Super Mario 3D World is the best 3D Mario. It's kind of a mix of 2D and 3D Mario more than a typical 3D platformer, and that's what I like about it. It looks and sounds amazing, has great levels, excellent feeling gameplay, awesome multiplayer, and has loads of secrets. It's almost a perfect game. Too bad it's trapped in Wii U. Read more and watch gameplay right here.
I don't like 3D Mario. I don't like Mario 64. I don't like Mario Galaxy. I haven't played Mario Odyssey (maybe if the price would ever drop but it won't because Nintendo). I did like Mario Sunshine back in the day, but I'm also pretty sure if I tried to play it today in 2020 I'd probably not enjoy it as much.
I suppose I should also say I don't really like modern 2D Mario all that much, either. The levels have gotten way too long and bloated and the new mechanics they've tried to introduce aren't that fun. Ice flowers and flying squirrel BS is boring. Sorry.
But, somehow, some way, Super Mario 3D World grabbed me and didn't let go. It feels more like a 2D Mario than a 3D one, and I like that. It has generally has smaller, shorter, more condensed levels that remind me of Super Mario Bros. 3 (the BEST Mario). I love the characters and how they all play differently and distinctly. I love the presentation. I love the new power ups - turning into cats and the character multiplier are awesome. I freaking love the final boss encounter with REDACTED Bowser. It's awesome.
Super Mario 3D World is just freaking awesome. If they'd re-release it on Switch I'd buy it again, too.
