When Super Mario 3D World was announced for Wii U, I have to admit I was instantly disappointed. I was hoping for a new Super Mario Galaxy game, but Nintendo gave us Super Mario 3D Land for Wii U instead. For the months leading up to New York Comic Con, I was both sad and mad at Nintendo for making this move, which at the time I thought was stupid. Going to New York Comic Con and getting my hands on the game, I am three things. Impressed, happy, and excited.
Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Toad all make an appearance in this game. Similar to Super Mario Bros. 2, each character has its own advantage. Mario can run and jump normally, Luigi jumps high and falls slow, Peach can float through the air after a jump, and Toad can run faster; however, all that glitters is not gold. Peach can not run as fast as Mario and Luigi, and Toad’s jumping height is not that high.
The multiplayer aspect of the game is much better to the one in New Super Mario Bros. U. Playing NSMBU with my friends definitely put a temporary strain on our relationship. I found it much easier to play independently than to be social and have friends over to play. Super Mario 3D World changes that. Playing the game with three other strangers was fun, and I didn’t want it to end! Adding one more dimension to the table made a difference. Instead of struggling to maneuver a 2D panel with 1-3 other people, you can adventure through a 3D world with 1-3 other people.
The new pipe mechanic is interesting, innovative, and strategic. This is a game changer for Mario games. Sliding through a pipe to get a power up, or to get to the top of a obstacle is a fun new addition. Calculating when to go into the pipes to avoid enemies inside or outside adds a strategic edge.
The cat suit. At first I looked at it an thought “Oh this is just a dumb power-up.” Then after using it, my position changed. It not only helped attacking and running, but it added a climbing mechanic to the game. You can climb up walls, which is a time saver. If you beat yourself up over just missing the top of the pole at the end of the level, beat yourself no more. As long as you have the cat suit on, you will move up the pole a certain distance, possibly leading you to a painless course clear. On top of all the gameplay positives, the graphics in the game are stunning. The visuals are stunning and the blurred edges are a great addition. Smooth, but not blury, textures suit the game well.
At first I was not excited for this game. I was disappointed that we weren’t getting “Mario Galaxy 3” or not “Super Mario 3D Land for Wii U”, but after getting a hands on experience, I anticipate the game and expect a lot out of it. It means a lot when something has a good impression, especially when the first one isn’t good.
