Nintendo’s winning Mario formula has been refined continuously for over 30 years, and while the plumber has seen lean times and fat times, the company’s Wii U console needs him now more than ever. Mario arrived on Wii U at launch in 2D fighting shape in platforming sub-series New Super Mario Bros U, but fans have clamored for a go-anywhere, jump-on-everything entry. Nintendo has obliged. Super Mario 3D World arrives on Wii U and combines almost all of the mascot’s history to make for one killer game.
By taking the structure of his 2D adventures, the freedom of 3D, plenty of frenetic multiplayer action, and combining it into one package, Nintendo’s got the best case for Wii U ownership in one game.
When Bowser rears his dino-lizard head once more, it’s up to Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad to save the day and restore Sprixie Kingdom to peace. On the way, players will navigate an overworld map complete with coin blocks, scores of different levels to choose from, and even a few hidden secrets of its own. This is the first major change you’ll notice when comparing this new Mario game with Wii U’s previous Mario game. While the over world takes you to all the right locales, like a fire world, an ice world, a cloud world, and more, it can feel too similar in structure to the “New” SMB series.
If you’ve been waiting for a 3D Mario game, a la Super Mario Galaxy or Super Mario 64, you’ll have to keep waiting. 3D World presents lots of great 3D action, but it’s structurally indistinguishable from Mario’s most recent 2D exploits. This might be a disappointment at first, but anyone without a 3DS will still get to enjoy the platforming bliss Nintendo’s 3D level designs provide in spades. As was the case in Super Mario 3D Land, you pick a level from the map and start at a set point. You can explore at will, discover hidden paths, warp pipes, and more, before eventually ending at the same spot and jumping on the goal pole to end the level.
While this sounds boring given it’s exactly what Mario’s done for decades, new power ups and inventive level design keep the experience fresh. Mario and company can grab a cherry power up to get a clone and increase stomping power. All four characters can don a catsuit that gives them heightened attack powers and the ability to climb up walls (or the goal pole for a perfect finish every time). Classic power ups like the fire flower, mega mushroom, and boomerang mushroom also return and give players unique abilities in levels designed around each power up.
One level is presented from a top-down perspective and tasks Mario and company with clearing away strings of enemies and collect coins using boomerangs. In both single player and multiplayer, 3D World provides heaps of replayability. You can go for a high-score or a fast time on that boomerang level by yourself, compete against ghosts, or play with up to three friends.
Regardless of what mode you’re in, you can choose any character to play any level and set ridiculously high coin scores once you’ve mastered a sequence. Every level also has three stars to collect and many worlds will require you to collect a certain number of stars before you can move on or face the boss. Each area of the game has a relatively simple mid-boss that signals to players that each level afterward will be just a little bit tougher. Exploring each level thoroughly or collecting every star in the game will prove incredibly challenging, but the pay off is satisfying.
One level featured a rotating block sliding around on lava as the only means of transport to the end. I had to walk carefully from edge to edge as the block flipped over and more often than not I took a step too far and died. Soon 35 extra lives turned into 10 and I had to put the controller down. The frustration wasn’t overwhelming, and it didn’t turn me off from 3D World’s adventure, but I needed a clear head if I was going to succeed. I picked up the GamePad again later and everything clicked.
Multiplayer provides the same kind of satisfaction with players sometimes causing so much chaos on screen that I couldn’t help but break up giggling. When multiple players grab the Cherry power up and clone their platforming heroes things get weird, but seeing fireballs flying every which way makes it clear where the Wii U’s processing power is going. The visuals won’t stack up against next-generation experiences like those on PS4 and Xbox One, but everything has a nice shine to it and it furthers my hunger for more Nintendo-produced games in high definition.
I also loved Super Mario 3D World’s soundtrack. Some of the songs are taken from past games, but many are original and quickly hook your ears. I stood still listening to a track and quickly took note of the world bouncing and moving in time with the music. These are Nintendo’s earliest experiences in high-definition, but the production values have already reached new highs. Watch for unique animations and textures throughout the game, but stay for the tight controls and fast action.
It’s true that Super Mario 3D World might have been a better game with less seams dissecting the maps, each thematic world, and each level. I will always have a fondness for the freedom I had exploring Bomb-omb Battlefield in Super Mario 64, but that’s not to say that 3D World is a waste of your time. In fact, it could be the best Mario game ever depending on what generation of gamers you hail from. Whether or not this Mario game meshes with your platforming sensibilities is up to you.
Super Mario 3D World takes the tight level design from Super Mario 3D Land on 3DS, the branching over world design of New Super Mario Bros U, and the platforming action 20+ years of jumping experience can bring and combines it all into an attractive package on Wii U. The HD visuals are charming, and while you can play the entire game off-TV on the Wii U GamePad, you’ll want to see Bowser’s final encounter in 1080p glory.
Super Mario 3D World begs the question “how much needs to be changed to keep Mario and company fresh and entertaining?” The answer, as has always been true, is “just enough.” There are just enough new power ups and level mechanics to say that this is another must-play Mario game for fans and a legitimate enough reason to pick up a Wii U this holiday season.
Daniel Bischoff is a contributor for CraveOnline. You can also find him on GameRevolution.com or follow him on Twitter @Game_Revolution.
Review copy provided by publisher. Game is exclusive to Wii U.
