You don’t need me telling you how 2020 was a challenging year, but for dedicated Super Mario fans there were small comforts to be found. After months of rumours, Nintendo celebrated the series’ 35th anniversary in dramatic fashion and this brought about no end of content. Before that, even, Super Mario Maker 2 got a huge update in April that added a World Maker, and 3D All-Stars brought us 64, Sunshine and Galaxy onto the Switch in a singular package. Heck, we even got a battle royale game in Super Mario Bros. 35 for some reason, and that doesn’t even account for the spin-offs games.
Even if the last two games are supposedly only available until March 31st — a fact that’s caused no end of controversy — the celebrations aren’t yet over. Whilst fans have continued to ponder Galaxy 2’s exclusion from 3D All-Stars (something we’ve got a few theories on), Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is releasing on Switch next month, joining that ever-expanding line-up of Wii U ports. Amidst these anniversary plans, most 3D entries are getting some renewed love from Nintendo, but 3D World’s predecessor has been left in the dark a little, and it scored relatively low in our poll of which remasters you'd like to see on Switch in June last year. For many players, it seems, it barely registered.
For those who might not keep up with every instalment in the plumber's canon, that game was Super Mario 3D Land, a curious entry in Super Mario’s history which launched on 3DS back in 2011. Taking its name from the Super Mario Land sub-series, 3D Land became the first original 3D Super Mario game for a handheld console (excluding 64’s DS remake), retaining the basic gameplay with a classical twist.
Alongside Galaxy 2, it’s also one of the last 3D entries not to make it to Switch so far. Sure, 3D Land received mention during the 35th Anniversary montage, which is more than our spacefaring sequel got, but this exclusion garnered far less attention from devoted fans. We’d argue this is a game worth revisiting on Switch as quite simply, it’s one of a kind.
Like many platforming mascots in the ’90s, Mario made the transition from 2D to 3D gameplay and Super Mario 64 remains an iconic game to this day, laying out the groundwork for future entries. Launched in 1996, the series didn’t return to its 2D roots for another decade until New Super Mario Bros released on DS. Since then, we’ve witnessed a variety of 2D/3D entries that run parallel to each other. 3D Land lies somewhere in between and Shigeru Miyamoto summed it up best: it’s a “3D Mario that plays like a 2D Mario game” and that much is evident as soon as you dive in.
Shigeru Miyamoto summed it up best: it’s a “3D Mario that plays like a 2D Mario game” and that much is evident as soon as you dive in.
3D Land’s basic plot doesn’t tread too far from the beaten path. Quite literally beginning on a dark and stormy night, we find a storm raging near Peach’s Castle, one that blows all the Super Leaves off the nearby Tail Tree into the distance. Discovering this the next morning, Mario soon receives a flying letter that shows Princess Peach has once again been kidnapped by Bowser and adding to it, he’s stolen the Super Leaves too. Supplying them to his minions to give them Tanooki powers, it was down to us to stop him once more.
Featuring eight new worlds, 3D Land took numerous cues from the 8-bit entries, specifically Super Mario Bros. 3, and that went beyond the return of Tanooki Mario. Boss fights capped each world, some of which took us to Bowser’s castle and in similar fashion to Super Mario Bros., required hitting a switch that threw him into the lava beneath. Others took us back to the old airship setting and whilst you won’t find any Koopalings here, these were occupied by Bowser’s loyal minion Boom Boom, alongside his new female equivalent Pom Pom.
It wasn’t too challenging and can be completed fairly quickly but beating the game unlocked bonus worlds with increased difficulty. Timed stages were also brought back, something 3D entries had ditched, and the iconic flagpole was once again waiting for us. Though 3D Land leaned into those early entries considerably, it represented elements from each Super Mario game and, in some respects, came across like a “Best of Mario” game.
Despite this, it still felt fresh and we thought it made for an excellent game, albeit one that plays things a little safe. With a name like '3D Land', you won’t be surprised to hear that it made use of the console’s 3D effect too, though some puzzles felt rather gimmicky as a result, an issue which numerous critics took aim at. Having recently replayed it, we’d say that criticism still holds up but there remains a lot to love about 3D Land.
It set out a formula which Super Mario 3D World successfully built upon back in 2013 on Wii U. Working as a direct, expanded sequel, it sought to further unify fans of both 2D and 3D titles and offered more than an HD coat of paint. Carrying over numerous elements of 3D Land like the Super Leaves, returning enemies and even a remixed soundtrack, 3D World took on a life of its own. With a greater focus on Cat abilities than your Tanooki powers, it featured a fully co-operative local multiplayer for four players, an area which previous games offered minimal support for. With the Switch port adding online multiplayer and improved performance, this premise is receiving greater refinement and we’ve got plenty to look forward to in a few weeks from now.
Considering how much love Super Mario got on Switch last year, there’s never been a better time to bring back 3D Land. Sure, there’s a few gameplay elements that’d need reworking but if Nintendo could pull it off with Galaxy, they could do so again here. It isn’t perfect by any means, but it remains a near-unique experience in Mario’s history, one which feels significantly underappreciated compared to its peers. This is one adventure that deserves a second chance in the spotlight.
- Further reading: Every 3D Super Mario Game Ranked
Comments 137
This is oft forgotten? It was the reason 3DS was successful in the first place.
I firmly believe that the price cut, along with the holiday releases of this game and Mario Kart 7, is what saved the 3DS.
I loved this game a lot. Ideally this is what I like from a 3D Mario. Can't wait to try World next month
It was a good game albeit a safe one. I wouldn’t call it overlooked in the slightest though, this and Mario Kart pretty much saved the 3DS.
I enjoyed this more than world.
I don't understand how this could be called "forgotten".
3D Land was ruined because it's too easy, but otherwise it's a good game
@Isaix the special worlds were a good level of challenge
It'd be so cool if the 3D Land levels were added into the upcoming Switch release of 3D World as bonus post-game content. Though I know that won't be the case. Excited to see what the heck Bowser's Fury is all about though.
This isn't forgotten, dudes. Just because it hasn't been a new title for 9 years doesn't make it a Myan temple or something
Absolutely obsessed over this game when I was 14! Very easy but endlessly fun and surprisingly replayable. It sure did play it safe, but it was a great time even so!
@brandonbwii Well, that and MK7 which released just a few weeks after SM3DL
This game wasn't all that special in my eyes and that's why I personally don't really think of it very often.
Also speaking of forgotten. It being called Super Mario (3D) LAND is a missed opportunity to bring Daisy back somehow into the main games.
Should be HD res up scaled and included with the 3D World/Bowser’s Fury package.
I enjoyed 3D Land's final boss a lot more than 3D World's final boss.
Way more impactful than 3D world. It was great to finally have a good 3D Mario game on a handheld. It felt like a mini Mario galaxy at the time
When you play the Bowser platform levels of Super Mario 64 (Bowser In The Dark World etc) you can really see the origins of Mario 3D Land. I was surprised at how similar those levels felt to 3D Land when re-playing Mario 64 in 3D All-Stars.
I loved this game and it was the reason I would get 3D World when it came out. I would have loved to have seen 3D Land get a Switch port.
Love this game. Final bowser battle was great and all this on a handheld.
3D Land and World are my favourite Mario games of all time. They mix the best of the 2D and 3D games perfectly.
I loved this game. Prefer it to 3DW. The smaller levels are great for this style.
Oft forgotten? It’s mentioned in nearly every Mario article, in the comments.
@Krambo42 I too, prefer Land to World. I found World to be too gimmicky, trying to wow us with fancy stuff, and Land felt like a Mario game.
Land had tighter levels (and I think that benefits "level based" platformers immensely). World added FANTASTIC multi-player with a variety of characters that really gave the game longevity... but the levels lacked the tight focus of Land.
Both are essential. Would love an HD re-release of Land down the road (maybe a launch title on the Switch's successor).
So easy to 100% I remember completing it and thought there must be something else to do surely 😆 loved the game though
I didn't like this game very much. But to be fair I played 3D World before it and it just felt like a poor mans version of 3D World.
Agree. It's a game people don't talk as much as they should.
It's an excellent game and an excellent display of 3DS's features, and if you want to 100% it (I still have to beat the unlockable rather hard and checkpointless last stage), you're in for a challenge.
I fell in love with it the moment they presented it well before the release of the 3DS itself.
I honestly wouldn't ask nothing more of it.
A truly outstanding game and such a wonder to play.
I enjoyed this game so much that I 100% it which is rare for me to do. It was my most played 3DS games. Sadly I don't have it anymore as I ended up trading it in a few years ago. I wish they would port this game to the Switch but probably unlike since they are giving us 3D World.
Launched the same day as skyward sword if I remember. A great game that most fans would say was a bit easy but I loved it for that. Another 3ds classic xxx
Terrible take by NintendoLife. Game isn't exactly a forgotten feature (12.7 million copies is not "oft-forgotten"), it's considered by many to be the game that truly launched the 3DS into popularity (that and Mario Kart 3DS). Most discussions of 3D World include the fact it is a sequel to 3D Land, bringing it further attention. This site tends to push this whole "Wii U needs more attention, we barely gave it a look when it was there", as though somehow a Nintendo-based site would deliberately ignore the primary console. No need for the clickbait.
One of the best games on the 3DS.
Instead of mass commenting "oft forgotten?! Reason 3DS is successful!" Why not talk about the article?
As I understand the article, the other 3D mario games and especially 3D world are often looked at more, for they are objectively bigger and better. Compared to galaxy 2, Most people don't even care this wasn't added in the the 3D all stars collection.
@Eddyson They're definitely not objectively better. I prefer 3D Land and 3D World over other 3D Marios by a huge margin.
I actually preferred this game to 3D World, I think it was because the stereoscopic 3DS screen helped me to gauge the depth of things. With 3D World I was constantly missing what I was trying to jump on because the camera was so far out (presumably to accommodate the multiplayer aspect).
Probably more an eyesight issue on my part than 3D World’s fault but I’m hoping the 3D World remaster comes with more control over the camera. That would definitely encourage me to double dip.
They should've added 3D Land to 3D World for the Switch release.
Have this gem on my 3DS, great game, great use of 3D.
I replay 3D Land often. It's my favorite 3DS game. I can't imagine playing it without the 3D effect, so I don't know how I would feel about a remake. The whole game revolved around stereoscopic 3D. It's still a joy to play and I would honestly rank it a little higher than 3D World. It looks great with the New 3DS super stable 3D. This article makes me want to play through it again.
Finally played this last year and thoroughly enjoyed it and managed to finish even the final level after about an hour or so of trying. Looking forward to playing 3D World on the Switch after only half finishing 3D World on Wii U. The Switch ports haven't given me reason to unpack my Wii U and play again. Been in a box since I moved 3.5 years ago.
3D World is a way better game in general (and added multiplayer!), but this game set the standard. It's like what NSMB was to NSMB Wii.
Love both Land and World, definitely a great way to mix 2D Marios with the 3D ones.
@sleepinglion You hit the nail on the head and got a huge laugh!
Skipped the game initially when it came out but bought it some time later while I was on a vacation with my family and absolutely loved it. I remember playing it at the hotel after we came back from our walk. I actually liked 3D Land more than 3D World.
If you run this game in 4K via a 3DS emulator then my opinion is you can see it's still arguably the best 3D representation/realization of the whole Mario universe to date that really captures the look and feel of the old 2D Mario games and promotional illustration art brilliantly:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJmo9_YrGO0&t=122s&ab_channel=RiazorMC
And it really does look gorgeous and hold up stunningly well when output in HD.
I've always said and thought this game was one of the purest Mario platforming experiences there is - and a whole bunch of fun. Just good good platforming without too many gimmicks.
The only strike against it is that 'Cosmic Clone' Mario can **** right off – but that's not an exclusive problem to this game. Cosmic Clone's just a ****** – that's all.
But generally I really think it's one of Mario's finest outings - and not the second-fiddle title many seem to suggest. It's a very very fine game.
Liked 3D Land a lot, especially with the challenge of the extra levels. I love the more linear Mario efforts (though I've come to appreciate the more open/sandbox-style ones with Odyssey and 3D All-Stars). That said, I think 3D World is just so, so creative. It really keeps you guessing and smiling throughout. Both great games!
One of my favorite games, the first game I ever 100%ed. It's why I'm so excited for the Switch port of 3D World. After playing Odyssey though and revisiting this game the movement felt incredibly limiting, so if they ever port it they need to smooth all of that out, similar to the rumors that the 3D World port is getting more Odyssey-style movement. It's a fantastic game though, 3D Mario is life XD
Also, someone above mentioned the final boss sequence of this game, and holy darn... It's probably my favorite ending sequence of any game I've played, definitely my top 'final boss fight'.
Having played this game again last week I can safely say that it is a good one but albeit it was a 3D tech demo of what could be achieved in terms of gameplay with the effect. That made the game suffer because it made it too easy... creative, but nonetheless easy AND short. I mean, you could skip 3/4 of the levels with the tanooki suit. (Just like SMB3)
Everything else was perfected with 3D World. Length of the levels, difficulty and overall fun.
@brunojenso - Oh that's what it's called? I always referred to it as 'Evil Mario'. And yes, I agree with your opinion on it exactly, it was... annoying as heck. Especially when combined with a 30 second only level, holy darn... This entire article is bringing back memories I'm not sure I wanted to keep XD
I loved this game but I couldn't bring myself to play it again. I got it when it came out, beat it in a day and never touched it again. I wish I could play through it again but I just can't.
3D LAND is the best handheld 3D Mario game. The true successor to SM3. For me it is better than 3D WORLD and ODYSSEY. Every level is perfect and the pacing is fantastic. Also, it makes good use of the system's 3D capabilities. Very underrated.
3D Land is one of my favorite Mario games. What it lacks in new ideas, it makes up for in some really good platforming, some of the best in the series.
Bro Forgotten, I'm pretty sure Its why alot of people got the 3ds, its like saying mario kart 7 is FORGOTTEN.
@Northwind Your not alone I never played 3d world but 100% 3d land.
I feel like most people weren't huge fans of this game when it came out but I myself loved and played it to full completion 3 times, this game is excellent and the 3D just made it that much better, this is the game where we got the glorious return on Tanooki Mario and that alone sold it for me. Such an underrated game.
I'm a fan of this game. A great challenge and lots of fun!
This is either my favorite or second favorite Mario game, depending on when you ask me. I'm hype for 3d World which I have yet to play.
Always found this one to be pretty overrated. Unremarkable blocky levels, with half of them being lazy rehashes, boring bosses and an undercooked 3d gimmick.
I purchased 3D Land when it came out and was pretty disappointed with it. I found it clunky and too zoomed in (although understandable considering the 3DS screen size). So when they announced 3D World I was pretty underwhelmed.
However when I played 3D World, I found they couldn’t be more different. 3D World is so fluid and full of great ideas. Probably the most ‘funnest’ Mario game since Galaxy - and on retrospective I’d say 3D World is the best Mario yet!
I preferred 3D Land to 3D World. The more players that levels have to be designed for in Super Mario games, the more I feel a disconnect when I play through those levels. 3D World, NSMB Wii and NSMB U I generally consider the worst of the bunch. I like that 3D World is getting new life on the Switch, as I think it kind of needs it and I'm a little interested in giving the game another chance away from the Wii U. It would have been great to see 3D Land brought to the Switch, but I think it has a perfect home on the 3DS. Besides the media features and maybe convenience, I think that port would be a downgrade. It's a well crafted platforming adventure for handheld play.
I'd say it's a far better game than 3D World and made far more sense to be that type of game. 3D World just copied it and added co-op, essentially, which was kinda lame.
I loved this game. Liked it more than World. It had a certain brilliant simplicity that can’t be overstated. I beat it at 100% which I rarely do in video games.
It'll be a while before I binge up to it, but I've already got a gold point discount ticking until February, and I hope to make use of it in a couple of weeks.
By the way, wasn't it Yoshi's Island that first removed stage time limits from the flagships? I've been consequently enjoying it more than SMW, as a game that actually gives you room to explore every stage's secrets at your own pace if you so wish. But despite the timer's reported comeback, I sure do look forward to 3D Land, too.
That said, its presence on a very portable and still purchase-friendly console means I'd rank it low on a Switch remaster wishlist, too. I'd rather keep my fingers crossed for a Galaxy 2 followup (I really don't look forward to the prospect of emulating a Wiimote with a mouse) or NSMB Wii. These two would effectively mark the availability of the entire Mario flagship availability in legit portable formats, wouldn't they?
3D World only had more people talking about it, but more people played 3D Land. It's safe to say that 3D Land wasn't forgotten; 3D World just happened to be one of the best Wii U games before Breath of the Wild came around.
It was pretty awesome to see something like this in a handheld. I remember seeing the 3ds at Walmart and was so impressed with the graphics. Now it seems dated. What will things look like in 2030?
It's definitely the worst 3D Mario Game. I enjoyed it to some extent when it came out, but I was mainly just happy for a decent 3DS exclusive. Definitely not one I'd ever go back.
3D World on the other hand, can't wait to play through that again.
I adore 3d land but without the use of the 3d effect it loses its magic.
Honestly prefer 3D Land to 3D World when comparing the original releases. To me, 3D World really was not the Mario game I had in mind when I was purchasing the Wii U. 3D Land however had the novelty of being the first portable 3D Mario, so that was really cool.
Also the Zelda inspired level was pretty fun.
Super Mario 3D Land is an excellent game. It was my first 3DS game in fact, though it wasn't my main incentive; that honor goes to Ocarina of Time 3D as I hadn't played it at the time. It was fun, refreshing, made excellent use of the 3D, and the bonus levels were very challenging.
I'd love to see ported at some point. I also liked 3D World, but overall I prefer this earlier game.
I loved playing this when I was younger.
I played it on 2DS and don't feel I missed anything by not having the 3D effect. Agreed, get it upgraded to HD and release it on the Switch with a few QoL improvements. I'd play it again. Should be bundled with another game though. Super Mario 3D All Stars 2, with this and Galaxy 2?
I dug it. Luigi going kitsune instead of tanuki was also unique.
@brunojenso cosmic clones my strongest memory of this excellent game. Made for some very tense levels.
The cosmic clone is also the bit I remember most about Captain Toad Treasure Tracker. I hate those guys, but without doubt they do help add tension to a game.
Still my favorite 3D Mario game.
I never understood why they didn't do a sequel to this. On the 3DS I mean.
For some reason this is the only mainline 3D Mario game I do not like and I don't even know why.
Tried to play this game again and again and I just never had fun with it....
I absolutely loved 3D World on the Wii U though, so I really don't get it myself.
@Kirgo I’m the opposite, I liked 3D Land but kinda hated 3D World. Dunno why.
I dont see the point in putting 3D land and 3D world on switch. World was a similar idea to Land without 3Ds limitations. I would argue, that glasses free 3D makes Land better to play on 3Ds anyway. I'm sure some 100% completionists would disagree, but this is my opinion.
Hotel Mario and Mario Fun With Numbers are forgotten. Mario 3D Land was merely a very fun game that doesn’t belong on any Best Mario Game list.
@Snatcher yes Super Mario 3D Land was the reason i bought my 3DS.
Super Mario 3D Land forgotten?how Super Mario 3D Land can be forgotten if this game togheter with Mario Kart 7 saved the 3DS?
@rockodoodle virtual reality Mario in 2030? maybe?
It might be my all-time favorite Mario and the first non-sidescrolling mario I truly liked.
My hope is that the isometric style Mario games get another instalment before long. They really bring around those who prefer the SMB style
Great article. About @#&$ time this game gets a recent article and some more respect. All this nonsense about 3ds being dead and obsolete. Most have no idea what made it great to begin with, and it sure as @#$& wasn't animal crossing. 3ds even had an exclusive resident evil: revelations that was so good it was ported to PlayStation 3. When is the last time ANY Nintendo exclusive was ported to PS? All these great milestones forgotten. Glad somebody at nintendolife remembers what made the Switch possible to begin with
One of the reasons you bought a 3DS, IMO, along with the Zelda remasters. Not forgotten by me.
Honestly this game is incredible. It's just so fun. When I did it for my marathon back in about October, it was probably my second most fun game after Galaxy 2. 100%ed the whole thing that one weekend. I absolutely love this game. I hate to say it, but when I replayed 3D World, I wasn't having nearly as much fun.
Unpopular opinion: 3D Land/World felt more like what a 3D version of 2D Mario should be.
Mario 64 never felt like a Mario game. It was too radically different in terms of gameplay. Not that it wasn't revolutionary. Just that it didn't feel like "A Mario game in 3D." More like a 3D game featuring Mario
Lots of folks are overanalyzing the title of the article.
No one thinks 3D Land has been literally forgotten. It's just a game easily overlooked and didn't leave a big impact (despite being the 3DS' first big killer app), probably because it was bested by 3D World almost immediately.
3D land is great. I played it first on my New 2DS XL a few years ago, but 4-5 months back I found someone selling a brand new New 3DS XL that I bought because I felt I had to experience it in stereoscopic 3D and I was glad I did. It definitely makes good use of the 3D. I haven’t played 3D World, but I am looking forward to getting it February 12th.
Great game and great example of using the 3D effect. This game and Zelda link between worlds to me were the best use of the 3D effect for the 3ds.
Great Memories of this game, came out the day my daughter was born 18/11/2011 in the UK, when I got home from hospital I was buzzing still, ended up playing this in bed @ 3am as I couldn’t sleep.
Great game, tons of content. One of the best on 3DS and (imo) much better than the "New" Mario game entries.
Replayed this in one sitting. It's a great time
This game sold 13 million copies, making it one of the most successful games on the 3DS, compared to 3D World on Wii U’s 5 million. This game was never forgotten, it was embraced wholeheartedly.
@Ganner Thanks, amigo! Articles that consider 10 year-old things as forgotten or ancient are likely gamers who were themselves 10 years old 10 years ago
@mr_me450, @dronesplitter, @Giancarlothomaz, @TheLightSpirit, @Snatcher, @Eddyson, @DarkTron, @SimoneBelmont, @Steel76, @sleepinglion, @lighteningbolt79, @nessisonett, @brandonbwii, and anyone else who has, or will, question 3D Land being "Forgotten"
I think the reason the article said that 3D Land is forgotten is that:
1. Almost no one (outside of this comment section) mentions
3D Land as their favorite 3D Mario game, even though they will mention 3D World as their favorite. 🤔
2. Even though 3D Land partly "saved" the 3DS, people (even in this comment section) seem to dismiss 3D Land and just talk about 3D World, (or just pretend that 3D Land doesn't exist as a "true" Mario game), or just talk about it in general, but go into "Praise the Sun" mode when they talk about 3D World. 🤔
3. If the Wii U had sold more (i.e. like 3 - 4 times more) 3D World probably would have outsold 3D Land "in a heartbeat". 🤔
I hope this helps you guys understand why Nintendo Life called
3D Land "Forgotten".
@Steel76
I'm also with you on that (regarding the Switch port portion), even though I haven't played 3D Land.
@sleepinglion Ironically, I was quite literally 10 years old 10 years ago. I still wouldn’t say that 3D Land was some sort of hidden gem.
I greatly preferred 3D Land over 3D World, it was a much better game IMO. Same way I feel about New Super Mario Bros (DS) vs New SMB Wii(U). It think the portable versions were better because they were always focused on being single player games, while the console sequels went for a whole multiplayer thing.
Though a technical marvel at the time (and arguably still is) I did find 3D Land to be rather forgettable, though I wish that they had included it alongside 3D World.
It's definitely worth playing, and had the trademark Nintendo polish of yesteryear (back when Version 1.0s were Version 1.0s) but my memories of it are virtually nonexistent, even though I had completed it twice. Similarly, New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe felt "fresh" as most of the levels evaporated from my longterm memory, and while a great, plays it far too safe to be memorable.
3D World was a far more memorable and enjoyable experience and is perhaps my most anticipated Wii U port of all (Mario Kart 8 would have been a close second). I hadn't completed all of the post-campaign expert levels though.
@nessisonett Right on, amigo! Please excuse my generalization.
@SM3DASislit Good points. I enjoyed 3D Land, much more than I have any of the "New SMB" titles. I hope some of these 3DS gems are remastered in HD someday, they're stellar titles
@Clyde_Radcliffe that and the "secret of" stages from Sunshine were the 3D Land template. I could go for more of that. But honestly, I've never been disappointed by any Mario game.
@SM3DASislit
1. People not citing 3D land as their ‘favourite’ Mario game does not mean it has been forgotten.
2. People talk about 3D World because there is buzz about the title being released and because it’s one of the few Wii U exclusives not to get a Switch port yet. This also has nothing to do with 3D Land being forgotten; there’s just less reason to be talking about it right now.
3. Of course 3D World would have sold more copies if the Wii U had sold more consoles, just as 3D Land would have sold more copies if the 3DS was even more successful. The attach rate remains is still very high for both though, with about 1 in 5 3DS owners picking up 3D Land.
best feature of Super Mario 3D Land...the 3D! for the few that actually used the 3D feature on the 3DS would agree. this game was built from the ground up as a showcase for the 3DS! brilliant!
@SM3DASislit 3D Land is my favorite.
Erm i think you will find that the guy who wrote this article is the forgotten one, not this game
This game and Oddysey have the best final Bowser fights in the series!
it was so revolutionary it makes any other platformer played on a 2d screen so difficult. On Odyssey for example, there were so many times I'd struggle to judge distance and drops etc, or where mario would need to be to hit a block above his head etc. Likewise, Astrobot on PSVR takes that to a whole new level. You can traverse the world with ease like a ninja, never guessing how far to jump or fall etc. Hopefully we one day see a return on the 3D screen on the next Switch as an option for those that want it!
Amazing game. Better than 3D World by far.
This and Odyssey tie as the best Mario platformer for me whether 2D or 3D.
I recently played through Galaxy and Sunshine for the first time and while Galaxy in particular was great, it was at times missing the focus and distilled joy that 3D Land provides. Like others have said, the stereoscopic 3D removes the frustrations that crop up in other 3D platform games too.
I'd say that it's close to perfection and got me back into loving Nintendo again after over a decades hiatus.
@KoopaTheGamer I meant objectively bigger and (not objectively but subjectively) better. Atleast that's what I meant.
I remember it because it was the one of the two that I actually played all the way through.
3D World really struggled to keep me interested, and I don't think I even finished the first world.
Oh no, I am now scared. I played and loved 3d Land on my 3ds.
But, as someone who missed the WiiU, I was so excited to try 3D World. I preordered it some time ago.
But, from the comments here, I may be in for a let down when I get the game. Well, maybe Bowsers Fury will add some good stuff.
Either way, I am looking forward to playing World, it just looks so good.
@SM3DASislit i see thanks for the explanation, i like Super Mario 3D Land, but i like more the more exploratory/sandbox Mario games like Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Odyssey, i don't like how restriced Super Mario 3D Land is, in fact Super Mario 3D Land and Sunshine are my least favorite 3D Mario game.
So much fun!
And a nice 3D effect 🙂
@Dethmunk Great, thank you!
-System can display 3D
-Puzzles use 3D
-It's a GiMmIcK!!1!
-xoxo every review outlet
forgotten ?? considering that 3D world sold 5million units and 3D Land 13million units......
@SM3DASislit I don’t think too many people go into Praise the Sun mode when it comes to 3D World. People find it more of a slump than anything. I personally find it to be an excellent side game, but a highly flawed “core” Mario title. Much better than Sunshine but that’s about it.
@Giancarlothomaz we probably get a handheld capable of Xbox one/ ps4 graphics and handling. That would be pretty cool. Idk about VR. Maybe Nintendo makes VR popular?
I remember being really disappointed at how easy this game was...until I finished it and got the harder version of the levels, which are significantly more challenging. That's when the real fun started. I'm glad I didn't skip it.
Also, IMO this game has the most epic Bowser confrontation in all the Mario games, 3D or otherwise.
@Octorok385 I love the 3D effect, and I love every single so called "gimmick" Nintendo makes, but even I have to admit the 3D puzzles in this game are gimmick-y in the sense that they don't add anything. The 3D puzzles are just puzzles that require 3D to perceive them, but aren't any better because of it. Almost any other Mario puzzle is better than the 3D ones in this game.
I don't think this is a forgotten title at all. A big reason why many folks bought a 3DS, I'm sure.
I always knew I was in a minority in not liking the game much, but didn't realize just how much of a minority I'm in. It's definitely my least favorite 3D Mario by a long shot (although I haven't played Sunshine). Everything felt kind of generic and boring to me, with the exception of the top down Zelda homage level. That one was pretty neat. It didn't stop me from getting to 100% with Mario and Luigi, but overall I found it to be a disappointment.
I wouldn't call it oft-overlooked, as it's one of our favorites. Still, a nice homage.
@sleepinglion
Thanks. I haven't played 3D Land, but I definitely want to though. That makes sense, people don't seem to be the biggest fan of the "New SMB" series. I've been hoping for that ever since they starting bringing over Wii U games consistently, as I don't have a 3DS, and have heard great things about the 3DS library.
@mr_me450
All that I'm trying to say is that, when people mention Mario games or 3DS games in general, they don't tend to bring up 3D Land.
Even before the Wii U ports started happening, people still talked about 3D World more than 3D Land. 3D World seems to have a higher attach rate, than 3D Land which is why I brought up the sales in the last part.
@Simonebelmont
Interesting, that's cool. I haven't heard many people say that. In fact, I tend to hear the opposite with 3D Land.
@Giancarlothomaz
Glad I could help you understand. Okay, I get that, I tend to prefer the more linear 3D Mario games, but I do also like Sunshine and 64. What exactly do you find limiting about 3D Land? Is it how linear it is, is it the movement you find limiting, or is it something else?
I assume Sunshine is one of your least favorite 3D Mario games is because of the difficulty spikes that happen throughout the game.
@brandonbwii
So, maybe not Praise the Sun mode, but people still do tend to praise 3D World more than 3D Land. 3D World does have a higher Metacritic and a higher user score (at least with Metacritic and here on Nintendo Life).
This game isn't the most groundbreaking or innovative game in the franchise for sure, but it's just a ton of fun. If you play it, you're gonna have a blast
@viced92 If you liked this, you're going to love world
@SM3DASislit Super Mario 3D Land don't let you explore the levels fleely like Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Odyssey, i feel like i was playing a 3D version of a 2D Mario game, that why i found Super Mario 3D Land very limited.
@rockodoodle yes, just like Nintendo make 3D popular with 3DS, they can make VR popular, Labo VR show they can make this tecnology popular
Just me, or does this article actually say very little about the game it purports to be about?
Fwiw, I love this game. I love that the levels are a bit shorter, it makes everything feel manageable. Sometimes I finish (100%) a level in longer games and I kinda gulp at the prospect of trying to do the next one because they can feel such an undertaking, but in 3D Land I don't get, but the levels still retain both fun and tricky elements. And the music is great.
@Giancarlothomaz
Okay, that makes sense. Thanks for letting me know.
I think that's the point of 3D Land/3D World, is to be a mix of 2D/3D. I guess you could call 3D Land/3D World "true" 2.5D. 🤔
3D Land is a great game. I replayed it last year and I'm gonna play it again soon. But no, it's not forgotten or overlooked. It's in most (if not in all) 3DS best games lists
This game feels like this would've been a natural evolution of the classic 2D Mario gameplay to 3D.
64 and Sunshine, intrigued me but I was no longer impressed by Galaxy because I started missing the fun multiplayer aspect, shrinking mechanic, fancy power ups, etc. of the classic.
@SM3DASislit problaby.
@Giancarlothomaz
I believe there are interviews saying that's what they aiming for, but I could be wrong. 🤔
Another genuine Mario classic this one. It was pretty simple before you complete the game, but the post-game (Which my memory remembers it being the same length as the main game) was bonkers brilliant
Coming back to this article as I just had a cool idea people have already probably said before. What if 3d land was remade in the 3d world style, with World's multiplayer added in along with the music redone in the 3d world style. They could even throw in another small bonus open world game like Bowser's Fury!
Edited in idea(s):
1) Since peach is captured, Daisy, Rosalina, or Wario could be a starting character with Peach being unlocked after the main game.
2) The Bowser's Fury style mode could be Tanooki themed.
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