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<\/a><\/p>\nA 3D first<\/strong><\/p>\n Super Mario 3D Land is Mario\u2019s first adventure in stereoscopic 3D, and Nintendo have claimed that it\u2019s the first title that uses 3D instead of featuring it. This in itself is a bold statement: 3D effects have always been a visual aid, and incorporating it into a gameplay mechanic has never been attempted before.<\/p>\n Well, Nintendo seems to have done it again: revolutionizing the way we play and experience our games. Super Mario 3D Land was designed around the 3D display and playing with the 3D effects turned off will greatly impede the experience. In fact, some levels are virtually impossible to complete without the 3D!<\/p>\n There are sections where platforms extend out of the screen with the camera locked in position. Mario then moves towards and away from the camera \u2013 literally walking out of the screen and back in again. At other times there are ink blobs splattered all over the screen to impede your view or Bullet Bills fired out of the display. It’s a truly masterful use of the 3D display that adds more than just depth to gaming.<\/p>\n To aid players in their 3D experience Nintendo have added a handy new feature that allows you to instantly change the view between 3D that falls \u2018into\u2019 the screen – or effects that \u2018pop out\u2019 of the screen. The view can be toggled by pressing up or down on the D-Pad, and this gives players the ability to change the display to suit the level or their mood.<\/p>\n Playing the game<\/strong><\/p>\n Super Mario 3D Land has the same plot we all know and love. Princess Peach gets kidnapped and it\u2019s up to Mario to visit all the wrong castles before saving her from Bowser\u2019s evil hands.<\/p>\n Interestingly there is somewhat less of a storyline than previous installments. Storytelling is done through still pictures that Mario finds throughout his adventures. This isn\u2019t really a complaint \u2013 who plays Super Mario for the plot, anyway?<\/p>\n The main focus of Super Mario 3D Land is the creative level design that blends old-school platforming that’s hopping with new concepts and ideas. Plenty of ideas from the Super Mario Galaxy series have been incorporated and, although some stages feel familiar, there\u2019s always a new twist that will have you enjoying an old concept all over again. Levels imaginatively change between 2D and 3D platform sections and stages continually impress with remarkable designs.<\/p>\n Nintendo changed the level selection screen into a more linear system. Unlike New Super Mario Bros. Wii and Super Mario Galaxy 2, you\u2019re not required to clear all of the levels to advance – nor do you need to find some obscure secret to access some of the worlds.<\/p>\n As with all Mario games, we\u2019re treated to new power-ups. Super Mario 3D Land re-introduces the Tanooki suit which debuted in Super Mario Bros. 3 back in 1988. The Tanooki suit allows Mario to glide over a short distance; it no longer gives him the ability to fly. Obtaining this power-up will be a great aid in finding secrets, collecting all three of the hidden level coins and ultimately defeating Bowser.<\/p>\n Then there\u2019s the Boomerang Suit; a brand new power that lets Mario throw a boomerang at his enemies. It\u2019s a pretty handy weapon for knocking out Goombas from a safe distance.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n