased.  Now, as a gamer, maybe I am just biased and stuck on the "old school" way of thinking, but I don't necessarily believe you should be given a pass.  If you want to take actual "pride" in a completed level, as well as the honor bestowed upon you for overcoming the challenge, I would strongly recommend to avoid it.  To me, it doesn't make it any fun to destroy the challenge of a level, just because you can't pass it.  Challenge builds character, and after 20 years of gaming, I'd like to think I'm quite a character!

In summary, this game is worth the buy.  Whether it is for your kid who is the apprentice gamer in the family, or for the pappy who is seasoned and well versed in all genres of games, you need to pick it up.  It is family friendly, as well as girlfriend friendly.  Try it today!