Hot take: Super Mario 3D World should have been titled Super Mario Bros. 5.

This is something Ive been thinking about for a few years now, but watching Dunkeys recent video on the game helped me solidify some of my thoughts.

When 3D World came out on Wii U, it was a strange game, because, while it is a 3D Mario, its nothing like 64, Sunshine, or Galaxy. It doesnt really fit in, so youre left with a lot of unmet expectations about what the game shouldve been. 3D World has an ill-defined identity within the Mario franchise, and I think this is where a lot of peoples problems with the game stem from.

And speaking of unmet expectations, I need to mention the New Super Mario Bros. series. These games were intended as a continuation of the original Super Mario games, and they did a decent job. However, theyve also become synonymous with creative stagnation and derivativeness. They do exactly what the old games did while adding very little to the formula, leaving these titles feeling outdated and tiresome. Many fans are still waiting for the revival of traditional Mario games, but what if they already have it?

Id argue that 3D World is a direct continuation of classic Mario and its design philosophy. The classic games followed the simple formula of putting the player through a series of obstacle courses (or levels) that tested their platforming abilities. These levels were usually selected on a world map that you progressed through on the way to a boss. Each level was self-contained, linear (with the exception of optional collectibles), and featured a fixed cameraall in order to highlight a specific game mechanic that would be explored in increasingly creative and challenging ways. Because the focus was on the levels, there was little need of a complex story or detailed world outside of them.

And thats exactly what 3D World isonly it takes things a step further, adding a (literal) new dimension to the gameplay. It separates itself from other 3D Marios by following in the footsteps of classic 2D Mario. When you look at 3D World from this perspective, a lot of its design decisions make a whole lot more sense. This game is everything New Super Mario should have been and its a shame that it doesnt get the recognition it deserves in the franchise. Whereas New Super Mario fails to innovate on every possible level, 3D World is brimming with new exciting ideas. Its one shortcoming is its title.

Had 3D World been titled Mario 5, the game wouldve had far more significance. Mario 5 is a sequel that many have been awaiting for decades. Itd be like releasing Half-Life 3. Suddenly, this wouldnt be an oddball 3D Mario with a confusing identity, but a mainline classic Marioa series of games running parallel to the 3D Mario. Just when the classic Mario formula seemed to have been bled dry by New Super Mario and Mario Maker, Mario 5 would have come out and breathed new life into it. Imagine the hype this game wouldve generated upon release and the lasting conversations it would have left. Maybe Wii U wasnt the only name-change that wouldve saved that console.

But instead, were left with Super Mario 3D World. A fine game, but it fails to leave a lasting mark on the Mario franchise. At least, not in the same way as masterpieces like 64, Sunshine, and Galaxy. It will be remembered, but it could have been much more. As it seems unlikely that we will see Nintendo continue making titles in the vein of 3D World, this game will continue to be nothing more than a curiosity on an endless list of Mario spinoffs, rather than a worthy successor to classic Mario.

Alternatively, this game couldve also been titled Mario Becomes a Furry and Takes Out a High Interest Loan to Pay for His $25,000 Fursuit. That would have been just as good as Super Mario 3D World.

And no, Yoshis Island was NOT Mario 5. (The exact number has nothing to do with the point Im trying to make.)



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https://www.deviantart.com/cardbordtoaster/art/Super-Mario-Bros-5-870085955