Is Mario 3D World the same as Mario 3D Land?
To kick things off simply – no, Super Mario 3D World and Super Mario 3D Land are distinctly different games. But there‘s a lot more beneath the surface, so let‘s dive deeper into comparing these two hit 3D platformers in the Mario franchise…
The Legacy of 3D Mario Innovation
Ever since Mario first leapt into bright 3D worlds with the revolutionary Super Mario 64 in 1996, Nintendo has experimented widely in translating Mario‘s platforming into three dimensional spaces. This spark of innovation continued with Sunshine, Galaxy 1 & 2, 3D Land and, most recently, 3D World + Bowser‘s Fury.
Key Milestone 3D Mario Games
| Year | Game | System | Major Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Super Mario 64 | Nintendo 64 | – First 3D free-roaming Mario – Analog stick camera controls |
| 2002 | Super Mario Sunshine | Gamecube | – Introduced F.L.U.D.D water backpack – More open environments |
| 2007 | Super Mario Galaxy | Wii | – Orbital gravity mechanics – Emphasis on spherical planetoids |
| 2011 | Super Mario 3D Land | Nintendo 3DS | – Linear 3D levels evolve from 2D design – Stereoscopic 3D display |
| 2013 | Super Mario 3D World | Wii U | – Multiplayer support – New cat suit power-up |
So how do the two most recent mainline entries, 3D Land and 3D World, fit into this lineage? Let‘s analyze further…
Core Gameplay and Design
On a foundational level, both 3D Land and 3D World carry forward Mario‘s signature acrobatic moves, enemies, obstacles, power-ups, and landscape variety seen throughout the 3D series. However, the levels themselves and overall scope differ substantially between the two games:
Super Mario 3D Land
- Linear, compact stages inspired by side-scrolling 2D Mario gameplay
- 12 worlds w/ between 2-5 levels in each (48 total)
- Emphasis on reaching end flagpole in under 400 seconds
- Built around stereoscopic 3D visuals for Nintendo 3DS
Super Mario 3D World
- Larger, open-ended levels with exploration freedom
- 8 worlds w/ up to 9 levels each + 4 bonus worlds (88 total)
- 4 playable characters w/ unique abilities
- New power-ups such as the Cat Suit introduced
- Multiplayer support for up to 4 players simultaneously
Reviewers praised 3D World upon its debut for continuing 3D Land‘s balance between linear and open level designs. While not as sandboxy as Mario 64 or Galaxy, the Wii U hit still offered players choices in tackling stages, finding secrets off the beaten path.
This manifested in design elements like forked routes, hidden nooks and crannies, and the ability to climb virtually any surface as Cat Mario. Freedom abounded for those who sought it.
Thematic Presentation
On the visual front, both games continue a vibrant tradition of colors, landscapes, enemies, and acoustic soundtracks synonymous with Super Mario games. Where they differ substantially is spectacle:
Super Mario 3D Land
- Fixed depth 2D side-scrolling angle during most gameplay
- Stereoscopic 3D used to convey floating platforms and depth
- Camera shifts to third-person 3D angles during special sequences
- 8-bit Mario sprites and references to classic games scattered about
Super Mario 3D World
- Full 3D world rendered from Mario‘s side the entire time
- No stereoscopic 3D support or emphasis
- Much wider diversity of environments brushed across impressionist canvas
- Elaborate mechanics like transparent warp tubes, shadows, lighting
Swirling cherry blossom petals in land made of desserts. Gigantic shapeshifting Piranha Plants. Golden trains chugging through the sky. These were just a taste of the eye candy 3D World reveled in thanks to optimized Wii U horsepower.
All while maintaining a crisp, constant 60 FPS framerate with up to 4 players hopping around on screen at once!
Critical and Fan Reception
Both Super Mario 3D Land and World were received positively by critics and fans alike upon their respective launches. Let‘s compare their key review statistics:
| Game | Metacritic Score | IGN.com Score | GameRankings Avg | My Personal Score 😉 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Super Mario 3D Land | 90% | 10/10 | 90% | 9/10 |
| Super Mario 3D World | 93% | 9.6/10 | 93.68% | 9.5/10 |
Critics praised both games for continuing Mario‘s impeccable trajectory of polished gameplay and inventive mechanics. However, 3D World won additional acclaim for pushing into bolder multiplayer support plus creativity empowering players, such as the cat suit‘s feline climbing augments.
Fans similarly embraced 3D World‘s expansive alternative take while upholding longtime love for 3D Land‘s retro-flavored world variety and gameplay innovations in equal measure.
The Legacy Continues
While Super Mario 3D World does not replace the foundation and firsts 3D Land established, it complemented and expanded them as an evolutionary sequel should. This pattern seems destined to repeat into the future based on 2022‘s acclaimed Switch remaster of 3D World.
With the next inevitable 3D Mario game, we can likely expect its team to graft new ideas onto this sturdy trunk without losing sight of its roots planted across decades of Mario magic-making.
As a life-long Nintendo kid myself, I dream of headset-free VR as a potential "triple D" Mario environment down the road. But for now, Super Mario 3D World stands as the latest brilliant transformation an icon has undergone while remaining joyfully familiar at his core.
