Is 3D Mario Worth It? Yes, Super Mario 3D World is a Must-Play for Switch Owners
If you own a Nintendo Switch, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is absolutely worth picking up. This enhanced port of the Wii U classic provides one of Mario’s most entertaining and replayable 3D adventures, packed with hours of platforming fun for both solo players and groups.
Revisiting a Beloved 3D Mario Adventure
First released on the Wii U in 2013, Super Mario 3D World hearkened back to the linear 3D platforming style of Mario classics like Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario 64. Unlike the more open sandbox approach of Super Mario Odyssey, Super Mario 3D World features distinct stages and levels across diverse themed worlds.
The result is a focused Mario quest perfectly suited for accessible pick-up-and-play sessions. With the Switch release, this cat-costumed adventure has been polished to a sheen with updated 1080p visuals at 60fps and online multiplayer support.
Tight Controls and Creative Level Design Make for Endless Fun
Super Mario 3D World keeps the spectacular level design and tight controls the series is known for. Vaulting through levels like Hands-On Hall, riding a dinosaur through Runaway Escalator, and climbing the Sprawling Savanna feels great thanks to the intricate obstacle placement and polished physics.
Creative concepts like flipping the world upside down in Vertigo Views and stealthily sneaking through ninja houses in Ninja Dog House demonstrate the constant surprises and gameplay twists 3D World consistently delivers.
According to video game outlet TheGamer, "The level design in Super Mario 3D World is absolutely amazing. Each stage brings something new to the table."
Putting the “Multi” in Multiplayer
Where Super Mario 3D World really shines is its multiplayer focus. Up to 4 players can run through levels simultaneously as Mario, Luigi, Toad, and Peach. Multiplayer encapsulates the vibrant chaos and fun of a Mario party.
The Nintendo Switch version now lets you play online multiplayer cooperatively, so you can enjoy cat Mario hijinks with friends and family across the world. This makes it an ideal party game in the Switch library.
Hours of Replayable Content and Collectibles
With over 30 diverse levels across worlds and 100 collectible stamps to hunt down, Super Mario 3D World stuffs in content. Just beating the main story takes around 15 hours. Completionists aiming for 100% can spend double that finding collectibles and reaching the peak of the Champion‘s Road.
Multiple playable characters with unique abilities, hidden paths in levels to discover, and a non-linear world map make subsequent playthroughs stay engaging. The instantaneous nature of stages and levels lends itself perfectly to quick pick-up-and-play sessions on the Switch.
Bowser’s Fury: A Fun New Mario Adventure
Exclusive to the Switch release is the brand new Bowser’s Fury mode. While not a full-fledged sequel, it provides a compact open world experience with Mario teaming up with Bowser Jr. to take down a ferocious black goo-covered Fury Bowser.
Exploring the various islands and battling the rampaging Fury Bowser breaks up the platforming with fun boss fights. Bowser‘s Fury doesn‘t massively expand the overall package, but offers an additional cherry on top of an already delicious Mario cake.
Universal Acclaim from Critics and Fans
Super Mario 3D World earned wide acclaim from gaming outlets, currently holding an astounding 97 critic score on Metacritic. Reviewers praised its vibrant visuals, multiplayer focus, and superb level design.
Beyond critics, Super Mario 3D World also won over players. As of April 2022, the Switch version has sold over 6.6 million copies, making it one of the console‘s top-selling Mario titles.
Verdict: A Must-Play Mario Title for Switch Owners
For Nintendo Switch owners, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury should absolutely be in your game library. Whether you missed out on the Wii U original or just want to revisit Mario’s charming cat capers, this definitive version packages one of 3D Mario‘s top adventures with polished graphics and exciting new features like online co-op.
With its energetic soundtrack, brilliant level concepts, entertaining multiplayer, and sheer fun factor, Super Mario 3D World delivers an essential Mario experience. And the addition of Bowser‘s Fury provides a nice bonus not found in the original game.
For a modern yet nostalgic Mario adventure that can be enjoyed solo or with friends and family, Super Mario 3D World shines as a must-play title that effortlessly captures the magic of Nintendo‘s mascot.