Tech News on G4Mario makes his 3DS debutDec 14, 2011By John Powell - G4 Canada |
back to -|- Tech News index -|- John Powell column archive -|- Send Us Your Feedback |
|
|
|
We both came to the conclusion that like so many systems in the past, it wasn't the hardware that was the problem so much as the lack of software. That may have been true at launch but not so any longer. Over the last four months, the market has really opened up peaking with the recent release of Super Mario 3D Land. As far as originality goes, Super Mario 3D Land's plot hasn't progressed much at all. Princess Peach - the perpetually distressed monarch who can't seem to avoid trouble - is once again kidnapped by the evil Bowser.
Mirroring 'Super Mario' of old, Mario's linear adventure takes him underwater, across deserts and into the clouds as he relentlessly pursues Bowser. The worlds are colourful, radiant and stylishly formatted. As you might expect, Mario has a whole lotta tricks up his sleeve and a whole lotta weapons in his arsenal to clear his path to Princess Peach. Fans can rejoice as the Tanooki Suit has returned in two ways. The regular suit lets Mario float like a butterfly and sting like a bee as in its previous incarnations. Super Mario 3D Land also offers the White Tanooki Suit. If you perish five times during a stage, an invincibility leaf will appear granting access to the White Tanooki Suit. While wearing the suit, Mario is invincible in that only falling will end his run. Also up for grabs in Super Mario 3D Land is a Boomerang Suit, the familiar Propeller Box and the P-Wing which if you flunk a level 10 times will automatically zoom you to the end. Is that the ultimate power-up or what?
Serving just as eye candy in other titles, the 3D in Super Mario 3D Land is a game changer. You can switch the 3D off but not only will you be missing out on the experience as it was meant to be played but the game itself is far more difficult to play without it. Super Mario 3D Land is the best use of the 3D mechanic that has ever been developed as well as showing off everything the 3DS is really capable of. If you own a 3DS, you should also own Super Mario 3D Land.
|
|
While visiting the official Nintendo Store in New York City recently, I had a discussion with one of employees there. Both fans and gaming geeks, we talked about all things Nintendo at the checkout line as the rest of the world just faded away. We put our two heads together and for the life of us, we couldn't figure out why the impressive and innovative Nintendo 3DS isn't getting more fanfare than it has been. For a little machine, it can do so much.
Snapping on his overalls, our faithful plumber is off to the rescue!
For those who don't believe in shortcuts, it should be known that using the P-Wings and White Tanooki Suits are totally optional. If you cruise through the eight worlds at a rapid pace, the challenge stages and competitions against friends using StreetPass will keep you coming back for more. 
Super Mario 3D Land
| Related Articles |
· G4 Press Release Index
· Interact
· Advertising Information
About G4 in Canada
G4 Canada (formerly TechTV Canada) launched in September 2001. G4 is the one and only television station that is plugged into every dimension of games, gear, gadgets and gigabytes. Owned Rogers Media Inc., the channel airs more than 24 original series. G4 is available on digital cable and satellite. For more information, see www.g4tv.ca.