Earlier today we got to try out some of Nintendo's upcoming games for the holiday season, including Kirby: Return to Dream Land and The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. We'll be posting trailers and screenshots over the coming week, beginning today with Super Mario 3D Land.
I got some time with the game and it was enjoyable, as we expect from a Mario game. My first impression is that it seems to borrow small things from a few different games in the series. More than anything, the controls feel like Super Mario Galaxy, but in a smaller scope. It looks like New Super Mario Bros. on the DS with similar mechanic for holding the spare power-up. Of course, the Tanooki Suit is back from Super Mario Bros. 3, although it is basically just the raccoon suit since you do not have the statue power.
The game does utilize the 3DS's features. When looking through a telescope, you move the 3DS to find your target in the lens. While the game can be played in 2D, turning on the 3D makes it clearer where some objects such as blocks are in relation to everything else onscreen. There is also a sense of depth when you find yourself making faraway jumps. In short, I would say that if you enjoy the Galaxy games, you will enjoy this. Plus, there's the convenience of having it on the go.
