Super Mario 3D Land

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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 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:
Japan November 3, 2011[?]
USA November 13, 2011[?]
Europe November 18, 2011[?]
Australia November 24, 2011[?]
South Korea April 28, 2012[?]
HK December 7, 2012 (for HK/TW model)[?]
ROC December 7, 2012 (for HK/TW model)[?]
China December 7, 2012[?]
HK July 13, 2017 (for Japan model)[?]
ROC July 13, 2017 (for Japan model)[2]
Nintendo eShop:
Europe October 4, 2012[?]
Australia October 4, 2012[?]
USA October 18, 2012[?]
Japan November 1, 2012[?]
Nintendo Selects:
Europe October 13, 2017[?]
USA February 5, 2018[3]
Australia May 11, 2018[4]
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
ClassInd:L - General audience
RARS:0+ - All ages
GRAC:All - All ages
GSRR:P - Six years and older
FPB:PG - Parental guidance
Mode(s) Single-player
Format
Nintendo 3DS:
Game Card
Digital download
Input
Nintendo 3DS:
Serial code(s) Japan CTR-AREJ-JPN
USA CTR-AREE-USA
Europe CTR-AREP-EUR

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,[5][6] 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 (296.3 MB) if it is bought off the Nintendo eShop.[7]

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.[8][9][10]

Hush little baby, don't say a word...

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 big 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 cardboard cutout of Peach, 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.[11] 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

Locations

Worlds

Main article: World
Worlds
Normal worlds
World 1 Courses
World 1 in Super Mario 3D Land World 1-1 World 1-2
World 1-Mystery Box World 1-3
World 1-4 (Number of required Star Medals needed to unlock.×3) World 1-Toad House
World 1-Castle
This world begins in the grassy fields before Peach's Castle in the Mushroom Kingdom. The Super Leaf is first available in this world, and the tailed enemies that have appropriated them make their first appearances as well. W1-2 is the first underground-themed course of the game, and two courses following it feature Switchboards. The boss of this world is a Goomba disguised as Bowser.
World 2 Courses
World 2 in Super Mario 3D Land World 2-1 World 2-2
World 2-Mystery Box World 2-3
World 2-4 World 2-Toad House
World 2-Airship
Outside of the sprawling W2-1, the courses here involve precise platforming above the ground, necessitating the use of Flip Panels, Red-Blue Panels, and the wearable Propeller Box. Bowser's airships first appear in this world, where Mario fights the brutish Boom Boom. It is the only world where none of the courses require Star Medals to be unlocked.
World 3 Courses
World 3 in Super Mario 3D Land World 3-1 World 3-2
World 3-Toad House World 3-3
World 3-4 World 3-5 (Number of required Star Medals needed to unlock.×15)
World 3-Airship
World 3 introduces desert, underwater, and snow-themed courses, as well as the first auto-scroller to not take place on an airship. Mario can visit a blue Toad House in World 3 to view screenshots taken by the player.
World 4 Courses
World 4 in Super Mario 3D Land World 4-1 World 4-Mystery Box
World 4-2 World 4-3 (Number of required Star Medals needed to unlock.×30)
World 4-4 World 4-5
World 4-Airship
The first course involves navigating thick, spiraling trees. Subsequent courses include ones that feature face blocks and the game's first Ghost House. Mario fights the boomerang-wielding Pom Pom in this world's airship course. A hidden Warp Zone in W4-2 brings Mario immediately to World 5.
World 5 Courses
World 5 in Super Mario 3D Land World 5-1 World 5-2
World 5-3 (Number of required Star Medals needed to unlock.×40) World 5-4
World 5-Toad House World 5-5
World 5-Castle (Number of required Star Medals needed to unlock.×50)
This world begins in a desert dotted with cactuses, where the Boomerang Flower can be found. Subsequent courses include the underground burrows of Monty Moles and a series of clouds floating high above wind turbines. The boss of World 5 is a Magikoopa disguised as another Tail Bowser.
World 6 Courses
World 6 in Super Mario 3D Land World 6-1 World 6-2
World 6-3 World 6-Mystery Box
World 6-4 World 6-5 (Number of required Star Medals needed to unlock.×60)
World 6-Airship
World 6 contains an athletic course on a seaside boardwalk and a desert pyramid with rising platforms. Beep Blocks are introduced in a course, where Mario must time his actions to the beat of the music.
World 7 Courses
World 7 in Super Mario 3D Land World 7-1 World 7-2
World 7-Toad House World 7-3 (Number of required Star Medals needed to unlock.×70)
World 7-4 World 7-5
World 7-Airship
The world begins in an underwater course where Spike Eels live inside of caves. Subsequent courses include a Fuzzy-infested forest, the first clock-themed course, and wooden platforms actively being cleared by buzz saws. Boom Boom and Pom Pom fight Mario together in this world's airship.
World 8 Courses
World 8 in Super Mario 3D Land World 8-1 World 8-2
World 8-3 (Number of required Star Medals needed to unlock.×80) World 8-4
World 8-5 World 8-Bowser's Castle: Part 1 (Number of required Star Medals needed to unlock.×90)
World 8-6 World 8-Bowser's Castle: Part 2 (Number of required Star Medals needed to unlock.×100)
Bowser's domain, where he has imprisoned Princess Peach. Most of the courses here resemble castle strongholds and take place in seas of lava. It is the only world to include battles with the real Bowser, as well as the only one to lack Toad Houses or Mystery Boxes.
Special worlds
Special 1 Courses
Special 1 in Super Mario 3D Land Special 1-1 Special 1-2
Special 1-Toad House Special 1-3
Special 1-4 Special 1-Mystery Box
Special 1-Castle (Number of required Star Medals needed to unlock.×110)
A world that mirrors the Mushroom Kingdom. The Statue Leaf and Poison Mushroom are introduced here, as is the Cosmic Clone enemy that mimics Mario's actions and appearance. The undead Dry Bowser has imprisoned Luigi in this world.
Special 2 Courses
Special 2 in Super Mario 3D Land Special 2-1 Special 2-2
Special 2-3 Special 2-Toad House
Special 2-4 Special 2-5
Special 2-Airship (Number of required Star Medals needed to unlock.×120)
Special 2 begins with an auto-scroller that features Note Blocks and rising lifts, and ends with an airship course that has no boss. It is one of only two special worlds to not include any courses with Cosmic Clones.
Special 3 Courses
Special 3 in Super Mario 3D Land Special 3-1 Special 3-2
Special 3-3 Special 3-Mystery Box
Special 3-4 Special 3-5
Special 3-Airship (Number of required Star Medals needed to unlock.×140)
Some of the courses here are ones that feature swinging Pendulum Platforms, rotating blocks, and Beep Blocks. It is the other special world to lack encounters with Cosmic Clones.
Special 4 Courses
Special 4 in Super Mario 3D Land Special 4-1 Special 4-2
Special 4-3 Special 4-Toad House
Special 4-4 Special 4-5
Special 4-Airship (Number of required Star Medals needed to unlock.×160)
This world begins with a clock-themed course, followed by a Ghost House and a boardwalk swarmed by Bullet Bills. Boom Boom and Pom Pom return as the bosses of the airship course.
Special 5 Courses
Special 5 in Super Mario 3D Land Special 5-1 Special 5-2
Special 5-3 Special 5-Mystery Box
Special 5-4 Special 5-5
Special 5-Castle (Number of required Star Medals needed to unlock.×180)
Some of the courses here incorporate Red-Blue Panels, Switchboards, and dessert-shaped lifts. Dry Bowser appears again as the boss of this world's castle.
Special 6 Courses
Special 6 in Super Mario 3D Land Special 6-1 Special 6-2
Special 6-3 Special 6-Toad House
Special 6-4 Special 6-5
Special 6-Airship (Number of required Star Medals needed to unlock.×200)
Special 6 contains courses with Propeller Boxes, complex Flip Panel movements, and dense fog. Boom Boom appears in this world's airship and is the only optional boss battle in the game.
Special 7 Courses
Special 7 in Super Mario 3D Land Special 7-1 Special 7-2
Special 7-3 Special 7-Mystery Box
Special 7-4 Special 7-5
Special 7-Castle (Number of required Star Medals needed to unlock.×220)
The first course here is snow-themed and contains many Boomerang Bros, before following another course with Beep Blocks. A Big Cosmic Clone appears in S7-4 and S7-Castle Level Icon from Super Mario 3D World that can destroy Brick Blocks.
Special 8 Courses
Special 8 in Super Mario 3D Land Special 8-1 (Number of required Star Medals needed to unlock.×230) Special 8-2 (Number of required Star Medals needed to unlock.×240)
Special 8-3 (Number of required Star Medals needed to unlock.×250) Special 8-Toad House
Special 8-4 (Number of required Star Medals needed to unlock.×260) Special 8-5 (Number of required Star Medals needed to unlock.×270)
Special 8-Bowser's Castle (Number of required Star Medals needed to unlock.×290) Special 8-Crown
Many of the courses of Special 8 are rearrangements of lava-themed courses from the normal worlds and one includes the return of Dry Bowser. S8-Crown Icon from Super Mario 3D World, the true final course, is wholly original and the greatest challenge of the game. Both Boom Boom and Pom Pom appear here, and an assemblage of celebrating Toads appear near the Goal Pole. Special 8 is the final world, and includes the greatest number of courses that require a certain number of Star Medals to unlock.

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.
  • Album Toad House - A blue Toad House in World 3 that allows the player to view the album pictures obtained throughout the game.
  • 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 test room with colored blocks that cause an optical illusion, where Mario can train and learn both movements and 2D/3D mode comparisons. It is accessed by remaining idle for 42 seconds at the title screen. The room contains five Toads (one of which is unreachably high up) and has no win condition.

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.
Squared screenshot of Toads from Super Mario 3D Land.
Toads
Toads help Mario on his journey to save Princess Peach.
Tanooki Toad
Tanooki Toads
Toads under the effect of the Super Leaf. They only appear in the special worlds.

Enemies and obstacles

Enemies

Name Description Appearances Spoils New
First Last
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 Coin×1
1 second×10
Star Medal×1
Goombas
Goomba Tower
Stacks of Goombas. The one on the bottom behaves like a normal Goomba. World 1-2 Special 4-1 Coin×1 New to the franchise
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 Coin×1
Super Leaf×1
New to the franchise
Squared screenshot of a Big Tail Goomba from Super Mario 3D Land.
Big Tail Goomba
Giant Tail Goombas. Their tail attack covers wider range. World 1-1 World 5-5 Coin×3 New to the franchise
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 Coin×1
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 Coin×1
PorcuPufferSM3DL.png
Porcupuffer
Purple porcupinefish. 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 Coin×3
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 Green Shell×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 by invincibility. World 1-Castle Special 8-4 Coin×1
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 Coin×3
1 second×10
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 Coin×3
1 second×10
Boomerang Flower×1
SpinySM3DL.png
Spiny
Squat Koopas with spiked shells. They charge towards Mario on sight. World 5-2 Special 8-1 Coin×1
Magikoopa
Magikoopa
Robed Koopas that can teleport. They toss magical fireballs at Mario with their wand. World 7-Airship Special 8-4 Coin×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 Coin×1 New to the franchise
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 Coin×1
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 Coin×1
Fire Flower×1
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 Coin×1 New to the franchise
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 Coin×1 New to the franchise
Artwork of a Draglet from Super Mario 3D Land
Draglet
Little dragons that spit fireballs. World 1-Castle Special 8-4 Coin×1 New to the franchise
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 Coin×1
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 Coin×3
Tail Thwomp
Tail Thwomp
Thwomps that jump and float, moving along a set path. World 5-1 Coin×3
1UP×∞
New to the franchise
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 Coin×10 New to the franchise
Artwork of a Stingby from Super Mario 3D Land.
Stingby
Bee enemies. They chase Mario on sight. World 2-4 Special 8-Crown Coin×1 New to the franchise
Screenshot of in-game model render of a Bullet Bill from Super Mario 3D Land.
Bullet Bill
Missiles fired from Bill Blasters. They fly in a straight line. World 2-Airship Special 5-3 Coin×1
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 Coin×1
Super Leaf×1
Statue Leaf×1
New to the franchise
SM3DL Banzai Bills.png
Banzai Bill
Slow-moving missiles. Their line of trajectory is fixed in one direction. World 8-5 Special 4-3 Coin×3
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 Coin×1
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 Coin×1
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 Coin×3
Super Mushroom×1
New to the franchise
Rendered model of the Sandmaargh enemy in Super Mario 3D Land.
Sandmaargh
Sand-dwelling Magmaarghs. They hide underneath sand. A Sandmaargh will launch upward to bite Mario if he is directly above it. World 3-1 Special 6-1 Coin×1 New to the franchise
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 X mark.svg
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 Coin×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 Coin×3 New to the franchise
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 Coin×2 New to the franchise
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 Coin×1 New to the franchise
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 Coin×1
SpikeEelSM3DL.png
Spike Eel
Giant eels. They stay in holes and swim in Mario's way. World 3-2 Special 2-2 Coin×3 New to the franchise
ChainChomp3DL.png
Chain Chomp
Barking, metal enemies leashed to stumps. They lunge at Mario when in close proximity. World 3-3 Special 8-Crown Coin×3
1UP×∞
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 X mark.svg
Bob-ombSM3DL.png
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 7-3 None
A Tail Bob-omb in Super Mario 3D Land
Tail Bob-omb
Bob-ombs with Tanooki tails. They descend slowly until they land on the ground, exploding soon after. World 7-4 Special 8-Crown None New to the franchise
SpikyPlant3DLand.png
Thistle
Plants with needle-like flowers. Touching one hurts Mario. World 4-1 Special 6-5 Coin×1
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 Coin×1
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 Coin×1
Super Leaf×1
Statue Leaf×1
New to the franchise
BigBooSM3DL.png
Big Boo
Large Boos. They appear in only a few Ghost Houses. World 4-4 Special 6-5 Coin×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 Coin×1 New to the franchise
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 Coin×1 New to the franchise
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 Coin×1 New to the franchise
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 X mark.svg
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 Coin×3
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 Coin×10 New to the franchise

Obstacles

Name Description First appearance Last appearance
Bowserblock.png
Baddie Box
Releases infinite enemies when Mario is near. World 2-4 Special 8-3
Ball 'N' Chain
Ball 'n' Chain
Spiked balls that move back and forth like a pendulum. World 1-2 World 3-4
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 5-3
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 Special 5-1
Cosmic Clone in Special 8-Crown
Jet engine
Objects that spew flames to block the player's 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 1-Castle Special 8-Bowser's Castle
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 Special 8-Crown
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 4-1
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

Bosses

Bosses are listed in the order that they are first encountered.

Name Description Courses
Artwork of a Tail Bowser from Super Mario 3D Land
Tail Bowser
Disguised minions of Bowser who breathe fire, swing their tails, and jump around on collapsible bridges. World 1-Castle, World 5-Castle
Boom Boom's official artwork.
Boom Boom
A big, brutish Koopa typically encountered in airship courses. He swings his fists and spins like a top. World 2-Airship, World 3-Airship, World 7-Airship, Special 4-Airship, Special 6-Airship, Special 7-Mystery Box, Special 8-Crown
Artwork of Pom Pom from Super Mario 3D Land
Pom Pom
A pink Koopa with a spotted shell. She throws boomerangs and leaps into the air. Like Boom Boom, she is often found on airships and is even fought alongside him in some courses. World 4-Airship, World 6-Airship, World 7-Airship, Special 4-Airship, Special 8-Crown
Bowser and Princess Peach on an airship
Bowser
The King of Koopas who has kidnapped Princess Peach. He fights like a Tail Bowser when first encountered. In the final showdown becomes far more persistent and aggressive, gaining several new means of attack. World 8-Bowser's Castle: Part 1, World 8-Bowser's Castle: Part 2
In-game rendering of Dry Bowser from Super Mario 3D Land.
Dry Bowser
Bowser's undead alter ego, who only appears in the special worlds. He shares his behavior with Tail Bowsers, but breaths blue fire. Special 1-Castle, Special 5-Castle, Special 8-Bowser's Castle

Items and objects

Items

These are collectibles and wearable objects.

Name Description
Artwork of a Coin in Super Mario 3D Land
Coins
Grants an extra life for every 100 collected.
Artwork of a Red Coin from Super Mario 3D Land.
Red Coins
Five are spawned by passing through a Red Ring nearby. Award a power-up or 1-Up Mushroom if all are collected.
Star medal.png
Star Medals
Unlock courses when enough are collected. Most courses have three. They can also be found in Mystery Boxes.
SM3DL European English manual artwork-Plus Clock.png
+ Clocks
Adds 10 or 100 seconds to the time limit.
Screenshot of a Note from Super Mario 3D Land.
Notes
Spawned by P Switches. Gives a power-up or 1-Up Mushroom if all are collected.
SM3D 1upmushroom.png
1-Up Mushrooms
Gives Mario an extra life.
Artwork of a Poison Mushroom from Super Mario 3D Land.
Poison Mushrooms
Purple mushrooms that appear out of ? Blocks and chase the player. If the player touches one, they get hurt.
Artwork of a Propeller Box from Super Mario 3D Land
Propeller Boxes
Lets Mario fly upward and descend slowly. Gives an extra life if brought to the Goal Pole.
Screenshot of Mario in a Coin Box from Super Mario 3D Land.
? Boxes
Lets Mario collect infinite coins while moving. Gives an extra life if brought to the Goal Pole.
PWingSM3DL.png
P-Wings
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.

Power-ups

Items that transform Mario's appearance and give him unique abilities.

Power-up Form Description
N/A 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
Artwork of Mario from Super Mario 3D Land.
Super Mario
The Super Mushroom returns Small Mario to his normal size. 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
Artwork of Fire Mario in New Super Mario Bros. (also used in New Super Mario Bros. Wii and Super Mario 3D Land)[1][2]
Fire Mario
Using a Fire Flower turns Mario into Fire Mario, which lets him throw fireballs. They defeat enemies and light torches. Fireballs bounce off walls and vanish after two seconds.
A Super Leaf
Super Leaf
Artwork of Tanooki Mario in Super Mario 3D Land
Tanooki Mario
Grabbing a Super Leaf turns Mario into Tanooki Mario, letting him slow his falls and tail whip objects and enemies.
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.
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.
Invincibility Leaf
Invincibility Leaf
White Tanooki Mario
White Tanooki Mario
The Invincibility Leaf transforms Mario into White Tanooki Mario. This power-up appears in an Assist Block after losing five lives and is not obtainable in the special worlds. Additionally, the Assist Block's appearance will permanently make 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.
Artwork of a Statue Leaf from Super Mario 3D Land.
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 the normal Tanooki form with the added ability of transforming into a stone variant called Statue Mario upon performing a Ground-Pound. Statue Mario cannot move, but he is invulnerable in this state. This power-up is only obtainable in the special worlds.

Objects

Objects are interactable elements of the environment that cannot be collected or worn by Mario. For objects that primarily function as obstructions or hazards, see above.

Name Description
Trigger objects
Screenshot of a Bowser Switch from Super Mario 3D Land.
Bowser Switch[12]
A switch found at the end of bridges in castle courses. Pressing one causes it to collapse, dropping the boss on top of it into lava.
Screenshot of a coin ring from Super Mario 3D Land.
Coin ring
Gives five coins when passed through.
Screenshot of a P Switch from Super Mario 3D Land.
P Switch
Cause all sorts of events to happen when pressed.
Screenshot of a Red Ring from Super Mario 3D Land.
Red Ring
Briefly spawn five Red Coins when passed through.
Screenshot of a Stump from Super Mario 3D Land.
Stump
Ground Pounding a stump either produces an item or a power-up.
Screenshot of a Tail Wheel from Super Mario 3D Land.
Tail Wheel
Elevate certain structures when spun by Tanooki Mario's tail whip.
Model of a torch from Super Mario 3D Land.
Torch
Can be lit using Fire form.
Screenshot of a view plate from Super Mario 3D Land.
View plate
Pressing a view plate changes the camera angle of the space it is encountered in, allowing the player to see hidden areas or better contextualize the arrangements of platforms.
Climbable objects
Screenshot of a pole from Super Mario 3D Land.
Pole
Mario clings to a pole by jumping onto it. He can ascend, descend, and change which face of the pole he is on by moving Circle Pad. Pressing A Button makes Mario jump from whichever face he is on.
Model of a tree from Super Mario 3D Land.
Tree
Trees function like poles. Reaching the top sometimes releases an item or power-up.
Strikable objects
Model of a 1-Up Mushroom Board from Super Mario 3D Land.
Board
Fake cutouts of objects. It may release a item when broken. There are Goomba Boards, 1-Up Mushroom Boards, Pipe Boards, and one that looks like Princess Peach.
Squared screenshot of a cactus from Super Mario 3D Land.
Cactus
Cactuses grow in desert-themed courses. Striking one with a boomerang destroys it and gives the player a coin.
Screenshot of a Gold Rock from Super Mario 3D Land.
Gold Rock
Gold Rocks take ten kicks to break and release five coins.
GreenShellSM3DL.png
Green Shell
A Koopa Troopa's shell, which can be kicked to hurt foes or hit blocks.
Screenshot of a Rock from Super Mario 3D Land.
Rock
Can be kicked to break them. Kicking one into a pipe causes a 1-Up Mushroom to pop out.
Transportation objects
Model of a cannon from Super Mario 3D Land.
Cannon
Used to fire Mario further into a course.
MysteryBox SM3DL.png
Mystery Box
Lets Mario enter a time-limited bonus room.
Warp Pipe SM3DL.png
Pipe
Takes Mario elsewhere when entered.
A Warp Box from Super Mario 3D Land.
Warp Box
Sends Mario to another part of the course.
Screenshot of a World Warp Pipe from Super Mario 3D Land.
World Warp Pipe
Orange pipes hidden within courses. They bring Mario to another world without having to complete all of the current one's courses.
Blocks and containers
Screenshot of a ! Block from Super Mario 3D Land.
! Block
Striking a ! Block causes a face block to pop out. Striking it multiple times produces a string of face blocks.
? Block
? Block
Contains a coin or a power-up. Some ? Blocks are Coin Blocks that contain 10 coins.
Assist Block containing an Invincibility Leaf
Assist Block
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 never appear in the special worlds.
Artwork of a Brick Block in Super Mario 3D Land
Block
Blocks that cannot be broken if Small Mario hits them.
Crate3DLand.png
Crate
Break when hit. May contain coins or power-ups.
Screenshot of a Directional Block from Super Mario 3D Land.
Directional Block
Move in the indicated direction when hit.
UsedBlockSM3DL.png
Empty Block
A used-up ? Block.
Squared screenshot of a face block from Super Mario 3D Land.
Face block
Briefly spawned in paths from hit ! Blocks.
Screenshot of a Flying ? Block from Super Mario 3D Land.
Flying ? Block
Winged ? Blocks that fly in patterns. Some Flying ? Blocks are Coin Blocks.
Flying Roulette Block
Flying Roulette Block
A winged Roulette Block that appears when Mario loses two lives in the same course.
Model of a Gift Box from Super Mario 3D Land.
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.
Screenshot of an Invisible Block after being struck from Super Mario 3D Land.
Invisible Block[13]
Hidden, transparent ? Blocks.
Rectangleblock.png
Long ? Block
A three-block-wide ? Block that holds three coins or two coins and a power-up.
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.
Platforms
Squared screenshot of Beep Blocks from Super Mario 3D Land.
Beep Block
Beep Blocks appear and disappear in correspondence with the course's music.
Special 8-4
Bolt
A giant nut that is screwed onto a very long bolt that serve as platforms. The player must continually jump to avoid falling.
Bob-ombs
Cog
Gear-like platform that move Mario if he steps on them.
Screenshot of a crumbling platform from Super Mario 3D Land.
Crumbling platform[14]
Stone platforms that break once stood on and slowly descend before disappearing.
Screenshot of a cylindrical cage from Super Mario 3D Land.
Cylindrical cage[15]
A cylindrical grate-like platform that, when stood on, roll over.
Squared screenshot of a Donut Block from Super Mario 3D Land.
Donut Block
Fall slowly once stood upon.
Snake Panels SM3DL.png
Flip Panel
Form temporary pathways when activated.
Yellowplatform.png
Lift
A platform that moves to and from areas.
Squared screenshot of a Red-Blue Panel from Super Mario 3D Land.
Red-Blue Panel
Platforms that flip over when Mario jumps.
Screenshot of a rubber pad from Super Mario 3D Land.
Rubber pad[16]
Mushroom platforms that can be bounced on.
Mario rides a Spine Coaster in World 8-Bowser: Part 2 of Super Mario 3D Land.
Spine Coaster
A bony platform that moves on tracks in Bowser's second castle.
Model of a Switchboard from Super Mario 3D Land.
Switchboard
Move along tracks according to which arrow Mario stands on.
Squared screenshot of a tapering platform from Super Mario 3D Land.
Tapering platform
Platforms that sink in lava when stepped on, then rise back up.
Screenshot of a Rope from Super Mario 3D Land.
Tightrope[17]
Climbable rope.
Other objects
A Big Goal Pole in Super Mario 3D Land
Big Goal Pole
Big Goal Poles are only found at the end of the last course within a world, typically after completing a boss battle.
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.
CheckpointSM3DL.png
Checkpoint Flag
Has Mario spawn near it if he loses a life after activating it.
Squared screenshot of flowers from Super Mario 3D Land.Squared screenshot of a bush from Super Mario 3D Land.
Flower / Bush
Flora rustles when walked through or hit with a boomerang. Doing so sometimes releases a coin, causes a string of notes to appear, or disturbs an invisible Coin Coffer.
Squared screenshot of a Fluff from Super Mario 3D Land.
Fluff
Dandelions that spread their seeds if Mario stirs them or if the player blows into the system's microphone. Fluffs sometimes release coins or Super Mushrooms. In Mystery Boxes, stirred Fluffs release 1-Up Mushrooms.
Mario, on a Goal Pole.
Goal Pole
The end of a course. The higher it is grabbed, the more coins are earned. A 1UP and golden flag are given for reaching the top.
Bird model from Super Mario 3D Land
Small birds
Small birds are found in some courses and fly away when Mario gets close.

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.[18]

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.[19] 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.[20] 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."[21] Shigeru Miyamoto has stated that the development took over two years and started with 2 to 30 staff members working on the game.[22]

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 is 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.[23]

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.[24] 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".[24] 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.[25]

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.[24] 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.[24] 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.[24]

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[26] as well as a 90% rating on both Joystig[27] and N-Zone. Additionally, it has received a 95% or 9.5/10 on GameInformer[28] and a perfect score of 5/5 or 100% on GamePro.[29]

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.[30][31] It is also the fastest-selling portable Super Mario game.[32] As of March 31, 2022, it sold 12.85 million units worldwide.[33]

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.[34]

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.

Camera clipping

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.

Warp Box death

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.[35]

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
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Video.svg Trailer 2 - The game's second trailer as seen at Nintendo 3DS Conference 2011.[video 1]
File infoMedia:SM3DL Trailer2.ogv
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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
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Audio.svg Overworld - The main overworld theme.
File infoMedia:SuperMario3DLandTheme.oga
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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 Theme and Airship Themes from Super Mario Galaxy, and the main theme arranges this game's Ground Theme in the second half. 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.
  • Mario Kart series: The Super Leaf's holey redesign is reminiscent of its Leaf Cup design in Mario Kart DS and Mario Kart Wii.
  • 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 and face blocks also return.
  • 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!". The World 5 theme of Super Mario 3D Land is heavily inspired by the World 5 theme of New Super Mario Bros. Wii.
  • 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.

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 3D 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 Mario 3D Raendeu
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.

References

  1. ^ a b c d e How Super Mario Survived the Quake (accessed April 02 2012)
  2. ^ http://www.nintendo.tw/3ds_j/index.htm
  3. ^ (January 16, 2018). THREE CLASSIC NINTENDO 3DS GAMES ARE NOW ONLY $19.99 EACH. GoNintendo. Retrieved January 17, 2018.
  4. ^ Three iconic Nintendo 3DS titles join the Nintendo Selects line-up!. Nintendo.com.au. Retrieved April 30, 2018.
  5. ^ Sakai, Kazuya (Ambit), kikai, Akinori Sao, Junko Fukuda, Kunio Takayama, and Ko Nakahara (Shogakukan), editors (2015). 『スーパーマリオブラザーズ百科: 任天堂公式ガイドブック』. Tokyo: Shogakukan (Japanese). ISBN 978-4-09-106569-8. Page 11–13.
  6. ^ Nintendo Co., Ltd. HISTORY → Series → Super Mario. Mario Portal. Retrieved 6 Nov. 2024. (Archived October 3, 2024, 11:52:39 UTC via Wayback Machine.)
  7. ^ https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/super-mario-3d-land-3ds/
  8. ^ Nintendo of the Netherlands - Geef Bowser een zwieper - de Tanooki power-up is terug
  9. ^ Nintendo of Portugal - SUPER MARIO 3D LAND e Mario Kart 7 chegam à Nintendo 3DS em português!
  10. ^ Nintendo Russia - Official Super Mario 3D Land Website
  11. ^ GDC: Super Mario 3DS Revealed
  12. ^ Esmarch, Nick von. Super Mario 3D Land: PRIMA Official Game Guide. Premiere Edition, Roseville, Prima Games, 2011, p. 213.
  13. ^ Esmarch, p. 28.
  14. ^ Esmarch, pp. 67, 110, 121, 162, 203.
  15. ^ Esmarch, p. 114.
  16. ^ Esmarch, pp. 30, 46, 53, 55, 121, 132, 191.
  17. ^ Esmarch, pp. 19, 46, 78, 82, 94, 125, 146, 152, 191.
  18. ^ Nintendo @ GDC 2011
  19. ^ Iwata Asks: Super Mario Bros. 25th Anniversary
  20. ^ Video Games Blogger - Super Mario 3DS games on the way in 2D and 3D, says Shigeru Miyamoto
  21. ^ Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata on 3DS Mario and Sales Targets
  22. ^ [1]
  23. ^ Super Mario 3DS Combines Galaxy and Mario 64, Will be at E3
  24. ^ a b c d e Iwata Asks: Super Mario 3D Land (accessed April 02 2012)
  25. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJHeRRp_R_Y
  26. ^ http://n4g.com/news/884809/edge-super-mario-3d-land-review
  27. ^ http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/09/super-mario-3d-land-review/
  28. ^ 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
  29. ^ http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/224745/review-super-mario-3d-land-3ds/
  30. ^ IR Information : Financial Data - Top Selling Title Sales Units - Nintendo 3DS Software. Nintendo. Retrieved December 11, 2019.
  31. ^ http://www.zdnet.com/blog/btl/super-mario-3d-land-release-in-japan-skyrockets-nintendo-3ds-sales/63054
  32. ^ Snider, Mike (November 28, 2011). Nintendo sees skyward sales on Black Friday. USAToday. Retrieved April 20, 2023.
  33. ^ 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.
  34. ^ (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.)
  35. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-eIBZ19JMc

External links