SUPER MARIO 3D LAND

The current platform fix of your favourite Italian plumber is a 3D experience on the Nintendo DS that packs in all the Super Mario elements you want, with added depth.

The traditional side-scrolling platform feel is transposed into a more open world area, but your objectives remain in tact - collect coins, hidden star medals, avoid or thump enemies and reach the goal pole. You get to use stored items by touching them on the screen, and besides the regular Mario jumping moves, you can dash, roll, slide down walls, perform a side somersault, and collect special functions like hurling a fireball, and while wearing a raccoon suit (as in New Super Mario 2) perform a tail attack and slow fall. And yep, the Super Mushrooms are present. You also get to unlock Luigi as a playable character. While the story is not really of significance in relation to the fun game play, this time a storm blows magic leaves from Princess Peach's tree - and, you guessed it, Bowser kidnaps her(!), with Mario rushing to the rescue.

The Super Mario following has not diminished in the least, as this is the fastest selling 3DS title to date.

4 / A
- Paul Blom