Throwback Reviews: Super Mario 3D World

Super Mario 3D World

Platform: Wii U

Reviewed By: Giuliano V, Matteo C

Gameplay: 9.5, 9

Giuliano- The perfect medium between 2D and 3D Mario games that creates a hectic and endlessly fun platformer. Some of the new power-ups, such as Double Cherry were some of the most revolutionary items added in the Super Mario series to date. Each character actually plays in a unique way, which allows each level to played differently depending on which of the five characters you choose. Toad Captain levels, while scarce, were fun puzzles. The game feels completely different in single player and multiplayer, with single player focusing on the player completing the level and multiplayer focusing on trying to get the top score.

Matteo- Super Mario 3D World seems like a clone-copy of 3D Land at first, but the four-player co-op feels less hectic and more refined than previous attempts at co-op in the series. The crown mechanic allows for a more competitive focus between players, as whoever holds the crown at the end of the level gains a significant amount of points. The cat suit and double cherry are some of the most unique power ups in a while and each level utilizes multiple pathways depending on which power up you have obtained. Green Stars take the place of Star Coins and are hidden much more cleverly than in previous Mario titles, adding an extra challenge. The Mystery House, while there were only a few, offered some great new objectives that could give the player a new thrill. The world map, while having a few odd objectives, lacked some depth and was a missed opportunity. Also, the final boss was pretty epic. 

Story: 7.5, 7.5

Giuliano- Super Mario has never been big on storytelling, usually offering the same "Bowser kidnaps Princess Peach" scenario every time. However, Super Mario 3D World is the first time where Nintendo has changed this up and had Bowser terrorize a foreign land and have Peach assume a heroine role alongside the Mario Bros. While this is not necessarily revolutionary, it is somewhat refreshing to have a new context for why the Mario Bros. are navigating the world. 

Matteo- The story was a nice change-up from the traditional scenario. The addition of the Sprixies were a cool race that adds to the vast cast of the Super Mario series. 

Sound: 9, 9.5

Giuliano- While many of the tunes are unoriginal, that does not mean they are not well-composed. Some fan favourite tunes, such as the Slide Theme from Super Mario 64 make a return in this game and give it the perfect blend of nostalgia and novelty. One level in particular focuses on music and the beat in order to progress and was one of the best designed levels in the Mario series to date.

Matteo- 3D World has the best theme since Super Mario 64. Also, the boss battle theme is fantastic. The redone tracks were given a new purpose with new twists that resurrected older and lesser known tracks. I still have some of the tunes stuck in my head even now.

Presentation: 10, 9.5

Giuliano- By far, Super Mario 3D World has the best level design of any "level-based" Mario game to date. Some of the innovative objectives in each of the levels, whether it be riding on a giant boat or chasing the flagpole really reinvent the series from the constant redundancy it has seen in the past few titles. It is also nice to see how the levels are not hindered by the world, making sure there are not eight levels based on a desert. Mario also looks fantastic in HD and showcases that Nintendo really knows how to transition their cartoony characters into beautiful graphics.

Matteo- By far the best looking Wii U game out right now. The way the water and clouds move adds presence to the Mario world and the detail in many of the objects shows the quality and dedication Nintendo has put into this title. Each level is original and has its own twist. Most levels have a unique gimmick and allows for the levels to not get as stale as fast. The Mario Kart reference level is extremely fun. Also, I particularly the Circus, Japanese House and Music levels that pushed outside the box. The Plessie levels are also very fun. However, with all the references to Super Mario Bros. 2, I was surprised Wart or Mowser did not appear in some capacity.

Lasting Appeal: 9, 9

Giuliano- While the main campaign of the game is not particularly long, there is tons to do in the game. First of all, there are three bonus worlds at the end of the game. There is also stamp collecting, and in order to 100% this, you must beat each level with each of the five characters, easily adding a huge amount of hours to the play through. There are also fun little additions such as the Luigi Bros. mini game at the start menu. Finally, multiplayer being such a unique experience almost assures that you can play the game a second time through with it feeling as fresh as the first time you played it.

Matteo- I really enjoyed the stamp collecting, especially because it is not as easy as it originally seems. In order to actually complete it, you must complete each level with each character and also collect all the hidden green stars. The Mario Galaxy based bonus world is a fun addition and the unlocking of the fifth playable character allows for more fun in the post-game. Multiplayer have four-player co-op adds unlimited hours of playtime as it is one of the most addictive and competitive games I have played in a long time.

Final Verdict: 9.4 / 10

Super Mario 3D World is the definitive title on the Wii U and will easily remain one of the best Wii U games until the end. It is the most refreshing Mario title in years and fun to play alone or with friends. This game more than justifies the purchase of the system.