Super Mario 3D Land is My Nintendo Guilty Pleasure

by

Fervent followers of Super Mario Bros. eagerly anticipate the upcoming Mario games, hoping they’ll retain or even boost the charm level. While Mario games have always been top-notch, the 3DS and Wii U periods arguably toned down his vibrancy. The New Super Mario Bros. series is frequently criticized for making the franchise feel repetitive due to frequent releases, a sentiment that also applies to Super Mario 3D Land and World.

With Odyssey and Wonder now available, fans are showing a bit more understanding towards the 3D World series. The Switch re-release, complete with quality-of-life improvements and an additional game mode called Bowser’s Fury, has certainly helped its case. Yet, I believe Super Mario 3D Land could also benefit from some of the attention that 3D World is receiving.

3D Land, though it came out in an era when Mario was becoming less vibrant (the “blandification” period), still possesses a unique appeal that neither 3D World nor Odyssey seem to have managed to encapsulate.

Initially, there’s an engaging plot development in this game that I find delightful. In the storyline, Mario and his companions stumble upon a letter, which discloses that Bowser has kidnapped Princess Peach for the one hundredth time. As the journey unfolds, Bowser transmits additional letters indicating Peach’s growing anxiety and distress as his captive. While it’s not a sophisticated narrative, receiving photos of a relatively benign form of torment from the antagonist adds an enjoyable twist to the story.

Absolutely, you don’t engage with Super Mario 3D Land for its narrative, but rather for the delightful platforming gameplay it offers. Being the first true 3D game to leverage Mario’s 2D abilities, it provides a satisfying experience when firing fireballs, tossing boomerangs, and even floating using the Kanooki Tail. Each power-up in the game has its distinct character, yet they are not mandatory, allowing players to choose their preferred powers and play in their unique style.

3D Land appeals to me for several reasons, one being that many of its stages are concise and not overly challenging. As a gamer in my late 30s, it’s delightful to find games that provide quick, enjoyable platforming experiences. The game’s vibrant levels, which I can easily navigate as Mario and Luigi (who is unlocked upon completing the game), offer an engaging way to pass time.

As a devoted fan, I must admit that while Super Mario 3D Land offers top-notch gameplay, immersive graphics, and solid level designs, it falls short in terms of originality compared to games like Galaxy, Odyssey, or Sunshine. Unlike those titles, there isn’t a unifying theme in this one, which can leave players craving more innovation. It feels as though the developers simply aimed for a basic Mario experience, and while that might make for a familiar and comfortable gaming experience, it may disappoint those seeking a touch of creativity in their platforming adventures.

As a gamer, I’ve gotta admit, Super Mario 3D Land is my secret indulgence. Despite being praised back then, it’s often seen as a game that doesn’t push boundaries, more like an enjoyable outing starring Nintendo’s famous mascot. It’s a blast to play, and I think it deserves a remake for modern consoles. But let’s face it, there’s nothing groundbreaking or innovative about it in terms of gameplay or design.

Read More

2025-04-23 18:42