Mario 3D Land/World are certainly made using 3D graphics, and both games certainly function within 3D space, yet there is very little emphasis placed on exploration – in fact there is very little scope for players to even superficially deviate in their path from A to B.

Mario 3D Land/World were created using 2D design sensibilities, which is why I am inclined to lump them into the 2D camp rather than the 3D camp.

I think it has to do with Nintendo now expecting gimmicks to push their development. The Wii U doesn’t really give them enough ‘new’ technology to work with, and this is what has stood in for proper innovation since Mario Sunshine.

Nintendo’s first step should to stop leaning on the crutch of hardware gimmicks. I will own that Mario 64 did so to a degree–but only insofar as the Nintendo 64’s ‘gimmick’ was to have the power to present 3D worlds. I think we can all agree that this is different than motion controls and stereoscopic 3D. I think Mario 3D World was the best example we have had so far that they can produce fun 3D Mario on a small scale. The problem is that the stages are effectively linear/2-D affairs without much exploration. That is: they are 2D levels with 3D obstacles. If they produce the same kind of quality in larger, open, really unique worlds/levels, we’ll have a winner.

1. Original release on Gamecube
2. Re-release on Gamecube
3. Re-release on Wii (with motion controls)
4. Re-release of Wii re-release
5. Re-release on Wii U (with tablet functions)
…and now 6. Re-release of Wii U re-release

Really, I just want them to make a sequel someday. Ah well.