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[iavi]

I actually like the art direction here. It's nowhere near as bland as the NSMB series, and everything from the character portraits in the top-left to the environment have this saturated, almost arcadey look to them--I dig.

I'm not going to get over no online play, though; it's 2013, for a co-op experience like this, to not have it in there is inexcusable.

 

[Krowley]

It's funny how people's reaction to the graphical style of this game is exactly how they reacted when 3D Land was revealed. I suspect when the game comes out, everyone will forget about their complaints and gush how good it is and how the style grew on them after playing it.

As someone who's not 100% sold on this, I hope you're right.

The developer diary video with the director makes it seem like this game has much more under the hood than meets the eye, and I can see the potential for very interesting/unique gameplay within the context of this kind of level design.

My biggest fear remains the question of whether or not it will be fun in single-player mode. They're emphasizing multi-player so much in the marketing... I'm hoping most of the problems I'm seeing in all aspects of the game are due to marketing: picking the wrong levels to show, the style of the trailer, the emphasis on party-game elements, etc..

 

[rex]

The most disappointing thing to me is how much Nintendo has minimized actual three dimensional gameplay in their 3D Mario series. I didn't mind it much on a handheld, and it's true the Galaxy games were already moving full speed ahead in that direction, but this seems to be the culmination of that design philosophy.

This game either has you moving on narrow 3d paths, or on actual 2D planes, or maneuvering through wide open fields with few if any vertical elements like you'd see in Mario 64 or even the first Galaxy (think Whomp's Fortress or Buoy Buoy Base).

I understand a lot of people consider it a great success to incorporate Mario's traditional 2D gameplay into 3D, and I agree they've done that. But in the process they've ripped out the heart of what 3D Mario games were all about at the outset: ridiculously precise controls coupled with enough freedom in the levels to make full use of them. 3D Land and 3D World are utterly constrictive, and their levels are simply incompatible with the freedom exhibited in the old games.

 

[Lasdrub]

I have a question for you guys. Why does a bell transform you into a cat? Is it a Japanese thing? I don't know what I would choose, but a bell seems random to me.

 

[Joeshabadoo]

was expecting open world with something similar to mario kart 8s graphics

I feel as though we are still absolutely going to get this

 

[ffdgh]

I have a question for you guys. Why does a bell transform you into a cat? Is it a Japanese thing? I don't know what I would choose, but a bell seems random to me.

Cats wear bells? Heck even the Dora the explorer of all things had cats and bells today XD.

 

[Currygan]

I have a question for you guys. Why does a bell transform you into a cat? Is it a Japanese thing? I don't know what I would choose, but a bell seems random to me.

dunno, maybe because cats usually wear collar bells

 

[The Boat]

I have a question for you guys. Why does a bell transform you into a cat? Is it a Japanese thing? I don't know what I would choose, but a bell seems random to me.

Cats usually have bells on their collars.

 

[Lasdrub]

Cats wear bells! I never knew. I guess that way they can't sneak up on you or get locked in a place they're not supposed to be. Maybe I need to put a bell on my cat...

 

[Sianos]

I would have rather seen another 3DS entry, but if the game is expanded to fit the console experience that's alright too. I feel the tight, bite-sized levels are a better fit for a handheld, but the developer footage gives me some faith towards this being more than an up-port.

I'd love a more exploration driven Mario to compliment this, and I think that sort of title is more suited for consoles than 3D Land/World, but more of this blended style is fine too.

 

[Teknoman]

3D land question, but I still cant figure out the point of cutout enemy props. They dont fool you into thinking they are real because of the 3D, they dont hurt you, and...they just dont make sense in the general world.

 

[Crash55118]

Is this just an argument about camera control?

 

[WordAssassin]

People who think this looks the same as the 3DS game or lacks any kind of graphical flair are fucking stoned out of their minds. It looks like the renders Nintendo has been doing for the past 15 years but playable. The environments and characters don't really show any polygonal edges and the colors are bright and vibrant. It's not "sterile" like NSMB is, it looks like Mario in HD. You may not be thrilled about the environments but the game is beautiful.

 

[Galang]

Man the developers diary video has some awesome shit going on in it.

It really does. Typically the coolest levels are left out the trailers too, so I'm excited to play the final product. And looking at the diary, the graphics are a lot more smooth than I initially thought. Love the cloud effects of the character running and everything just seems smooth. I hate hate NSMB, but I think this looks nice for what it is. Seems to be some exploration also. Kinda reminds me of Mario 64 in a few ways.

 

[J.W.Crazy]

I dislike how the camera is so fixed and far from Mario to account for possible extra players. It made sense for the 3DS due to its limitations and enhancing the 3D effect, but it's boring for a full fledged 3D console title. So much of the footage looks like a side scroller because of it. You'd think they would want more separation between classic Mario gameplay and the flagship 3D installments.

As others have said you have full camera control in single player.

I think Nintendo is still trying to convert 2D Mario players to 3D Mario players. The talked about it when 3D Land came out. A lot of people never made the jump from 2D to 3D.

 

[Anticitizen One]

I just wanted a sequel to Mario 64 Nintendo...That's all.

me too

but the nintendo "fans" wouldn't let people like me rightfully criticize nintendo so we get this shit. Nintendo is worse than EA.

"we need a new mario game this year? Ok just use the 3D land template that sold well." Cuz heaven forbid Nintendo be ambitious for once.

 

[Carpe Libertatem]

As others have said you have full camera control in single player.

I think Nintendo is still trying to convert 2D Mario players to 3D Mario players. The talked about it when 3D Land came out. A lot of people never made the jump from 2D to 3D.

They've been trying to do this since the first Galaxy game. It just became much more obvious with 3D Land and World (and to some extent Galaxy 2 with the level select menu identical to 2D games)

 

[StreetsAhead]

me too

but the nintendo "fans" wouldn't let people like me rightfully criticize nintendo so we get this shit. Nintendo is worse than EA.

"we need a new mario game this year? Ok just use the 3D land template that sold well." Cuz heaven forbid Nintendo be ambitious for once.

Yes, god forbid they do a sequel to a 3DS game instead of a N64 one! Stupid lack of goddam ambition.

 

[Jaded Alyx]

me too

but the nintendo "fans" wouldn't let people like me rightfully criticize nintendo so we get this shit. Nintendo is worse than EA.

"we need a new mario game this year? Ok just use the 3D land template that sold well." Cuz heaven forbid Nintendo be ambitious for once.

In the developer video, they said they were thinking of making a Wii U game like 3D Land while that game was in development.

 

[Air]

I think the game looks great. Looks like a hybrid of 64 and galaxy which I can't help but think is a great thing. Im a little disappointed at the projected gamepad use though. Everything else looks amazing. I think this title will be a sleeper hit or fly under every bodies radar because its not as zany as the galaxy games. Personally, I think it will be super refined and great.

 

[Codeblue]

Why are people comparing this to Galaxy 3?

This is Hayashida's next game, not Koizumi's. Different teams.

 

[RM8]

I'm so tired of 3D Land rehashes, I want Galaxy 3.

Wait.

 

[Carpe Libertatem]

Why are people comparing this to Galaxy 3?

This is Hayashida's next game, not Koizumi's. Different teams.

Koizumi is the producer, Hayashida is the director. Same team (Koizumi was even at E3 demoing it)

 

[Net_Wrecker]

As others have said you have full camera control in single player.

I think Nintendo is still trying to convert 2D Mario players to 3D Mario players. The talked about it when 3D Land came out. A lot of people never made the jump from 2D to 3D.

It just looks like you can tilt the camera a bit, not really rotate it. I want my Mario 64/Sunshine free camera, wider level, parkour plumber back. At this rate 2D Mario and 3D Mario will become the same game.

 

[Buckethead]

The only thing that I like is the cats.

The rest looks really bland and mish-mash.

 

[Spehornoob]

Are people really trashing on the level design? 3D Land had fucking awesome level design.

I actually think, from a pure quality perspective, 3D Land is neck-a-neck with the Galaxy games.

 

[Lijik]

Nothing in Atlanta. Nooooo lol

fuuuuuuuu I figured the Reynoldstown Best Buy would be a part of the event for sure

So? The game speaks louder than the title. The same cannot be said for the NSMB series.

Tell me whats so innovative and risky about Mario World beyond it being a really well designed game, because I feel like a lot of what that could said for it could also be applied to this game.

 

[J.W.Crazy]

It just looks like you can tilt the camera a bit, not really rotate it. I want my Mario 64/Sunshine free camera, wider level, parkour plumber back. At this rate 2D Mario and 3D Mario will become the same game.

In the developer video they show camera control and specifically say it works just like SM64.

 

[Surfheart]

I was really dissapointed by this in the Direct, but mostly because it wasn't a new 3D Mario game.

But having watched some gameplay footage, it looks like it will be alot of fun.

Nintendo need to get the show floor demo up on the Eshop, I think alot of people might change their minds if they actually got to play it.

 

[Codeblue]

Koizumi is the producer, Hayashida is the director. Same team (Koizumi was even at E3 demoing it)

Ah, I thought 3D Land and Galaxy had their own teams. In any case, this is something I'd expect with Hayashida directing, and he's pretty talented in his own right, but I hope Koizumi is directing something himself.

 

[UrbanRats]

I know hyperbole and apoplectic reaction are kind of a GAF staple, but why is everyone shitting on the level design when we've only seen one or maybe two levels?

Because that's what they are showing.
What are we going to comment on, levels we have not seen?

Why are people comparing this to Galaxy 3?

This is Hayashida's next game, not Koizumi's. Different teams.

Oh, wake me up when Koizumi gets to work then. :|

 

[Riposte]

One thing I liked about 3D Land was they didn't go overboard with open 3D design. Nothing here really says they are going to recapture that. Also I like the character icons a little too much.

 

[RoombaDance]

People wanted Mario Galaxy 3 and they call this conservative? It's a multiplayer 3D platformer, something Nintendo's been struggling to create since the N64.

This is the 4-swords of 3D Mario. And it looks like a lot of fun.

 

[Darryl]

Maybe I got a little overexcited. I was pretty crushed based on the live stream, but all the demos and the developer vid has really got me pumped again. 3D Mario is my favorite series, I'm excited this one looks so fun and especially with the multiplayer. I'm really hoping they try online though...

Same here. I didn't think we'd get the crazy ambitious 3D Mario Universe this year anyways, I was convinced we'd get a Luigi Galaxy or a Mario Galaxy 3 just so they could get a game out closer to launch. This game has grown on me, I prefer it much more than those 2. I actually beat 3D Land 100%, still haven't beat either of the Galaxy games. I'm sure we'll get a second 3D Mario sometime around here as well.

 

[illadelph]

I got so exited when I saw CHARGIN' CHUCK

 

[Kai Dracon]

Same here. I didn't think we'd get the crazy ambitious 3D Mario Universe this year anyways, I was convinced we'd get a Luigi Galaxy or a Mario Galaxy 3 just so they could get a game out closer to launch. This game has grown on me, I prefer it much more than those 2. I actually beat 3D Land 100%, still haven't beat either of the Galaxy games. I'm sure we'll get a second 3D Mario sometime around here as well.

If nothing else, Galaxy 1 and 2 show they're willing to do more than one 3D Mario a generation.

Given how soon in the U's lifespan this game is coming out, I would be a little surprised if there isn't another Mario game on it assuming it lasts, say, five years.

 

[lordchompy]

I'm not surprised. This will sell like...well, mario when every other tot will want to play it on Christmas morning. Oh wait, they're getting a 3DS already. Never-mind then. At least kids won't have to remember when Super Mario was the most innovative franchise in video games.

 

[Plinko]

me too

but the nintendo "fans" wouldn't let people like me rightfully criticize nintendo so we get this shit. Nintendo is worse than EA.

"we need a new mario game this year? Ok just use the 3D land template that sold well." Cuz heaven forbid Nintendo be ambitious for once.

So you want them to be ambitious and try something new?

Because you just asked for a sequel to Mario 64 two lines above requesting them to be ambitious.

 

[Lasdrub]

I'm not surprised. This will sell like...well, mario when every other tot will want to play it on Christmas morning. Oh wait, they're getting a 3DS already. Never-mind then. At least kids won't have to remember when Super Mario was the most innovative franchise in video games.

Kids LOVE NSMB. They will go insane for this game. They'll remember Mario as the most fun game of their childhood.

 

[Anticitizen One]

In the developer video, they said they were thinking of making a Wii U game like 3D Land while that game was in development.

thats called horse shit to save face for the team and Nintendo.

Nintendo is just as bad as EA and Activision. Iwata found a cheap formula to pump these mario games out every year now and there gonna stick to that.

 

[Why would you do that?]

Gameplay footage.

Looking at this video makes me feel really weird... It is clearly based on 2D Mario games, with the 2D Mario elements, sound effects, level endings, etc. Yet it is clearly based on 3D Mario, with its elements, sound effects, gameplay, etc. New SMB and 3D Mario basically feel like two completely different games, and it's weird and interesting seeing a combination of them in 3D World.

I didn't feel that way with 3D Land for some reason. More than 3D Land, this 3D World game feels like the real evolution of 2D Mario into 3D for some reason.

 

[Dion Blaster]

It just looks like you can tilt the camera a bit, not really rotate it. I want my Mario 64/Sunshine free camera, wider level, parkour plumber back. At this rate 2D Mario and 3D Mario will become the same game.

I'm pretty sure they showed the camera rotating fully around the player in the developer video. I think they went with the gyro so that you don't have to move your thumb down to the right stick. I imagine they would still leave the stick as an option though.

 

[Chindogg]

So you want them to be ambitious and try something new?

Because you just asked for a sequel to Mario 64 two lines above requesting them to be ambitious.

I'm pretty sure that if you zoomed in the camera, it would be a 4 player version of Mario 64.

 

[lordchompy]

I'm pretty sure that if you zoomed in the camera, it would be a 4 player version of Mario 64.

Graphics and all.

 

[Anticitizen One]

So you want them to be ambitious and try something new?

Because you just asked for a sequel to Mario 64 two lines above requesting them to be ambitious.

Mario 64 was extremely ambitious Nintendo a sequel to that could be just as ambitious kind of like GTA 3 to GTA 4 to GTA 5. Not sure your point?

 

[Plinko]

Graphics and all.

These posts are ridiculous.

 

[GiantBreadbug]

This looks fun and all, but I can't help but be just a tad disappointed. Hopefully the level design isn't as "run straight to the goal" as 3D Land. I mean, it works for the handheld game, but I'm hoping they get ambitious with some big huge worlds in SM3DW. Maybe some non-linear collect-a-thon levels. I dunno, just some variety is all I'm asking for, and maybe a touch of theatrics.

I'll wait until I play it to judge, but this just isn't what I was expecting, and that'll take getting used to.

 

[evilromero]

So you want them to be ambitious and try something new?

Because you just asked for a sequel to Mario 64 two lines above requesting them to be ambitious.

A sequel to Mario 64 would be ambitious though. And I think that's what scares Nintendo. It's getting into risky territory making a massively ambitious 3D platformer that pushes the genre forward. A vast interconnected Mushroom Kingdom with underground access tunnels that take you from the castle to Mushroom City and Bowser's Castle. Or instead, take the above route- sprawling green fields and lakes filled with enemies. I'd shit my pants if we ever saw something like that.

 

[Tuck]

Well ok.

When I first saw the game, I cannot express how disappointed I felt. A sequel to 3D Land as a mainline, console Mario? What the hell? It seemed lazy, uninspired and so conservative. I still feel that way.

But a few considerations.

Obviously, local co-op is the big addition here. I have never played a 3D platformer with co-op. It sounds pretty cool, and the 3D land style is definitely suited to it. think about Galaxy with four players. It wouldn't work. The camera would not be able to keep up. So in that sense, the 3D land style of Mario is a smart idea here.

Also, the game is most certainly goes further than the 3DS game did. Its prettier, for one. And it has original boss fights, for two. It might also have worlds that are more defined visually, compared to the 3DS game. So thats cool.

Look, I'm still dissapointed. How could I not be? But I loved 3D Land. And though i hope to god we get a big, epic, creative Mario adventure, this was probably easier (And faster) to pump out, and I'm sure I'll have fun with it.

With friends.

 

[Dion Blaster]

This is so much more ambitious than Galaxy 3, Sunshine 2, or 128 (as much as I would still welcome that. I still hope it comes later this gen).