User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1428 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. May 29, 2021
    10
    Easily a 10. Not even a discussion. 16 total worlds, all of them awesome. Level design near flawless, 3d feature amazing, and the challenge really comes later in the special worlds with shadow Mario. Man that was a pain sometimes, which made collecting all the star coins that much more rewarding. This is one of the best Mario games ever, and easily the best handheld Mario ever. WhatEasily a 10. Not even a discussion. 16 total worlds, all of them awesome. Level design near flawless, 3d feature amazing, and the challenge really comes later in the special worlds with shadow Mario. Man that was a pain sometimes, which made collecting all the star coins that much more rewarding. This is one of the best Mario games ever, and easily the best handheld Mario ever. What a gem. To give this game less than a9.5 is criminal Expand
  2. Oct 31, 2018
    5
    I honestly find this game incredibly overrated. Sure, it looks and sounds good, but that's about it for me. I find the gameplay mostly frustrating and unsatisfying, as the levels are either too easy, or frustrating because of bad mechanics. AND they sullied the venerable reputation of the tanuki suit from Super Mario Bros. 3.

    What's so frustrating about this game? Well, any difficulty
    I honestly find this game incredibly overrated. Sure, it looks and sounds good, but that's about it for me. I find the gameplay mostly frustrating and unsatisfying, as the levels are either too easy, or frustrating because of bad mechanics. AND they sullied the venerable reputation of the tanuki suit from Super Mario Bros. 3.

    What's so frustrating about this game? Well, any difficulty comes from falling into pits. The only other difficulty comes from phantom Mario chasing you around, which is mostly annoying. None of the enemies really pose a threat, and even the bosses are pretty easy.

    The pits become much easier to manage (and I mean downright easy) if you have the tanuki suit. By using it, controlling your jumps becomes much easier, and all that painful platforming becomes a piece of cake. That's just broken mechanics.

    Also, I feel the game doesn't control that well, which leads to the aforementionned frustration with jumping. Why was Mario so much easier to handle in Mario 64 than in this game? I don't think it's the circle pad, I haven't had any issues in other games. It feels like Mario takes forever to get to top speed, and his jumping range a sub-top speed is very limited.

    After finishing the game and getting all 3 stars in every level, I have absolutely no intention of ever coming back to this game. It's nowhere near as good as Mario 64 or other great 3D Mario games.
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  3. Oct 30, 2018
    6
    It is a good game and it looks beautiful but the levels are more plain than usual. The mix of 3D and 2D elements from both sagas (3D Mario and Mario Bros) is not a good mix. Also it has less replay value than other Mario games.
  4. Jan 6, 2019
    6
    Игра средняя. В неё скучно играть, на финальный уровень нужно собирать монетки что ещё делает скучнее, игра лёгкая- со всеми минусами игра достаточна скучная.
  5. Nov 16, 2019
    9
    this is the game that convinced people to buy a 3DS. well, this and pokemon. 3D land is the type of Mario game that you play and wonder "why didn't they do anything like this sooner?"
  6. Sep 30, 2020
    8
    The best platformer on the 3DS that was released during the time of hot garbage like Asphalt 3D. Gameplay is great, but the story is the same thing we have seen before. With massive replay-ability, this, ladies and gentleman, is the game that has saved the Nintendo 3DS.
  7. Mar 26, 2019
    7
    I struggle with Mario 3D Land a lot due to the 3D issue and there being so many pits. There's a reason the game gives you so many leaves to slow fall. Game looks great, on paper it may play great, but it just doesn't feel good to play when the game opens up to be lots of narrow lands and pits.
  8. Apr 9, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Great game.................... Mm............................................ Expand
  9. Feb 20, 2022
    0
    this game is way overrated! i give this a 6/10 max! boiling down to a thing: DISGUSTING camera angles! and dont let people fool you talking about how the 3d mechanic makes up for it, IT DOES NOT! how would it when the console doesnt even output it properly? 3d on the console does NOT work its trash wich was this game's whole gimmick! stupid game even has autoscrolling camera stages as ifthis game is way overrated! i give this a 6/10 max! boiling down to a thing: DISGUSTING camera angles! and dont let people fool you talking about how the 3d mechanic makes up for it, IT DOES NOT! how would it when the console doesnt even output it properly? 3d on the console does NOT work its trash wich was this game's whole gimmick! stupid game even has autoscrolling camera stages as if it wasnt bad enough good luck dying because of bad camera! but dont worry, the game grants you an invincibility item when the camera kills you too much... this game is way overrated Expand
  10. Nov 23, 2020
    4
    This is my least favorite Mario Game. I am not biased against the series, I am a huge Mario fan, but this game mostly just annoyed me by only being able to move in 8 directions. I also wasn't a fan a being forced to use 3d. I personally think 3d World is better in pretty much every way, so if you have a WiiU, get that. If you don't, I'd recommend New Super Mario Bros.
  11. Dec 21, 2021
    8
    [RU]
    По сравнению с 2д серией, эта игралась просто замечательно! Да, казуальненько, но я все равно получил свою тонну удовольствия.
  12. Apr 24, 2021
    9
    If you've only played 3D World, you're honestly not missing much. Just a fun, handheld version of that game.
  13. May 5, 2021
    10
    Otra maravilla protagonizada por Mario, y van... Esta vez la tercera dimensión en importante en la jugabilidad.
  14. Dec 15, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. There's no denying it, Super Mario 3D land is a hit. It's a lengthy game that is not to repetitive. There is a great ton of content. You have the usual 8 worlds, but then once you beat the final boss, you unlock 8 new special worlds. These special world do mostly contain levels that were in the normal 8 world's, (there are some new levels though), however they have been changed a little to be harder. The airship levels were really good and some of my favourites. It is repetitive, but in a good way that doesn't get boring quickly. Honestly, this is the some of the best level design the series has ever seen. The majority of the levels are short, but there are so many of them it doesn't matter. fan favourite power ups such as the tanuki suit returns with a handy and fun new power up called the boomerang flower. This boomerang suit is really useful and is good for taking out enemies at long range. You still need to collect star coins, so there is a little similarity to the new super Mario bros games here too.
    I'll admit that the story could have been better though. However, this game is like Sonic Generations, the level's are soo good that it doesn't matter that the stories meh. (which coincidentally, both these games came out in the same year). In the first special world, you have to save Luigi and once you have done that, you play as him in any level you want. The graphics are great in this game and this is one of the very few games on the 3Ds that the 3D mode is actually useful for and isn't totally pointless. Honestly though, the 3d gimmick on the 3ds is soo underutilized. Music's pretty decent as well.
    This game has a terrific final boss and secret special world 8 final boss. The majority of the bosses in this game are great, which is a nice touch as the majority of the bosses in the 2D games since new super Mario bros Wii have been bad. If you own a 3ds or a 2ds, this game is a must buy. This is a Gem of a game, and again, a must buy. And for once, a Nintendo game isn't over priced. They should be given a medal for that. Even Metacritic agrees which is saying something, as you can't usually rely on this site for a fair, true review on any game.
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  15. Oct 20, 2019
    10
    Absolutely must play on 3DS, very charming world design and adequately challenging difficulty. We need more games like this. I played this game on 2019, and still find it very good. Timeless design and fun gameplay are always the things Nintendo do best.
  16. Jun 5, 2020
    10
    Graphic: 10
    Music: 10
    Control: 10
    Variety: 10
    Degree of Difficulty: 10
    Fun: 10
    Story: 7
    Multiplayer: /
    Content: 10
    Long-term Motivation: 10
  17. XV_
    Jun 25, 2019
    8
    I had a great time playing 3D Land, at first I was reluctant about the game since the 1st half is way too easy, very fun, but very easy, then comes the 2nd half and the difficulty turns to almost classic Super Mario. I have no real issues with this game, the stages are very short but I think its because they were thinking portable and on the go, so is not a real problem and becauseI had a great time playing 3D Land, at first I was reluctant about the game since the 1st half is way too easy, very fun, but very easy, then comes the 2nd half and the difficulty turns to almost classic Super Mario. I have no real issues with this game, the stages are very short but I think its because they were thinking portable and on the go, so is not a real problem and because sometimes you will replay them to collect certain item (star coins) in order to advance furthermore, it is for the best. The music is good but not memorable and so is the stage design, they almost feel like leftovers of another Super Mario games but its just a theory.

    If you know Super Mario games then you know how is this, and 3D Land while is not really a classic, it doesn't disappoint.
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  18. Jan 7, 2020
    10
    Крутой платформер, от которого веет каким то причинам и правильным олдскулом. Это та игра, которая понравится как детям, так и взрослым.
  19. Mar 7, 2023
    6
    The best praise I can offer Super Mario 3D Land is that it is a perfectly serviceable Mario game. However, I find that this franchise's hallmarks are beginning to wear thin on me. 3D Land offers no multiple characters (as 3D World did), none of the 3D exploration opportunities that games like Odyssey had, and very little that felt truly innovative to me.

    I believe that 3D Land is
    The best praise I can offer Super Mario 3D Land is that it is a perfectly serviceable Mario game. However, I find that this franchise's hallmarks are beginning to wear thin on me. 3D Land offers no multiple characters (as 3D World did), none of the 3D exploration opportunities that games like Odyssey had, and very little that felt truly innovative to me.

    I believe that 3D Land is engaging, perfectly functional and at a level of overall quality that is expected of a Mario game. In the same breath, however, I feel that much like the Zelda (before Breath of the Wild, at least) and Pokemon franchises, Mario games seem to somehow manage to ride the coattails of their predecessors while receiving undue critical praise for even the slightest gameplay innovations. I personally believe that upon its release, this game needed to be far more innovative than it was to properly hold my attention, which it unfortunately failed to do for long.
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  20. May 16, 2019
    9
    This game features what all Mario fans love perfect platforming and level designs great music and level variety and lots of bosses and enemies . If you are new to the 3ds system or love Mario than this game is for you. I grew up on this game and definitely recommend it
  21. Jun 16, 2019
    8
    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 youSuper 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. Expand
  22. Sep 3, 2022
    10
    Can't belive mario is in 3D now. Been waiting for this since 1996. Thank you sakuri.
  23. Sep 6, 2019
    9
    It's obvious that Nintendo played it fairly safe for Mario's first 3DS outing — something that will likely make the game seem like a bit of a step backwards from the brilliance of the Super Mario Galaxy series — but it's impossible not to be impressed by the vast number of classic Super Mario elements that have been squeezed into the package, especially given how fresh they all look andIt's obvious that Nintendo played it fairly safe for Mario's first 3DS outing — something that will likely make the game seem like a bit of a step backwards from the brilliance of the Super Mario Galaxy series — but it's impossible not to be impressed by the vast number of classic Super Mario elements that have been squeezed into the package, especially given how fresh they all look and feel in their new 3D presentation. If you've been looking for a reason to pick up a 3DS, you've just found it. Expand
  24. Apr 5, 2021
    8
    Despite it is way too easy globally, this is a really nice Mario experience with one of the most acute level design of the series from my point of view. Be aware it's gone through in about 6 hours.
  25. Oct 31, 2019
    7
    This game is alright for the system that it is on. It presents many things and brings back power-ups that are awesome in this game.
  26. Nov 4, 2019
    10
    Jogo incrível, com algumas fases dificeis se o seu proposito é pegar as starcoins
  27. Nov 14, 2019
    8
    Its a beautiful game, it has amazing graphics, cool power-ups and a great soundtrack but there way too much repetitive gameplay in the special worlds
  28. Feb 10, 2020
    9
    This is the perfect Mario game for on the go. With its quick and fun pacing, this is probably one of the finest 3ds games.
  29. Dec 26, 2019
    10
    One of the best 3Ds games. Good levels, the 3D mode is very Good used, a fair 100% and a fantastic final boss. The soundtrack is okay, but the bossbattles in World 2,3,4,6 and 7 are trash. They aren’t bad, but they are all the same with more less difficult new features. I rate this game with a 10, because it’s a perfect 3D Jump’ run for a handheld console.
  30. Feb 22, 2021
    9
    Eu confesso: me surpreendi. Achava que iria ser um jogo de plataforma padrão do Mario, mas estava muito enganado. Eu digo que de todos os jogos 3D do Mario, esse foi o que mais conseguiu adaptar com fidelidade as obras 2D da franquia. Muito divertido, com um level desing genial, facilmente é um dos melhores games que se pode jogar em um portátil. Só não dou nota máxima, pois a dificuldadeEu confesso: me surpreendi. Achava que iria ser um jogo de plataforma padrão do Mario, mas estava muito enganado. Eu digo que de todos os jogos 3D do Mario, esse foi o que mais conseguiu adaptar com fidelidade as obras 2D da franquia. Muito divertido, com um level desing genial, facilmente é um dos melhores games que se pode jogar em um portátil. Só não dou nota máxima, pois a dificuldade é bem fácil - tive que pegar todos os coletáveis para ter uma experiência um pouco mais desafiadora. Expand
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 82 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 81 out of 82
  2. Negative: 0 out of 82
  1. Feb 6, 2012
    80
    Mario is back! In a classic Mario-fashion you jump your way througheight worlds, where you battle goombas, koopas and the main meaniehimself, Bowser. This game is never particularly difficult, butgradually advanced to a challenge that feels just perfect. Fun, varied and guaranteed to make you smile.
  2. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Jan 19, 2012
    90
    Lifesaver for all Nintendo 3DS owners. Super Mario 3D Land delivers flawless design and perfect use of 3D effects during the whole game. [Christmas 2011]
  3. Jan 11, 2012
    90
    The Nintendo 3DS has had a slow start, but I feel this marks one of the first important games to come out on this system. I can't say it's a must buy, but is really close for those who have already picked up a 3DS. The amount of content in this game along with the varying degree of gameplay makes this one of the best Mario games I've played in a while.