Gadgets and gizmos

Are you ready to take on a video game classic revamped and reshaped for the Nintendo 3DS? If so then fasten your seatbelts, because this latest instalment in Nintendo 3DS games see’s everyone’s favourite plumber return – and this time there is a twist in the ‘tail’.

The return of Tanooki Mario

It’s been over 25 years since Super Mario appeared on our screens and since then he’s been through some pretty serious scrapes. He’s picked up some nifty skills along the way too and in the late 80s even found the ability to fly – thanks to the Tanooki Suit of Super Mario Bros 3. Now, Tanooki Mario is back in Super Mario 3D Land, so you can pick up a Super Leaf and give your tail a twirl when you need an extra bit of hover to steer you out of danger.

A multitude of moves

As well as the iconic Mario running, dashing and jumping necessary to truly master the game, our hero has a number of other special moves you’ll want to know about. For a bit of extra height, you can make short jumps from the side of walls, or use a build-up of kinetic energy with a Crouch Jump. For more evasive manoeuvres, try taking a long running leap or busting out a side somersault – or go on the attack with a forward roll or a Ground Pound to take care of any pesky Goombas. You can even use binoculars to spot far away platforms or potential secret areas.

More power to you!

So now Mario has dusted off his Tanooki suit and is rocking a new set of moves, you might think that’s all he’ll need to complete his perilous mission. No chance. You’ll need to make full use of the other power-ups available, which include Super Mushrooms to give you back your size, Fire Flowers to give you deadly fireball-throwing abilities, temporary invincibility with a Super Star and the Boomerang Flower – which gives Mario a cunning curved weapon to throw. Another feature to keep an eye out for is the Propeller Box, which will let you helicopter up to platforms you might otherwise be unable to reach.

New challenges, old enemies

Take control of our hero as he attempts to rescue the kidnapped Princess Peach from the evil clutches of his mortal enemy, Bowser, by running, leaping, smashing and, of course, flying through a series of fabulous stereoscopic 3D landscapes. You’ll need to make your way through a whole new world of perilous pitfalls, challenges and puzzles, while knocking out bothersome Goombas along the way. You’ll also be introduced to a number of fresh features that you won’t have seen before, including the kind of amazing optical illusions that could only be done with a handheld gaming console like the Nintendo 3DS.

Watch the trailer here:

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Classic gameplay on an all-new platform

We’ve all come to know and love Super Mario and his cast of friends and enemies and in Super Mario 3D Land, Nintendo 3DS gamers will get to relive some of the thrills and spills they’ve had in the past with previous Super Mario Bros titles. This time though, the little plumber comes with a whole new perspective that leaps off the screen at you in a way that simply wouldn’t have been possible in 2D.

All in all, it looks like Super Mario 3D Land will be a great addition to the series and will combine new ideas and challenges with classic Super Mario playability. You’ll find it easy to dive into and tricky to master, but one thing’s for sure this is one handheld gaming experience you won’t forget!

Super Mario 3D Land will be in stores across the UK from the 18th of November and is only available on the Nintendo 3DS.