QCF: Super Mario 3D World

einvention, a simple concept constructed on the notion of reimagining any established creative property with the advantage of it definitively cutting the work out towards its execution by branching off the strength into something new—and yet, difficult to perfect upon what worked so well to begin with. More recently, we’ve seen older franchises like Tomb Raider and Castlevania adapt their famed hallmarks to fit into a different format design modern sensibilities that make use of the latest tech to advance the franchise; some have made it work, and others, not so much.

However, there are moments like these that can completely turn around a promising yet troubled new console that’s struggled for the better part of its first twelve months, The Wii U has finally received its killer app. 

Super Mario 3D World isn’t just the best reason to own a Wii U—it manages to set a new benchmark in redefining how game development can refresh historic franchises and properties into an entirely new breathtaking experience.

When Yoshiaki Koizumi and the rest of his team produced Super Mario 3D Land for the 3DS, the team capitalized on all of the quirks and fundamentals of Super Mario Galaxy that could commonsensically translate into a more streamlined terrain and stage design that would dually invoking both modern and traditional elements from the Super Mario dynasty. The results were amazing. Within an hour of Super Mario 3D World, the polish and innovation from composed of the familiar ethics and attitude that’s been seen from the when they team transitioned from Galaxy 2 to 3D Land is evidenced in magnitudes that truly defy expectations.

The biggest game changer to improve upon the formula is the ability to command the Mushroom crew in its entirety. Does your mustache need a little more green in it? Go Luigi! Are you sick of being the rescued prize to some portly plumber’s male power fantasy? Go Peach! Do you just want to be relevant again? Stick with Toad! All of these characters have the base mechanics of movement and jump kinetics of Mario with their own strengths and faults that help flush out the player agency when encountering a particular obstacle in a stage that’s genuinely gratifying to experiment with and discover.

Luigi flutter kicks jump to the tallest height in exchange for maneuvering like refrigerator on skates, Toad’s speed goes from 0 to you’ll never catch me within seconds but has the weakest jump, and Peach trademark floating talent from SMB 2 returns with the catch of being the slowest of the group. All of these dynamics are deceptively deep and significantly change the way you play and expounded to their fullest from the immaculate stage design from the same kind of philosophy it practices towards power-up skills, this is where SM3DW takes it a step further; because now players take into consideration which power-up to take to a stage and what character. For the most perilous of pitfalls to trek, Tanooki Peach combines her dress and Raccoon tail into a floating machine, Cat Toad speeds up the little fungus dude to stupid fast paces and climbing that balances out his poor jump.  Boomerang Luigi throwing a Boomerang at top height lethally covers the most real-estate and trajectory when thrown, and if you’re going Double Cherry, Mario’s balanced demeanor is the best way to go. The mechanics at work are brilliant in concept and execution, the same level can play like a completely different one you utilize the right character with the right power-up, and speaking of the new power-ups--they’re the literal cat’s pajamas.

The star of the transforming trinkets, new Cat suit isn’t just some gimmicky modern foil to the classic Tanooki suit, it carries with it the freedom to completely conquer the environment around you. Getting on all fours increases speed, features an array of paw attacks, and the ability to climb up any surface (including that eminent flag pole at the end of every level), the Lucky Bell granting these aptitudes becomes essential when challenging all that is vertical or fast. Double Cherry allows for rampant clones to emerge, mimicking every single player action and with smooth footwork, is integral to the more cerebral aspects to puzzle solving within Super Mario 3D World, especially when you combine it with the other power-ups.

The stages themselves incorporate some of the familiar fundamentals from 3D land and Galaxy but utilized them in new ways. Moments like shifting platforms from jumping are accentuated from the Double Cherry, or the new Crystal clear pipes that transports players through a constant flowing hamster-maze like structure that you can launch fireballs through, every stage is packed with a device or gimmick that turns all of its established platforming conventions on its side and truly creates something new to enjoy. The presentation of Super Mario 3D World is the finest yet within the main franchise, the graphics all have a vibrant palate of color and shine that illuminate all of the finer details of the Super Mario aesthetic like never before. The content is chocked to the brim with Fan service from the last 30 years of the plumber from the return of Charging Chuck to Homages of American Super Mario Bros. 2, players can even access the original Mario Bros. reintroduced as Luigi Bros. to climax the yearlong celebration of the eternal understudy, Super Mario 3D World definitely has it all, even the luxury of bouncing about with other players.

Ever since New Super Mario Bros. Wii introduced multiplayer into the fold, it’s more or less been a hit or miss depending on who you involve considering the stages never properly accommodated more than 2 players on screen at once with collision issues that welcomed unnecessary amounts of frustration or player-grieving; this time around however it’s dramatically improved and actually enhances the experience.

Three-dimensions of gameplay bring with it bigger, more spacious landscape that afford plenty of room for players to bring their buddies with them. Having the company of other hopping and bopping with you becomes a sense of cheer instead of burden. From the process of hunting down collectibles all to sharing stock of power-ups, pushing through the whimsically devious trials and tribulations of Super Mario 3D World. If there were any faults of note to highlight, it’d be the lack of online multiplayer. Despite the online infrastructure that the Wii U has to offer, it only stops the buck at posting about levels and area via Miiverse and nothing more; it’s a shame too considering the quality of the multiplayer this go around and how much more friendly it is that it could translate into online atmosphere. The gamepad functionality is sparse as well, while players can interact with nearly every component of the stage via touchscreen or other special dynamics that revolve around it like fan-powered platforms controlled from blowing on the Mic—it’s superfluous to the experience.

Nintendo has a long road ahead of them if they want to win back the majority of the gaming public, and if Super Mario 3D World is any indication of what’s to come then it won’t be long before it becomes a household name again that synonymous with video games.