After playing Super Mario 3D Land at a Nintendo's event in the summer, I will admit I wasn't convinced that it would be brilliant. I enjoyed the demo but the first 3D stage with Mario as a Tanooki didn't blow me away as I had been expecting. I even compared it to Crash Bandicoot.

Now I've seen the latest Super Mario 3D Land trailer it's clear that the plumber's new platformer has far more cool ideas packed into its little cartridge than any Crash game. Here are eight moments I've picked out from the trailer that have made me excited all over again about the Super Mario 3D Land.

1. The Propeller Block

The propeller block from New Super Mario Bros. Wii is back for Super Mario 3D Land. All we need now is for the Penguin Suit to make a return. 

2. Bowser With A Tail

It's not only the Goombas who have a tail but Bowser can be seen sporting a Tanooki tail. We hope you get to grab him by the tail and swing him around.

3. Gyro controls

I admit that I don't think I'll be using Gyro controls to steer in Mario Kart 7but I like it when they're used in special moments of the game. Like when Mario jumps into a cannon and you can aim by moving your 3DS. The 3D should be great here.

4. Acrobatics

It's always great to see Mario wall jumping and according to Miyamotothere will be plenty of action moves for skilled Mario players to enjoy using. 

5. Diversity

Judging by this still from the trailer it looks like there will be plenty of different types of level in each world. This level select screen shows what looks like a Peach's Castle level and it's followed by an underground level. We've seen snowy and desert stages in the screenshots and, of course there's the retro Zelda-inspired stage as well as the pixel Mario stage. Awesome.

6. Clever use of 3D

This pipe bonus level messes with your head at first. It looks as though Mario can grab the big gold coin by dropping down the brown blocks but it's only when you walk over to the switch that you realise that the coin is in a different position to where you originally thought. This is why you have to play the game in 3D.

7. Boss battles

Usually you have to complete an obstacle course to get to Bowser at the end but here King Koopa looks like he's taking over the stage, breathing fire at you as you run over the pathways. Did you notice the Toad behind bars too? Maybe it's not just Peach who has been kidnapped.

8. Bring Me Sunshine

This platform level should test out your jumping skills. It reminds me of the great Yoshi Go Round secret level in Super Mario Sunshine.

http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/30563/8-reasons-why-super-mario-3d-land-is-exciting/

this one and mario kart 7 are day one for me.

Pre-ordered and ready to play, same day as skyward sword so I'll have twice the excitement.

I think it's good that Nintendo is making 3D an important part of the gameplay experience. I also think it's bad that Nintendo lied to us when they said that 3D will never be a necessary part of the gameplay experience.

This is the second time in two days where I've seen that Nintendo is making "important use of the 3D". What about people who can't see it? Fuck 'em. That's what.

Look Rol.  I know you love Nintendo but your blind defense of the 3DS is becoming embarrasing.  Now they already announced that the 3DS Zela is going to make use of the 3D in gameplay and now, this.  It's just a matter of time before they make a game all about spotting which coin stands out because of the 3D.  Just admit that the 3DS is an abortion of a system and that the PSV is awesome.  You'll be a lot less stressed and you'll live longer.

this and mario kart 7 look so fuggin awesome.

Reason 1:
It's Mario.

Pretty much summarizes all 8 points :D

will get this game, mario kart 7,monster hunter tri g and a few others as well.

Looks pretty sweet, I'm definitely loving the Tanooki suit! I kind of wish Nintendo would either make an all out 2D Mario game or an all out 3D one instead of trying to merge the two, but this definitely looks like a solid game. Between OOT, this game, Mario Kart, and Monster Hunter 4 there is starting to be a decent enough lineup for me to invest in a 3DS. I'd still rather wait for the inevitable redesign though.