Super Mario 3D World
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Genres: Platform game, Action-adventure game
Mode: Multiplayer video game

Rating:  ✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭✭ (9/10)

Super Mario 3D World, released to the Nintendo Switch on Feb. 12 2021, is a game featuring Mario and the gang in a new adventure seen from a new perspective. In this three dimensional world, they must rescue the fairies from Bowser and both new and old threats along the way.

Initially released for the Wii U console back in Nov, 2013, it has been adapted to the Nintendo Switch console for a fresh and refined experience. In addition to the original game, it also contained a brand new game mode known as “Bowser’s Fury” that involves Mario teaming up with Bowser Jr. to face a powerful giant version of Bowser in a expansive new area. 

When it comes to the game itself, the greatest experience is with the multiplayer. Either via local or online multiplayer, players can team up with other players to run, jump and fight through a massive variety of levels each with their own unique looks and designs. Collect some power ups to unlock different abilities that help you explore each stage and collect coins, stars, stamps and even some extra lives. Players are free to work together to beat each level with teamwork, or compete against each other to see who can get the most points at the end of the level to get the crown. With a variety of different enemies, obstacles and puzzles in each stage, it is a fantastic gaming experience for everyone to enjoy.

The gameplay, is surprisingly well detailed. There are many advanced maneuvers that, when executed correctly, are very satisfying to pull off. Each power up has their own applications and even a couple of new advanced moves to utilize. Not to mention that each playable character is unique with their own strengths and abilities. For instance, Lugi can jump a little higher to get to hard to reach places while Peach can briefly hover after jumping to go farther distances. At the end of the day, it is a very forgiving game as it gives the player multiple opportunities to get power ups and extra lives so they can simply focus on having fun. There is very little penalty for failure as there are many checkpoints and no overarching consequences for dying. When struggling with a particular stage, players can use a super powerup as an option to make things easier. This adds to the game’s philosophy of leading with fun multiplayer interactions and the amazing level designs. 

After the main content of the game, additional levels are unlocked for those players who want to test their skills. These levels are fun at first, with new enemies and mechanics as well as unlocking another playable character. Unfortunately, future levels become frustrating rather than fun to complete as they begin to reuse different levels that were challenging by themselves and make them more difficult.

This game is a direct copy of the original 3D world game for the Wii U so while the movement and controls of this game are good, they can still feel clunky and awkward at times, especially when it comes to these harder levels. It certainly feels like this game was in production when Nintendo was experimenting with 3D platforming. Luckily, Nintendo managed to refine their mechanics to make them work in their later projects such as Mario Odyssey.

Overall, Super Mario 3D World is a fantastic game for friends and family to play and compete with each other in this thrilling experience.