4/5 sta...rs on 2DS/3D turned off, 4.5/5 stars with 3D on for those who have it. I really appreciated how fast the game arrived - I got it because I've been laid up in bed not feeling well so getting it a few days after ordering was a nice surprise and has kept me entertained. The price was very competitive and the box has minimal wear and tear for a second-hand game. I agree with other reviews that the gameplay for New Super Mario 3D Land is quite a bit easier than any of the older or original mario bros games, but there's some awesome new mechanics and powerups, as well as it just being so fun to have a 2D style mario platformer but in 3D at last, and portable. I love Mario64 etc but I love the 2D soundtracks and gameplay for their nostalgia and just prefer the mechanics over the older 3D Mario Platformers, so this was a wonderful game for me to explore. I haven't played New Super Mario 3D World or any other new 3D mario games (my most recent was sunshine) so a lot was fun and new to me. I love the changes to the tanooki (racoon) mario power up, it was a favorite of mine in the old games, and the new game mechanics and enemies fit well in the series. So as a long time/retro mario fan, I think this was a respectable continuation of the franchise. So far one of my favorite details in this game is the inclusion of modern/different takes on the classic mario soundtrack. With the exception of a handful of tracks, I love how the soundtrack is recognizable and evokes nostalgia but is distinct and has some fun and unexpected twists. Mario's audio was always a huge part of why it's so iconic - especially how Mario's actions in game affect the music, and this game is true to form in that sense. As cons, It is definitively easier than earlier 2D games, and if you play 2D mario for extremely skill dependent platforming, this is not the game for you. I'm not a speed-runner by any means but I do play a lot of platformers, and I had 58 lives by world 3's end, which I believe is 15 levels. Yes, 58. For comparison, my last playthrough of the OG Super Mario Land, which has 12 levels, I ended with 13 lives. This game definitely is more enjoyable for younger kids and doesn't require the same level of mechanical skill, but for me that didn't remove any of the fun, it just made it a much shorter experience than a more difficult game with the same number of levels would be. I do think the ease of gameplay will decrease the replay value for me, however. There's a part of me that wishes I had bought a 3DS instead of the 2DS, the 3D was a bit of a gimmick and I didn't think it was worth the price increase, but as someone who struggled in geometry and is not a visual learner, the puzzles without 3D can be confusing. It isn't a deal breaker by any means - most 3D dependent puzzles are short and there are mechanics to help for those of us using 2D, but it is noticable to me for sure.Would happily buy again! I'm in World 4 presently and will update if needed once I've completed the game. Overall, a really fun experience and I'm glad I picked this up finally.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I would not recommend rushing to play this game. I...'m sure it will be very affordable in the future. If you get to play it nice if you get to play it for free better. I just wasn't really that into this game. Usually I love finding all the hidden gems in mario games from super mario brothers to paper mario but one of us has changed and I'm not sure if it is me or mario but this just didn't leave me feeling entertained. Still get a kick out of mario kart 7 though. 😃
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I have played every Mario... platformer since the beginning and for the 3DS this is a very solid game. Many levels and then surprise,(spoiler alert) secret world and playable Luigi. I enjoyed this title immensely and it is one of the must have 3DS games. I would love to see more platforming games with challenge like this.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This is by FAR the best Super Mar...io game I've played in many many years. The only downside however, is that the game is too linear. Not that linear is bad, but I wish there were secret paths to take, like in the original Super Mario Land for the SNES. Also, there is nothing to do besides the main game, meaning no minigames or ANYTHING. If that doesn't bother you though, you're looking at a game that will last you at least 24 hours to complete (8 hours for the main levels, and another 16 hours to beat the special levels......which I still haven't done). Overall great product, I just wish there was more to it.
I never played this game back in the day, but ...I'm so glad I bought it now. The bite-sized levels are perfect for portable gaming, and the level design is fun and inspired. Great Mario game for portable play.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
