Super Mario 3D World is the perfect game for the holidays and will allow families to come together while enjoying one of the best Nintendo games yet. The first thing that players will notice in Super Mario 3D World is its bright, vibrant graphics that seem to pop right off the screen in a colorful world full of intricate detail. The maps and worlds in Super Mario 3D World have been completely redesigned, and now allow gamers to walk freely around the world instead of being limited by a single path. The soundtrack and voice acting is spot on and presents the perfect mood for enjoying the game to its fullest potential.
Nintendo has went all out this time by offering unique new concepts in gameplay that manage to keep Super Mario 3D World fresh and entertaining. Players start out by choosing their character from the beloved list of Nintendo favorites that includes Mario, Luigi, Toad, and Princess Peach which are all playable from the start. However, as you complete more worlds, you will unlock Rosalina alongside the ability to play as Captain Toad in "The Adventures of Captain Toad" level. Gamers can either play the game alone or team up with three other players to take the game to the next level.
The story for Super Mario 3D World involves Princess Peach, Toad, Mario and Luigi happening upon a clear pipe that the plumbers fix. After fixing this pipe, several items come out including a green Sprixie Princess that tells our characters that Bowser has captured six of her other Sprixie Princesses and needs their help. Before she can finish, Bowser comes out of the pipe and captures the little Princess as well. Peach falls down the pipe trying to save the little Sprixie and the rest soon follow with them all ending up in the Sprixie Kingdom. Super Mario 3D World entails an interesting and cleverly written storyline that fully immerses the player into the beautiful 3D world.
Gameplay in Super Mario 3D World is similar to Super Mario 3D Land and Super Mario World. The worlds are reminiscent to previous 2D side- scrolling titles but with beautiful 3D visuals. The game contains bricks to smash, coins to collect, and even the classic green pole that ends the level. Super Mario 3D World is almost a reimagining of past Mario games that has been improved upon with next-gen technology to produce an overall better product and experience. However, some things have changed, which includes new green stars and stamps to collect, a new scoring system, and more puzzles that include certain power-ups and items to succeed. One downfall of the game is that due to the 3D effects, it is sometimes more difficult to get down the pipes quickly or hit certain blocks, which can lead to certain death or taking more time than you need to. The 3D shadowing creates an illusion that can make it hard to see where you really need to go, because you will think you are hitting the right area just to completely miss it.
While many of the levels may seem like things we have saw before, they still manage to maintain a new degree of inventiveness and fun. Players will be able to hop aboard a dinosaur or sea-monster type creature to make their way across the rapids or even venture across a carnival-themed level full of puzzling action. Each level has been designed in such a manner that the game never becomes repetitive or boring. Players can utilize specific characters for each type of level such as Princess Peach's ability to float in mid-air or Luigi's powerful high jump. Controls are tight and responsive in Super Mario 3D World which creates more precise gameplay when solving complex puzzles across the game's six main worlds, Bowser and Castle worlds, and the four bonus worlds.
Super Mario 3D World features all of the beloved power-ups such as the Super Leaf, Fire Flower and Mushroom. However, players are now treated to new power-ups like the Cat Bell. This new power-up lets players step into the cuddly Cat Suite and gives them all of the abilities of a feline. Gamers can now climb up walls, claw incoming enemies and make their way to the top of tall trees or flagpoles. There is also the new clone power-up that will make multiple versions of your character.
CLOSING COMMENTS
In the end, Super Mario 3D World is one of the best games released on Nintendo Wii U so far. The game takes everything fans loved from the Super Mario series and combines it with all the benefits of next-gen technology. Super Mario 3D World features suburb graphics, an outstanding soundtrack, tight controls and a great storyline. The gameplay manages to create an immersive experience that can be enjoyed with up to three friends for even more fun and replayability. However, the 3D visuals can create some difficulty in traveling down pipes and hitting blocks since the shadowing can be rather deceptive on some levels. If you are looking for a great new game to bring in the New Year with a few friends then look no further then Super Mario 3D World!
Super Mario 3D World is now available for Nintendo Wii U and can be purchased for the MSRP of $59.99. Super Mario 3D World is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB. For more information on the game, check out the official Super Mario 3D World website.
Game Features:
- Single Player
- Multiplayer- Up to 4 Players
- DLC Support
- Trophy/Achievement Support
Game Information:
Developer & Publisher: Nintendo
Available for Nintendo Wii U (reviewed)
Release Date: November 22, 2013
Pros:
- Fun multiplayer options
- Cleverly designed levels and worlds
- Superb graphics, sound and gameplay
- 3D visuals and shadowing can create
frustrations during gameplay