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Super Mario 3D World

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Not to be confused with Super Mario World or Super Mario 3D Land.
This article is about the original Wii U version of the Super Mario 3D World game. For the Nintendo Switch port of this game, see Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury.

Template:Infobox Super Mario 3D World is a 3D platformer action game for the Wii U, released in November 2013. It is a follow-up game of the 2011 Nintendo 3DS installment Super Mario 3D Land, the fifteenth title in the Super Mario series, the seventh 3D Mario title overall, and the fifth 3D Mario title on a home console after Super Mario Galaxy 2. The game builds upon the previous installment, following a similar 3D level-design convention inspired from the 2D platformer titles where players must navigate through a linear-designed level within a time limit to reach a level's Goal Pole. The game's plot centers around Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad having to rescue the rulers of the Sprixie Kingdom, the Sprixie Princesses from Bowser.

An enhanced port called Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury for the Nintendo Switch was released on February 12, 2021.[1]

One key aspect introduced in this title is the simultaneous multiplayer: while not the first game in the series to do so, it is the first 3D title in the Mario series to incorporate up to four players cooperating with each other to reach the goal. Players can select their character from a pool of playable characters prior to starting the game; each of these characters have their own unique playstyle that gives them advantages and disadvantages over other characters. The game makes use of several Wii U exclusive features, such as tapping blocks with the touch screen on the GamePad and blowing into the mic to reveal hidden items and blow away enemies. Various new power-ups are introduced in this title, with the trademark suit being the Cat power-up, which enables characters to perform a melee attack, climb up walls, and leap while midair, as well as the game generally having a cat-based theme.

It included Miiverse integration through collectible stamps that could be used in Miiverse posts, and the Ghost Mii functionality that emulates players replaying levels for other players to view; however, the service was terminated on November 7, 2017, meaning that stamps can be collected, but not used. Additionally, the Miiverse posts that appeared on the course select screen and when selecting courses are no longer present.

The game introduces a smaller set of levels called Captain Toad's Adventures, which were later reused and expanded into its own standalone title and prequel, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker.

Story

Screenshot of Super Mario 3D World.
Bowser captures the Green Sprixie Princess during the game's intro.

On an evening in the Mushroom Kingdom, Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad come to view and enjoy the fireworks outside of Peach's Castle, when they discover a slanted Clear Pipe along the path. Mario and Luigi fix the Clear Pipe with hammers and wrenches, causing the pipe to eject a large number of items as well as a Sprixie Princess, a fairy-like creature of the Sprixie species. The Green Sprixie Princess begins to explain that Bowser has kidnapped six of her fellow Sprixie Princesses and that she needs their help; thereafter, however, Bowser emerges from the pipe and traps the princess inside a bottle before disappearing back down the pipe with her. Peach, in trying to stop Bowser, falls down the pipe herself, and the others soon follow in order to assist her. The heroes soon end up in the Sprixie Kingdom, where the journey mainly takes place.[2]

After going through six worlds, the group encounter Bowser in World Castle, where he is keeping the Red Sprixie Princess; the only Sprixie Princess whom has not been saved yet. After the group successfully defeats Bowser, the Sprixie Princess is saved. However, the celebration is cut short by Bowser surprisingly returning, capturing all seven Sprixie Princesses in a large bottle, and escaping to World Bowser: a theme park modeled after the Koopa King.

The heroes make their way through this world, and encounter Bowser again in The Great Tower of Bowser Land. Here, Bowser makes use of a Super Bell, turning into Meowser, and initiating the final battle. The group manages to defeat Meowser after climbing the tower, and rescue all of the Sprixie Princesses. Now safe from Bowser, they thank the heroes as they go through a Clear Pipe back to the Mushroom Kingdom.

Gameplay

Super Mario 3D World is a linear 3D platform game with gameplay similar to the 2D games. The player must navigate through levels, defeating enemies and collecting power-ups on the way. The player clears a level by reaching the Goal Pole at the end before losing a life or running out of time. The player can store collected power-ups in the item storage, allowing them to be collected by pressing Minus Button. The player can also collect Green Stars and Stamps, which allow the player to unlock certain levels or can be used in Miiverse posts, respectively. Points are earned by collecting items and defeating enemies, and are used to determine the player's high score in a level. The player completes the main game when they clear World Bowser and completes the entire game when all bonus worlds are complete and all Green Stars and Stamps are collected.

Multiplayer

Players' score results at the end of a stage. This is shown when there are at least two active players after a course has been cleared.

For the first time in a 3D Super Mario title, the game supports up to four-player simultaneous multiplayer, allowing players to control Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad, and Rosalina; additional players can drop in at any time by pressing A Button/Two Button, and can drop out by pausing and pressing Minus Button on the pause menu, similar to New Super Mario Bros. Wii and New Super Mario Bros. U; in this game, however, players can also switch characters before entering a stage. Each character has different abilities, much like they had in Super Mario Bros. 2. The multiplayer works similarly to New Super Mario Bros. Wii and New Super Mario Bros. U, in that players can enter a bubble at any time, pick each other up and throw each other, bounce on each others' heads, and so on. Players also share lives when playing in multiplayer, rather than each player having a separate life counter. The game uses a cooperative and competitive multiplayer system; each player works together to get to the end of the stage, but is ranked based on points earned out of the total score at the end. The player that scores the most points for one stage receives a crown, which can be stolen by the other players and gives the player wearing it at the end of the stage a score bonus.

In addition to being the default player one controller, the GamePad can be used at any point during gameplay (multiplayer or not) to interact with the environment, allowing players to stun enemies, momentarily reveal hidden objects (both in levels and on the map), hit blocks, stop moving platforms, and various other functions, similar to the Co-Star Luma from Super Mario Galaxy 2 and Boost Mode from New Super Mario Bros. U. The GamePad can also be used to control the camera during gameplay by pressing the button on the bottom corner of the GamePad screen and tilting the controller, in what is known as Free Camera Mode. It works in a similar fashion to the camera from Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine. The GamePad can also be used for Off-TV Play at any point.

Nintendo Network

Super Mario 3D World features Nintendo Network support in the form of Miiverse integration and Ghost Miis. These features are first enabled on a given save file after progressing a bit into the game. With Miiverse, players could make a post at any point on the World Map or after completing a stage by tapping the "Post" icon; other players' posts could also be viewed on the World Map by walking up to their Miis and pressing A Button/Two Button, or on the top of the stage results screen. Ghost Miis are created after the player clears a course without losing a life, and they perfectly recreate the player's movements throughout the course, automatically distributing them to other players. Players who receive the data can play through an already cleared course with three Ghost Mii characters. While traveling through a course, the Ghost Mii characters occasionally carry gifts behind them that when caught can contain various items. The Nintendo Network settings for this title can be changed at any point by pausing the game and selecting the Nintendo Network icon button.

Returning elements

Super Mario 3D World plays very similarly to Super Mario 3D Land, being a 3D platformer with gameplay similar to the 2D games. This game retains its predecessor's similarity to Super Mario Bros. 3 (with colorful blocks, the Super Leaf, Spikes, and the Lose a Life theme returning from that game); many elements from Super Mario World return as well, such as Chargin' Chucks, Beach Koopas, and Galoombas (the Goombas of that game renamed). Stages are once again open yet linear, have a time limit, and end by grabbing the classic Goal Pole at the end. Green Stars return from the Super Mario Galaxy games, taking the role of the Star Medals from Super Mario 3D Land. There are also various stamps that the player can find. There is one in each level and they can be used in Miiverse posts. The game also seems to be slightly more puzzle-focused than its predecessors. The path from the start of the level to the goal is no longer a straight shot, and the players would often have to use certain power-ups and items in order to find the way ahead. Additionally, the game also features a score system, the first time one has appeared in a 3D Mario game.

Screenshot of Super Mario 3D World.
Mario and co., in their Cat suits, confronting Spikes.

Almost every power-up and item from Super Mario 3D Land returns (except the Statue Leaf and P-Wing). The Mega Mushroom from New Super Mario Bros. also makes an appearance. There are also several new power-ups and suits; The most prominent of the new power-ups is the Super Bell, a power-up that grants the player a Cat Suit, allowing them to lunge at and claw enemies and climb up walls.

Luigi Bros.

Main article: Mario Bros. (game) § Luigi Bros.|Mario Bros. (game) § Luigi Bros.|Mario Bros. (game) § Luigi Bros.
Screenshot of the title screen of Luigi Bros., a port of Mario Bros.
The title screen to Luigi Bros., a remastered port of Mario Bros.

As part of the Year of Luigi celebration, also included is another game that can be accessed from the title screen after beating the main game once (or immediately if New Super Luigi U save data is present). The game, titled Luigi Bros., is a modified ROM of Mario Bros., but with Luigi as the only playable character. The game can be accessed by touching the Luigi button found in the bottom-left corner of the screen. As it is a modification of the original NES game, it makes use of the Virtual Console interface and allows the use of save/restore points. Also, similar to New Super Luigi U, multiple 8-bit Luigi sprites can be found throughout the game.

Controls

Action(s) Input(s)
Wii U GamePad Wii U Pro Controller
Wii Classic Controller Pro
Wii Classic Controller
Wii Remote (sideways) Wii Remote + Nunchuk
Stage controls
Move Classic Controller Left Stick / +Control Pad +Control Pad Nunchuk Control Stick
Dash (while moving), hold items (release to throw), attack (power-ups) Y Button / X Button One Button B Button
Jump, swim, wall jump (against wall) A Button / B Button Two Button A Button
Crouch, ground-pound (while in mid-air), go down pipe, slide (on a slope) ZL Button / ZR Button B Button / Shake Nunchuk Z Button
Crouch jump (while idle) ZL Button / ZR Button + B Button / A Button B Button / Shake + Two Button Nunchuk Z Button + A Button
Roll ZL Button / ZR Button + Y Button / X Button B Button / Shake + One Button Nunchuk Z Button + B Button
Long jump (while moving) ZL Button / ZR Button + B Button / A Button B Button / Shake + Two Button Nunchuk Z Button + A Button
Rolling long jump (during a roll) Crouch + Roll + Jump
Side Somersault Classic Controller Left Stick / +Control Pad (in reverse direction) + A Button / B Button +Control Pad (reverse direction) + Two Button Nunchuk Control Stick (reverse direction) + A Button
Enter horizontal pipe Classic Controller Left Stick / +Control Pad (in the direction of the entrance) +Control Pad (in the direction of the entrance) Nunchuk Control Stick (in the direction of the entrance)
Bubble (multiplayer only) L Button / R Button A Button Nunchuk C Button
Pause Plus Button
Use inventory item Minus Button
Camera Classic Controller Right Stick (Tilt GamePad in Free Camera Mode) Classic Controller Right Stick N/A +Control Pad
Move Propeller Platforms Mic N/A
Bring out Touchstones Touchscreen N/A
World Screen controls
Move Classic Controller Left Stick / +Control Pad +Control Pad Nunchuk Control Stick
Dash (while moving) X Button / Y Button One Button B Button
Jump A Button / B Button Two Button A Button
Menu Plus Button
View map, drop out (pause menu) Minus Button
Enter stage A Button Two Button A Button
Menu controls
Select option Classic Controller Left Stick / +Control Pad +Control Pad Nunchuk Control Stick
Confirm A Button Two Button A Button
Cancel B Button One Button B Button

Worlds

The game features a large world map, consisting of eight worlds with four unlockable bonus worlds. Each world is connected by Clear Pipes. Unlike previous games, where players follow a simple path through the maps, the map here can be freely roamed with full control of the characters, except with a limited jump. Each world features a set of levels along with Enemy Battles, Toad Houses, Sprixie Houses, Lucky Houses, and either Mystery Houses or a puzzle-focused series of levels called Captain Toad's Adventures with Captain Toad playable. The maps also contain items such as coins and 1-Up Mushrooms and other secrets.

When the player finishes a course with all Green Stars, the ball ornament on the Goal Pole will be replaced with a Green Star, which can even become gold when the stage is cleared with all five characters, the stamp from that stage is collected (if any), and at least one character touches the top of the flag at the end of the stage. Upon reaching World Crown, the player can also see which stage has been cleared with which characters on the Map Progression screen or when approaching a stage. When all the stages in a world have been cleared with every character, a paw print mark will be shown on the upper-right corner of the Map Progression screen.

Level names with a subscripted number appended to them are locked and require that many Green Stars to unlock.

World Levels
World 1 1-1
Super Bell Hill
File:SM3DW Super Bell Hill Map Icon.jpg
1-2
Koopa Troopa Cave
File:Koopa Troopa Cave Icon.jpg
1-A
Chargin' Chuck Blockade
File:SM3DW Chargin' Chuck Blockade A Icon.jpg
1-3
Mount Beanpole
File:SM3DW Mount Beanpole Icon.png
1-4
Plessie's Plunging Falls
File:Plessie's Plugin Falls Icon.jpeg
1-5
Switch Scramble Circus
File:Switch Scrable Circus Icon.jpeg
1-Castle
Bowser's Highway Showdown10
File:SM3DW Bowsers Highway Showdown icon.jpg
1-Captain Toad
Captain Toad Goes Forth
File:SM3DW Captain Toad Goes Forth Icon.png
World 2 2-1
Conkdor Canyon
File:SM3DW Conkdor Canyon Icon.png
2-2
Puffprod Peaks15
File:SM3DW Puffprod Peaks Icon.png
2-3
Shadow-Play Alley
File:SM3DW Shadow Play Alley Icon.png
2-4
Really Rolling Hills
File:SM3DW Really Rolling Hills Icon.png
2-A
Big Galoomba Blockade
File:SM3DW Big Galoomba Blockade Icon.png
2-5
Double Cherry Pass
File:SM3DW Double Cherry Pass Icon.png
2-Tank
Bowser's Bullet Bill Brigade
File:SM3DW Bowsers Bullet Bill Brigade Icon.png
2-Mystery Box
Mystery House Melee
File:SM3DW Mystery House Melee Icon.png
World 3 3-1
Snowball Park
File:SM3DW Snowball Park Icon.png
3-2
Chain-Link Charge30
The map icon of Chain-Link Charge
3-3
Shifty Boo Mansion
File:SM3DW Shifty Boo Mansion Icon.png
3-4
Pretty Plaza Panic
File:SM3DW Pretty Plaza Panic Icon.png
3-A
Magikoopa Blockade
File:SM3DW Magikoopa Blockade Icon.png
3-5
Pipeline Lagoon
File:SM3DW Pipeline Lagoon Icon.png
3-6
Mount Must Dash
File:SM3DW Mount Must Dash Icon.png
3-7
Switchboard Falls
File:SM3DW Switchboard Falls Icon.png
3-Train
The Bullet Bill Express
File:SM3DW The Bullet Bill Express Icon.png
3-B
A Banquet with Hisstocrat
File:SM3DW A Banquet with Hisstocrat Icon.png
3-Captain Toad
Captain Toad Makes a Splash
File:SM3DW Captain Toad Makes a Splash Icon.png
World 4 4-1
Ant Trooper Hill
File:SM3DW Ant Trooper Hill Icon.png
4-2
Piranha Creeper Creek
File:SM3DW Piranha Creeper Creek Icon.png
4-A
Brolder Blockade
File:SM3DW Brolder Blockade Icon.png
4-3
Beep Block Skyway
File:SM3DW Beep Block Skyway Icon.png
4-4
Big Bounce Byway
File:SM3DW Big Bounce Byway Icon.png
4-5
Spike's Lost City
File:SM3DW Spikes Lost City Icon.png
4-B
Fire Bros. Hideout #1
File:SM3DW Fire Bros Hideout 1 Icon.png
4-Castle
Lava Rock Lair50
File:SM3DW Lava Rock Lair.png
4-Mystery Box
Mystery House Mad Dash
File:SM3DW Mystery House Mad Dash Icon.png
World 5 5-1
Sunshine Seaside
File:SM3DW Sunshine Seaside Icon.png
5-2
Tricky Trapeze Theater
File:SM3DW Tricky Trapeze Theater Icon.png
5-3
Backstreet Bustle80
File:SM3DW Backstreet Bustle Icon.png
5-A
Chargin' Chuck Blockade Is Back
File:SM3DW Chargin Chuck Blockade Is Back Icon.png
5-4
Sprawling Savanna
File:SM3DW Sprawling Savanna Icon.png
5-5
Bob-ombs Below
File:SM3DW Bob ombs Below Icon.png
5-6
Cakewalk Flip
File:SM3DW Cakewalk Flip Icon.png
5-7
Searchlight Sneak
File:SM3DW Searchlight Sneak Icon.png
5-B
Fire Bros. Hideout #2
File:SM3DW Fire Bros Hideout 2 Icon.png
5-Train
Coin Express
File:SM3DW Coin Express Icon.png
5-Castle
King Ka-thunk's Castle
File:SM3DW King Kathunks Castle Icon.png
5-Captain Toad
Captain Toad Plays Peek-a-Boo
File:SM3DW Captain Toad Plays Peek a Boo Icon.png
World 6 6-1
Clear Pipe Cruise
File:SM3DW Clear Pipe Cruise Icon.png
6-2
Spooky Seasick Wreck
File:SM3DW Spooky Seasick Wreck Icon.png
6-3
Hands-On Hall100
File:SM3DW Hands On Hall Icon.png
6-4
Deep Jungle Drift
File:SM3DW Deep Jungle Drift Icon.png
6-A
Prince Bully Blockade
File:SM3DW Prince Bully Blockade Icon.png
6-5
Ty-Foo Flurries
File:SM3DW Ty Foo Flurries Icon.png
6-6
Bullet Bill Base
File:SM3DW Bullet Bill Base Icon.png
6-B
Fire Bros. Hideout #3
File:SM3DW Fire Bros Hideout 3 Icon.png
6-7
Fuzzy Time Mine
File:SM3DW Fuzzy Time Mine Icon.png
6-Tank
Bowser's Bob-omb Brigade
File:SM3DW Bowsers Bob omb Brigade Icon.png
6-C
Motley Bossblob's Big Battle
File:SM3DW Motley Bossblobs Big Battle Icon.png
6-Mystery Box
Mystery House Throwdown
File:SM3DW Mystery House Throwdown Icon.png
World Castle Castle-1
Fort Fire Bros.
File:SM3DW Fort Fire Bros Icon.png
Castle-2
Switchblack Ruins
File:SM3DW Switchblack Ruins Icon.png
Castle-3
Red-Hot Run
File:SM3DW Red Hot Run Icon.png
Castle-4
Boiling Blue Bully Belt
File:SM3DW Boiling Blue Bully Belt Icon.png
Castle-A
Brolder Blockade Is Back
File:SM3DW Brolder Blockade Is Back Icon.png
Castle-B
Prince Bully Blockade Is Back
File:SM3DW Prince Bully Blockade Is Back Icon.png
Castle-C
Fire Bros. Hideout #4
File:SM3DW Fire Bros Hideout 4 Icon.png
Castle-5
Trick Trap Tower
File:SM3DW Trick Trap Tower Icon.png
Castle-6
Rammerhead Reef
File:SM3DW Rammerhead Reef Icon.png
Castle-7
Simmering Lava Lake
File:SM3DW Simmering Lava Lake Icon.png
Castle-Castle
Bowser's Lava Lake Keep130
File:SM3DW Bowsers Lava Lake Keep Icon.png
Castle-Captain Toad
Captain Toad Gets Thwomped
File:SM3DW Captain Toad Gets Thwomped Icon.png
World Bowser Bowser-1
Spiky Spike Bridge
File:SM3DW Spiky Spike Bridge Icon.png
Bowser-2
Plessie's Dune Downhill
File:SM3DW Plessies Dune Downhill Icon.png
Bowser-3
Cookie Cogworks
File:SM3DW Cookie Cogworks Icon.png
Bowser-Train
The Bowser Express
File:SM3DW The Bowser Express Icon.png
Bowser-4
Footlight Lane
File:SM3DW Footlight Lane Icon.png
Bowser-5
Deepwater Dungeon
File:SM3DW Deepwater Dungeon Icon.png
Bowser-6
A Beam in the Dark
File:SM3DW A Beam in the Dark Icon.png
Bowser-7
Grumblump Inferno
File:SM3DW Grumblump Inferno Icon.png
Bowser-A
Motley Bossblob's Encore
File:SM3DW Motley Bossblobs Encore Icon.png
Bowser-B
Hisstocrat Returns
File:SM3DW Hisstocrat Returns Icon.png
Bowser-Castle
The Great Tower of Bowser Land170
The Great Tower of Bowser Land in Super Mario 3D World
Bowser-Mystery Box
Mystery House Claw Climb
File:SM3DW Mystery House Claw Climb Icon.png
Bonus Levels
World Star Star-1
Rainbow Run
File:SM3DW Rainbow Run Icon.png
Star-2
Super Galaxy
File:SM3DW Super Galaxy Icon.png
Star-3
Rolling Ride Run
File:SM3DW Rolling Ride Run Icon.png
Star-4
The Great Goal Pole
File:SM3DW The Great Goal Pole Icon.png
Star-5
Super Block Land
File:SM3DW Super Block Land Icon.png
Star-6
Honeycomb Starway
File:SM3DW Honeycomb Starway Icon.png
Star-7
Gargantuan Grotto
File:SM3DW Gargantuan Grotto Icon.png
Star-8
Peepa's Fog Bog
File:SM3DW Peepas Fog Bog Icon.png
Star-9
Cosmic Cannon Cluster210
File:SM3DW Cosmic Cannon Cluster Icon.png
Star-Captain Toad
Captain Toad Takes a Spin
File:SM3DW Captain Toad Takes a Spin Icon.png
World Mushroom Mushroom-1
Night Falls on Really Rolling Hills
File:SM3DW Night Falls on Really Rolling Hills Icon.png
Mushroom-2
Spiky Mount Beanpole
File:SM3DW Spiky Mount Beanpole Icon.png
Mushroom-3
Deep-Black Jungle Drift
File:SM3DW Deep Black Jungle Drift Icon.png
Mushroom-4
Trouble in Shadow-Play Alley
File:SM3DW Trouble in Shadow Play Alley Icon.png
Mushroom-5
Back to Hands-On Hall
File:SM3DW Back to Hands On Hall Icon.png
Mushroom-6
Gigantic Seasick Wreck
File:SM3DW Gigantic Seasick Wreck Icon.png
Mushroom-7
Broken Blue Bully Belt240
File:SM3DW Broken Blue Bully Belt Icon.png
Mushroom-Mystery Box
Mystery House Brawl
File:SM3DW Mystery House Brawl Icon.png
World Flower Flower-1
Switch Shock Circus
File:SM3DW Switch Shock Circus Icon.png
Flower-2
Floating Fuzzy Time Mine
File:SM3DW Floating Fuzzy Time Mine Icon.png
Flower-3
Piranha Creeper Creek after Dark
File:SM3DW Piranha Creeper Creek after Dark Icon.png
Flower-4
Faster Fort Fire Bros.
File:SM3DW Faster Fort Fire Bros Icon.png
Flower-5
Sprawling Savanna Rabbit Run
File:SM3DW Sprawling Savanna Rabbit Run Icon.png
Flower-6
Shiftier Boo Mansion
File:SM3DW Shiftier Boo Mansion Icon.png
Flower-7
Pipeline Boom Lagoon
File:SM3DW Pipeline Boom Lagoon Icon.png
Flower-8
Blast Block Skyway
File:SM3DW Blast Block Skyway Icon.png
Flower-9
Towering Sunshine Seaside
File:SM3DW Towering Sunshine Seaside Icon.png
Flower-10
Honeycomb Skyway
File:SM3DW Honeycomb Skyway Icon.png
Flower-11
Spiky Spike Bridge Sneak
File:SM3DW Spiky Spike Bridge Sneak Icon.png
Flower-12
Boss Blitz
File:SM3DW Boss Blitz Icon.png
World Crown Crown-Crown
Champion's Road
File:SM3DW Champions Road Icon.png
Crown-Captain Toad
Captain Toad's Fiery Finale
File:SM3DW Captain Toads Fiery Finale Icon.png
Crown-Mystery Box
Mystery House Marathon
File:SM3DW Mystery House Marathon Icon.png

Characters

Playable and abilities

See also: Super Mario 3D World playable characters' statistics
Character Advantages Disadvantages Availability
Solo artwork of Mario from Super Mario 3D World.
Mario
Balanced From the start
Artwork of Luigi from Super Mario 3D World
Luigi
Jumps the highest Sprints later
Low traction, making him slippery
Artwork of Princess Peach from Super Mario 3D World
Peach
Can float briefly after jumping
Sprints the soonest
Runs the slowest
Artwork of Toad running, from Super Mario 3D World.
Toad
Runs the fastest Falls the fastest
Sprints the latest
Artwork of Rosalina in Super Mario 3D World
Rosalina
Can use Spin attacks, allowing her to attack without a power-up, perform a double jump, or jump higher
Sprints the soonest, tied with Peach
Runs the slowest, tied with Peach
Loses her Spin attack when using power-ups (excluding the Super Mushroom, Double Cherry, and Super Star)
After completing World Star-2
Artwork of Captain Toad with a Green Star, from Super Mario 3D World.
Captain Toad
Sprints the soonest Cannot jump Only in Captain Toad's Adventures levels

Supporting cast

Image Description
Group artwork of the Sprixie Princessess from Super Mario 3D World.
Sprixie Princess
Sprixie Princesses rule the Sprixie Kingdom and are captured by Bowser at the beginning of the game. At the end of every world, the player rescues a Sprixie Princess and it builds a Clear Pipe to the next world. After World Castle, Bowser captures all the Sprixie Princesses again, but they are rescued permanently when the player defeats Meowser in World Bowser.
A Sprixie from Super Mario 3D World.
Sprixie
Sprixies are fairy-like creatures that are ruled by Sprixie Princesses. They appear in many levels and hold binoculars, allowing the player to see the end of the level. They are also found in Sprixie Houses.
File:SM3DW Luma.png
Luma
Lumas make a minor appearance as non-playable characters. They can be found floating around the map in the bonus worlds. The player cannot interact with them.
Artwork of Plessie with the four playable characters, from Super Mario 3D World.
Plessie
Plessie is a character that the player can ride across water. The player must tilt Nunchuk Control Stick to move or accelerate. The player can press A Button to jump. It functions similarly to Dorrie from Super Mario 64 and Manta Ray from Super Mario Galaxy.
A Rabbit from Super Mario 3D World.
Rabbit
Rabbits can be found in several levels, where they run from the player. When caught by the player, they release power-ups, Coins, or Green Stars.
Giant Rabbit in Super Bell Hill of Super Mario 3D World
Mega Rabbit
Similar to normal rabbits, they try to run from the player and must be caught. These rabbits release Mega Mushrooms or Green Stars.
File:SM3DW Pink Toad.png
Toads
Toads appear in and host Toad Houses, where the player can win power-ups.
Ghost Miis
Ghost Miis
Mii characters that represent the ghost data of another player, recreating the exact movements of said player. They will appear once Nintendo Network features have been enabled. However, as of November 7, 2017, Miiverse is discontinued and Ghost Miis no longer appear in the game.

Enemies and obstacles

New

Image Description First appearance Last appearence
Artwork from Super Mario 3D World.
Ant Trooper
Ant Troopers are purple ant-like enemies that attack by marching in groups. They cannot be defeated with a jump, but they can be ground-pounded, pounced/tail-whipped, or hit with a Boomerang. Ant Trooper Hill Sprawling Savanna
A Big Ant Trooper from Super Mario 3D World.
Big Ant Trooper
Big Ant Troopers are larger versions of Ant Troopers. They cannot be defeated, but the player can jump on them to reach otherwise inaccessible areas. Ant Trooper Hill Sprawling Savanna
A Big Galoomba from Super Mario 3D World.
Big Galoomba
Big Galoombas are larger versions of Galoombas. They attack by attempting to ram into the player and can be defeated if jumped on twice. A Ground Pound will defeat it in one hit. Big Galoomba Blockade Gargantuan Grotto
A Blockstepper from Super Mario 3D World.
Blockstepper
Blocksteppers are blocks with hats and feet that attack by marching in groups. They can be defeated by most attack methods, but if one member of a group is defeated, the rest will hurriedly scatter and subsequently chase the player after a while. Double Cherry Pass Faster Fort Fire Bros.
A Blurker from Super Mario 3D World.
Blurker
Blurkers are pink block-like enemies that are found in groups blocking areas. They will temporarily disappear like a Boo if interacted with on the GamePad or attacked by normal means. They can be permanently defeated through use of a Mega Mushroom, a Piranha Plant, White Tanooki Mario, or Lucky Cat Mario. Shadow Play Alley Back to Hands-On Hall
A Brolder from Super Mario 3D World.
Brolder
Brolders are boulder enemies found in lava levels. When the player approaches, they pop up from the ground and attempt to roll over the player. When attacked, they can be carried and thrown to press switches or obtain collectibles within the arc of throw. They can also be defeated permanently by throwing them into lava or attacking them with Lucky Cat Mario or White Tanooki Mario. Brolder Blockade Mystery House Marathon
Artwork of a Cat Banzai Bill from Super Mario 3D World.
Cat Banzai Bill
Cat Banzai Bills are Banzai Bills with a cat appearance. They attack by following the player and can be defeated with most attacks. The Bullet Bill Express The Bullet Bill Express
A Cat Bullet Bill from Super Mario 3D World.
Cat Bullet Bill
Cat Bullet Bills are Bullet Bills with a cat appearance. They attack by following the player, similarly to the Bull's-Eye Bill, and can be defeated with most attacks. The Bullet Bill Express Mystery House Marathon
Artwork of Cat Goomba from Super Mario 3D World.
Cat Goomba
Cat Goombas are Goombas with a cat appearance. They attack by jumping and pouncing like Cat Mario to its original location. They can be defeated with most attacks. Some will leave behind a Super Bell when defeated. Super Bell Hill The Great Tower of Bowser Land
A Charvaargh from Super Mario 3D World.
Charvaargh
A dragon-like enemy that attacks the player by leaping out of the lava. It will instantly defeat the player if touched, regardless of the player's current form. They cannot be defeated. Simmering Lava Lake Simmering Lava Lake
Artwork of a Conkdor from Super Mario 3D World.
Conkdor
Conkdors are bird enemies that stay in place and slam down their beaks to attack once they spot the player. They can be defeated with most attacks, although the player cannot jump on their spiky shell. Conkdor Canyon Sprawling Savanna Rabbit Run
A Flopter from Super Mario 3D World.
Flopter
Flopters are bug-like enemies that attack by attempting to fly into the player. They can be defeated with most attacks. The Bullet Bill Express Mystery House Brawl
A Fuzzler from Super Mario 3D World.
Fuzzler
Fuzzlers are Fuzzy-like enemies that roll around on tracks used by a Switchboard. They can be defeated with Lucky Cat Mario or if they come into contact with water. Switchboard Falls Switchboard Falls
Artwork from Super Mario 3D World.
Goomba (Ice Skate)
Goombas that ride Ice Skates are found on ice and attempt to attack the player characters by skating into them. When defeated, they may drop the Ice Skate for the player to use. Snowball Park Ty-Foo Flurries
Artwork of an Innertube Goomba from Super Mario 3D World
Goomba (swim ring)
Goombas in inflatable rings are first found asleep floating on water until a player is close to them, which causes them to wake up and chase the player. Pipeline Lagoon Sprawling Savanna Rabbit Run
A Grumblump from Super Mario 3D World.
Grumblump
A block obstacle that the player must use as a platform to progress. It will move faster for a short time if the player uses a Ground Pound on it. Grumblump Inferno Grumblump Inferno
A Hop-Chop from Super Mario 3D World.
Hop-Chops
Hop-Chops are spring-like enemies that attack the player by bouncing towards them. They can be defeated by most attacks, and some may temporarily turn into Springboards upon being defeated. Big Bounce Byway Mystery House Marathon
A Horned Ant Trooper from Super Mario 3D World.
Horned Ant Trooper
Horned Ant Troopers are Ant Troopers with spiked helmets. They can be defeated with most attacks, though jumping on them damages the player. Ant Trooper Hill Champion's Road
A Ka-thunk from Super Mario 3D World.
Ka-thunk
Ka-thunks are rectangular frames covered in spikes that move around in certain patterns, similarly to a Tox Box. They can be defeated with Lucky Cat Mario or White Tanooki Mario. King Ka-thunk's Castle Bowser's Lava Lake Keep
A Madpole from Super Mario 3D World.
Madpole
Madpoles are tadpole-like enemies that chase the player in the water. They can be defeated with most attacks. Rammerhead Reef Pipeline Boom Lagoon
Artwork of a Parabones from Super Mario 3D World.
Parabones
Parabones are winged Dry Bones that attack the player by flying into them. Unlike Koopa Paratroopa, their wings will not disappear when jumped on. They can be defeated permanently by Invincible Mario, Lucky Cat Mario, and White Tanooki Mario. Fuzzy Time Mine Blast Block Skyway
A Piranha Creeper from Super Mario 3D World.
Piranha Creeper
Piranha Creepers are Piranha Plant variants with long stems. They move around in a certain pattern and will shorten their stems when attacked. Piranha Creeper Creek Champion's Road
A small Rammerhead from Super Mario 3D World.
A big Rammerhead from Super Mario 3D World.
Rammerhead
Rammerheads are hammerhead shark-like enemies that try to ram into the player with their heads. They can only be defeated with Lucky Cat Mario, Invincible Mario, or White Tanooki Mario. Rammerhead Reef Pipeline Boom Lagoon
A Ring Burner from Super Mario 3D World.
Ring Burner
Ring Burners are robotic enemies that fire waves of plasma periodically. The player can stop the enemy from firing by standing on the switch. They cannot be defeated. Cakewalk Flip Champion's Road
A Skipsqueak from Super Mario 3D World.
Skipsqueak
Skipsqueaks are mouse enemies that run in place and jump on rotating platforms. They can be defeated by any attack. Really Rolling Hills Rainbow Run
A Snow Pokey from Super Mario 3D World.
Snow Pokey
Snow Pokeys are Pokeys made of snow that chase the player. They can be defeated with most attacks, allowing their body segments to be picked up and thrown. Snowball Park Mystery House Brawl
A Spiny Skipsqueak from Super Mario 3D World.
Spiny Skipsqueak
Spiny Skipsqueaks are enemies that act identically to the Skipsqueak, but jumping on them damages the player. They can be defeated by any other attack. Really Rolling Hills Night Falls on Really Rolling Hills
A Splorch from Super Mario 3D World.
Splorch
Splorches are fireballs that chase the player. They can only be defeated by Invincible Mario, Lucky Cat Mario, or White Tanooki Mario; though they can be pushed into the lava with projectile attacks from Boomerang Mario and Fire Mario. Brolder Blockade Is Back Broken Blue Bully Belt
A Splounder from Super Mario 3D World.
Splounder
Splounders are enemies only found in levels featuring Plessie. If Plessie collides with one, the player will lose some of their speed. They can be jumped on to defeat them or reach objects high in the air. Plessie's Plunging Falls Rainbow Run
A Ty-foo from Super Mario 3D World.
Ty-Foo
Ty-Foos are cloud enemies that blow wind at the player in an attempt to push them off of the stage. The player can stun them temporarily through the touch screen on the GamePad or defeat them with Mega Mario, Lucky Cat Mario, and White Tanooki Mario. Ty-Foo Flurries Gigantic Seasick Wreck
A Walleye from Super Mario 3D World.
Walleye
Walleyes are Wallop-like enemies that try to block the player. They can be stunned through the touchscreen of the GamePad or defeated permanently by Lucky Cat Mario or White Tanooki Mario. Ty-Foo Flurries Mystery House Marathon

Returning

Image Description First appearance Last appearence
A Baddie Box from Super Mario 3D World.
Baddie Box
Baddie Boxes are blocks that release Bob-ombs when approached. They can be destroyed by Invincible Mario, Lucky Cat Mario, and White Tanooki Mario. Bob-ombs Below Super Block Land
A Banzai Bill from Super Mario 3D World.
Banzai Bill
Banzai Bills are a larger variety of Bullet Bills. They share the same weaknesses as the Cat Banzai Bill. Mystery House Mad Dash Bullet Bill Base
Screenshot of Super Mario 3D World.
Beach Koopa
Beach Koopas are Koopa Troopas that do not have shells. They act the same as normal Koopa Troopas and can be defeated with any attack. Koopa Troopa Cave Mystery House Marathon
A Biddybud from Super Mario 3D World.
Biddybud
Biddybuds are Goomba-like enemies that walk in a specific pattern. They can be defeated with any attack. Switch Scramble Circus Sunshine Seaside
A Big Boo from Super Mario 3D World.
Big Boo
Big Boos are a larger variant of Boo. They can only be defeated by Light Boxes, Invincible Mario, Lucky Cat Mario, and White Tanooki Mario. Shifty Boo Mansion Shiftier Boo Mansion
File:CatBulletBill-Rosalina-SM3DW.jpg
Bill Blaster
Bill Blasters are cannons that shoot Bullet Bills or Cat Bullet Bills. They cannot be destroyed. Bowser's Bullet Bill Brigade Footlight Lane
A Blooper from Super Mario 3D World.
Blooper
Bloopers are squid-like enemies that appear in underwater areas. They attack by charging at the player. They can be defeated by most attacks. Rammerhead Reef Pipeline Boom Lagoon
A Bob-omb from Super Mario 3D World.
Bob-omb
Bob-ombs are bomb enemies. They attack by following the player and attempting to explode near them. When attacked, they can be picked up, but they must be thrown because they will explode after a few seconds. Bob-ombs Below Super Block Land
A Boo from Super Mario 3D World.
Boo
Boos are ghost enemies. They attack by floating toward the player. When looked at, they stop moving. They can only be defeated by Invincible Mario, a Light Box, Lucky Cat Mario and White Tanooki Mario. Shifty Boo Mansion Deep-Black Jungle Drift
File:Boomerang Bro SM3DW Prima.jpg
Boomerang Bro
Boomerang Bros. are Koopa enemies that throw boomerangs. They can be defeated with most attacks. Beep Block Skyway Mystery House Brawl
A Bullet Bill from Super Mario 3D World.
Bullet Bill
Bullet Bills are bullets that shoot out of Bill Blasters in a straight line. They can be defeated with most attack methods. Bowser's Bullet Bill Brigade Footlight Lane
Artwork of a Bully from Super Mario 3D World.
Bully
Bullies are enemies that charge at the player in attempt to push them off the platform. They can be defeated with Mega Mario, Lucky Cat Mario, Invincible Mario and White Tanooki Mario, but they can be pushed off platforms by performing any attack repeatedly. Spooky Seasick Wreck Mystery House Marathon
Artwork of the Cannon Box from Super Mario 3D World
Cannon
Cannons are boxes that can shoot either Cannonballs or Kick Bombs at the player. They can be destroyed if hit by a cannonball from a Cannon Box or if a Brick Block under it is hit. Bowser's Highway Showdown Trouble in Shadow-Play Alley
Artwork of two Chargin' Chucks from Super Mario 3D World.
Chargin' Chuck
Chargin' Chucks are large Koopas with football gear. they attack by charging at the player and ramming into them. Most attacks can defeat them, but they usually must be hit twice. A Ground Pound will defeat it in one hit. Chargin' Chuck Blockade Champion's Road
A Cheep Cheep from Super Mario 3D World.
Cheep Cheep
Cheep Cheeps are fish enemies that attack by swimming at the player. They can be defeated with most attacks. Pipeline Lagoon Pipeline Lagoon
A Coin Coffer from Super Mario 3D World.
Coin Coffer
Coin Coffers are enemies that try to run away from the player. They can be defeated by most attacks. When defeated, they release many coins. Pipeline Lagoon Sprawling Savanna Rabbit Run
Honeycomb Skyway from Super Mario 3D World.
Fire Bar
Fire Bars are rotating sticks with fireballs on them. Fort Fire Bros. Champion's Road
A Fire Bro from Super Mario 3D World.
Fire Bro
Fire Bros. are Koopa enemies that attack by throwing fireballs. They can be defeated with most attacks. Double Cherry Pass Champion's Road
A Fire Piranha Plant from Super Mario 3D World.
Fire Piranha Plant
Fire Piranha Plants are a variant of Piranha Plant that can shoot fireballs. They can be defeated with most attacks. The player can also send its own fireballs back at it by using the touch screen of the GamePad. Shadow-Play Alley Honeycomb Skyway
A Fizzlit from Super Mario 3D World.
Fizzlit
Fizzlits are purple blob enemies that melt into an electrically-charged puddle. They can be defeated with any attack while in their purple form, or by Lucky Cat Mario and White Tanooki Mario when electrified. Switchboard Falls Switch Shock Circus
Spike balls in Clear Pipe Cruise
Floating Mine
Floating Mines are balls with spikes that are often found in Clear Pipes as obstacles. They can be defeated by Invincible Mario, White Tanooki Mario or a fireball from Fire Mario. Clear Pipe Cruise Back to Hands-On Hall
A Fuzzy from Super Mario 3D World.
Fuzzy
Fuzzies are black, furry creatures. They function as obstacles and they can only be defeated by a Super Star, Lucky Cat Mario, White Tanooki Mario, or a Piranha Plant. Shadow-Play Alley Champion's Road
File:SM3DW Fuzzy Time Mine E3.png
Fuzzy Horde
Fuzzy Hordes are very large groups of Fuzzies. They slowly move toward the player and cannot be defeated. If the player touches them, they will lose a life. Fuzzy Time Mine Floating Fuzzy Time Mine
A Galoomba from Super Mario 3D World.
Galoomba
Galoombas are Goomba-like enemies that are rounder and must be attacked twice or ground-pounded to be defeated. Puffprod Peaks Super Galaxy
Artwork of a Goomba from Super Mario 3D World (later reused for Super Mario Party)
Goomba
Goombas are basic enemies that resemble brown mushrooms and attack by attempting to run into the player. They can be defeated with any attack. Super Bell Hill Mystery House Marathon
Goomba Tower in Super Mario 3D World
Goomba Tower
Goomba Towers are stacks of Goombas. They act like normal Goombas do, but must be attacked multiple times or ground-pounded to be fully defeated. Koopa Troopa Cave Towering Sunshine Seaside
A Hammer Bro from Super Mario 3D World.
Hammer Bro
Hammer Bros. are Koopa enemies that attack by throwing hammers at the player. They can be defeated by most attacks. Fire Bros. Hideout #3 Switch Shock Circus
Artwork of an unshelled Koopa from Super Mario 3D World.
Koopa Troopa
Koopa Troopas are turtle-like creatures with shells. They attack by trying to walk into the player. When attacked, they will lose their shell, which can be carried. Koopa Troopa Cave Mystery House Marathon
A Lava Bubble from Super Mario 3D World.
A blue Lava Bubble from Super Mario 3D World.
Lava Bubble
Lava Bubbles are living fireballs that emerge from lava and attempt to collide with the player. They can only be defeated when the player is invincible. Lava Rock Lair Faster Fort Fire Bros.
Artwork of a Magikoopa in Super Mario 3D World
Magikoopa
Magikoopas are enemies that fire spells to damage the player. They can be defeated by most attacks. Magikoopa Blockade Champion's Road
A Mega Piranha Plant from Super Mario 3D World.
Mega Piranha Plant
Mega Piranha Plants are a larger variant of Piranha Plant. They attack by attempting to bite the player. They can be defeated by most attacks, though they require two hits, but a Ground Pound will defeat it instantly. Mount Beanpole Honeycomb Skyway
A Mini Goomba from Super Mario 3D World.
Mini Goomba
Mini Goombas are very small variants of Goombas that attack by chasing the player. They can be defeated with any attack, but they can be pushed away if interacted with using the GamePad. Koopa Troopa Cave Mystery House Marathon
An Octoomba from Super Mario 3D World.
Octoomba
Octoombas are a variant of Goombas that throw projectiles at the player. They are only stunned for one second with a jump, but they can only be defeated with a ground pound. Super Galaxy Champion's Road
Artwork of Para-Biddybuds, from Super Mario 3D World.
Para-Biddybud
Para-Biddybuds are a variant of Biddybuds that hover above the ground and fly in circles. They can be defeated with most attacks. Switch Scramble Circus Mystery House Marathon
A Peepa from Super Mario 3D World.
Peepa
Peepas are Boo-like enemies that move in a set pattern, blocking a path. They can be defeated with a Light Box, Invincible Mario, Lucky Cat Mario, and White Tanooki Mario. Shifty Boo Mansion Mystery House Marathon
A Piranha Plant from Super Mario 3D World.
Piranha Plant
Piranha Plants are carnivorous plants that attack by attempting to bite the player. They can be defeated by most attacks. Mount Beanpole Mystery House Marathon
A Porcupuffer from Super Mario 3D World.
Porcupuffer
Porcupuffers are giant Cheep Cheeps that have spikes on their backs. They attempt to swim at the player and can be defeated by most attack methods (except jumps). Pipeline Lagoon Pipeline Lagoon
Artwork of a Spike from Super Mario 3D World.
Spike
Spikes are Koopa enemies that throw spiked rollers. They can be defeated with most attacks. Spike's Lost City Mystery House Marathon
A Spike Bar in World Castle-4 of Super Mario 3D World
Spike Bar
Spike Bars are obstacles that are usually found spinning around a block. They can be destroyed with Lucky Cat Mario and White Tanooki Mario. Boiling Blue Bully Belt Champion's Road
A Spiny from Super Mario 3D World.
Spiny
Spinies are red Koopa enemies with spikes on them. They damage the player if jumped on, but can otherwise be defeated with most attacks. Big Bounce Byway Floating Fuzzy Time Mine
Artwork of a Stingby from Super Mario 3D World.
Stingby
Stingbies are bee-like enemies that attack by chasing the player and ramming into them. They can be defeated with most attacks. Switch Scramble Circus Honeycomb Starway
A Thwomp from Super Mario 3D World.
Thwomp
Thwomps are large stone enemies that attack by falling on the player. They can be defeated by Lucky Cat Mario and White Tanooki Mario. Bowser's Highway Showdown Mystery House Marathon
Volcanic debris in The Great Tower of Bowser Land
Volcanic debris
Volcanic debris appear as molten lava falling from the sky. They cannot be destroyed, but Invincible Mario and White Tanooki Mario cannot be hurt by them. Hisstocrat Returns Boss Blitz

Bosses

Bowser Boom Boom Pom Pom
Artwork of Bowser in Bowser's Muscle Car, from Super Mario 3D World
World 1
World Castle
Boom Boom from Super Mario 3D World
World 2
World 6
World Flower
Screenshot of Super Mario 3D World.
World 3
World Bowser
World Flower
Hisstocrat/Pink Hisstocrat Boss Brolder King Ka-thunk
Hisstocrat
World 3
World Bowser
World Flower
King Brolder SM3DW.png
World 4
World Castle
World Flower
King Ka-thunk
World 5
World Flower
Prince Bully Motley Bossblob Meowser
PrinceBully SM3DW.png
World 6
World Castle
BossblobArtwork.jpg
World 6
World Bowser
World Flower
Meowser
World Bowser

Items and objects

Power-ups

Image Transformation Description
New power-ups
Super Bell Artwork - Super Mario 3D World.png
Super Bell
Artwork of Cat Mario from Super Mario 3D World.
Cat Mario
The Super Bell is a golden bell that transforms Mario into Cat Mario. This allows him to climb walls and the Goal Pole and pounce at enemies. He can also swipe at enemies near him.
Artwork of a Double Cherry, from Super Mario 3D World.
Double Cherry
Artwork of Double Mario from Super Mario 3D World.
Double Mario
The Double Cherry is a set of cherries that transform Mario into Double Mario. An identical clone of Mario will appear. This allows the player to activate certain switches or defeat more enemies.
A Lucky Bell from Super Mario 3D World.
Lucky Bell
Lucky Cat Mario
Lucky Cat Mario
The Lucky Bell is a bronze bell that also transforms Mario into Cat Mario, with the same abilities the Super Bell grants. However, he can also turn into an invincible golden statue called Lucky Cat Mario when ground-pounding. This allows him to collect coins while falling and defeat most enemies that cannot otherwise be defeated. It begins appearing in World Mushroom.
Returning power-ups
Artwork of a Super Mushroom from Super Mario 3D World.
Super Mushroom
Solo artwork of Mario from Super Mario 3D World.
Super Mario
Collecting the Super Mushroom transforms Small Mario into Super Mario, making him bigger and allowing him to take a hit from an enemy without immediately losing a life and find higher-tiered power-ups in blocks. This is the default form of Mario.
Artwork of a Fire Flower from Super Mario 3D World.
Fire Flower
Artwork of Fire Mario from Super Mario 3D World.
Fire Mario
Collecting the Fire Flower transforms Mario into Fire Mario. This allows him to throw fireballs to defeat enemies.
File:Boomerang Flower Artwork - Super Mario 3D World.png
Boomerang Flower
File:Boomerang Mario Artwork - Super Mario 3D World.png
Boomerang Mario
When Mario collects the Boomerang Flower, he turns into Boomerang Mario, which lets him throw boomerangs to collect items or defeat enemies.
Artwork of a Super Leaf from Super Mario 3D World.
Super Leaf
Artwork of Tanooki Mario from Super Mario 3D World.
Tanooki Mario
When Mario collects a Super Leaf, he becomes Tanooki Mario, allowing him to float through the air for a short time and whip enemies with his tail.
Artwork of an Invincibility Leaf from Super Mario 3D World.
Invincibility Leaf
White Tanooki Mario
White Tanooki Mario
When the player dies more than five times in a level, an Assist Block appears, containing an Invincibility Leaf. When it is collected, Mario turns into White Tanooki Mario, which functions exactly like Tanooki Mario, but with the added feature of being permanently invincible for one level only. If this leaf is collected, the stars on the player's save file will not sparkle.
Artwork of a Mega Mushroom from Super Mario 3D World.
Mega Mushroom
Artwork of Mega Mario and the three other playable characters, from Super Mario 3D World.
Mega Mario
Collecting a Mega Mushroom makes Mario very large for a brief time. He can defeat most enemies and destroy most objects by touching them. He can also ground-pound to create a shockwave that can defeat nearby enemies and hit nearby blocks.
Artwork of a Super Star from Super Mario 3D World.
Super Star
Invincible Mario in Super Mario 3D World
Invincible Mario
When Mario collects a Super Star, he becomes invincible and can run faster for a short time and can defeat almost any enemy he touches. In multiplayer mode, players can also share the power with any teammates they touch.
Support items
Artwork of a ? Box from Super Mario 3D World
? Box
Toad wearing a ? Box at Conkdor Canyon in Super Mario 3D World. ? Boxes are shiny ? Blocks that can be worn by the player. As the player moves, they will collect up to 100 coins.
Artwork of the Cannon Box from Super Mario 3D World
Cannon Box
Artwork of Mario with a Cannon Box from Super Mario 3D World. Cannon Boxes are created when certain ? Blocks are hit. When worn, they continually shoot cannonballs that can defeat enemies or destroy objects. If the player holds X Button/Y Button/One Button/B Button, the cannon can be charged, allowing the ball to travel farther. Any cannonballs fired will still harm other players. The box changes color to match the user.
Artwork of a Green Shell, from Super Mario 3D World.
Green Shell
Mario in a Koopa Troopa shell in Super Mario 3D World Green Shells are shells originally from Koopa Troopas. If the player crouches while holding one, they will enter the shell and can slide around for a few seconds, defeating enemies and bouncing off walls. The shell will change color to match the user.
Artwork from Super Mario 3D World.
Goomba Mask
Screenshot of Super Mario 3D World. When the player wears a Goomba Mask, Goombas and Goomba variants will not attack the player, though other types of enemies still will. When the player crawls or jumps, a Goomba sound effect can be heard.
Artwork of a Light Box from Super Mario 3D World.
Light Box
Screenshot of Mario and Luigi using the Light Box power-up, in Super Mario 3D World. Light Boxes are wearable blocks that light up dark areas. They are found mainly in Ghost Houses and can be used to defeat Boos and Boo variants. Light Boxes will change color to match the user.
Artwork of a Piranha Plant from Super Mario 3D World.
Piranha Plant
Piranha Plant in Super Mario 3D World These are a potted variation of Piranha Plant that the player can hold. They will eat enemies they come in contact with and will collect items. They will also attack other players in multiplayer mode.
Artwork of a Propeller Box from Super Mario 3D World.
Propeller Box
Screenshot of Super Mario 3D World. Propeller Boxes can be worn by the player and allow the player to fly for a short time. The box changes color to match the user.
Artwork from Super Mario 3D World.
Ice Skate
Screenshot of Super Mario 3D World. Ice Skates are items based on Goomba's Shoes. They are found with Goombas in them and can be worn by the player to skate across ice; the skates change color to fit the user. The player will defeat most enemies they run into, but cannot stop moving.

Items

Image Description
Collectible
Artwork of a 1-Up Mushroom, from Super Mario 3D World.
1-Up Mushroom
When collected, 1-Up Mushrooms grant the player an extra life.
Artwork of a + Clock from Super Mario 3D World.
+ Clock
+ Clocks add either 10 seconds or 100 seconds to the timer.
A Blue Coin from Super Mario 3D World.
Blue Coin
Blue Coins are coins that appear from a P Switch. They function the same as regular coins.
Artwork of a Coin in Super Mario 3D World
Coin
Collecting 100 Coins grants the player an extra life.
A Gold Ring from Super Mario 3D World.
Coin Ring
Coin rings are mostly found in Plessie levels and grant the player three Coins when passed through.
Artwork of a coin pile in Super Mario 3D World
Coin Stack
Coin Stacks are stacks of several coins that can be collected. They give the player many coins at once.
Artwork of a Green Star from Super Mario 3D World.
Green Star
Green Stars are used to unlock some levels. There are three per level, and all must be collected for 100% game completion.
Artwork of a Stamp from Super Mario 3D World
Stamp
Stamps can be collected and used in Miiverse posts. There is one per level, and all must be collected for 100% game completion. However, as of November 7, 2017, the termination of the Miiverse service renders all stamps unusable, meaning that stamps can be collected, but not used.
Trigger objects
A pair of Binoculars from Super Mario 3D World.
Binoculars
Binoculars held by Sprixies can be used to scope out certain parts of a level.
A Cat Wheel from Super Mario 3D World.
Cat Wheel
Cat Wheels are wheels that spin when attacked by Cat Mario. They usually raise platforms or reveal secret areas.
A Character Switch from Super Mario 3D World.
Character Switch
Character Switches are switches that can only be activated by the character depicted on them. They reveal Stamps, Green Stars, and Coins.
A Color Panel from Super Mario 3D World.
Color Panel
Color Panels are found in bonus areas and light up when stepped on. When the player steps on all panels in an area, a Green Star appears.
A Green Star Coin from Super Mario 3D World.
Green Coin
Green Coins appear after a Green Star Ring is activated. When all eight are collected before the time runs out, a Green Star appears.
A Green Star Ring from Super Mario 3D World.
Green Star Ring
When a Green Star Ring is passed through, Green Coins appear.
A Key Coin from Super Mario 3D World.
Key Coin
When five Key Coins are collected, a Warp Box (With Key) turns into a regular Warp Box.
A P Panel from Super Mario 3D World.
P Panel
P Panels are orange panels that, when a group of them are all pressed simultaneously, release a Green Star or coins.
A P Switch from Super Mario 3D World.
P Switch
P Switches are switches that release balls in bonus areas or reveal blue coins.
A Red Coin from Super Mario 3D World.
Red Coin
Red Coins appear when the player passes through a Red Ring. When all eight are collected, the player receives a power-up.
A Red Ring from Super Mario 3D World.
Red Ring
Red Rings reveal Red Coins when they are passed through.
A Switch Panel from Super Mario 3D World.
Switch Panel
Switch Panels change colors when stepped on. When all panels in an area are changed to yellow, a path opens or a Green Star appears.
Blocks and Platforms
Artwork of a ? Block, from Super Mario 3D World.
? Block
? Blocks contain power-ups or coins, which are released when the block is hit or ground-pounded.
Artwork of an Assist Block, from Super Mario 3D World.
Assist Block
Assist Blocks contain the Invincibility Leaf. They appear after the player loses several lives in a course.
A Beep Block from Super Mario 3D World.
Beep Block
Beep Blocks are platforms that appear and disappear at a time interval. The player must jump at the correct time to avoid falling.
A Big Block from Super Mario 3D World.
Big Block
Big Blocks are larger variations of Brick Blocks. They must be hit five times to be destroyed.
Artwork of a Brick Block in Super Mario 3D World
Brick Block
Brick Blocks are blocks that the player can destroy. They are usually empty, but may contain items.
A Chain Link in Super Mario 3D World.
Chain-Link
Chain-Links are moving fence-like walls that the player can climb in Cat form.
A Cloud Lift in Super Mario 3D World
Cloud Lift
Cloud Lifts are moving platforms that can be jumped through.
A Crate from Super Mario 3D World.
Crate
Crates are wooden boxes that act as obstacles.
A Dash Panel from Super Mario 3D World.
Dash Panel
Dash Panels are pads that, when walked on, make the player travel at fast speeds for a short time.
A Donut Block from Super Mario 3D World.
Donut Block
Donut Blocks are platforms that slowly fall when stepped on.
Screenshot of a Gift Box from Super Mario 3D World.
Gift Box
Gift Boxes are blocks found exclusively in Toad Houses that, when hit, provide power-ups to players.
Screenshot of a Jump Panel from Super Mario 3D World.
Jump Panel
Jump Panels are pads that, when the player jumps after standing on them, launch them higher than normal.
Yellowplatform.png
Lift
Lifts are platforms that rise and fall. They are used to reach locations at a higher elevation.
A Multi-Vator in Super Mario 3D World
Multi-Vator
Multi-Vators are Lifts that are activated when stood on by a certain number of characters.
A Mushroom Trampoline from Super Mario 3D World.
Mushroom Trampoline
Mushroom Trampolines are bouncy platforms with a mushroom appearance.
Artwork of a POW Block from Super Mario 3D World.
POW Block
POW Blocks are blocks that cause a shockwave that defeats all enemies and breaks all blocks on screen.
A Propeller Platform in Super Mario 3D World
Propeller Platform
Propeller Platforms are Lifts that, when the player blows into the mic, follow a predetermined path before returning to their starting point. These objects are replaced by Lifts in the Nintendo Switch port of the game due to the system's lack of a mic.
A Red-Blue Panel from Super Mario 3D World.
Red-Blue Panel
Red-Blue Panels are tiles that flip when the player jumps.
A Rock Block from Super Mario 3D World.
Rock Block
Rock Blocks are gray Big Blocks that are more difficult to destroy.
A Rotating Panel from Super Mario 3D World.
Rotating Panel
Rotating Panels are tiles that continuously flip over, alternating between red and blue.
A Roulette Block from Super Mario 3D World.
Roulette Block
Roulette Blocks scroll items in a roulette and release the item that was onscreen when the block was hit.

Deepwater Dungeon.jpg
Spike Block
Blocks that damage the player when touched. Blue Spike Blocks are stationary while red Spike Blocks move.
A Switch Block in Super Mario 3D World.
Switch Block
Switch Blocks change the direction of or reveal new Switchboard paths.
A Springboard from Super Mario 3D World.
Springboard
Springboards appear when Hop-Chops are defeated. They are used to reach heights.
A Switchboard from Super Mario 3D World.
Switchboard
Switchboards are platforms that move in the direction of the arrow the player stands on.
A group of Touchstones from Super Mario 3D World.
Touchstone
Touchstones are platforms that change position when touched on the Wii U GamePad.
Throwable and kickable objects
Artwork of a Baseball from Super Mario 3D World.
Baseball
Baseballs can be thrown to defeat enemies.
A Bomb from Super Mario 3D World.
Bomb
Bombs are inactive Bob-ombs that light their fuses when picked up. They can be used to destroy objects.
A Gold Shell from Super Mario 3D World.
Gold Shell
Gold Shells are Koopa Troopa shells that give coins when they move, similar to ? Boxes.
A Kick Bomb from Super Mario 3D World.
Kick Bomb
Kick Bombs are bombs that, when kicked, bounce in a parabolic fashion before exploding on impact with a solid object.
Close-up of a Snowball from Super Mario 3D World.
Snowball
Snowballs can be thrown to defeat enemies.
Transportation Objects
Artwork of a Clear Pipe from Super Mario 3D World
Clear Pipe
Clear Pipes are a type of Warp Pipe. The player can enter one to travel from one place to another.
A Clear Pipe Cannon in Super Mario 3D World
Clear Pipe Cannon
Clear Pipe Cannons are cannons that automatically send the player through a Clear Pipe. In some circumstances, they may shoot the player to another area instead.
A Cloud Cannon from Super Mario 3D World.
Cloud Cannon
Cloud Cannons are cannons that automatically launch the player to a Coin Heaven.
A Mystery Box from Super Mario 3D World.
Mystery Box
Mystery Boxes are Warp Boxes that warp the player to a bonus area.
A Warp Box from Super Mario 3D World.
Warp Box
When entered, Warp Boxes teleport the player to another area of a level.
Close-up of a Warp Box (With Key) from Super Mario 3D World.
Warp Box (With Key)
Warp Boxes (With Keys) are locked Warp Boxes that the player cannot enter. Once all five Key Coins of an area are collected, the corresponding Warp Box (With Key) turns into a regular Warp Box.
Artwork of a Warp Pipe, from Super Mario 3D World.
Warp Pipe
When entered, Warp Pipes teleport the player to another area of a level.
Other objects
Model of a wooden cutout of Bowser from Super Mario 3D World.
Board
The board is a wooden cutout of Bowser that can be knocked down when interacted with.
A Checkpoint Flag from Super Mario 3D World.
Checkpoint Flag
Checkpoint Flags appear midway through a level and save the player's progress, allowing them to restart from the flag if they lose a life.
A Goal Pole from Super Mario 3D World.
Goal Pole
Goal Poles are flagpoles found at the end of every level. Touching one completes the level.

Luigi sightings

Luigi sighting in A Beam in the Dark in Super Mario 3D World.
An 8-bit Luigi appears on the moon the last 30 seconds of the timer at the end of A Beam in the Dark
Main article: List of Luigi sightings in Super Mario 3D World

Like with New Super Luigi U, Super Mario 3D World commemorates the Year of Luigi by featuring 8-bit Luigi sprites hidden in various parts of the game. However, they are not just restricted to levels, with some appearing in the worlds and elsewhere.

Development

Super Mario 3D World was first mentioned during the January 2013 Nintendo Direct alongside Mario Kart 8, in which it was announced that a new 3D Mario platformer was being developed by the same team behind Super Mario Galaxy.[3][4] It was later properly announced in the June 11, 2013 Nintendo Direct during E3 2013, when its release window was also revealed.

Plans for Super Mario 3D World picked up following the release of Super Mario Galaxy 2. Like with Super Mario 3D Land, the developers intended to bridge the gap between 2D and 3D to appease fans of the New Super Mario Bros. games that did not care for the 3D installments.[5]

According to Koichi Hayashida, early in development Peach was planned to reprise her role as damsel-in-distress. However, Yoshiaki Koizumi suggested to the development team that she should instead be a playable character, akin to Super Mario Bros. 2.[6] Super Mario 3D World ended up being the first, and so far, the only 3D Mario platformer in which Princess Peach is playable and not kidnapped. Similarly, Rosalina was added into the game in response to her rise in popularity among fans.[7]

According to game director Kenta Motokura, the game went through numerous concepts suggested by over one hundred staff members via sticky notes that were extensively playtested, such as the Mystery Houses and The Adventures of Captain Toad levels. The Cat form was one of the earliest ideas that passed development, with the intention of creating a method of directly attacking enemies and assisting novice players in clearing obstacles. The Double Cherry, on the other hand, was conceived entirely by accident when a staff member inadvertently loaded two identical character models into a test level, which was well-received by the developers and thus hurriedly added into the final game.[5]

Reception

Critical reception

Super Mario 3D World received widespread critical acclaim and has been praised for its gameplay, visuals, music, level design, the Cat form's usefulness, and its improved 4-player co-op compared to New Super Mario Bros. Wii. However, it has been criticized for camera issues and co-op control issues.[8] The game currently has a score of 93 on Metacritic based on 83 reviews[9] and a score of 92.56% on GameRankings based on 54 reviews.[10]

Mark Walton, reviewing for GameSpot, called the game an "exceptional craft" with "painstaking focus on the minute details that are integral to making it feel special."[11] He also added that "[every one of the game's levels] is a golden nugget of heavenly platforming joy, where ideas are rarely repeated--and if they are, they're given such a twist as to make them feel new again." Jose Otero of IGN gave the game a 9.6 out of 10, commenting that, "After 28 years of making marvelous Mario platform games, you'd think Nintendo would run out of ideas. But Super Mario 3D World defies such logic and creativity sets itself apart-in good ways-from its outstanding recent predecessors."[12] Chris Carter, reviewing for Destructoid, called it one of the greatest Mario games ever made and gave it a 10 out of 10, stating, "Why is 3D World so good? Because it's essentially a complete refinement of everything that was great about 3D Land, a game that I happen to think is criminally underrated. 3D World is pretty much a joy ride from start to finish--and that "start" is as quick as ever."[13] Adam Cook from God is a Geek scored the game as a 100, saying, "Unimpeded creativity drips from every moment, forcing an awed expression from the most cynical of mouths. Decades old ideas are renewed with such ease and simplicity that it’s almost unnerving. I’ve fought Bowser more times than I can even remember, yet the first encounter somehow feels fresh. There’s always a princess, there’s always another castle, Bowser is still involved (this time he’s stolen Sprixies and locked them in jars) – it’s the design and execution of it all that makes it so special."[14]

Reviews
Reviewer, Publication Score Comment
Jose Otero, IGN 9.6/10 "Super Mario Galaxy 2 successfully iterated on one of the most inventive platformers of the last console generation. Super Mario 3D World takes slightly smaller steps in the grand scheme of the platformer genre, but it fulfills the promise of a multiplayer Mario much better than anything that the Japanese game maker has done before. Super Mario 3D World is marvelous, and its constant variety and fantastic light-hearted co-op play proves that Nintendo still knows exactly how to tweak the Mario formula in fun ways."
Mark Walton, GameSpot 9/10 "Super Mario 3D World is a game of exceptional craft, of painstaking focus on the minute details that are integral to making it feel special. The pace at which you're thrown from one ingenious concept to the next as perspectives, tempos, and mechanics change would choke a lesser game, but here it's done with a seamlessness that makes such rapid inventiveness look easy. This is a game where every level is a golden nugget of heavenly platforming joy, where ideas are rarely repeated--and if they are, they're given such a twist as to make them feel new again."
Thomas Whitehead, Nintendo Life 10/10 "Super Mario 3D World can be easily summarised — it’s a terrifically enjoyable, tight and impeccably structured experience. It recalls the mascot’s 3D heritage while providing the perfect starting point for those that prefer 2D platforming, catering to an audience of beginners and skilled veterans alike. Nintendo’s also mastered Mario multiplayer for, arguably, the first time; it’s still manic and can be either co-operative or competitive, but there’s also a sense of space that allows determined groups to progress coherently.

This is a definitive 3D Mario experience, successfully finding a middle-ground between the iconic Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Galaxy. You may not swing Bowser by his tail or run upside down, but it’s bursting with creativity nonetheless, while delivering on the craft and skill that defines the Tokyo EAD studio. It’s unmissable."

Danielle Riendeau, Polygon 90/100 "Super Mario 3D World doesn't reinvent the Mario formula. But it is in every way its own game, with a bright, joyful aesthetic that's supported by inspired level design and a cast that matters. It gets the balance right between nostalgic touches and clever new twists, and never once let me down with a boring boss or too-familiar retread. In all my years of playing with the Mario gang, I've never been quite so happy to hurl myself into the unknown, and 3D World delivers challenge, surprise and joy in almost every moment."
Christian Donlan, Eurogamer 10/10 (Essential) "Compact by the standards of the Galaxy adventures but still loaded with bountiful secrets, beneath the warm familiarity of 3D World lies one of the strangest Mario games in years - or at least one of the most random in its influences and its moment-to-moment indulgences. And that's a very, very good thing."
Chris Carter, Destructoid 10/10 "It was then that I realized that Super Mario 3D World had achieved a level of platforming design that's close to perfection, and there was almost never a moment where I didn't have a smile on my face. This is the unequivocally the best Mario game since Galaxy 2, and it shows up anything the "New" series has ever done, and then some."
Aggregators
Compiler Template:Nowrap
Metacritic 93
GameRankings 92.56%

Sales

As of March 1, 2020, Super Mario 3D World is the second-best selling game for the Wii U,[15] selling 5.83 million units worldwide.

Gallery

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

Original soundtrack

Main article: Super Mario 3D World Original Soundtrack

The game's official original soundtrack, "Super Mario 3D World Original Sound Track" has been released to Club Nintendo members in Japan, Europe, and Australia, and has been performed by the Mario 3D World Big Band.

Staff

Main article: List of Super Mario 3D World staff

The game producer is Yoshiaki Koizumi, and the game was directed by Koichi Hayashida and Kenta Motokura. This game marks Laura Faye Smith's debut as the current voice actress of Rosalina. General game production is done by Satoru Iwata and Shigeru Miyamoto.

Pre-release and unused content

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

Early concept artwork reveals that Cat characters were going to have five fingers, and that Princess Peach's Cat Suit was going to incorporate her brooch. The levels shown off in the E3 demo also have different world and number placements than the final game. Additionally, several sound clips were changed to brand new ones when they were reused ones from previous games in the demo, and several pieces of music were changed to being orchestrated in the final product.

Glitches

Main article: List of Super Mario 3D World glitches

Long Jump glitch

Inage dpicting a glitch on SM3DW, that will be used in the article
The Long Jump Glitch in action

If Small Toad Long Jumps into a Snowball, he sits down and slides right while holding the Snowball. He will be unable to jump and will continue gaining momentum while moving. This glitch can be canceled by letting go of the Snowball.[16]

World Map Out of Bounds

Rosalina stands atop the Clear Pipe, after getting out of bounds in World Bowser.
Rosalina standing atop the Clear Pipe.

If done correctly, one can get on top of the World Bowser entrance pipe by jumping onto the nearby pole first, and then fall to the worlds down below. Additionally, if the player quits the game while they are falling out of bounds, the progress will not be saved, and when restarting the game, the music of the world the player was in when the glitch was activated plays for a short time.[16]

Quotes

Main article: List of Super Mario 3D World quotes
  • Oh yeah! Mario time! Woo-hoo! (Mario being selected)
  • Let's go! (Peach, Toad, and Rosalina before a level starts)
  • He he he, gotcha! (Luigi while collected a stamp/green star)
  • Gotcha! (Toad getting a stamp)
  • Ready for adventure! (Captain Toad before a level starts)

Media

For a complete list of media for this subject, see List of Super Mario 3D World media.
Help:MediaHaving trouble playing?

References to other games

  • Mario Bros.: There is a bonus game starring Luigi available on the title screen, called Luigi Bros. It is played similarly to this game, except both playable characters are Luigi.[17] Also, the big POW Block on the very top of The Great Tower of Bowser Land must be hit multiple times, getting flatter every time it's hit, just like it does in Mario Bros.
  • Super Mario Bros.: Some levels have tiles that resemble the ground tiles from this game. The main theme from Super Mario Bros. is covered for bonus areas and Coin Heavens (whose theme comes from Super Mario 3D Land). An 8-bit Luigi sprite from this game can be seen swimming in the background in Bowser's Highway Showdown.[18] Additionally, Beep Block Skyway has an 8-bit Luigi, Coin and Super Mushroom sprites moving along the walls of the stage. Likewise, all of the Luigi sightings are based on his sprite from this game. In addition, the bonus area in Bob-ombs Below is based on Mario's 8-bit sprite from the game. After Bowser gets defeated in his regular boss battles, the bridge beneath him collapses, much like the castle bosses from this game.
  • The Legend of Zelda: Link's 8-bit sprite from the game can be found in the secret area of Rainbow Run. Also, when all of the tiles in said area are lit up, the main theme of this game plays.
  • Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic: The player is required to beat all levels with all of the characters (Mario, Luigi, Peach, Toad, and Rosalina, the last one being a secret character) in order to unlock all the stamps and all five profile stars, mirroring how it was required that all characters in the game beat all the levels to unlock the true ending.
  • Super Mario Bros. 2: Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Toad are playable characters. The Mario Bros. and the Princess's abilities are based off of theirs from this game, as well as Toad's speed advantage. In addition, Toad having blue spots is possibly a reference to Toad in the original NES version of this game, in which his sprite appears blue. Doors have the same design and color. A cover of the character select music from this game plays in the casino slot minigame [19], as well as in the Coin Bonus areas of the game.[20] Rocket Ships make an appearance. The two game's stories are also similar, with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad going to another land and saving it from an evil villain in both games.
  • Super Mario Bros. 3: Like its predecessor, Super Mario 3D World shares some similarities to this game. The death jingle is a cover of that from this game.[21] Tank levels return from this game. In American and some European versions of the game, when first visiting a Toad House, the Toad will instruct the player, "Pick a box. Its contents will help you on your way," which is a direct quoting from this game's Toad Houses.
  • Super Mario World: Chargin' Chucks and Galoombas return, and in the case of the former enemy, use the same sound effects for running and being defeated as in this game. Trampolines are green and also use the same sound effect as in this game. The artwork used for the stamp of a Koopa being knocked out of its shell is based on the artwork for the Beach Koopa from this game. Hitting the Koopa Chase Lv2 at the beginning of The Great Tower of Bowser Land occasionally causes Super Mario World sound effects to play.
  • Super Mario Kart: The level Mount Must Dash contains Dash Panels, asphalt, and blocks that reference the Mario Circuit courses from this game. Also, the music is a cover of that heard in the Mario Circuit courses from that game as well.[22]
  • Mario Paint: The Cat Goombas make a similar meow to the cat notes from this game.[23]
  • Super Mario 64/Super Mario 64 DS: In levels when players are riding Plessie, the music that plays is a cover of the one that plays in Tick Tock Clock, Rainbow Ride, and The Princess's Secret Slide from this game.[21] In Shifty Boo Mansion, the first Green Star is found by jumping into a painting, similar to how Mario enters paintings in this game and its remake. When the player catches a rabbit, the rabbit will give an item to the player, similar to how the rabbit gives Mario an item right after getting grabbed.
  • Super Smash Bros. Melee/Super Smash Bros. Brawl: There are two Mystery Houses named Mystery House Melee in World 2 and the one in the later World Mushroom named Mystery House Brawl. Their objectives are to defeat all enemies to advance and go forth. This is a reference to both Super Smash Bros. Melee and Super Smash Bros. Brawl.
  • Super Mario Sunshine: Characters can do a spin jump similar to the one in this game.
  • New Super Mario Bros.: The player can jump on Koopa Troopas to steal their shells and ride in them, similar to the Blue Shell power-up. The artwork used for the stamp of Fire Mario throwing a fireball is based on the artwork for Fire Mario from this game.
  • Super Princess Peach: The theme for Super Bell Hill has similarities to this game's Ladida Plains music.
  • Super Mario Galaxy/Super Mario Galaxy 2: Green Stars make an appearance, replacing Star Medals from Super Mario 3D Land. Captain Toad returns and the levels where Captain Toad is playable contains the Toad Brigade theme from the Super Mario Galaxy games. There are secret underground rooms where the player can collect sequences of Coins for a limited time and receive a prize if all Coins are collected. Rosalina's special ability is the Star Spin attack. Rosalina's emblem is a Grand Star. Super Galaxy, a stage based off of the Super Mario Galaxy games appears, and so do Octoombas, Fizzlits and the Comet Observatory. The Comet Observatory theme (3rd version) plays in the World Crown map area, while a cover of Gusty Garden Galaxy's theme can be heard in Honeycomb Starway, Honeycomb Skyway and Champion's Road.[24] The final boss themes (and the Meowser defeated fanfare) have portions of the themes for the Battlerock Galaxy, Bowser's Galaxy Reactor, and Bowser's Galaxy Generator. The overworld map of World Star has Star Bits in the background. Also, Grumblumps have a similar appearance to Rhomps. The Beat Block mechanic returns under the name "Beep Block", and the Beep Block stages return to the "beep-beep-beep-switch" rhythm as in Super Mario Galaxy 2 with the same tempo as the Beat Block Galaxy theme as well. There is additionally a level called Boss Blitz; this is in reference to the Boss Blitz Galaxy.
  • New Super Mario Bros. Wii/New Super Mario Bros. U: The abilities to do a simultaneous Ground Pound with multiple players, pick up other players, and place their character in a bubble make a return. Assist Play is similar to Boost Mode from the latter game in that the player can stop/hinder enemies with the GamePad, as well as pause stage obstacles like the rolling hills. In Snowball Park, the night-time setting with the background aurora mirrors Spinning-Star Sky. Fire Toad's colors are exactly the same as Fire Yellow Toad's colors from these games.
  • Super Mario 3D Land: The installment is the follow-up game of this title, and thus has some similarities to said game. Many of this game's music is reused or remixed, and a cover of the jazz variation of the main theme plays in Super Block Land. The snow theme and castle theme return in this game, but they are now orchestrated. The base beat and some tunes of the music in Simmering Lava Lake is similar to the music that plays in World 8-5 and World 8-Bowser: Part 2 in this game. Warp Boxes, Mystery Boxes, Peepas, Coin Coffers, Goomba Towers, Stingbies, Biddybuds, and Para-Biddybuds all return. The levels in World Mushroom and World Flower are similar to the levels in the Special Worlds from this game. When Mario enters a castle, he walks through a gate with Bowser's face above it, eyes flashing upon entry, just like in this game.
  • Mario Kart 7: Princess Peach's portrait from this game, located in Sherbet Rink, is reused.
  • New Super Mario Bros. 2: Golden Koopa Troopas and wearable ? Blocks return in Golden Warp Pipes.

References in later games

  • Mario Kart 8: The Piranha Plant returns as an item. Stamp images are reused in N64 Rainbow Road's fireworks. The Double Cherry appears as an ad in Toad Harbor. There is a DLC cup named the Bell Cup, which has a course called Super Bell Subway. Cat Peach also appears as a playable character.
    • Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: The crown mechanic in Battle Mode is similar to the mechanic in multi-player of Super Mario 3D World, where the player with the highest score from one stage will be wearing a crown in the next stage.
  • Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker: The game is a spin-off title based around the Captain Toad's Adventures levels which originated from Super Mario 3D World. Several elements also return, including music. Super Bell Hill, Shadow-Play Alley, Clear Pipe Cruise, and Conkdor Canyon return as stages in the Wii U version. The ending cutscene of the Wii U version also reveals that Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker is a prequel.
  • Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U: Peach and Rosalina's red costumes are based on their Fire forms in Super Mario 3D World.
    • Super Smash Bros. for Wii U: Three pieces of music from Super Mario 3D World (Super Bell Hill, The Great Tower Showdown 2, and Champion Road) can be selected, and the Toad trophy refers to Captain Toad's inability to jump.
  • Super Mario Maker: Rosalina's Mystery Mushroom costume reuses several voice clips from Super Mario 3D World. Cat Mario and Cat Peach appear as Mystery Mushroom costumes, with their voice clips from Super Mario 3D World playing when jumping, and the "course clear" and "lose a life" jingles are reused.
  • Super Mario Odyssey: Several sound effects and voice clips from Super Mario 3D World are reused. When RoboBrood is defeated, the Broodals appear as fireworks in the sky similar to when Bowser is defeated in The Great Tower of Bowser Land. Ty-Foos and Parabones reappear as enemies, as do Chargin' Chucks with their design from Super Mario 3D World. Captain Toad's design is reused. The sprites of Cat Mario and Cat Peach from Super Mario Maker appear in various kingdoms.
  • Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: Sprixie Princesses, Cat Peach, and Plessie appear as spirits using their artwork from Super Mario 3D World. Additionally, Boom Boom appears as a spirit using his in-game model from Super Mario 3D World.
  • Super Mario Maker 2: A theme based on Super Mario 3D World can be used, but the actual gameplay is converted to 2D (i.e. 2.5D), but still maintaining some elements of 3D, such as the ability of Cat Mario to climb a wall from the side, and the moves of certain enemies such as Meowser, Charvaargh, and Banzai Bill. Enemies such as Ant Troopers and Piranha Creepers also appear. Levels from Super Mario 3D World such as Super Bell Hill, Conkdor Canyon, and Gargantuan Grotto appears in the background of certain themes in the game.
  • Dr. Mario World: An Ant Trooper and a Conkdor appear as assistants. The fire forms of Peach and Rosalina appear as playable doctors.
  • Mario Kart Tour: The artwork for the Double Cherry is reused for the Tropical Grocery badge. Fire Rosalina appears as a driver in this game. The Cat forms of Peach and Toad appear as drivers in this game, and their special item is the Super Bell.
  • Paper Mario: The Origami King: Luigi's running pose and Peach's floating pose in the ending are based on their respective animations from Super Mario 3D World.

Names in other languages

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese スーパーマリオ 3Dワールド[?]
Sūpā Mario Surī Dī Wārudo
Super Mario 3D World
Chinese (simplified) 超级马力欧 3D世界[25]
Chāojí Mǎlìōu 3D Shìjiè
Super Mario 3D World
Chinese (traditional) 超級瑪利歐 3D世界[25]
Chāojí Mǎlìōu 3D Shìjiè
Super Mario 3D World

Trivia

  • The character icons from this game (with the exception of Rosalina and Captain Toad's icons) are used in Club Nintendo prizes.
  • If one looks closely, the plants dance to the background music, changing animations based on a part of the song.
  • The Play Nintendo website features a trivia game based on power-ups from Super Mario 3D World.

External links

References

  1. ^ Nintendo. (September 3 2020). Super Mario Bros. 35th Anniversary Direct. YouTube. Retreived September 3, 2020.
  2. ^ http://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Wii-U/SUPER-MARIO-3D-WORLD-765385.html
  3. ^ Purchese, Robert (January 23, 2013). New 3D Mario and Mario Kart Wii U games at E3. Eurogamer. Retrieved February 26, 2020.
  4. ^ Tito, Greg. New Mario Kart Wii U Playable at E3. The Escapist. Retrieved February 26, 2020.
  5. ^ a b Edge Staff (July 6, 2015). "Why double Mario forced Nintendo to change Super Mario 3D World" GamesRadar+. Retrieved February 24, 2020.
  6. ^ Alba (June 12, 2013). "Peach Wasn't Originally Planned As A Playable Character In Super Mario 3D World" My Nintendo News. Retrieved April 29, 2015.
  7. ^ Costabile, Christopher. "Latest Iwata Asks Reveals More on Camera Angles, Rosalina and the Amount of Content in Super Mario 3D World - Wii U News @ Nintendo Life". Nintendo Life. Retrieved February 28, 2020.
  8. ^ Gallaway, Brad (February 19, 2014). Super Mario 3D World Review GameCritics. Retrieved April 10, 2017.
  9. ^ Metacritic score of Super Mario 3D World. Metacritic. Retrieved April 10, 2017.
  10. ^ GameRankings score of Super Mario 3D World GameRankings. Retrieved April 10, 2017.
  11. ^ Walton, Mark (November 19, 2013). Super Mario 3D World Review GameSpot. Retrieved December 21, 2017.
  12. ^ Otero, Jose (November 19, 2013). Super Mario 3D World Review IGN. Retrieved December 21, 2017.
  13. ^ Carter, Chris (November 19, 2013). Review: Super Mario 3D World Destructoid. Retrieved December 21, 2017.
  14. ^ Cook, Adam (November 19, 2013).Super Mario 3D World Review God is a Geek. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
  15. ^ Official Nintendo IR page
  16. ^ a b A+Start (Mar 15, 2019). Super Mario 3D World Glitches - Son of a Glitch - Episode 87. YouTube. Retrieved June 6, 2019.
  17. ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ds0X4QkfeC4
  18. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3arXxOvp7U
  19. ^ [1]
  20. ^ [2]
  21. ^ a b [3]
  22. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0cfS8NlmU4
  23. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qZqSSFrwiM
  24. ^ [4]
  25. ^ a b Super Mario Maker 2 in-game name

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