Last week saw the release of the new Metallic Red Nintendo 3DS and I was lucky enough to be invited to an event that not only showed off the new handheld but also a new build of Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7 before their release on 18th November and 2nd December respectively. I had a brief chance to play Super Mario 3D Land at Nintendo’s UK event in London around E3 time and I have to say it’s still my most anticipated title on the device and I’m sure it’s one that is sure to shift a few more units which of course would be great news for Ninty.
Last time I had a go on a level where floor tiles disappeared from under your feet as you walked across them. It seemed to play in a very similar manner to Super Mario Galaxy. This time, I was running about collecting fallen leaves from blocks I bashed with my head in order to don the raccoon suit which lets Mario use his tail to attack and float after doing a jump. He also has a couple of new moves up his sleeves such as a rolling somersault attack and a running dash. You can also use the gyro function of the 3DS to look through tourist-style telescopes to spot your mates who grant you items or show you the way to go. As always though, it’s fine using this function if you’re not using the 3D – you just rotate your wrists, but if you have the slider up, you’ll have to keep your head in a fixed position relative to the screen and will look like a bit of a moron if playing the game on the bus.
It’s typical 3D Mario with a host of new features and improvements. As the old saying goes “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” I’m not sure how that translates in Japanese for Miyamoto San but I’m sure he’s been saying something like that during the development of Super Mario 3D Land.
At the end of the night they also had a raffle to win one of ten Red 3DSs and guess what? I won one! So thanks Nintendo – should come in useful when I play my girlfriend at Mario Kart 7 (which is also looking fantastic by the way).
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Related: Mario Kart, Super Mario