Super Mario 3D Land

Super Mario 3D Land
Developer	EAD Tokyo
Publisher	Nintendo
System	Nintendo 3DS
Release Date	JP November 3, 2011 US November 13, 2011 EU November 18, 2011 AU November 24, 2011
Rating	ESRB: E

Super Mario 3D Land is a Mario adventure that was produced for the Nintendo 3DS.

Story

Bowser has kidnapped Princess Peach, and Mario sets off to rescue her once again. This time, a a storm has stripped a tree near the castle of its Super Leaves, empowering various enemies with Tanooki abilities.

Gameplay

Unlike the preceding Mario handheld, this game followed a three-dimensional gameplay style that is evocative of Super Mario Galaxy. 3D Land consists of briefer stages employung linear stage design elements from the side-scrolling games such as the usage of time limits and flagpoles. Mario is controlled using the circle pad and buttons, and he can use only a few of his acrobatic jumps that are familiar to players of the other 3-D games. 3D Land also takes several cues from Super Mario Bros. 3, including the return of the Tanooki Suit. New power-ups include the Propeller Box and Boomerang Flower. Most of the usual Mario enemies are featured with new traits to further obscure the player, such as Piranha Plants that spit screen-covering ink and tall Goomba stacks.

Although the level goals are more linear, each level has Star Medals hidden within them. Certain amounts of Star Medals are needed to unlock courses, both optional and mandatory. Some are not full stages, as the game includes Toad Houses and special areas called Mystery Boxes. The Mystery Box is a small room in which the player must perform tasks within brief time limits to win a Star Medal and multiple coins. It is compatible with StreetPass features which allow players to exchange Mystery Boxes. This game also utilizes the 3DS's stereoscopic 3D elements which help to make it easier to judge distance and uncover secrets

Legacy

Sequels

The next platforming Mario game on the 3DS was the sidescrolling New Super Mario Bros. 2. 3D Land would later receive a direct sequel in the form of Super Mario 3D World for the Wii U in 2013. This installment reprised the playable roster from Super Mario Bros. 2 by adding Princess Peach and Toad as playable characters.