Super Mario 3D World Guide How to Play
Our Four Heroes
Under attack from Bowser, all of the Mushroom Kingdom’s heroes stand present and accounted for! Each of these characters bring differing strengths and weaknesses to the table in their quest to liberate the Sprixies and their territory. Super Mario 3D World becomes a different game with each character you play, so it’s worth trying them all.
Mario
Mario is the star of our show, and he’s been at this world-saving thing for years now. When it comes to jumping and thwarting evil, the Mushroom Kingdom has none better nor with more experience.
Mario is the all-arounder of the team. His movement speed, traction, and jump height are all to normal specifications—that is, everyone else covered in this section is a variation of him. If you want to get the best feel for how Super Mario 3D World is natively played, then good old Mario’s here for you, just like always.
Luigi
Mario’s plucky brother is back for another go, bringing his high-jumping powers along to help. When jumping, he gets the highest air of these heroes, and while he’s no Peach, his jumps do have a little bit of hang time as well.
If you want to have an easier time with your jumps or just want to celebrate the Year of Luigi (and really, why wouldn’t you want to?) then the green bro is ready and willing.
Toad
The loyal royal retainer of the Mushroom Kingdom once more accompanies the Mario Brothers on their adventures. This time, though, he’s no mere copy of the Bros., but a major player in his own right.
Toad is the fastest of all playable characters. Where other characters might have to jump over obstacles and enemies, Toad has the leg power to move around them at a moment’s notice and get to the Goal Pole quick as lightning. His trade-off is that he has the lowest jump height and hang time of the four by a hair’s breadth. If you like your Super Mario 3D World with a little bit of extra adrenaline, then consider picking Toad. Just make sure to buckle in first.
Princess Peach
We’re sorry, Bowser, but our Princess is out of her castle!
Peach has the slowest movement speed and momentum of our troupe, but she more than makes up for it with her ability to float for roughly two game seconds, giving her unparalleled aerial mobility. The possibilities are endless.
Carry friends over gaps, combine her flight with the climbing powers of the Cat Power-Up, add levitation to high jumps, or rule the skies as Tanooki Peach. If you’re looking to explore stages or avoid traps with ease and finesse, this Princess is a powerhouse.