The best Mario game in a long time

Surprise, surprise! Bowser has kidnapped the princess not for once, but grabbed the fairies of fairy land. Mario and his friends that the overheard break immediately there to snatch the nasty reptile prey again ...

'Super Mario 3D World' is the spiritual successor to the 3DS Game 'Super Mario 3D Land' and therefore remembers playing more like 'Super Mario 64' as in 'New Super Mario Bros.'.

Even in the current Wii U-part Mario moved back over a world map. Here he is not bound to the default paths, but can explore the map freely and discover secrets. The order is also not as strict as in other parts, there are sometimes branches or you can choose the order in which you approach levels.
The aim in each level is to reach the flagpole at the end of the level and collect along the way as many stars. Like the Star Coins from the 2D parts can be found three pieces each level. Unlike coins, the stars are not optional: Who collects not enough is sometime before a locked level and does not come on.

To finish the levels, you have a choice between four characters: Mario is an all-rounder without strengths and weaknesses; Luigi jumps higher and further, but is more difficult to control; Toad is the fastest runner, but has the lowest bounce and the princess is not particularly fixed on the road, but it may hover briefly, which is very helpful when precision jumps are required. Although all control characters differently, the control is very precise and reacts instantaneously, only when wall jumps it is sometimes a little bitchy.
Thus, the four heroes of the dangers and enemies to face not completely helpless, there is again to find a lot of power-ups, including well-known as Super Mushroom or Fire Flower and new as the double cherry, which creates a clone of the character, or the Super bell that cat suit to is at your disposal. The latter of Chuck Norris is among the extras and lets Mario not only look extremely cute, but also hit you with his claws or climb on walls, so you can shorten many a way and often save them from falling into the abyss.

The levels are relatively short, but this is an advantage: While you can still find in the beginning of worlds all the stars at once, they are already significantly better hidden later in the game, so you have to play a lot of levels several times. In this case, one is grateful that the levels are not endless. Although the time limit interferes with the detailed research, but fits well in principle to the game, as some levels draw their charm straight out of the tight timing.
Varied the levels are also. The individual levels do not necessarily have anything to do with the subject of their world. Thus, the player never knows what to expect next, and the gameplay seems a little monotonous. Even among themselves, there is enough variety. Thus, besides the 'normal' level, for example still underwater levels; Haunted houses; Levels in which you only fought opponents or extremely short levels where you have only a few seconds.
For more variety the puzzles houses where several Miniaufagben you have successively cope under pressure and the encounters with Captain Toad. Care Here, you control a Toad who can not jump, by special levels.

When difficulty was thought at all. The game is extremely easy to start and the difficulty increases only very gradually. Who too often fails at a level that can take assistance in the form of white Tanooki Suit that makes invulnerable to complete.
This function or some practice succeeds so well bloody beginners to beat Bowser and save the fairies. At the advanced player was also thought after defeating Bowser other worlds will be unlocked, which have a significantly higher level of difficulty. There are also side quests to fulfill, how to find all the hidden stamp, collect all the stars or play through each level with any character. The season so depends mainly on their own standards. Who runs easily through the levels and collect only the bare minimum, Bowser has beaten after about eight to ten hours; those who want to collect everything there is to get in the game, is employed at least 30 hours.

The cuddly cartoon graphics shines on the Wii U with bright colors and crisp sharpness, especially the water and smoke effects do here to please. The music is nice, but is just as quickly from the ear like ear.

With 'Super Mario 3D World' Nintendo has done everything right. The familiar elements that you have already seen in other Mario games, Mario veterans will feel right at home, and thanks to the new features you will not feel to get served old wine in new bottles. 'Super Mario 3D World' is as traditional as it is innovative, this varied, simple to play and suitable for all groups of players and thus the best Mario game in a long time.