Similar to the classic side-scrolling Mario games, the objective of each level is to reach and grab the flagpole located at the end before the time limit expires. Super Mario 3D Land utilizes a similar health system to those games, in which Mario shrinksupon taking damage from enemies or hazards, and damage while "small" results in losing a life. The game offers a number of traditional Mario items, such as the Super Mushroom, Fire Flower, and Starman, along with new power-ups that bestow a special suit onto Mario that grants him new abilities. Returning from Super Mario Bros. 3 is the Super Leaf power-up which turns Mario into Tanooki Mario, allowing him to float in the air and attack with his tail, with a later variant also allowing him to transform into a statue. Other new items include the Boomerang Flower, which allows Mario to throw boomerangs that can collect out of reach items as well as attack enemies; the Propeller Box, which allows Mario to reach high places, similar toNew Super Mario Bros. Wii's Propeller Suit; and the rare Question Box which gives Mario extra coins whilst wearing it. Each course contains three hidden Star Medals that are required to unlock certain level. The map screen also contains Toad Houses where players can gain additional items and Mystery Boxes where more Star Medals can be earned.
After clearing the game once, a set of special levels are unlocked, some of which contain additional challenges such as a short time limit or Shadow Mario clones. Clearing a certain level in these worlds unlocks Luigi as a playable character, who has slightly different handling to Mario. Similar to the Super Guide feature in recent Mario titles, certain items can be made available if the player struggles on a certain level. The Invincibility Leaf, which appears after the player dies five times in a level, gives Mario invincibility and Tanooki Suit abilities, while the P-Wing, which appears after the player dies ten times in a level, sends the player right to the end of the level.
Super Mario 3D Land utilizes the Nintendo 3DS autostereoscopic technology, allowing players to perceive depth when viewing the game screen. While the game is designed to not require the 3D effect, some obstacles or points of interest are deliberately more noticeable or easier when the 3D is switched on. Super Mario 3D Land also utilizes optional use of the 3DS gyroscope which can be used to control cannons and binoculars. The game also features StreetPass functionality, allowing players to exchange mystery boxes containing bonus items.
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