To owners of the Nintendo 3DS: your investment has paid off. Super Mario 3D Land is the first truly original first-party game for the 3DS, and it is pure fun. Nostalgic fans and new gamers alike will warm up to this game’s simple premise and engaging design.

Anybody who has played a Mario game will know the drill: you’re dropped at the beginning of a course and must use Mario’s running and jumping abilities to reach the flag goal at the end, while dealing with obstacles, pitfalls and colorful enemies at each turn. Although Mario runs around in 3D, the stage designs are closer to those of the old-school NES titles, especially Super Mario Bros. 3. This way you’re rarely at a loss for what to do or where to go and the game maintains a brisk pace.

The 3D feature of the 3DS is used in a unique way; certain jumping puzzles will look different in 3D than they do in two dimensions. If you can’t see the 3D, the puzzles provide you with a way to see everything in a new perspective anyway. It’s just enough to show what 3D can do for a video game, but not forcing itself in the least.

At first, this game may come off as too brief and too easy. Levels are noticeably short and actually getting to the goal is no big feat. Though short, the levels are just full of alcoves to find and some new little challenge to chase. At any point, you may find something new to chase and come out with a power-up for extra life for the effort.

The fun of this game comes not from the challenge to reach the end credits, but the challenge to explore and find all the goodies. In fact, playing in style is encouraged.  The iconic Tanooki suit power-up returns and its ability to glide makes it a show-stealer from Mario’s other forms.

Overall, It’s a Mario game that maintains the Mario quality. The game is easy to pick and play, the music is memorable, and there’s a whole second quest to add play time. If you’re looking for something to relax to amid finals or need a gift idea for the upcoming holidays, you can do no wrong with this title.