The reason why 3D Mario is not as popular as 2D Mario

[F0X]

RolStoppable said:

F0X said:
I'd like a comparison with 3D World and/or 3D Land. They're 3D Mario games (and "proper" ones, whatever the hell that is supposed to mean), but the level design shares more similarities with the 2D entries.

The numbers for SM3DL are 0/0, because there are obvious paths around pits and enemies, although you could argue that there are two pits that qualify. It's certainly closer to 2D Mario than the preceding four 3D Mario games though, because the level design is more streamlined and thus it feels like there are a lot more enemies on the way. SM3DW doesn't even have deadly pits on the way to the goal of the first level and it's no problem to bypass enemies either.

Of course, later levels in SM3DL and SM3DW increase the threat level by making obstacles unavoidable, but it's not like 2D Mario games remain as easy as in their opening stages either.

You're right in saying that the 3D games aren't as threatening on the outset, but there are more obstacles in a Mario game than the ones that kill the player. I'd like to see Nintendo further empasize raw, challening platforming in future 3D Mario titles, not overt fail states, and hopefully by extension take more advantage of 3D gameplay.