Super Mario 3D World Reviews

Super Mario 3D World is ranked in the 100th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
10 / 10.0
Dec 1, 2013

The launch of a three-dimensional Mario platformer on a console always carries huge expectations with it.  Ever since Super Mario 64 redefined 3D gaming and single-handedly sold countless people on the Nintendo 64, each 3D Mario game is expected to somehow match its impact.  Well, that's physically impossible — literally, we'd have to make a 4D game to recreate it — and we need to accept that.

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5 / 5.0
Nov 19, 2013

I thoroughly enjoyed playing solo as well as with my wife and son, and I'd say this is a must-get game if you've got a Wii U — and, quite possibly, a reason to think about getting one if you don't, even amid the frenzy of other next-gen consoles breaking into the market.

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Jordan Minor
Top Critic
Nov 19, 2013

Bursting with imagination and immensely satisfying to play, Super Mario 3D World feels like the culmination of everything the series has done so far.

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8 / 10
Nov 19, 2013

Super Mario 3D World brings together the best of both worlds, offering both a solid solo, deep in its game mechanics as well as its content, and an exciting, user-friendly multi, in 3D levels with level design inspired and of course totally mastered by Nintendo.

Review in French | Read full review

9 / 10.0
Nov 19, 2013

Super Mario 3D World is undoubtedly the most important intervention of rewriting the classic dynamics of the series since the days of the Nintendo 64.

Review in Italian | Read full review

9.2 / 10.0
Nov 18, 2013

Super Mario 3D World isn't Super Mario Galaxy or New Super Mario Bros.; it's a little bit of both. Under a thick layer of polish and charm, you'll find yet another top-notch platforming adventure, chocked full of secrets and clever twists and about as challenging as anything Mario has thrown our way thus far. It isn't groundbreaking or approaching the level of perfection that the Galaxy games did, but if nothing else, it's a must-have title for Wii U owners, and probably enough to push you over the edge if you're waiting to buy a system and harbor an appreciation for Nintendo's platforming contributions.

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4.5 / 5.0
Nov 25, 2013

Super Mario 3D World is the Mario experience we've always treasured, but with some fantastic changes to the formula. Between the hidden levels, new powers, each character having strength and uniquely designed stages, this is easily one of the more memorable Mario titles.

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5 / 5.0
Dec 7, 2013

Super Mario 3D World is one of the best Super Mario games (even better than Galaxy 2) to date and not only modernises the franchise but pays homage to what came before. It's fun, it's fast and it's the best multiplayer experience on the Wii U. I thoroughly enjoyed this game from start to finish and I will be returning again.

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games(TM)
games™ Team
Top Critic
9 / 10.0
Nov 19, 2013

If there's anyone out there who's getting into Mario for the first time with the Wii U, this is a great example of an alternative kind of game to New Super Mario Bros. U. For the rest of us, Super Mario 3D World might not be a "game changer" like Super Mario 64, but it'll always be remembered as the one that let the cats out.

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GamingBolt
Top Critic
9 / 10.0
Dec 12, 2013

Super Mario 3D World is an absolute joy.

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9 / 10.0
Nov 18, 2013

With multiple characters to play as (harking back to Super Mario Bros. 2) and an unlockable fifth, a fantastic and unobtrusive multiplayer component and enough new power-ups to make even Mario's head spin, you're bound to have a highly enjoyable time with one of the best 3D platformers released thus far.

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AusGamers
Jickle
Top Critic
8 / 10.0
Dec 3, 2013

The game is at odds with itself for not being as inventive as it should be, but being so good because of all invention that's come before it. Mario, in this sense, is his own worst enemy.

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5 / 5.0
Nov 18, 2013

Super Mario 3D World is the closest we will ever come to a perfect Mario game, one that is a culmination of every right decision ever made in the series. Alone, or with friends, the first time, or the tenth time, it does everything right. It's a wonderful adventure, and makes me proud to be a Wii U owner.

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9 / 10.0
Nov 26, 2013

"Every time Nintendo releases a new chapter in the mustache-sporting plumbers ongoing adventures, there's no denying that they find a new way to make the wheel seem exciting again even if the company wasn't able to reinvent it."

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DarkZero
Top Critic
9 / 10
Jan 28, 2015

This game was yet another solid, fun-for-days title in the Mario series. Just don't bother collecting the coins. Trust me.

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9 / 10.0
Dec 23, 2013

Super Mario 3D World is a joy from beginning to end, and is the best game for the Wii U so far. The game features the same perfected platforming mechanics and endlessly creative level designs that fans have come to expect from the icon of gaming. It may not be as grandiose and epic in the vein of the Galaxy series and does perhaps feel a little too familiar to 3D Land, but this would have been a much stronger title to kickstart Nintendo's first foray into high definition gaming. It's possible that with the pretty frequent releases of Mario games in the last couple of years may lead some to feel fatigued with the franchise, but nevertheless 3D World is an astounding game, and one of this year's very best titles.

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NZGamer
Top Critic
9.8 / 10.0
Dec 9, 2013

The game is breathtakingly simple, polished to perfection, and tonnes of fun - by yourself or with friends. The only reason it's not getting a perfect 10 is because I miss the story elements, and some of the bosses were just far too easy to overcome.

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Spaziogames
Top Critic
9.5 / 10.0
Nov 20, 2013

Super Mario 3D is a masterful work, without shortcuts or hasty paintings, which will once again amaze you with its magnificent and never banal level design.

Review in Italian | Read full review

Unscored
Nov 25, 2013

Super Mario 3D World isn't some perfect fix for the aging game maker, but it is Nintendo's tomorrow.

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10 / 10.0
Jan 14, 2014

A mastery of games design, Super Mario 3D World shows that Nintendo are still on top of their game. Blending the old and the new into platforming gold, this is everything we could've wanted and more. The reason to own a Wii U has arrived.

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