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Is Super Mario 3D World a Long Game? A Deep Dive

Super Mario 3D World is moderately long. For players sticking to the main story, it offers around 10-11 hours of gameplay. Completionists aiming for 100% completion, including all levels, Green Stars, Stamps, and character completion, can expect to invest closer to 30-40 hours. The length is further extended by the addition of Bowser’s Fury in the Switch version, which adds a significant open-world adventure. So, while not the longest Mario game, it offers a substantial and satisfying experience.

Super Mario 3D World: A Breakdown of Playtime

The perception of length in a video game is subjective, influenced by factors such as playstyle, skill level, and completion goals. Here’s a more detailed look at how these factors affect Super Mario 3D World’s playtime:

Main Story Focus: Those prioritizing the core narrative can expect a shorter playtime. The levels are designed to be accessible, and skilled players can breeze through them efficiently. This approach emphasizes getting to the end credits without necessarily exploring every nook and cranny.
Completionist Run: A 100% completion run drastically increases playtime. This involves collecting every Green Star, stamping every level, unlocking all characters, and completing all stages with each character, including the often challenging secret worlds. This is where the game reveals its true depth and difficulty.
Bowser’s Fury Factor: The inclusion of Bowser’s Fury on the Switch version is a game-changer. This open-world expansion adds several hours of gameplay, tasking players with collecting Cat Shines and battling a rampaging Bowser. Its open-ended structure allows for exploration and extends the overall game length.
Cooperative Play: Playing with friends in co-op mode can both lengthen and shorten the game. While coordinating can sometimes slow progress, the chaotic fun and added challenges can make the experience more engaging and replayable.

Comparing Super Mario 3D World to Other Mario Titles

When considering whether Super Mario 3D World is “long,” it’s helpful to compare it to other entries in the Mario franchise.

Longer Mario Games: Titles like Super Mario Odyssey and the Mario & Luigi RPGs, such as Mario & Luigi: Dream Team, tend to offer more extensive storylines and side content, leading to longer completion times. Some Paper Mario games, such as Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, can also be longer.
Shorter Mario Games: Games like Super Mario Bros. or Super Mario Bros. 3 are more focused on linear level progression and offer shorter playthroughs by comparison. Even other 3D Mario titles like Super Mario 64 can be completed more quickly if the player focuses solely on obtaining the minimum number of stars needed to finish the game.
Nintendo’s Longest Games: It’s also worth looking beyond the Mario franchise to other Nintendo titles to provide additional context. Games like Animal Crossing and Xenoblade Chronicles represent the far end of the spectrum, with playtime easily exceeding 100 hours for dedicated players.

The Value Proposition: Is the Length Worth the Price?

Ultimately, the value of Super Mario 3D World isn’t solely determined by its length. The quality of gameplay, level design, and overall experience are equally important. The game is widely praised for its innovative level design, charming visuals, and engaging co-op gameplay. The addition of Bowser’s Fury further enhances the value proposition, offering a distinct and compelling open-world experience.

Considering its replayability, the variety of challenges, and the sheer fun factor, Super Mario 3D World offers a substantial and worthwhile gaming experience. Its length strikes a balance between being accessible to casual players and providing ample content for completionists.

FAQs: Your Super Mario 3D World Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions about Super Mario 3D World:

1. How many levels are in Super Mario 3D World?

There are 117 levels in Super Mario 3D World, encompassing the main game and special worlds.

2. How do you achieve 100% completion in Super Mario 3D World?

To 100% the game, you need to:

Collect all Green Stars in every level.
Collect all Stamps in every level.
Reach the top of the flagpole in every level with each of the five playable characters (Mario, Luigi, Peach, Toad, and Rosalina).
Unlock all worlds, including the secret Worlds.

3. Is Super Mario 3D World a hard game?

The game starts off relatively easy but becomes more challenging near the end, especially in the special worlds and when aiming for 100% completion.

4. What is the hardest level in Super Mario 3D World?

The Champion’s Road level is widely considered the most challenging level in the game due to its length, difficulty, and lack of checkpoints.

5. Is Super Mario 3D World fun in single-player mode?

Yes, the game is very fun in single-player mode. Everything can be unlocked, and the level design is engaging.

6. How big is the Super Mario 3D World download size on Switch?

The game requires 2.9 GB of free space on your Nintendo Switch.

7. What is the main objective of Super Mario 3D World?

The main objective is to rescue the Sprixie Princesses from Bowser, who has kidnapped them and invaded the Sprixie Kingdom.

8. What makes Super Mario 3D World different from other Mario games?

It combines 3D movement with a level design reminiscent of 2D Mario games, emphasizing platforming challenges and co-op gameplay. The Cat Suit is also a unique and iconic power-up.

9. What are the differences between the Wii U and Switch versions of Super Mario 3D World?

The Switch version includes Bowser’s Fury, online multiplayer, and improved character movement speed.

10. Is Super Mario 3D World suitable for young children?

Yes, the game is family-friendly and suitable for children. The early levels are accessible, though some later levels may require assistance.

11. Which character is best for beginners in Super Mario 3D World?

Mario is a good choice for beginners due to his balanced stats.

12. How do you unlock Rosalina in Super Mario 3D World?

Rosalina is unlocked by completing World Star-.

13. What is Bowser’s Fury?

Bowser’s Fury is a new open-world adventure included in the Switch version of Super Mario 3D World, where Mario teams up with Bowser Jr. to stop a massive, enraged Bowser.

14. How many Green Stars are needed to unlock World Crown?

You need 342 Green Stars and 76 Stamps to unlock World Crown.

15. Where can I learn more about the educational value of video games?

You can visit the Games Learning Society website, GamesLearningSociety.org, to explore research and resources on the positive impact of games on learning and development.

Conclusion

Super Mario 3D World may not be the longest Mario game ever made, but its blend of engaging gameplay, innovative level design, and added content like Bowser’s Fury makes it a substantial and worthwhile experience. Whether you’re a casual player looking for a fun romp through colorful worlds or a completionist seeking a challenging 100% run, Super Mario 3D World offers a rewarding and entertaining adventure. Remember to check out Games Learning Society for resources on the educational aspects of gaming!

Is Mario 3D World a long game?