If there's one reason to buy a Nintendo 3DS than SUPER MARIO 3D LAND is that reason. Although the 3DS is an amazing console, some of the games, especially by third party developers have been a little lacklustre and we won't mention any games, shall we Mr. Tom Clancy? Needless to say with the good come the bad but Super Mario 3D Land is one of those games that washes the sins of other developers away and delivers one of the most enjoyable games on this console. Nintendo, hold your head in proudly in the air!

As the stamp on the back of the case so cleverly states "Classic Mario action with a modern twist!", imagine the classic 2D Super Mario game merged with Mario 64 but with a real element of 3D and the child of this union would be Super Mario 3D Land. Best of all, you actually need to use the 3D aspect of this console in order to successfully complete those puzzles and master those sometimes precarious jumps. Given all this, the game is oozing with Mario references and in this repetitive world of first person shooters and sport games, Super Mario 3D Land was the title that the gaming world sorely needed.

The game starts in classic Mario fashion and once again the carefree and beautiful Princess Peach has been kidnapped by Bowser and it's up to Mario to save her... yet again. Princess Peach really needs to invest in some body guards with all those royal dollars. From here the gamer is slowly introduced to the world of Super Mario 3D Land and thankfully the game doesn't drop you in the deep end straight away.

The key aspect to Super Mario 3D Land is the gameplay. With the innovative 3D of the console, the developers have created a true 3D gaming environment that the player must use in conjunction with the gameplay to successfully complete. Level design is amazing and would make M.C. Escher proud with its sometimes complex puzzles with quite a bit of diversity. There are plenty of worlds to explore that include forests to deserts and everything else in between such as lava filled castles. Controls work brilliantly on the 3DS, especially with the inclusion of the circle pad that makes controlling Mario a rather flawless experience, except those difficult blocks in the air.

Although there's a few familiar faces in the game such as Bowser and co, there are plenty of new villains such as the Goombas and the very awesome Piranha Plant that spits ink onto the player. Add in boss levels and more power-ups that you can poke a stick at and this is classic Mario gone wild... even with the controversary...

Although animal activists are important, I actually laughed when some of them had a go at this game because the classic Tanooki suit from the 2D games returns which allows players to attack enemies with the tail and even float from great heights. Apparently, this condones people wearing fur suits! Did I say Boomerang Mario? Well Boomerang Mario returns with his awesome helmet, turtle shell and boomerangs to cause some serious damage as you throw these chevron shaped sticks to clubber your foes. However you cannot beat the Tanooki suit in battle as you wiggle your tail to knock out your enemies or just jump on their heads.

Apart from making your enemies disappear by attacking them and the very cool boss fights, Mario is also about stars. Stars are located in some very obscure places at times which definitely opens up the title for another play or two. Add in mushroom houses and mystery boxes and like the blurb on the back says "Classic Mario action with a modern twist!", the game is oozing with fun.

Another clever aspect in the game, especially for newbie players is the invincibility leaf and p-wing. If you fail a particular area in the game 5 times then you be awarded the leaf which gives Mario the white Tanooki suit which basically makes you invincible. Whereas the p-wing zooms you to the end of the stage, provided you have messed up 10 times. Okay... I did use the invincibility leaf near the end of the game which helped Mario be reunited with Peach. Although the game is not easy, it will offer you a healthy amount of challenges and most seasoned gamers should easily be able to complete this great playing and looking title in around 8 to 10 hours.

Graphics & Audio

Graphically, this is a very good looking game on the 3DS. The 3D is used surprising well and the game really jumps out at you. Level design is also quite clever and it looks like some 2D Mario game come to life, especially with its cartoon characters and colourful environments and special effects. Sound and music only enhance an already good game, however the music is easily as memorable as those classic 2D games.

Final Level

Super Mario 3D Land is a game that can be played by anyone, young or old. With elements of classic 2D Mario games, Mario 64 and more recently Super Mario Galaxy, 3D Land successfully combines all these elements on the 3DS. However with that said, the game is not easy which is the reason why the developers have added the p-wing and invincibility leaf. Timing and skill is needed to successfully finish the title as you explore and 8 wondrous worlds, filled with colourful enemies and sometimes challenging bosses. Mario has returned and he's bigger than better and this is a must have game for the 3DS! Highly Recommended!