I've felt like I've been in the minority for a while, having loved this game since the WIIU days and not quite understanding the hate it would receive. Now, after finally getting the full 100% playthrough I've aimed for since the original release, I have a newfound appreciation for 3D World, as well as new acknowledgment of its short comings.
Like Mario Kart 8 and other incredibly polished WIIU games, 3D World ushered the 3D Mario series into a new era of polish, being the first HD supported console as well. While it lacks the charming and unique visual styles of previous entries, the upgraded particle/visual effects and clean textures makes it incredibly pleasing to the eye and clearly gave the groundwork to future titles like Odyssey. It's an incredibly vital part of 3D World's identity, and leans more into the controversial side of the argument.
It's undeniable at this point the similarities 3D World shares with the NSMB series, instead in the 3D genre. It's a relatively short and quick experience, that throws as much variety to you in as little time as possible, and never pushes the boundaries to a large degree. Despite the clear comparison in design, the same can't be said in quality. Where NSMB fails in providing a fresh and consistently engaging experience, 3D World never stops being fun. It's so confident in it's bright and bubbly nature, with such vibrant locations and snazzy scores, and never waivers. I loved the different ways it also allowed me to approach each level with the surprisingly unique character selection in favor of a less unique Mario moveset (Not to say it doesn't feel as tight and fun to control as ever; The dive mechanics and speed increase make it somehow even more perfect. I can't ever imagine playing this game again without them.) It really feels like the developers were allowed to have full creative reign with this game's design, and while it led to a less focused experience, it doesn't devalue just how fun of a game it can still be.
On the other hand, the similarities that run between 3D World and the new content expansion, Bowser's Fury, are almost nonexistent. If anything, it's proven to me that we have the most competent and promising 3D Mario team in the history of Nintendo. It's so chaotic in structure and level design; There are no limits in how you approach almost every task ahead of you. It's pure, adrenaline-filled, 3D collect-a-thon enjoyment, with one hell of a final act. It's hard to say whether or not it's better than the base experience, but it easily makes the port rebuy more than worth it.
I'm really happy with how the public perception of this game has changed. Odyssey has filled the need for a new Collect-a-thon 3D Mario game, so 3D World has more room to thrive as its own being. It doesn't push the boundaries of one of the most inventive franchises in gaming history, but it's a shining example of the quality we can still expect from Nintendo blockbusters today.
Like Mario Kart 8 and other incredibly polished WIIU games, 3D World ushered the 3D Mario series into a new era of polish, being the first HD supported console as well. While it lacks the charming and unique visual styles of previous entries, the upgraded particle/visual effects and clean textures makes it incredibly pleasing to the eye and clearly gave the groundwork to future titles like Odyssey. It's an incredibly vital part of 3D World's identity, and leans more into the controversial side of the argument.
It's undeniable at this point the similarities 3D World shares with the NSMB series, instead in the 3D genre. It's a relatively short and quick experience, that throws as much variety to you in as little time as possible, and never pushes the boundaries to a large degree. Despite the clear comparison in design, the same can't be said in quality. Where NSMB fails in providing a fresh and consistently engaging experience, 3D World never stops being fun. It's so confident in it's bright and bubbly nature, with such vibrant locations and snazzy scores, and never waivers. I loved the different ways it also allowed me to approach each level with the surprisingly unique character selection in favor of a less unique Mario moveset (Not to say it doesn't feel as tight and fun to control as ever; The dive mechanics and speed increase make it somehow even more perfect. I can't ever imagine playing this game again without them.) It really feels like the developers were allowed to have full creative reign with this game's design, and while it led to a less focused experience, it doesn't devalue just how fun of a game it can still be.
On the other hand, the similarities that run between 3D World and the new content expansion, Bowser's Fury, are almost nonexistent. If anything, it's proven to me that we have the most competent and promising 3D Mario team in the history of Nintendo. It's so chaotic in structure and level design; There are no limits in how you approach almost every task ahead of you. It's pure, adrenaline-filled, 3D collect-a-thon enjoyment, with one hell of a final act. It's hard to say whether or not it's better than the base experience, but it easily makes the port rebuy more than worth it.
I'm really happy with how the public perception of this game has changed. Odyssey has filled the need for a new Collect-a-thon 3D Mario game, so 3D World has more room to thrive as its own being. It doesn't push the boundaries of one of the most inventive franchises in gaming history, but it's a shining example of the quality we can still expect from Nintendo blockbusters today.
AngryExpo
2 years ago