Comparing Super Mario 3D Land with Galaxy Series (by Carl B.)

November 18, 2011, by Carl B. - The recently released Super Mario 3D Land will no doubt be compared with the Super Mario Galaxy series, drawing some comparisons that are both fair and unfair. After all, both Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 are the highest scoring games of this generation, so it's natural that Nintendo's next 3D Mario title would be put up against those games. Just how closely does Super Mario 3D Land resemble the Galaxy series, or are they completely different games?

When Super Mario 3D Land was first revealed, I was convinced that it was in fact Super Mario Galaxy 3D. The first two games were amazing, and the pun on the title was too great for Nintendo to pass up on. There were several similarities between the visual styles of the 3DS and Wii games, as well as the addition of Comet Coins.

Super Mario Galaxy 2.

Other than that, Super Mario 3D Land is completely different from the outstanding Galaxy series. In some ways it's beneficial, but in others highly disappointing. I loved the level design in both Galaxy titles, so it's good to see amazing design return in Super Mario 3D Land. The use of 3D is absolutely brilliant – it doesn't affect the gameplay (nor should it have to) but it does provide an amazing sense of depth comparable to the 3D effect seen in Ocarina of Time 3D and Cave Story 3D.

To make it even better, Super Mario 3D Land utilizes a variety of fixed camera angles throughout levels to maximize the 3D effect. Some levels are side-scrolling – classic Mario style – while other levels are top-down and others take place in a full 3D space, akin to Super Mario 64 and Galaxy. The side-scrolling and top-down levels are rather impressive with 3D turned on, as they allow Mario to venture deeper into the screen and jump out at the screen.

The level is side-scrolling, but Mario is able to explore deeper into the background.

Level design in Super Mario 3D Land isn't without its drawbacks, however. Levels are incredibly short and compact, and even though they're fun and challenging, I find myself missing the long, elaborate levels seen in Super Mario Galaxy 2. As such, I've reached World 6 in roughly an hour and a half of play time. Future levels may get more difficult, but it's hard to see myself beating this game in any more than three hours.

While Super Mario 3D Land is a completely different type of experience from the Galaxy series, it's certainly high quality and a game that 3DS owners should pick up. Expect a review on iNintendo in the coming days.