Title: Super Mario 3D Land
Rating: E (Everyone); Mild Cartoon Violence
Genre: Platformer
Available: Nov. 13
Out on: Nintendo 3DS
Price: $39.99
Mario’s latest adventure is just a few days away, but STACK got an early glimpse at the plump plumber’s first foray into a true 3D environment. As usual, Mario lives up to the hype in what might be the 3DS’s best platforming adventure to date.
All Hail Tanooki
A much anticipated element of Super Mario 3D Land is the return of the Tanooki Suit, the famous raccoon suit that first appeared in Super Mario Brothers 3.  Looking triumphant in the new 3D environments, the suit will be welcomed by even the most experienced Mario gamers, who will need it to attack enemies with their tails and make their way through some pretty tricky, fast-paced action.

Visuals
This game tests the potential of Nintendo’s 3DS system. Mario’s style of gameplay transitions perfectly to the depth environments; and the game makes clever use of the system’s capabilities by hiding certain goodies in interesting areas, which are far easier to reach when you play in 3D. Needless to say, this isn’t just another Mario game. It takes Mario’s familiar gameplay and applies a unique spin to one of the most successful franchises in the history of video games.
Verdict
This game is a great choice for anyone looking to play for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Bring it with you on trips to relax before and after games. The Mario universe has never put much emphasis on plot and storytelling (take a wild guess who needs to be rescued), making 3D Land an excellent escape from reality. If you have a 3DS system, we suggest picking up a copy. You rarely go wrong with Nintendo’s hallmark franchise.
Check out the STACK Roundup below for more reviews from our favorite gaming sites. We’ll see you in the Mushroom Kingdom.
STACK Roundup
Tankooki Time [NintendoLife] 3D Gaming Has Never Been Fully Realized Before This [IGN] Ease Into 3D Gaming [Gamespot] Playing It Too Safe [1up] The Gimmick That Works [GamePro] Photos:  Nintendo