Thus, blocks are more prevalent in this game, unlike the past 3D games, where blocks were few and far between. While giving examples of how the Nintendo 3DS enhances game-play, Shigeru Miyamoto has stated that hitting blocks from underneath in 3D Mario games would be easier with stereoscopic 3D. Finally, Mario has a new roll move that can be used to hit blocks from the side and fit through small gaps. In addition, the Backwards Somersault works like the Power Squat Jump does in Super Mario Bros. Other controls take cues from the 2D titles Mario can crouch and slide while running, which now requires the use of a run/attack button, like in the 2D games. However, he can still Wall Jump, Long Jump, Ground Pound, Sideways Somersault, and Backwards Somersault. 3), grab and/or throw objects (such as Green Shells), hold onto ledges, or attack without power ups. Mario can also no longer Spin Jump, fly (in Tanooki form, unlike in Super Mario Bros. Unlike the 2D Mario games, the level themes in a world tend to be more random, like the galaxies of the Super Mario Galaxy games, instead of focusing on a particular setting per world.ĭue to the merging of the 2D and 3D play styles, Mario's moveset is more limited than in the previous Super Mario games he does not dash as fast, and thus cannot jump as high or as far as in past games he also cannot Double Jump or Triple Jump for the first time in a platforming game since Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins. Game-play also takes cues from Super Mario Sunshine, notably tight-rope walking. The graphics of the game greatly resemble those of the Super Mario Galaxy games, while the levels show visual similarities to the New Super Mario Bros. To enter vertical pipes, the player must press or for the first time in the series, the player can re-enter areas through pipes at will (for example, after being transported to the above-ground Goal Pole in World 2-2, the player can go back down the pipe to return underground). games, as opposed to Power Stars or Shine Sprites, as the level goals. All levels have a time limit and even feature Goal Poles, a staple of the original Super Mario Bros. The levels of Super Mario 3D Land are much more linear and compact than the other 3D titles, more along the lines of the side-scrolling games. At last, Mario and the three Toads find Princess Peach and, using their Tanooki powers, bring Peach back to her castle. After being chased through various obstacles, Mario manages to press a switch making the bridge under Bowser collapse, sending Bowser into a pool of lava. Mario eventually finds Bowser's lair, but before they can battle, the floor beneath them breaks and they fall. Mario travels through World 8 and defeats Bowser, only to be tricked by a fake Peach sign, as Bowser escapes with the real Peach. Inspired by Mario's courage, Peach ultimately attempts to escape from Bowser and his army, but she is soon recaptured. Throughout his adventure, Mario receives more letters about Peach's predicament and about various stages of Bowser's Super Leaf-related plan. The message shocks the three Toads and Mario, and immediately, Mario and the three Toads run to save the Princess. Mario grabs and opens the letter, and a picture of Bowser holding Princess Peach captive with Super Leaves flying in the background pops out. However, the yellow Toad notices a hovering letter near the tree, and the group of four goes to investigate. Later on, when Mario and three Toads (red, yellow, and blue) check the Tail Tree, they discover that the Super Leaves are gone. One night, a huge storm blows all of the leaves off, as Bowser laughs in the background. All of the Mushroom Kingdom is familiar with the tree. Outside Peach's Castle stands the Tail Tree, a stripe-tailed tree with Super Leaves on its branches.