Super Mario 3D Land: Difference between revisions

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|align=center style="background:#FFFFFF"|[[File:Mushroom-SM3DL.png|x65px]]<br>[[Super Mushroom]]
|align=center style="background:#FFFFFF"|[[File:Mushroom-SM3DL.png|x65px]]<br>[[Super Mushroom]]
|align=center style="background:#FFFFFF"|[[File:Sm3DL-Mario Running Artwork.png|x100px]]<br>[[Mario]] or [[Super Mario]]
|align=center style="background:#FFFFFF"|[[File:Sm3DL-Mario Running Artwork.png|x100px]]<br>[[Super Mario (form)|Super Mario]]
|The Super Mushroom turns Small Mario into [[Super Mario (form)|Super Mario]]. Mario starts each life in this form. Taking damage only reverts him to Small form, and he can break Brick Blocks and find other power-ups in blocks.
|The Super Mushroom turns Small Mario into [[Super Mario (form)|Super Mario]]. Mario starts each life in this form. Taking damage only reverts him to Small form, and he can break Brick Blocks and find other power-ups in blocks.
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Revision as of 20:38, October 3, 2023

This article is about the 2011 video game. For the stage in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, see 3D Land.
Not to be confused with Super Mario Land or Super Mario 3D World.
Super Mario 3D Land
The North American cover for Super Mario 3D Land
North American box art
For alternate box art, see the game's gallery.
Developer Nintendo EAD Tokyo
Brownie Brown[1]
Publisher Nintendo
Platform(s) Nintendo 3DS
Release date Retail:
Template:ReleaseNintendo eShop:
Template:ReleaseNintendo Selects:
Template:Release[?]
Language(s) English (United Kingdom)
English (United States)
French (France)
French (Canada)
German
Spanish (Spain)
Spanish (Latin America)
Italian
Dutch
Portuguese (Portugal)
Russian
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean
Genre Platformer, Action-adventure
Rating(s)
ESRB:E - Everyone
PEGI:3 - Three years and older
CERO:A - All ages
ACB:G - General
USK:6 - Six years and older
RARS:0+ - All ages
GRAC:All - All ages
GSRR:P - Six years and older
Mode(s) Single-player
Input
Nintendo 3DS:

Super Mario 3D Land is a single-player game in the Super Mario series for the Nintendo 3DS, released in November 2011, and is the first Super Mario game overall for the console. It is the fourteenth entry in the Super Mario series[2], the second 3D Super Mario platformer for a handheld device (with Super Mario 64 DS being the first and an enhanced remake of the first 3D platformer adventure) and, as noted by Reggie Fils-Aime at E3 2011, the first 3D Super Mario platformer to be built from the ground up for a handheld system. It is closely based on side-scrolling Super Mario games, but it is a 3D platformer in the vein of games like Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Galaxy. The game was created by the same development team that worked on the Super Mario Galaxy games and Donkey Kong Jungle Beat, currently part of Nintendo EAD Tokyo. It received a sequel entitled Super Mario 3D World, which was released for the Wii U in November 2013. The game requires 2315 blocks if it is bought off the Nintendo eShop.[3]

Super Mario 3D Land is the first Super Mario game published by Nintendo on one of their consoles to be officially localized in Dutch, Portuguese, and Russian.[4][5][6]

Story

Bowser kidnapping Princess Peach, and with some Super Leaves around them.
Bowser capturing Peach

Outside Peach's Castle stands the Tail Tree, a stripe-tailed tree with Super Leaves on its branches. All of the Mushroom Kingdom is familiar with the tree. One night, a huge storm blows all of the leaves off, as Bowser laughs in the background.

Later on, when Mario and three Toads (red, yellow, and blue) check the Tail Tree, they discover that the Super Leaves are gone. However, the yellow Toad notices a hovering letter near the tree, and the group of four goes to investigate. Mario grabs and opens the letter, and a picture of Bowser holding Princess Peach hostage with Super Leaves flying in the background pops out. The message shocks the three Toads and Mario, and immediately, Mario and the three Toads run to save the Princess. Throughout his adventure between each world, Mario receives more letters about Peach's predicament and about various stages of Bowser's Super Leaf-related plan.

Inspired by Mario's courage, Peach ultimately attempts to escape from Bowser and his army, but she is soon recaptured. Mario travels through World 8 and defeats Bowser, only to be tricked by a fake Peach sign, as Bowser escapes with the real Peach. Mario eventually finds Bowser's lair, but before they can battle, the floor beneath them breaks and they fall. After being pursued through various obstacles, Mario manages to press a switch making the bridge under Bowser collapse, sending Bowser into a pool of lava. At last, Mario and the three Toads find Princess Peach and, using their Tanooki powers, bring Peach back to her castle.

The Letter found at the start of World 7 in Super Mario 3D Land
Peach attempting an escape from Bowser and the Koopa Troop

After that, a short cutscene appears with a letter floating down in World 1-1. It shows that Luigi was kidnapped. Mario then sets off to save Luigi. After rescuing him in Special 1-Castle, he becomes a playable character.

After Mario beats Special 8-Castle, another cut-scene appears. Another letter has floated down on World 1-1, and the three Toads who accompanied Mario in his adventure investigate while in their Tanooki forms. To their surprise, Bowser has kidnapped Princess Peach again. Then, Mario or Luigi must defeat Bowser in World 8-Bowser's Castle2 again. After that, a picture of Tanooki Peach is unlocked. Once five stars are present on the profile, Special 8-Crown, the very last level, is unlocked.

Gameplay

World 1-1
Mario in World 1-1.

The levels of Super Mario 3D Land are much more linear and compact than the other 3D titles, more along the lines of the side-scrolling games. All levels have a time limit and even feature Goal Poles, a staple of the original Super Mario Bros. and the New Super Mario Bros. games, as opposed to Power Stars or Shine Sprites, as the level goals. To enter vertical pipes, the player must press L Button or R Button; for the first time in the series, the player can re-enter areas through pipes at will (for example, after being transported to the above-ground Goal Pole in World 2-2, the player can go back down the pipe to return underground). The graphics of the game greatly resemble those of the Super Mario Galaxy games, while the levels show visual similarities to the New Super Mario Bros. titles. Game-play also takes cues from Super Mario Sunshine, notably tight-rope walking. Unlike the 2D Super Mario games, the level themes in a world tend to be more random, like the galaxies of the Super Mario Galaxy games, instead of focusing on a particular setting per world.

Due to the merging of the 2D and 3D play styles, Mario's moveset is more limited than in the previous Super Mario games; he does not dash as fast, and thus cannot jump as high or as far as in past games; he also cannot Double Jump or Triple Jump for the first time in a platforming game since Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins. Mario can also no longer Spin Jump, fly (in Tanooki form, unlike in Super Mario Bros. 3), grab and/or throw objects (such as Green Shells), hold onto ledges, or attack without power ups. However, he can still Wall Jump, Long Jump, Ground Pound, Sideways Somersault, and Backwards Somersault. Other controls take cues from the 2D titles; Mario can crouch and slide while running, which now requires the use of a run/attack button, like in the 2D games. In addition, the Backwards Somersault works like the Power Squat Jump does in Super Mario Bros. 2. Finally, Mario has a new roll move that can be used to hit blocks from the side and fit through small gaps.

Tanooki Mario in World 2-Airship.

While giving examples of how the Nintendo 3DS enhances game-play, Shigeru Miyamoto has stated that hitting blocks from underneath in 3D Super Mario games would be easier with stereoscopic 3D.[7] Thus, blocks are more prevalent in this game, unlike the past 3D games, where blocks were few and far between. Three Star Medals (which have a similar design to the Comet Medals from Super Mario Galaxy 2) are found in each level, and collecting all three is part of the level's challenge, like the Star Coins in the New Super Mario Bros. games. + Clocks can be picked up to give the player additional time to complete the level, a mechanic only seen previously in Super Mario Galaxy 2's Speedy Comet missions.

Mario's health system is now based on the side-scrolling titles rather than being a numbered health meter: Mario becomes a cap-less Small Mario when damaged, while power-ups give him an extra hit point and new abilities. These power-ups include the Super Mushroom, the Fire Flower, the new Boomerang Flower, the Statue Leaf (replacing the Tanooki Suit), and the Super Leaf, the last of which had not been seen since Super Mario Bros. 3. Notably, the Fire form, unlike its previous 3D appearances in Super Mario Galaxy and its sequel, no longer has a time limit imposed on it and is retained until Mario is hit, as in the side-scrolling games. The item storage from New Super Mario Bros. also appears in this game.

As in Super Mario Bros. 2, when Mario loses a life, he respawns in his Super form instead of his Small form. Similar to New Super Mario Bros. Wii, the game has features to help the player if they lose too many lives in a stage. When the player loses two lives in one level, a flying Roulette Block appears. When five lives are lost, an Assist Block containing an Invincibility Leaf appears, which makes the player invincible for the duration of the level. Finally, when ten lives are lost, an Assist Block with a P-Wing appears, which warps the player directly to the Goal Pole. Unlike previous Super Mario games, the lives counter in Super Mario 3D Land extends beyond 100 and goes up to 1,110 lives (after reaching 1,000, 1,100 and 1,110 lives, the hundreds, tens, and units digits respectively are displayed as a crown). This life counter is also included in New Super Mario Bros. 2 and Super Mario 3D World.

The game also makes extended use of the Nintendo 3DS hardware. When the player uses a cannon or the binoculars, the Nintendo 3DS gyro controls can be used to aim by moving the 3DS. The game also includes a StreetPass option, whereupon encounters, Mystery Boxes and Toad House items are exchanged between players. Items in Toad Houses sent by another player are recorded, including the amount of items sent by the user.

Because Super Mario 3D Land was developed and released before the Nintendo 2DS was produced, the game does not recognize when it is running on a 2DS system and still displays the 3D icons that indicate the available 3D viewing modes at the beginning of every level. This does not affect the actual gameplay; attempting to switch the 3D viewing mode has no effect and the game is still fully playable on the 2DS.

By clearing Special 1-Castle, Luigi is unlocked as a playable character, and can be swapped in or out by pressing the "M"/"L" button in the bottom corner of the touch screen on the world map. As in Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels, Luigi jumps higher than Mario, but has lower traction.

Controls

Characters

Playable characters

Name Description Advantages Disadvantages Availability
In-game rendering of Mario from Super Mario 3D Land.
Mario
Mario is the hero of the Mushroom Kingdom. He sets out on an adventure to save Princess Peach. Balanced From the start
In-game rendering of Luigi from Super Mario 3D Land.
Luigi
Mario's brother, who was captured by Dry Bowser. He becomes a playable character after Mario saves him. Jumps higher Lower traction After saving him in Special 1-Castle

Non-playable characters

Name Description
Artwork of Princess Peach in Super Mario 3D Land
Princess Peach
The princess of the Mushroom Kingdom, who is kidnapped by Bowser.
Toad artwork
Toad
Toad is seen in various parts of the game, including red Toad Houses and before airship levels.
YellowToadSM3DL.pngBlueToadSM3DL.png
Toads
Toads help Mario on his journey to save Princess Peach.
Bird model from Super Mario 3D Land
Little birds
Little birds are found in some courses and fly away when Mario gets close.

Enemies and obstacles

New enemies

Name List of enemies Description List of enemies First appearance Last appearance
A red Biddybud from Super Mario 3D Land.
Biddybud
Lady beetle-like creatures that walk along set paths, typically in lines. They come in various colors. World 1-3 Special 3-1
In-game rendering of a Cosmic Clone from Super Mario 3D Land.
Big Cosmic Clone
Large Cosmic Clones that can break Brick Blocks. Special 7-4 Special 8-Crown
White Tanooki Mario defeating a Big Tail Goomba in Super Mario 3D Land
Big Tail Goomba
Giant Tail Goombas. Their tail attack covers wider range. World 1-1 World 5-5
Artwork of Blokkablok from Super Mario 3D Land.
Blokkablok
Spiked enemies made of blocks. They snake back and forth in the air. Breaking every block defeats a Blokkablok. World 3-1 Special 8-Crown
Artwork of a Coin Coffer that appears in Super Mario 3D Land
Coin Coffer
Purse-shaped creatures. They are usually invisible. They slowly run away from Mario when exposed. Coin Coffers dispense many coins when hit. World 2-3 Special 4-1
Artwork of a Draglet from Super Mario 3D Land
Draglet
Little dragons that spit fireballs. World 1-Castle Special 8-4
Fakeblock.png
Fake Block
They hide among real Brick Blocks. When approached, they reveal themselves and chase Mario, attacking him with their tail. World 3-1 Special 8-Crown
Artwork of a Flophopper from Super Mario 3D Land.
Flophopper
Insect-like creatures that walk side to side, flipping one leg over their body. This makes the spiky, damaging side of their body switch positions with the fleshy, vulnerable side. Their suction cup-like feet fastens them to rotating platforms. World 5-3 Special 7-5
Goombas
Goomba Tower
Stacks of Goombas. The one on the bottom behaves like a normal Goomba. World 1-2 Special 4-1
InkPiranha.png
Inky Piranha Plant
Black Piranha Plants. They spit ink that covers the screen, obscuring the player's view. World 1-2 World 4-2
Morty Mole
Morty Mole
Large moles. They take two stomps to be defeated. The first hit flattens their body. World 5-4 World 7-4
Para Biddybud artwork Super Mario 3D Land.png
Para-Biddybud
Winged Biddybuds. They fly in set patterns, often appearing in groups. World 1-3 Special 3-3
PeepaSM3DL.png
Peepa
Smiling ghosts. They either stay in a stationary position or move around through a set area. World 4-4 Special 6-5
SM3DL Prongo.png
Prongo
Helmeted enemies. They chase after Mario and dive at him in an attempt to strike. If they miss, they become stuck in the ground, allowing Mario to jump on their vulnerable underside. World 6-4 Special 5-5
Rendered model of the Sandmaargh enemy in Super Mario 3D Land.
Sandmaargh
Sand-dwelling Blaargs. They hide underneath sand. A Sandmaargh will launch upward to bite Mario if he is directly above it. World 3-1 Special 6-1
SpikeEelSM3DL.png
Spike Eel
Giant eels. They stay in holes and swim in Mario's way. World 3-2 Special 2-2
Artwork of a Stingby from Super Mario 3D Land.
Stingby
Bee enemies. They chase Mario on sight. World 2-4 Special 8-Crown
A Tail Bob-omb in Super Mario 3D Land
Tail Bob-omb
Bob-ombs with tanuki tails. They descend slowly until they land on the ground, exploding soon after. World 7-4 Special 8-Crown
Artwork of a Tail Boo from Super Mario 3D Land
Tail Boo
Tailed Boos. One will swat Mario with its tail if he faces one. World 4-4 Special 6-5
Artwork of a Tail Bullet Bill, from Super Mario 3D Land
Tail Bullet Bill
Tailed Bullet Bills. They swing their tail after traveling some distance. World 2-Airship Special 5-3
A Tail Goomba
Tail Goomba
Goombas that jump in the air and descend slowly, performing a tail attack when they land. World 1-1 Special 5-5
Tail Thwomp
Tail Thwomp
Thwomps that jump and float, moving along a set path. World 5-1
Artwork of a Wallop, from Super Mario 3D Land
Wallop
Smiling stones that move to match Mario's position within narrow corridors. World 3-1 Special 8-Crown

Returning enemies

Name List of enemies Description List of enemies First appearance Last appearance
SM3DL Banzai Bills.png
Banzai Bill
Slow-moving missiles. Their line of trajectory is fixed in one direction. World 8-5 Special 4-3
BigBooSM3DL.png
Big Boo
Large Boos. They appear in only a few Ghost Houses. World 4-4 Special 6-5
Artwork of a Blooper from Mario Party 8. It has subsequently been used for Super Mario 3D Land.[1]
Blooper
Underwater squids. Bloopers swim erratically when approached by Mario in an attempt to strike him. World 3-2 Special 2-2
In-game rendering of a Bob-omb from Super Mario 3D Land.
Bob-omb
Walking bombs that look like wind-up toys. Bob-ombs actively pursue Mario until they explode. Some are tossed by Rocky Wrenches. World 3-Airship Special 7-5
Artwork of a Boo in Mario Party 8. It has subsequently been used for Super Mario 3D Land.[1]
Boo
Ghost enemies. Boos pursue Mario when his back is turned towards them. If Mario looks directly at them, they shield their eyes and stop moving. World 4-4 Special 6-5
Boomerang Bro
Boomerang Bro
Hammer Bro relatives that jump around and throw Boomerangs. Some Boomerang Bros drop Boomerang Flowers when defeated. World 4-5 Special 8-Crown
Bullet Bill model from Super Mario 3D Land.
Bullet Bill
Missiles fired from Bill Blasters. They fly in a straight line. World 2-Airship Special 5-3
ChainChomp3DL.png
Chain Chomp
Barking, metal enemies leashed to stumps. They lunge at Mario when in close proximity. World 3-3 Special 8-Crown
CheepCheep3DLand.png
Cheep Cheep
Pudgy red fish. Underwater, they passively swim in set paths, often in groups. In some levels, Cheep Cheeps leap over bridges and damage Mario on contact. World 1-1 Special 1-3
In-game rendering of Cosmic Mario from Super Mario 3D Land.
Cosmic Clone
Dark entities in the form of Small Mario. They trail after Mario, mimicking his every move and positioning. Making contact damages him. Special 1-2 Special 8-1
Dry Bones
Dry Bones
Undead Koopa Troopas. They chase down and tackle Mario on sight. If stomped on or hit, Dry Bones crumble into a pile of bones, but regenerate after a few seconds. Dry Bones are only truly defeated when lured into lava. World 1-Castle Special 8-4
Artwork of a Fire Piranha Plant from Super Mario 3D Land
Fire Piranha Plant
Brown Piranha Plants that spit fireballs at Mario. World 1-3 Special 5-5
The artwork of a Fuzzy as it appears in Super Mario 3D Land.
Fuzzy
Black, furry creatures. They move back and forth along tightropes, often in groups. World 3-4 Special 8-Crown
Goomba
Goomba
Squat mushroom creatures that chase Mario when he is in their line of sight. Goombas can be defeated with a single jump. World 1-1 Special 8-Crown
Squared screenshot of a Grinder from Super Mario 3D Land.
Grinder
Big saw blades. They damage Mario on contact and destroy wooden platforms. World 7-5
Artwork of Hammer Bro in Mario Party 8 (also used in Mario Super Sluggers, New Super Mario Bros. Wii, Super Mario 3D Land,[1] Super Mario Party and Mario Kart Tour)
Hammer Bro
Helmeted Koopas that throw hammers. World 1-Castle Special 8-Crown
Koopa Troopa
Koopa Troopa
Green-shelled turtles. They walk back and forth in a straight line. When jumped on, they retreat into their shells. World 1-2 Special 4-1
In-game rendering of a Lava Bubble from Super Mario 3D Land.
Lava Bubble
Balls of lava. They jump between gaps in platforms that cover lava, often in groups. World 1-Castle Special 8-3
Magikoopa
Magikoopa
Robed Koopas that can teleport. They toss magical fireballs at Mario with their wand. World 7-Airship Special 8-4
In-game rendering of a Magmaargh from Super Mario 3D Land.
Magmaargh
Large Blaargs that dwell in lava. They rise from lava and shuffle through it in a set paths, phasing through platforms. World 8-Bowser's Castle Special 8-Bowser's Castle
Squared screenshot of a Monty Mole from Super Mario 3D Land.
Monty Mole
Mole enemies. They pop out of the ground and patrol a set area, occasionally in groups. World 5-4
ParagoombaSM3DL.png
Paragoomba
Winged Goombas. They fly in set trajectories, moving either back and forth or up and down. World 1-4 Special 8-Crown
Artwork of a Piranha Plant from Super Mario 3D Land
Piranha Plant
Carnivorous plants that try to bite Mario when approached. World 1-3 Special 5-5
In-game rendering of a Pokey from Super Mario 3D Land.
Pokey
Segmented cactus enemies. They slide back and forth in set paths. Individual segments can be taken out to make them shorter. Striking a Pokey's head immediately defeats it. World 3-1 World 6-2
PorcuPufferSM3DL.png
Porcupuffer
Purple pufferfish. While underwater, they swim back and forth like Cheep Cheeps. In some levels, they leap from water and break overhanging bridges to strike Mario. World 3-2 World 7-1
Wrench3DLand.png
Rocky Wrench
Moles that sit in grates. They occasionally pop out to throw wrenches, Bob-ombs, or coins. The wrenches move in a strait line without landing, hurting Mario on contact. World 2-Airship Special 8-2
SpinySM3DL.png
Spiny
Squat Koopas with spiked shells. They charge towards Mario on sight. World 5-2 Special 8-1
SpikyPlant3DLand.png
Thistle
Plants with needle-like flowers. Touching one hurts Mario. World 4-1 Special 6-5
In-game rendering of a Thwomp from Super Mario 3D Land.
Thwomp
Angry-looking stones. They are suspended in mid-air but periodically slam down towards the ground below. The tops and sides of their bodies can be used as platforms and walls, respectively. World 1-Castle Special 8-3

Obstacles

Name List of enemies Description List of enemies First appearance Last appearance
Bowserblock.png
Baddie Box
Releases infinite enemies when Mario is near. World 2-4 Special 8-3
Banzai Bill Blaster
Banzai Bill Cannon
A cannon that fires Banzai Bills. World 8-5 Special 2-Airship
Many Bullet Bills
Bill Blaster
A cannon that shoots Bullet Bills and Tail Bullet Bills. World 2-Airship Special 3-Airship
QuestionBoxSM3DL.png
Cannon
Cannons that shoot spiked balls. World 3-Airship Special 2-Airship
Fire Bars
Fire Bar
Fireballs that rotate around a block. World 1-Castle Special 8-Crown
Giant spiked ball
Giant spiked ball
Larger versions of spiked balls that can destroy their smaller counterparts. World 5-1 World 8-Bowser's Castle
Cosmic Clone in Special 8-Crown
Jet engine
Objects that spew flames to block the players path. World 2-Airship Special 8-Crown
Mario fighting Bowser.
Lava
Molten rock that can cause the player to instantly lose a life. World 1-Castle Special 8-Bowser's Castle
Mario rides a Spine Coaster in World 8-Bowser: Part 2 of Super Mario 3D Land.
Lava Geyser
Geysers of lava that can elevate platforms to allow the player to reach usually out-of-reach areas. World 8-Bowser's Castle Special 8-4
Mario running
Poison
A liquid hazard that can cause the player to instantly lose a life. World 2-2 Special 6-3
A Spike Bar
Spike Bar
Rotating spike balls, similar to a Fire Bar. World 2-4 World 5-3
Spike Block
Spike Block
A cube of spike traps that only appears in World 5-3. World 5-3
AS6 SuperMario3D.png
Spike Pillar
Objects that charge backwards and then charge forwards in order to hurt the player. World 3-Airship World 6-Airship
Spiked ball
Spiked ball
Balls that roll around and can damage the player. World 3-Airship Special 5-1
Special 3-4
Spiked roller
A cylinder covered with spikes. Some are swung on chains. World 7-2 Special 5-2
Mario fighting Boom Boom.
Spikes
Small cubed spikes that damages Mario or Luigi. World 2-4 Special 8-Crown
Ball 'N' Chain
Swing Spike
Spiked balls that move back and forth like a pendulum. World 1-2 World 3-4

Bosses

List of bosses Bosses List of bosses
white white white
Artwork of a Tail Bowser from Super Mario 3D Land Boom Boom's official artwork. Artwork of Pom Pom from Super Mario 3D Land
Disguised minions of Bowser who breathe fire, swing their tails, and jump around on collapsible bridges. A big brutish Koopa that spins his fists around his arenas. A female Boom Boom that throws boomerangs.
Levels Levels Levels
World 1-Castle
World 5-Castle
World 2-Airship
World 3-Airship
World 7-Airship
Special 4-Airship
Special 6-Airship
Special 7-Mystery Box
Special 8-Crown
World 4-Airship
World 6-Airship
World 7-Airship
Special 4-Airship
Special 8-Crown
white white
Bowser and Princess Peach on an airship In-game rendering of Dry Bowser from Super Mario 3D Land.
At first fights like his copies, but for the final showdown becomes far more persistent and aggressive, gaining several new behaviors. Bowser's skeletal counterpart, who fights like the Tail Bowsers.
Levels Levels
World 8-Bowser's Castle: Part 1
World 8-Bowser's Castle: Part 2
Special 1-Castle
Special 5-Castle
Special 8-Bowser's Castle

Items and objects

Power-ups and forms

Power-up Form Description
New power-ups
Boomerang Flower of Super Mario 3D Land (transparency)
Boomerang Flower
Mario's Boomerang form from Super Mario 3D Land.
Boomerang Mario
The Boomerang Flower transforms Mario into Boomerang Mario. He can toss a boomerang to hit enemies and collect distant items. It is first found in World 5-1. Mario's appearance is similar to a Boomerang Bro.
Invincibility Leaf
Invincibility Leaf
White Tanooki Mario
White Tanooki Mario
Touching the Invincibility Leaf transforms Mario into White Tanooki Mario. This power-up appears in Assist Block after losing five lives in a (skipped) normal world course, which makes the file's stars lose their sparkle. White Tanooki Mario is invincible for one course only. He otherwise has all the same abilities as Tanooki Mario. When Luigi picks up an Invincibility Leaf, he turns into White Kitsune Luigi.
Statueleaf.png
Statue Leaf
Statue Mario
Statue Mario
The Statue Leaf turns Mario into a red-scarfed Tanooki Mario. He has all of the same abilities as normal Tanooki Mario with the added ability of transforming into a stone variant called Statue Mario while performing a Ground-Pound. Statue Mario cannot move, but he is invulnerable in this state.
Returning power-ups
Poison Mushroom
Poison Mushroom or damage while Super Mario
Small Mario
Small Mario
Small Mario is his weakest form, as he loses a life if he takes damage in this form. He also cannot break Brick Blocks, and he only gets Super Mushrooms from blocks.
Super Mushroom artwork for Super Mario 3D Land
Super Mushroom
Mario running
Super Mario
The Super Mushroom turns Small Mario into Super Mario. Mario starts each life in this form. Taking damage only reverts him to Small form, and he can break Brick Blocks and find other power-ups in blocks.
Artwork of a Fire Flower for Super Mario 3D Land
Fire Flower
Fire Mario
Fire Mario
Using a Fire Flower turns Mario into Fire Mario, which lets him throw fireballs, which bounce off walls and vanish after two seconds, to hit enemies and light Torches.
A Super Leaf
Super Leaf
Tanooki Mario jumping
Tanooki Mario
Grabbing a Super Leaf turns Mario into Tanooki Mario, letting him slow his falls and tail whip objects and enemies.
Star
Super Star
Screenshot of Invincible Mario from Super Mario 3D Land.
Invincible Mario
Briefly makes Mario invincible, letting him gain extra lives upon running into five or more enemies.
PWingSM3DL.png
P-Wing
Appears in an Assist Block after the player loses ten lives in a (skipped) normal world course, or within certain Mystery Boxes. Sends Mario straight to the Goal Pole.
Supporting items
Artwork of a Propeller Box from Super Mario 3D Land
Propeller Box
Artwork of Mario jumping within a Propeller Box, from Super Mario 3D Land. Lets Mario fly upward and descend slowly. Gives an extra life if brought to the Goal Pole.
In-game rendering of a ? Box from Super Mario 3D Land.
? Box
Screenshot of Mario in a Coin Box from Super Mario 3D Land. Lets Mario collect infinite coins while moving. Gives an extra life if brought to the Goal Pole.

Collectibles

This section is under construction. Therefore, please excuse its informal appearance while it is being worked on. We hope to have it completed as soon as possible.

Image Description
New
Red Ring and coin rings
Coin ring
Gives five coins when passed through.
Star medal.png
Star Medal
Unlock courses when enough are collected. Most courses have three; they can also be found in Mystery Boxes.
Returning
SM3D 1upmushroom.png
1-Up Mushroom
Gives Mario an extra life.
SM3DL European English manual artwork-Plus Clock.png
+ Clock (green and cyan)
Adds 10 or 100 seconds to the time limit.
Artwork of a Coin in Super Mario 3D Land
Coin
Grants an extra life for every 100 collected.
Poison Mushroom
Poison Mushroom
Purple mushrooms that appear out of ? Blocks and chase the player. If the player touches one, they get hurt.

Trigger objects

Image Description
New
SM3DL W2-4 Tail Wheel.png
Tail Wheel
Elevate certain structures when spun by Tanooki Mario's tail whip.
Returning
File:Nocoverart.png
Note
Spawned by P Switches. Gives a power-up or 1-Up Mushroom if all are collected.
File:Nocoverart.png
P Switch
Cause all sorts of events to happen when pressed.
File:Nocoverart.png
Red Coin
Five are spawned by passing through a Red Ring nearby. Award a power-up or 1-Up Mushroom if all are collected.
Red Ring and coin rings
Red Ring
Briefly spawn five Red Coins when passed through.
File:Nocoverart.png
Torch
Can be lit using Fire form.

Throwable and kickable objects

Image Description
Returning
GreenShellSM3DL.png
Green Shell
A Koopa Troopa's shell, which can be kicked to hurt foes or hit blocks.
File:Nocoverart.png
Rock
Can be kicked to break them.

Transportation objects

Image Description
New
MysteryBox SM3DL.png
Mystery Box
Lets Mario enter a time-limited bonus room.
A Warp Box from Super Mario 3D Land.
Warp Box
Sends Mario to another part of the course.
Returning
Airship Cannon
Cannon
Used to fire Mario further into a course.
Warp Pipe SM3DL.png
Warp Pipe
Takes Mario elsewhere when entered.

Blocks

Image Description
New
Assist Block containing an Invincibility Leaf
Pwing.png
Assist Blocks
Assist Blocks contain an Invincibility Leaf or a P-Wing. Appear after five or ten lives are lost, respectively, in the same course, and make the file's stars lose their sparkles upon doing so. They cannot appear in the Special Worlds.
Arrow Blocks in ice scene SM3DL.png
Directional Block
Move in the indicated direction when hit.
File:Nocoverart.png
Flying Coin Block
Winged Coin Blocks that only lose their wings once empty.
File:Nocoverart.png
Flying Roulette Block
A winged Roulette Block that appears when Mario loses two lives in the same course.
File:Nocoverart.png
Gift Box
Gift Boxes are blocks found exclusively in Toad Houses that, when hit, provide power-ups to players. They are from Miis encountered via either StreetPass or SpotPass.
Rectangleblock.png
Long ? Block
A three-block-wide ? Block that holds three coins or two coins and a power-up.
File:Nocoverart.png
Long Coin Block
A three-block-wide Coin Block that gives up to 30 coins.
File:Nocoverart.png
Long Empty Block
The result of hitting a Long ? Block.
File:Nocoverart.png
Long Note Block
A twice-as-wide Note Block.
Returning
? Block
? Block
Contains a coin or a power-up.
Artwork of a Brick Block in Super Mario 3D Land
Brick Block
Blocks that cannot be broken if Small Mario hits them.
File:Nocoverart.png
Coin Block
Gives up to ten coins when repeatedly hit.
Crate3DLand.png
Crate
Break when hit. May contain coins or power-ups.
Donut Blocks in Super Mario 3D Land
Donut Block
Fall slowly once stood upon.
UsedBlockSM3DL.png
Empty Block
A used-up ? Block.
! Block and face blocks scene SM3DL.png
Face block
Briefly spawned in paths from hit ! Blocks.
File:Nocoverart.png
Flying ? Block
Winged ? Blocks that fly in patterns.
SM3DL 2-3b.jpg
Hard Block
A block that cannot be broken.
Artwork of a Note Block from Super Mario 3D Land.
Note Block
Blocks Mario can bounce on.
Roulette Block SM3DL.png
Roulette Block
A clear block that scrolls through power-ups; releases the item displayed when it is hit.
Model of the Super Note Block from Super Mario 3D Land.
Super Note Block
Sends Mario to Coin Heaven when bounced on.
A Hard Block from Super Mario 3D Land
Wood Block
An inert block made of wood.

Platforms

Image Description
New
Snake Panels SM3DL.png
Flip Panel
Form temporary pathways when activated.
File:Nocoverart.png
Piano key
Wavy piano keys that moves up and down.
File:Nocoverart.png
Rolling grate
A cylindrical grate-like platform that, when stood on, roll over.
World 7-Airship
Rotating gear
Rotating cylindrical platforms that spin clockwise or counterclockwise with some containing wooden cutouts.
File:Nocoverart.png
Swing lift
A blue platform that swings once stepped on.
World 1-4 from Super Mario 3D Land
Switchboard
Move along tracks according to which arrow Mario stands on.
Returning
Special 8-4
Bolt Lift
A giant nut that is screwed onto a very long bolt that serve as platforms. The player must continually jump to avoid falling.
Mario rides a Spine Coaster in World 8-Bowser: Part 2 of Super Mario 3D Land.
Bone Roller Coaster
A bony platform that moves on tracks in Bowser's second castle.
Bob-ombs
Gear
Gear-like platform that move Mario if he steps on them.
Yellowplatform.png
Lift
A platform that moves to and from areas.
File:Nocoverart.png
Mushroom Trampoline
Mushroom platforms that can be bounced on.
File:Nocoverart.png
Paddle lift
A set of lifts that perpetually spin around their pivot point.
Flippy platforms scene SM3DL.png
Red-Blue Panel
Platforms that flip over when Mario jumps.
File:Nocoverart.png
Rotating platform
Platforms that rotates clockwise or counter clockwise.
File:Nocoverart.png
Steel platform
Platforms that sink in lava when stepped on, then rise back up.
7-4SM3DL.png
Turning bridge
An L-shaped bridge that turns at a 90 degree axis.

Other objects

Image Description
New
Binoculars from Super Mario 3D Land
Binoculars
Let Mario see further into the course. Toads can also be spotted and usually give a power-up or Star Medal once found.
GoombaSignSM3DL.png
Board
Fake cutouts of objects. May give items when broken.
Returning
CheckpointSM3DL.png
Checkpoint Flag
Has Mario spawn near it if he loses a life after activating it.
File:Nocoverart.png
Flower
Walking through them reveals a Coin.
Mario, on a Goal Pole.
Goal Pole
The end of a course. The higher it is grabbed, the more coins are earned; a 1-Up and golden flag are given for reaching the top.

Worlds

World Preview Description
Normal worlds
World 1 World 1 in Super Mario 3D Land A simple grassland world. The boss is a Tail Bowser.
World 2 World 2 in Super Mario 3D Land A yellow plains world. The boss is Boom Boom.
World 3 World 3 in Super Mario 3D Land A blue meadow world. The boss is Boom Boom.
World 4 World 4 in Super Mario 3D Land A mushroom forest world. The boss is Pom Pom.
World 5 World 5 in Super Mario 3D Land A canyon and mountain world. The boss is another Tail Bowser.
World 6 World 6 in Super Mario 3D Land A cloud-themed world, with a second encounter with Pom Pom.
World 7 World 7 in Super Mario 3D Land A dark forest world with both Boom Boom and Pom Pom as bosses.
World 8 World 8 in Super Mario 3D Land The eighth and final world, which is a quintessential volcanic valley, with Bowser as the boss.
Bonus worlds
Special 1 Special 1 in Super Mario 3D Land The first bonus world is a mint green grassland, like its original counterpart.
Special 2 Special 2 in Super Mario 3D Land The second bonus world is a dark yellow plain.
Special 3 Special 3 in Super Mario 3D Land The third bonus world is a dark blue meadow.
Special 4 Special 4 in Super Mario 3D Land The fourth bonus world is a green jungle with yellow mushrooms.
Special 5 Special 5 in Super Mario 3D Land The fifth bonus world is a brown desert.
Special 6 Special 6 in Super Mario 3D Land The sixth bonus world is a gray cloudy sky with a moon hanging over it.
Special 7 Special 7 in Super Mario 3D Land The seventh bonus world is a pink forest with snow descending from the sky.
Special 8 Special 8 in Super Mario 3D Land The final bonus world is a yellow Super Mario Bros. 3-styled area, rather than copying its normal counterpart.

Other locations

  • Toad Houses - They work like they do in Super Mario Bros. 3, but StreetPass friends can send gifts to the Toad House that contain items.
  • Mystery Boxes - Mario can go inside them, and they contain various different tasks, such as defeating all the enemies in the box. After completing the tasks, Mario receives coins, 1-Up Mushrooms, and/or a Star Medal. Friends via StreetPass can also send the player Mystery Boxes, which always contain at least one Star Medal.
  • A room with colored blocks that cause an optical illusion, where Mario can train and learn movements. It is accessed by remaining idle at the end of the title cutscene. The room strongly resembles Peach's Castle.

Staff

Main article: List of Super Mario 3D Land staff

Development

Pics for next Mario 3DS game
Game screenshots as seen at Game Developers Conference in 2011.[8]

Super Mario 3D Land was first mentioned in an "Iwata Asks" interview with Shigeru Miyamoto in October 2010, where he confirmed that a brand-new Super Mario game for the Nintendo 3DS was already in development, but had not yet been given a proper title.[9] It was known by its tentative title, Super Mario, at the time. In November 2010, Shigeru Miyamoto announced that both 2D world and 3D world Super Mario games were in the works for the 3DS.[10] Four screenshots were available on March 2, 2011, and the game was officially announced during the Game Developers Conference, under the name Super Mario. The logo had a Raccoon Tail on the "O" letter, similar to that of Super Mario Bros. 3's logo, which had Raccoon Mario's tail shadow behind the "3". Available screenshots of Super Mario revealed that the game is a 3D platformer and the game was stated to be developed by Nintendo EAD Tokyo's same team which had previously developed Super Mario Galaxy and its sequel, as shown how a Goomba runs after Small Mario. It even contained features from the 2D Super Mario side-scrolling games. Satoru Iwata stated that a more official announcement would be shown at E3 2011 on June 7. According to Iwata, "it will be a game that will come with the kind of surprises and fun that only the 3DS can offer."[11] Shigeru Miyamoto has stated that the development took over two years and started with 2 to 30 staff members working on the game.[12]

In a later interview, Shigeru Miyamoto described the title as being a combination of Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario 64, with a little bit of New Super Mario Bros. and New Super Mario Bros. Wii. He mentioned there would be an option for a fixed camera system, very similar to the one in Super Mario 64, to demonstrate depth and the 3DS's 3D. He added, however, that it was tough to describe it, before mentioning that not only would the title be shown, but that it would also be playable at E3 2011. Shigeru Miyamoto explained that playing it will give fans a better idea of what it's like. He also commented on the speculation regarding the temporary logo, already confirming that the tail on the end of the logo's "O" was a hint at the return of Super Mario Bros. 3's Tanooki Mario.[13]

The four-level demo.

The game was given a full reveal with a trailer at E3 2011 and was playable on the show floor, as previously stated. It was announced that the game was targeted for a release by the end of the year. Attendees were allowed to try the game for themselves in four different levels - a standard plain area, an underground area, a level of switch-activated platforms, reminiscent of a few galaxies from the Super Mario Galaxy titles, and an airship level ending in a fight with Bowser's henchman, Boom Boom. In addition, the E3 2011 trailer and the conference trailer were put up for download on the 3DS eShop for a limited time. By playing the trailer on their 3DS, viewers could then see the game in stereoscopic 3D for themselves.

The main ambition of the design team was to "reset" the conventions of 3D Super Mario games, which were mostly designed for home consoles.[14] One of the ways of doing that was to create short, pick-up and play levels more suitable to a handheld, as opposed to the Super Mario Galaxy series, and more specifically Super Mario Galaxy 2, which director Koichi Hayashida described as a "Manchu Han Imperial Feast".[14] Additionally, according to Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto, the term Land was used in the title to pay homage to past Super Mario titles, like Super Mario Land and its 2D art style.[15]

The developers also wanted the game to serve as a jumping point for players that liked 2D Super Mario, but did not want to play the 3D installments.[14] One of the solutions was to eschew the exploration-based level design of the traditional 3D Super Marios so that the players would not get "lost", and return the focus on reaching the end of linear levels. The levels were carefully designed to lead the player toward the end goal.[14] However, the developers included Star Medals hidden throughout the levels to cater to the 3D Mario players and thus bridge the two game design sensibilities.[14]

The development was heavily affected by the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.[1] Damage to the train network led to developers visiting the Kyoto office to be stuck there, and fear of aftershocks and radiation emanating from the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant caused several developers to lock themselves in their homes. These events made Nintendo unsure of whether the development could continue in Tokyo.[1] Tired of not doing anything, Hayashida risked sharing his personal contact information with other members. This led to a web forum being set up so that work could be continued while the Tokyo office was closed.[1]

The developers were pressured to finish the game in time for the 2011 holiday season, which led to parts of Super Mario 3D Land being outsourced to other Nintendo-affiliated developers such as Brownie Brown,[1] something that did not typically happen with Super Mario games at the time.

Shigehisa Nakaue designed the 2D art seen in Peach's letters in the game, making it the first Super Mario game to use this art style in-game.

Nintendo eShop description

American English version

Platforming with serious depth! With the 3D visuals of Super Mario 3D Land, players can see exactly where floating blocks and flying Paragoombas are, so that they can jump and stomp with the precision of the pros. Expert gamers will appreciate the way 3D graphics reveal the true challenge of the levels, so that they can focus on nailing the perfect jump or shaving precious seconds off their speed runs, while new players will find that 3D makes platforming simple to grasp and satisfying to master.

Try on Mario's Tanooki Suit, and put some spring in your step! While longtime gamers will delight in using Tanooki Mario's tail-spin attack to sweep enemies off their feet and fluttering through the air to land super-long jumps, a new generation will learn what makes this classic suit a fan favorite. But even seasoned players will be in for a surprise—Mario's enemies may be sporting the familiar Tanooki tail too!

Mario at his very best! Mario™ returns to his roots in his first 3D platforming adventure designed exclusively for a handheld system. From the frantic race-against-the-clock dash through the Mushroom Kingdom to that final leap to grab the top of the flagpole, this eye-popping addition to the Super Mario™ series combines everything that makes Mario great from one generation to the next.

British and Australian English version

SUPER MARIO 3D LAND reinvents everything fans love about Mario gaming with the first platforming environment in true 3D, presenting a 3D Mario game that plays like a 2D Mario game! Players will experience an exhilarating new sense of depth, distance and speed while running, jumping and stomping on enemies throughout the levels.

Among other outfits for Mario, the fan-favourite Tanooki Suit makes a comeback. Use the Tanooki Suit’s tail to attack enemies or float gently down from great heights.

Accessible and challenging in equal measure, SUPER MARIO 3D LAND offers new and familiar abilities that add unique gameplay strategies to the adventure! Make your way to the end-of-level flagpole using Mario's signature moves- or try to apply his new skills in challenging ways if you dare to discover every hidden shortcut and secret!

Reception

Super Mario 3D Land received critical or extremely positive acclaim.

In general, the overall utilization of the capabilities and possibilities of a three-dimensional installment were praised in comparison to those of later entries. In spite of the main game difficulty being critiqued alongside occasional missed opportunities, the game itself performed outstandingly.

The game received very high ratings, with an 80% rating on both GameXplain and Edge[16] as well as a 90% rating on both Joystig[17] and N-Zone. Additionally, it has received a 95% or 9.5/10 on GameInformer[18] and a perfect score of 5/5 or 100% on GamePro.[19]

Reviews
Release Reviewer, Publication Score Comment
Nintendo 3DS Audrey Drake, IGN 9.5/10 "Super Mario 3D Land represents the first 3DS title to fully make use of the system's capabilities. With an expertly balanced difficulty progression, dazzling level design and masterful Power-Ups, this is the ideal 3DS experience. Most of the first eight worlds fly by a bit too quickly, but with extra content you unlock afterward, medal challenges in each level and StreetPass allowing you to best your friend's times, you'll still find plenty of replay value here. As an experience, Super Mario 3D Land gets deeper the longer you play, as you sink into its particular groove and learn to appreciate it as a unique title - one that is separate from yet beautifully derivative of the entire Mario franchise. As a whole, 3D Land is brilliant and addictive, and should do for 3D-enhanced platforming what the original Super Mario Bros. did for 2D platforming. If you own a 3DS system, you have no choice - you simply must own this game."
Nintendo 3DS Christian Donlan, Eurogamer 9/10 "3D Land is great, but it isn't perfect. Compared to the fluffy, nostalgic warmth of the Tanooki suit and its twin, the Statue Leaf, both the Boomerang Flower and the Propeller Box feel like missed opportunities, the former making for a slightly fussier take on the Fire Flower, even if it is good for capturing distant trinkets, just as the latter remains firmly under the shadow of New Super Mario's various whirligigs. Seasoned players, meanwhile, will get through the first half of the game a touch too quickly, finding much to enjoy but little to truly challenge them. It can feel, for a few hours at least, like a very slight disappointment."
Nintendo 3DS Maxwell McGee, GameSpot 8/10 "Some of the other features also lack creativity. With StreetPass, you can restock your exhausted mushroom houses and challenge cubes simply by passing other 3DS users, even if they don't have the game. This makes it especially easy to rack up star coins, since the challenge cubes are generally a breeze to complete. The gyrometer is used at binocular stations in certain stages. These stations let you search out hidden toads that shriek with delight and throw star coins or other power-ups at you. Despite the fact these features lack the imagination seen in the game's level design, Super Mario 3D Land is still a delight. With well-realized stages and responsive controls, it's an easy recommendation for all action-loving 3DS owners."
Aggregators
Compiler Platform / Score
Metacritic 90
GameRankings 90.09%

Sales

As of September 30, 2019, Super Mario 3D Land is the 6th best-selling game for the Nintendo 3DS, having sold 12.60 million units worldwide, and caused a great boost in 3DS sales.[20][21] It is also the fastest-selling portable Super Mario game.[22] As of March 31, 2022, it sold 12.85 million units worldwide.[23]

Promotion

Outside
Inside
Outside and inside the Exclusive Mystery Box

On November 12, 2011, to celebrate the launch of Super Mario 3D Land in North America, Nintendo set up an event in Times Square's Military Island in which attendees would be able to play in a real life mock-up of the game environment, as well as a chance to play the game a day before the official release. In addition, many attendees were also given free Tanooki ears and tails, as well as free slices of mushroom pizza from a "Mushroom Kingdom" pizza truck to the first 1,000 attendees who tweeted the "#SuperMario3D" hashtag and an exclusive early sale of the game at the Times Square Toys "R" Us.[24]

From 22 November to 24 December 2013, North American 3DS users that went to a Nintendo Zone could receive an Exclusive Mystery Box from Mr. Hayashida, the producer of Super Mario 3D Land.

Glitches

Main article: List of Super Mario 3D Land glitches

Baddie Box lag

Baddie Box Explosion
Baddie Box Explosion being executed.

If Invincible Mario or White Tanooki Mario ground pounds onto a Baddie Box, the game starts to lag as the box explodes. The "explosion" continues and the game lags until the player jumps off of the exploding box. A harsh grinding sound is heard during the explosion, and a sound resembling that of a beanstalk coming out of an item box (in Super Mario Bros.) can be heard as Mario crouches when the player holds L Button or R Button (beanstalks like this do not appear in the game). It is possible this sound is simply the sound Mario makes when he crouches, but distorted so much by the explosion it sounds like a beanstalk. The glitch can only be done on levels where Baddie Boxes appear, such as World 2-4, 5-Castle, and Special 1-3. Both Worlds 2-4 and 5-Castle require White Tanooki Mario, making Special 1-3 the only stage where the glitch can be executed after the level has been beaten once and the only stage where it can be executed by Luigi.

Die in a Warp Box

To perform this glitch, Mario needs to go to the airship of World 2. Then, he should enter the first Warp Box. The player should reach the end of the bonus airship, but Mario should not enter the Warp Box at the end. Instead, the player should press the left camera control button so that the camera turns to the left. Wait until the Warp Box is offscreen then immediately go inside the box before Mario loses a life. If performed correctly, Mario should lose a life while the camera pans back to the main airship.

World 1 Bowser Softlock

During the boss fight with the Tail Bowser on the castle in World 1, the player must use Tanooki Mario to glide across the gap between the bridge and the platforms at the start of the fight then press the switch when the Tail Bowser jumps to the left. If done correctly, the bridge collapses with the Tail Bowser off-screen, and the game never ends the cutscene. The player, however, can still exit the level.[25]

Camera Clip

In Special 1-3, if the player aims just above the blocks on the edge of the platform in a cannon, the camera clips in for a short period of time.

Pre-release and unused content

Main article: List of Super Mario 3D Land pre-release and unused content

While the Super Leaf and P-Wing returned, and Hammer Mario was succeeded by Boomerang Mario, director Yoshiaki Koizumi stated that more classical suits and powers were to return, but none appear in the final product. The Goomba's Shoe was once considered, but was later rejected.

A grassy spacious area and a level with many Donut Blocks, platforms, and blue Directional Blocks were shown, along with an array of rotating platforms which would go on to be World 4-3. Though while said to be cut from the final product, these areas might have evolved into World 2-1 and World 8-1 in the final product. The screenshots of these areas show that they use a camera angle not used in the final game, implying that the game would have had more dynamic camera angles.

Gallery

For this subject's image gallery, see Gallery:Super Mario 3D Land.

Media

For a complete list of media for this subject, see List of Super Mario 3D Land media.
Video.svg Trailer 1 - The game's trailer.
File infoMedia:SM3DL Trailer.ogv
1:15
Video.svg Trailer 2 - The game's second trailer as seen at Nintendo 3DS Conference 2011.[video 1]
File infoMedia:SM3DL Trailer2.ogv
1:06
Video.svg Trailer 3 - The game's third trailer.
File infoMedia:SM3DL Trailer3.ogv
1:23
Audio.svg Title Screen - The title screen theme.
File infoMedia:SM3DL-Title Screen Theme.oga
0:30
Audio.svg Overworld - The main overworld theme.
File infoMedia:SuperMario3DLandTheme.oga
0:30
Help:MediaHaving trouble playing?

References to other games

The overhead view in World 5-2
  • Donkey Kong: In the final battle with Bowser, Bowser throws barrels at Mario, similar to Donkey Kong.
  • Super Mario Bros.: Mario's original sprite from this game appears as his world map icon on the touch screen. World 1-2 is an underground level with a secret exit over the ceiling leading to a Warp Zone to the next world, exactly as World 1-2 did in this game. Fake Bowsers return as Tail Bowsers with a similar battle style. The first Tail Bowser battle is modeled after the original one, and it is still a disguised Goomba. A cover version of the main theme from this game plays in Coin Heavens, World 2-3, and Special 1-3 (Mario also hums the theme in the cutscene between Worlds 5 and 6). World 2-3 also contains platforms shaped like sprites of Mario, Peach, Luigi, and both Super and 1-Up Mushrooms from this game; the end of the level is designed like the commonly seen end of levels in this game. Special 1-3 contains platforms that are shaped like sprites of a ? Block, a Goomba, a Cloud Block, a Bullet Bill, a Cheep Cheep, and three fireballs; the end of the level is designed like a level set at night in this game. A cover of this game's "level clear" music also plays upon clearing World 2-3 and Special 1-3. The "crown award" used to represent obtaining extra lives over a certain amount returns, but now 3 Crowns appear instead. After defeating Bowser and clearing World 8-Bowser's Castle: Part 1, Mario looks onward in a stance resembling his idle sprite from this game.
  • The Legend of Zelda: World 5-2 is designed as a homage to the temples from The Legend of Zelda in honor of the series' 25th anniversary, even with the camera set in an overhead view. Also, there is a room with four Torches. If Fire Mario lights all torches, the secret-finding sound effect from this game plays, and a door leading to the second Star Medal opens.
  • Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels: The special worlds may be inspired by this game's relationship to Super Mario Bros., being harder levels maintaining the same world structure as the main game, as well as exclusively featuring Poison Mushrooms. Luigi retains his unique physics (He jumps higher than Mario, but has worse traction). The phrase "THANK YOU!!" appears in the true last level, but is in English instead. The boss battles ending with Mario/Luigi continuing on to the flagpole instead of simply after the boss's defeat resembles World 9-3 from this game.
  • Super Mario Bros. 2: The Backward Somersault works just like the Power Squat Jump from this game. Mario and Luigi start each life in their Super forms, just like in this game (This is also similar to the prior 3D titles).
  • Super Mario Bros. 3: Many elements from this game, like Tanooki Mario, Boom Boom, Jump Blocks, and Super Leaves return; the Boomerang form is based on this game's Hammer form. Remixes of the Toad House theme from this game plays while outside and inside a Toad House. The backgrounds of some cutscenes between worlds (such as after completing World 2) have hills and item sprites reminiscent of this game. Some levels have the cover versions of this game's Athletic and Airship themes from Super Mario Galaxy. The background of Special 8 highly resembles a level from this game, even having the same ground style.
  • Super Mario World: Some enemies, such as Grinders and Porcupuffers, return from this game. The backgrounds of some cutscenes between worlds strongly resemble those of Chocolate Island. The sound heard when Mario exits a level after beating it in this game is present in Super Mario 3D Land after Luigi's letter is seen. Also, in the E3 2011 demo, a Jump Block would make the sound when Yoshi is mounted occasionally. The item storage returns. World 4-2 may be a reference to Vanilla Secret 1, World 5-4 a reference to Valley of Bowser 1, and Special 5-5 a reference to Donut Ghost House. Also, in the letter received when World 3 is completed, Mario's jumping out of the bubble may play the jump or Cape swing sound effect from this game. Certain note sets play this game's bonus room theme. The beginning of the castle levels' theme music plays a rising scale, similar to this game's castle theme.
  • Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3: When in their Small forms, Mario and Luigi lose their caps, similarly to Wario's Small form as seen in this game (though they wear a hat if the player collects the maximum amount of lives (1,110 lives), and Super Mario/Luigi lose the cap instead).
  • Super Mario 64 / Super Mario 64 DS: Mario's voice when falling from a high place is reused during the cutscene before Bowser's last fight, and a sped-up version of it is used when Mario falls to death. Boos and Chain Chomps also have their iconic voices from this game.
  • Super Mario Sunshine: Tightropes return as a game mechanic. The platforming concept of horizontally rotating platforms is featured in a few levels. Also, the cutscene before the true final battle features Bowser trying to smash Mario, but accidentally breaking the floor instead, causing the two to fall to another part of the castle. This is similar to the cutscene before Petey Piranha's first battle; in both cases, Mario and the boss look around as the floor cracks just before they fall.
  • Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga: Tail Goombas look and tail whip like Tanoombas, but they lack the raccoon ears and leaf on their heads.
  • New Super Mario Bros.: Star Medals are similar to Star Coins. Some flowers and bushes have a similar design to the ones from this game. Also, some levels share a similar design. Most enemies keep their designs. Dry Bowser also returns.
  • Flipnote Studio: The background music from Special 8's map is based on the Mario Drawing Song.
  • New Super Mario Bros. Wii: Upon getting the maximum amount of lives (1,110 lives), Super Mario loses his hat, and Small Mario conversely gains his hat. The Propeller Block returns in the form of a wearable item. Flophoppers act comparably to Bramballs, as they walk around, and for every step they flip 180 degrees, and have similar suction cups feet. Stars are earned for completing certain achievements in this game as well. Also, some voice clips for Mario and Luigi are reused like, "Let's-a go!", "Here we go!", "It's-a go time!", and "Let's-a play!".
  • Super Mario Galaxy / Super Mario Galaxy 2: Many level obstacles return from these games, along with some of the levels' music. The Blue and Red Flipping Platforms return, but they are activated by jumping. Flophoppers are similar to Swaphoppers, and Cosmic Clones and Magmaarghs return. Also, a lot of the voice clips, sounds, and enemy animations and behaviors are reused. The yellow switch that changes the camera angle in secret rooms from has the first-person mode eye icon from these games. World 3-5 and Special 5-4 may be references to Sweet Sweet Galaxy, World 7-5 a reference to Puzzle Plank Galaxy, and Special 5-1 a reference to Flip-Swap Galaxy. Also, a strange, ghostly entity can be seen in the woods near the flagpoles of ghost houses, which bears resemblance to the three, strange, black Kodama-esque figures (Hellvalleyskytrees) seen in the background of Shiverburn Galaxy. Five tracks return from Super Mario Galaxy: the Airship theme, the Sweet Sweet Galaxy theme, a cover version of Flipswitch Galaxy's theme, Ghostly Galaxy's mansion theme, and the Cosmic Mario theme. There is also one track returning from Super Mario Galaxy 2: the theme used on Bonus Planets. The "tick-tock" that is heard when a timed ground-pound switch in the Super Mario Galaxy series is activated is used for when a P Switch has been activated. Most of Mario and Luigi's voice clips are also reused from these games.
  • Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story: The castle music in Super Mario 3D Land is similar to Bowser's enemy battle music. Also, when Mario does the Rolling Long Jump or Tail Whips while crouching as Tanooki Mario, the voice clip of Mario saying "Wahoo!" from this game is heard sometimes.

References in later media

3D Land stage in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
3D Land from Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Names in other languages

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese スーパーマリオ 3Dランド[?]
Sūpā Mario Surī Dī Rando
Super Mario 3D Land
Chinese (simplified) 超级马力欧 3D乐园[?]
Chāojí Mǎlìōu 3D Lèyuán
Super Mario 3D Wonderland
Chinese (traditional) 超級瑪利歐 3D樂園[?]
Chāojí Mǎlìōu 3D Lèyuán
Super Mario 3D Wonderland
Korean 슈퍼 마리오 3D랜드[?]
Syupeo Malio 3D Laendeu
Super Mario 3D Land

Trivia

  • This is the last 3D Super Mario game where the "Super" in the title is colored, rather than solid white. This is also the first Super Mario game to use the current font for some in-game text and logos.
  • Super Mario 3D Land has a reversible cover, with the inside depicting red-outlined characters, enemies, and items over a white background. Although the outside cover may change based on the region, the inside cover always looks the same.
    • This reversible cover was not used in all print runs, nor in the Nintendo Selects version of the game.

External links

References

  1. ^ a b c d e How Super Mario Survived the Quake (accessed April 02 2012)
  2. ^ Kazuya Sakai (Ambit), kikai, Akinori Sao, Junko Fukuda, Kunio Takayama, and Ko Nakahara (Shogakukan) (ed.). Encyclopedia Super Mario Bros. Milwaulkie: Dark Horse Books, 2018. ISBN: 978-4-09-106569-8
  3. ^ https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/super-mario-3d-land-3ds/
  4. ^ Nintendo of the Netherlands - Geef Bowser een zwieper - de Tanooki power-up is terug
  5. ^ Nintendo of Portugal - SUPER MARIO 3D LAND e Mario Kart 7 chegam à Nintendo 3DS em português!
  6. ^ Nintendo Russia - Official Super Mario 3D Land Website
  7. ^ GDC: Super Mario 3DS Revealed
  8. ^ Nintendo @ GDC 2011
  9. ^ Iwata Asks: Super Mario Bros. 25th Anniversary
  10. ^ Video Games Blogger - Super Mario 3DS games on the way in 2D and 3D, says Shigeru Miyamoto
  11. ^ Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata on 3DS Mario and Sales Targets
  12. ^ [1]
  13. ^ Super Mario 3DS Combines Galaxy and Mario 64, Will be at E3
  14. ^ a b c d e Iwata Asks: Super Mario 3D Land (accessed April 02 2012)
  15. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJHeRRp_R_Y
  16. ^ http://n4g.com/news/884809/edge-super-mario-3d-land-review
  17. ^ http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/09/super-mario-3d-land-review/
  18. ^ http://www.gameinformer.com/games/super_mario_3d_land/b/3ds/archive/2011/11/09/super-mario-3d-land-review-mario-returns-to-rescue-the-princess-and-the-3ds.aspx
  19. ^ http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/224745/review-super-mario-3d-land-3ds/
  20. ^ IR Information : Financial Data - Top Selling Title Sales Units - Nintendo 3DS Software. Nintendo. Retrieved December 11, 2019.
  21. ^ http://www.zdnet.com/blog/btl/super-mario-3d-land-release-in-japan-skyrockets-nintendo-3ds-sales/63054
  22. ^ Snider, Mike (November 28, 2011). Nintendo sees skyward sales on Black Friday. USAToday. Retrieved April 20, 2023.
  23. ^ Nintendo (May 10, 2022) Top Selling Title Sales Unites. Nintendo Japan. Retrieved May 12, 2022. Archived from the original on May 11, 2022 via Wayback Machine.
  24. ^ (October 27, 2011). Times Square Warps Into Mario's 3D World. Nintendo. (Archived October 30, 2011, 15:53:19 UTC via Internet Archive: Wayback Machine.)
  25. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-eIBZ19JMc