Super Mario 3D Land

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Newest Mario game continues the platforming magic.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Learning1
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Super Mario 3D Land is a platform puzzle game featuring the iconic Mario. In order to save the princess from the evil Bowser, players guide Mario through a series of colorful and unique "worlds," filled with obstacles that range from jumping across platforms to dodging fireballs and cartoon bullet creatures. The level of violence is on par with every other Mario game -- Mario needs to jump on enemies, shoot fireballs, and defeat Bowser to save the princess, but these depictions involve whimsical sound effects and the enemies are seen as obstacles rather than creatures that need to be defeated. Parents need to remember that Nintendo is warning all parents not to allow kids age six and under to view the graphics in 3D because that viewing "may cause vision damage." The Nintendo 3DS offers parents the ability to lock out the use of 3D graphics in the system's Parental Controls.

  • The story sees Mario overcoming hazards and dangers across numerous "worlds" to selflessly save Princess Peach.
  • Mario is one of the most iconic video game characters of all time. He barely speaks, but he still manages to exude a strong, positive presence. A true hero through and through, Mario is an altruistic figure who will easily draw players into his admirable quest.
  • The hallmark of the Mario franchise is that although the games are accessible and fun for everyone, there are layers of depth and challenge that even the most hardened players will appreciate. This game fits right into that mold. It's easy to learn, but challenging to master. If players fail a sequence a few times in a row, a magical, invincible raccoon suit will appear, making it much easier to progress.
  • The violence in this game is whimsical in nature. Mario jumps on "Goomba" creatures and shoots fiery "flower power" pellets. Mario can be burned by fire and lava, which causes him to jump and yell. 
  • Not applicable.
  • Not applicable.
  • Some privacy concerns. The game uses the Nintendo 3DS StreetPass feature, which automatically transfers player information to others, including their Mii character. This feature can be turned off, but young children should be cautioned to never use their real name as their Mii.

What kids can learn

1

Kids can learn how to use logic and puzzle-solving skills to meander through the various levels of this fantasy game. The levels are presented in what's known as a "side-scrolling" fashion, meaning players are either walking left to right or climbing bottom to top to reach the end of each level. Obstacles abound and baddies get in your way, but help is never far away. Super Mario 3D Land sneaks bits of physics and logic into a rollicking platforming adventure.

Subjects
  • Arts
  • Hobbies
  • Language & Reading
  • Math
Skills
  • Collaboration
  • Communication
  • Creativity
  • Emotional Development
  • Health & Fitness
  • Responsibility & Ethics

What's it about?

The story of Super Mario 3D Land revolves around Mario working tirelessly to save Princess Peach, who has once again been captured by Mario's archrival Bowser. Mario must traverse eight worlds, each filled with a variety of levels that test players' mettle and push their gaming skills to the limit. As always with this franchise, the game is challenging but there are concessions for novice players that make it more manageable. The game is filled with throwbacks to classic Mario titles, including music, power-ups, and environments that made some of the early games in the series iconic.


Is it any good?

 

Super Mario 3D Land was designed with the intention of bringing back the "old-school" appeal that has drawn in millions of gamers over the last two decades. It delivers on that goal in droves. Ardent Mario fans will appreciate the many nods to vintage Mario titles, while everyone will become entranced by the way the 3D presentation adds a new layer of gameplay. Players can run between the background and foreground to clear obstacles and collect items in a way that truly takes advantage of the 3DS's visual capabilities.

What's more, many of the levels seem deceptively easy but in reality provide intense challenges that will have players trying over and over again, making the feeling of completing each level ultimately rewarding. In short, it is a Mario game that delivers on everything players would expect from such a legendary franchise.


What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about why Mario has managed to become such an icon. What is it about his games that is so universally appealing?

  • What do you think Mario would be like if he were a real person?

  • When have you put someone else's needs ahead of your own?


This review was written by Mark Raby

What kids can learn

1

Kids can learn how to use logic and puzzle-solving skills to meander through the various levels of this fantasy game. The levels are presented in what's known as a "side-scrolling" fashion, meaning players are either walking left to right or climbing bottom to top to reach the end of each level. Obstacles abound and baddies get in your way, but help is never far away. Super Mario 3D Land sneaks bits of physics and logic into a rollicking platforming adventure.


Subjects
  • Arts:
  • Hobbies:
  • Language & Reading:
  • Math:
  • Science: physics
  • Social Studies:
Skills
  • Collaboration:
  • Communication:
  • Creativity:
  • Emotional Development:
  • Health & Fitness:
  • Responsibility & Ethics:
  • Self-Direction:
  • Tech Skills:
  • Thinking & Reasoning: logic, solving puzzles, strategy

What's it about?

The story of Super Mario 3D Land revolves around Mario working tirelessly to save Princess Peach, who has once again been captured by Mario's archrival Bowser. Mario must traverse eight worlds, each filled with a variety of levels that test players' mettle and push their gaming skills to the limit. As always with this franchise, the game is challenging but there are concessions for novice players that make it more manageable. The game is filled with throwbacks to classic Mario titles, including music, power-ups, and environments that made some of the early games in the series iconic.


How kids will learn

Players control Mario as he runs and jumps through eight different worlds in his quest to rescue Princess Peach. To get through each world, kids need to use logic and spatial recognition as they figure out how to jump over platforms, avoid enemies, and time their movements correctly to avoid cartoon hazards (lava pools, bottomless pits, etc.). Players may not even realize they're developing skills as they figure out how to get from point A to point B and evaluate an enemy’s movements to discover patterns and weaknesses.


How parents can help

  • Demonstrate physics by creating marble runs using paper towel tubes and other household items. How can you make a marble jump over another object?
  • Practice looking at a map with your kid to determine the most efficient routes from one location to another, taking into consideration the limitations of the layout.

This review was written by Mark Raby
Teen, 13 years old
November 29, 2011
 
Brilliant for the kids.They will love it-the same cannot be said for teens though.
Got this on my main nintendo 3DS last week(i have 4 nintendo 3ds,by the way)and tried it out.pretty cool and perfect for 5+ but not so much for me.it seemed a little childish for me but i have to agree that whoever says games need to be violent and bloody to be fun really know nothing about games.buy it for your kids if theyre into childish stuff.

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Adult
December 10, 2011
 
It's-a Mario again!
Mario returns in another family friendly adventure, this time for the Nintendo 3DS system. It has the usual basis for Mario games, the altruistic protagonist, goes on a grand adventure to save those in need. It is bright, colorful and engaging for your tweens, but don't expect your teens to be too impressed with it, as it's aimed at younger players. The game requires multiple replays to unlock all the hidden items, and should give your tweens a good amount of playtime. As with some 3DS titles, and with the 3DS itself, the online aspect can pose some privacy issues if you don't watch your kids. Remember, the 3DS has an internet browser and can even access online movie services if you subscribe, so be sure to set up your parental blocks. PETA has recently made a stink about the fact there is a 'Tanuki Suit' in the game, in which Mario dresses up in a mascot-like tanuki suit to gain the power of flight. It is all for publicity and there is absolutely no tanuki or animal related violence in the game. PETA, on the other hand, made their own version which you should under NO circumstances allow your children to play or see.

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Kid, 12 years old
December 3, 2011
 
Best platforming series continues its excellence
Mario is best of the best when it comes to platforming (and kart racing!). Graphics are bright and top-notch. This is a must have for the 3ds. There is no excuse not to own this game. It is a little short on content, but there are plenty of extra levels to unlock. Also, levels are so ingeniously crafted that you will replay to find all the hidden items. Smart people know that the best games aren't just M rated games, but classics like these. So what are you waiting for? Buy it today!

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Kid, 6 years old
December 30, 2011
 
it`s Mario in 3D
It is pretty good for my age (6 1/2) if 3D is always off.

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Kid, 12 years old
January 31, 2012
 
The best game
I have this game myself and some of you might think it is dumb but it's not you have to use your brains and it is difficult but fun I love this game and it really is a must have

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Kid, 13 years old
April 8, 2012
 
A Great Game
I have a 3DS and I got this game about a week ago. Why did I rate it seven and up? Because the 3D is not good for seven and under eyes. The levels are really easy some of the time, but world 8 is sometimes hard. Star coins are hard to find on some of the levels and you have to buy some of the levels. You might need to look up on youtube how to find some of them, but overall I would give it five stars.

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Kid, 9 years old
May 11, 2012
 
Learning2
Just like I saw in youtube...
Wow this looks good like in youtube AND yay! It's a puzzle!

Flag as inappropriate 

This review was written by Mark Raby
Platforms:Nintendo 3DS
Available online?Not available online
Genre:Action/Adventure
Developer:Nintendo
Release date:November 13, 2011
Price:$39.99
ESRB rating:E for Mild Cartoon Violence

This review was written by Mark Raby
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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