Super Mario 3D Land Review

By Charles

August 11, 2025

I always remembered this game as being very simple compared to its predecessor, Super Mario 3D World. In this review, we will see how, although the main elements are present this new type of 3D Mario wasn't quite perfected on the first try.

Super Mario 3D Land

3DS, 2011 ~$45 sealed ~$20 used

PRESENTATION

CONTROLS

CONTENT

Being stuck in the middle of the New Super Mario Bros. era means that this game’s graphics are quite bland, to the extent that they sometimes look pulled from a N64 texture library. Overall the 3D models are well designed and look good despite pixelation. The music tracks are just fine and there seems to be a perfect amount of them. Mario’s voice is a nice touch without getting annoying and the bottom screen is used well to keep the clutter off of the top screen.

7

Mario runs and jumps just fine, but the abysmal camera angles make controls the game’s worst aspect. You have to stare at Mario’s shadow to figure out where you're going to land and it’s too annoying to adjust the camera using the D-Pad or bottom screen. I thought I would get used to it as I progressed through the game, but I ended up having to restock on Super Leaves more than I would have liked.

4

This game is very easy but I think it works well in the handheld format. You can pick up the game and play a few levels in a short time. Getting rewarded with coins for extra time and power-ups gives expert players something to focus on, but the lives piled up too quickly. There is a LOT of post game content for expert Mario fans to sink their teeth into, but anyone can clear these stages if they use Tanooki Suits like I did. On top of that, collecting all the Star Medals is a good challenge but never feels unfair.

FUN FACTOR

6

7

Although the game is flawed, it’s still really fun. The bite-sized levels keep the game fresh and the design themes are just fantastic. When I think of what Mario’s world looks like, this is the game I think of. I like how the game’s story really highlights the back-and-forth between Bowser and the Mushroom Kingdom and the final battle feels great. Unfortunately, the bad camera perspective and annoying gimmicks in the bonus levels often make playing 3D Land more aggravating than fun.

WORTH THE TIME?

WORTH THE MONEY?

I think any Mario fan who owns this game should play it to 100% completion. It’s quick, simple, and provides a similar experience to Mario 3D World or New Super Mario Bros.

I don’t think this game is worth buying a 3DS for, but if you own one already, I think this game is worth the fairly low price. It’s pretty fun and has some unique aspects.

/40

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