It's Time for a New Mario 3D Game

Summary

Mario's last 3D adventure was in Super Mario Odyssey, but it's been six years since its release. The time is right for a new 3D Mario game.
Mario has a number of new abilities that haven't been used in a 3D game yet, such as the Bubble Flower and Grappling Vine. These abilities could enhance the gameplay in the next 3D Mario adventure.
The Mario series is known for introducing innovative gimmicks in each mainline adventure. A new 3D Mario game would likely bring something new and unique to the franchise, expanding its legacy.

The time may be right for Mario to embark on his next 3D adventure, and there's plenty of reason to expect one soon enough. After all, with Mario being Nintendo's mascot and most famous figure, the possibility of him having another game in the pipeline can never truly be discounted. The Super Mario series is a reliable source for some of Nintendo's most polished titles, both in 2D and 3D. While Mario's last 3D adventure had an impressive scope, the series can still go further, especially if the next game embraces the full potential of the franchise.

After releasing one of the best Switch games of 2023 with Super Mario Bros. Wonder, it's clear that Nintendo's favorite plumber still has plenty of life in him. This step back to the genre of 2D platforming where the series got its start mixed wonderfully with the array of new features and gimmicks introduced in the game. Platforming isn't the only area where Mario has had a high profile recently. The Booster Course pass for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe finally reached its conclusion recently, and the remake of Super Mario RPG also received a warm reception. Overall, 2023 was a fantastic year for Mario and friends.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder Could Follow a Precedent That Tears of the Kingdom Set

Super Mario Bros. Wonder explored a lot of new territory for Mario platformers, but as Tears of the Kingdom shows, there's always room for more.

Posts

By Liam Ferguson

Another 3D Mario Platformer Has Plenty of Potential For Nintendo

It's Been Years Since Mario's Last 3D Adventure

It has been six years since the platforming masterpiece Super Mario Odyssey was released, and Mario hasn't had another 3D adventure since unless once counts Super Mario 3D World, Bowser's Fury. Super Mario Odyssey pushed to a new height, with several large, interesting worlds to explore, as well as a unique gimmick in the form of Cappy's possession ability. It also gave players a level of customization not seen before, with many outfits and hats that Mario could wear. However, even with Super Mario Odyssey being as good as it is, it can't support the series forever, and enough time has passed for a new entry.

Mario Has More Abilities That Haven't Seen a 3D Game Yet

Even if Nintendo doesn't decide to include the Wonder Flower in Mario's next 3D adventure, there are a lot of new abilities that Mario now has at his disposal that haven't been used in 3D yet, including:

Bubble Flower
Drill Mushroom
Grappling Vine
Parachute Cap

The Bubble Flower may be the best example, both defeating enemies and creating single-use bubbles for Mario to bounce off of. That power-up alone can play a role in many puzzles and platforming challenges if adapted to a 3D environment. Super Mario Bros. Wonder's new abilities could play a big role in improving Mario's next 3D adventure.

A New Mario Game Could Introduce Another Innovative Gimmick

Another 3D Mario game could also play the important role of forging unexplored territory. Super Mario Bros. Wonder had a fantastic gimmick with the Wonder Flower, furthering the series' tradition of introducing something new and unique in most of its mainline adventures. The next game would almost certainly have something new to add to the formula. From Super Mario Sunshine's F.L.U.D.D. To Super Paper Mario's dimension-flipping, few other franchises have managed to work in as many gimmicks as the Mario series while maintaining their overall quality. Another 3D Super Mario platformer would have a good chance to expand the series' legacy in that regard.

There are still plenty of opportunities for a new 3D Super Mario game to thrive. Nintendo can easily keep the Mario series relevant in the future, with new releases being an important part of such a plan. It has already been over half a decade since players got the chance to go on a 3D adventure with Mario, leaving players waiting for Mario's return to the realm. The time for another 3D Super Mario platformer could be fast approaching, especially if Nintendo intends to keep up its flagship character's momentum.

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