Gamescom 2011 Hands On: Super Mario 3D Land (Nintendo 3DS)

What it is: Every new Nintendo console has had to have a custom Mario game, and the new 3DS is no exception, as the creator of the series himself, Shigeru Miyamoto, confirmed that such a title, in the form of Super Mario 3D Land, will be arriving on the handheld device.

Now, after getting the first actual details back at E3 2011 earlier this year, Nintendo has brought a playable build at Gamescom 2011, depicting classic exploration, more aggressive fireball combat, some trickier platforming and, last but not least, a boss fight.

How it is: Super Mario 3D Land is somewhat of a cross between the classic environments seen in previous open world titles like Super Mario 64, with the simpler exploration seen in Super Mario Galaxy. Add the 3D effect which really highlights Mario’s exploration of the game’s levels, and you have quite a great experience.

Going through the 3D levels with actual 3D effects takes a bit of getting used to, however, as you’ll probably miss quite a lot of jumps on top of goombas, but, once you mastered orientating yourself in all dimensions, things get pretty easy. Platforming is also a bit tricky at first, because it gets a bit harder to judge distances, but you get used to that as well.

In terms of actual gameplay, Mario’s classic features are back, like the fireballs, and fans will no doubt be thrilled to hear that the Tanooki suit is also back in full force, allowing Mario access to new sorts of powers.

Some of the platforming elements, like the timed bridges, are a bit frustrating, however, especially because they usually result in instant deaths. Still, once you start exploring the Mushroom Kingdom, the whole experience becomes very addictive.

When and on what: Super Mario 3D Land is coming this November exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS handheld platform.

We have a special page with all our Gamescom 2011 coverage.