Alchmstlva reviews Super Mario 3D Land (3DS)

Story: Ok, if you can't fathom a guess about the plot of this game, you have not played enough Mario games. Bowser has kidnapped princess Peach (AGAIN) and now it's up to Mario to save her (AGAIN).

Gameplay: Super Mario 3D Land has some of the most superb 3D platforming in videogame history (At least in my opinion). Over the course of the game, you will cross 8 different worlds (16 if you count the bonus worlds) all of which have 5 or 6 levels apiece totaling up to 96 levels. Throughout your adventure, you will have to jump, run, kick and float across these levels in order to catch up with the princess. There are also items which give you special abilities, like the Tanooki Suit (from Super Mario Bros. 3) which allows you to swing your tail and glide down allowing you longer jumps and slower descents. Also, the boomerang flower lets you (You guessed it) throw boomerangs that damage enemies and collect coins. Along with these items, three star coins are scattered around each level which you can collect to unlock areas further on in the game.

Style: Super Mario 3D Land is GORGEOUS. This is one game where I would advise you to play with the 3D on because your experience will be much richer for it. The environments look amazing and the 3D makes them really pop. Each of the themed stages looks magnificent in 3D with many different effects that will leave you impressed. The music is impressive, like always and the sound effects are pleasing in all the right ways.

Verdict: A must-buy game if you own a Nintendo 3DS. While the story is virtually nonexistent, the gameplay and style MORE than make up it. This game managed to bump Mario 64 from my top favorite 3D Mario games, which is saying something.