Super Mario 3D Land

 
Because it has "3D" in the title, people often group Super Mario 3D Land with the likes of Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Galaxy. However, the third dimension is really their only unifying factor, save for the plumber himself. I have found that this game falls more in line with the traditional 2d Mario adventures. The game is broken into levels, each with a time limit, three collectibles, and a flagpole at the end. The titular protagonist shrinks when he is hurt, and powers up with an array of plants and fungi. What makes Super Mario 3D Land stand out amongst its peers is its ability to take that traditional formula and freshen it up with aspects of Mario's less linear adventures in a way that was never done before.

The bite-sized levels that make up the bulk of Super Mario 3D Land feel right at home on the 3DS. Every level you play offers a new mechanic or an unexpected approach to something you thought you knew, which kept me hooked all the way through. This basic approach is present in the New Super Mario Bros. series as well, but taking those mechanics and adding the improved control that comes with 3d makes this a far more engaging title. Unfortunately, Nintendo also decided to use this game as a tech demo in places, making certain sections extremely confusing without the 3DS's no-glasses 3d turned on. I didn't have any trouble with them, as I love the 3d feature, but it makes some people feel sick, and it is completely absent from a whole line of systems that can play this game, so the unnecessary reliance on it is a bit frustrating. However, it doesn't detract from how well-designed the rest of the game is, and there is definitely a lot of game here.

Super Mario 3D Land gives you a full-sized Mario adventure in a way that was wholly unique until its WiiU (and Switch) successor. It's easy to forget about this game now that the 3DS has ended its decade-long run, but this is still a fantastic title. With enough content for two full games, there is a lot to do here, yet it never gets dull or feels unfair. 3D Land feels like a perfect fit for a handheld adventure, keeping everything small enough that you can play it bit-by-bit, while still making it engaging enough that binging is just as fun. I never feel obligated to complete Mario games, but I was so hooked on 3D Land that completion just kind of happened! This may just be Mario's greatest handheld title, so please don't let it pass you by.

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