This Super Mario 3D Land preview gives a quick look at the first all-new 3DS-exclusive Mario game, that not only is built from the ground up for the glasses-free stereoscopic 3D game system, but returns the series to its platformer roots.
Super Mario 3D Land does what fans love best about Mario gaming with the first platforming environment in true 3D, all of course without the need for special glasses. You will experience an exhilarating new sense of depth, distance and speed while running, jumping and stomping on enemies throughout the levels. From the videos below you can tell how the developers will play into that sense of depth by throwing the action AT you. 🙂
Small Mario returns as does Super Mario. Like in the classic titles, collecting a Mushroom will turn you from Small to Super, and if you get hit while Super (be that regular or fireball Mario) will shrink you, and get hit while Small you’ll perish. So make sure you make it to each level’s flagpole before that happens, as that marks the end of the stage.
In addition to paying homage to Super Mario Bros. 1 for NES, Super Mario 3D Land also pays deep homage to Super Mario Bros. 3 as seen from the many enemies that return from these games, as well as some new “friends” from the Super Mario Galaxy series of Wii games! Which is no surprise, as this game is being created by the same internal Nintendo team.
While we’re on the subject of familiar Mario elements making their return. The Tanooki Suit also makes a return visit! Although it is glorious indeed, the Tanooki Suit does not allow you to fly or turn into Statue Mario. What it does do is give Mario a Raccoon Tail with which he can glide and whack enemies!
The gameplay is also somewhat unique, as movement is in all directions while the level layout is both deep (with depth, so you go “into” the screen) and sidewise… recalling both the old 2D style and the Super Mario 64 3D style while blazing its own trail. Airships, Boomer, and Bowser’s Koopalings/Koopa Kids make a return to allow the all-too-familiar storyline of Princess Peach getting kidnapped… oh no, not again! 😛
This here is the GDC 2011 teaser for the then-known-as Super Mario 3DS.
This is the E3 2011 reveal trailer showing the first gameplay.
Here is more demo footage of Super Mario 3D Land for 3DS.
Key Features of Super Mario 3D Land
Here is a list of key elements that will be available in Nintendo’s Super Mario 3D Land based on news and announcements made so far.
Real 3D Graphics.
3D visuals make it easier for players to judge the depths and distances in their environments. Players can more accurately judge the jump to the next platform or how far Mario is from a question block.
Tanooki Mario returns!
The fan-favorite Tanooki suit makes its first appearance on the Nintendo 3DS. Use the Tanooki suit’s tail to attack enemies or float gently down from great heights. These abilities help players move through the 3D environments with more confidence.
3 Dimensions of Control.
The Circle Pad gives players complete control to confidently move Mario through fun and challenging environments.
New Level of Difficulty.
New enemies include Goombas with tails, tall stacks of Goombas and a Piranha Plant that spits ink to obscure a player’s view.
Putting On The Moves.
New and familiar abilities add unique game-play strategies to the adventure. Mario can perform a rolling somersault attack or run fast with a dash move.
Overall, Super Mario 3D Land is looking to return Mario to a glorious place atop the 3DS charts once he makes his AAA killer-app debut on the portable system.
Super Mario 3D Land is scheduled for release in November 2011, exclusively for Nintendo 3DS.
Excited for this new 3D Super Mario installment? Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your opinion.
Be sure to check out our Super Mario 3D Land Screenshots Gallery!