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Super Mario 3D World Review
Posted: 14 months ago, last updated 12 weeks ago.
Author: @GeekDadGamer and Jo Robertson.
Overview
You work together to free the Sprixies from Bowser, who invaded Sprixie Kingdom. Or you can compete to earn the crown on each level. Either way, you are running, jumping, stomping and collecting your way around meticulously designed levels.
This interaction of the Mario formula adds new power-ups that include turning into a cat that can climb walls. Unlike other Mario games you have a larger choice of either using Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach or Toad. They all have unique abilities for example Princess Peach glides over gaps, while Luigi has his trademark extra-high jump.
The player using the Wii U GamePad Controller can touch the screen to search for hidden blocks and freeze enemies, this adds another aspect to the multiplayer fun and a good way for younger players (or perhaps novice parents and carers) to get involved. If any player is left too far behind they are rejoined to the action in a bubble.
On the Switch the game comes with Bowser's Fury. Much more than simple bonus material, this is a game in its own right. You play a world in the style of Super Mario Odyssey. Here though, it's much more of an open world with environmental hazards that change over time.
Every so often, Bowser emerges like Godzilla from the ocean and starts attacking you with fireballs. This not only adds a novel hazard, but grants access to special parts of the world only available during these night attacks.
It's an open world challenge that offers a different way to enjoy the running, jumping and exploring of Mario. It's not four players like the Super Mario 3D World game, but you can get a second player to help you by knocking enemies out of the way.
Other Super Mario Bros platform games:
- Super Mario Bros. (1985) on NES and rereleased on GameBoy Colour in 1999.
- Super Mario Bros. 2 (1988) on NES and rereleased on GBA in 2001
- Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988) on NES and rereleased on GBA in 2003
- Super Mario Land (1989) on GameBoy
- Super Mario World (1990) on SNES and rereleased on GBA in 2002
- Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins (1992) on GameBoy
- Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island (1995) on SNES and rereleased on GBA in 2002
- Super Mario 64 (1996) on N64 and rereleased on DS in 2004
- Super Mario Sunshine (2002) on GameCube
- New Super Mario Bros (2012) on DS
- Super Mario Galaxy (2007) on Wii
- New Super Mario Bros. Wii (2009) on Wii
- Super Mario Galaxy 2 (2010) on Wii
- Super Mario 3D Land (2011) on Wii
- New Super Mario Bros. 2 (2012) on 3DS
- New Super Mario Bros. U (2013) on Wii U
- Super Mario 3D World (2014) on Wii U
- Super Mario Run (2016) on iOS and Android
- Super Mario Odyssey (2017) on Switch
- New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe (2019) on Switch
- Super Mario 3D All-Stars (2020) on Switch Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, Super Mario Galaxy
Game Details
Content Rating: PEGI 3
Skill Rating: 4-10 year-olds
Release Date: 21/11/2013, updated in 2013
Platforms: Switch and Wii U
Genres: Action, Adventure and Platform
Developer: @Nintendo
Lists
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Commitment
Players: You can play with 4 players in the same room and up to 4 players online. Players all play on the same screen with either Wii Remote Plus and Nunchuck Controller, Wii U Pro Controller or Wii U GamePad. The Wii U player is counted as one of the players, unlike in New Super Mario Bros. U where they could be a fifth player offering assistance.
On the Switch version of the game you can play on the same system, local co-operative mode and online co=operative mode with four players. To play local or online on different systems you each need your own copy of the game.
In the Bowsers Fury game, a second player can help as Bowser Jr. They drive a clown car and use a paintbrush to thwack enemies away. It works well with a novice play as the helper -- whether that's a child helping parent or the other way around.
Costs
Super Mario 3D World
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
Additional in-game purchases are offered for items that enhance the experience.
You don’t need a paid subscription to play this game online. To unlock new characters ammibo figures can be placed on the Switch version of the game. They are sold separately.
Age Ratings
Rated PEGI 3.
ESRB EVERYONE with Mild Cartoon Violence. Players can hop on enemies' heads or use various power-ups (e.g., boomerang, fire flower, invincibility stars) to defeat them. Enemies generally crumble into pieces when jumped on, get momentarily stunned, or disappear amid puffs of smoke and scattered coins.
Skill Rating: This game is enjoyed by 4-10 year-olds as it's a good match for their ability and maturity. Super young players can join in with the Wii U GamePad to touch the screen to find hidden blocks and freeze enemies. Those a little older can join in the action and get warped forward to the others if they die or get left behind.
Users Interact: The game enables players to interact and communicate with each other, so may expose players to language usually associated with older rated games.
Accessibility
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