A Thorough Comparison of 2D Mario and 3D Mario | The Evolution of Game Design from Side-Scrolling to Open-World Exploration

The Super Mario series is broadly divided into two categories: "2D Mario" and "3D Mario." The side-scrolling action debuted in 1985 with the original 'Super Mario Bros.' evolved into 3D space with 'Super Mario 64' in 1996. In this article, we will thoroughly compare the differences between 2D Mario and 3D Mario from the perspectives of viewpoint, controls, and game design, and explain their respective charms and how to choose between them. If you're unsure which one to play or want to understand the overall picture of the Mario series, please read to the end.

Fundamental Differences Between 2D Mario and 3D Mario

The most fundamental difference between 2D Mario and 3D Mario lies in the viewpoint and use of space in the game. 2D Mario moves through a flat world viewed from the side, whereas 3D Mario can explore a three-dimensional space freely in all directions. This difference in perspective signifies a fundamental change in game design rather than just an evolution of graphics. The range of player actions, the way the game progresses, and the skills required are all significantly different, providing entirely distinct experiences even within the same Mario series.

Differences in Viewpoint and Controls

2D Mario uses a fixed side perspective camera, and players progress through the game with two-dimensional controls such as moving left and right and jumping. The screen typically scrolls to the right, and the design is intuitive, requiring only simple directional buttons and a jump button to play. On the other hand, 3D Mario features a movable camera and allows for 360-degree movement, requiring players to understand the three-dimensional space including depth while playing. Stick controls necessitate subtle directional adjustments, and switching camera angles becomes an important element. Due to this difference in perspective, while 2D Mario demands precise timing, 3D Mario requires spatial awareness and three-dimensional thinking.

Differences in Game Progression

2D Mario employs a progression method called "course clear type," which involves moving in a linear structure from the starting point to the goal pole. Each stage can be cleared in a few minutes, offering enjoyment in time attacks and searching for hidden elements. In contrast, 3D Mario adopts a "sandbox exploration type" design, allowing players to freely explore vast fields and collect objectives like power stars and shines. Players can tackle tasks in any order they choose, and multiple objectives exist within the same stage, encouraging a revisit system. This difference in progression method is arguably the most critical factor that alters the core of the play experience.

Characteristics and Appeal of 2D Mario

2D Mario has refined the traditional side-scrolling action game style over the series' iterations. Its simple controls and clear game design are loved by a wide range of players, from beginners to advanced gamers. The precise jumping actions, meticulously designed stages, and high addictive quality that makes players want to try again are the greatest appeals of 2D Mario. Its short play sessions allow for easy stopping points, making it convenient to play during commutes or breaks, which is also highly appreciated.

The Appeal of Side-Scrolling Action

The greatest appeal of side-scrolling action lies in its intuitive and easy-to-understand game design. The screen is always fixed from a side view, allowing players to progress through the game with simple controls of moving left and right, and jumping. The arrangement of enemies, the location of pits, and the placement of items are all easily grasped at a glance, enabling even those new to gaming to quickly understand how to play. Additionally, the precision required to control the height and distance of jumps means that a player's skill is directly reflected in the outcomes. Players can feel improvements through repeated play, and there is depth to the game that allows for setting personal goals such as time attacks or no-damage clears to enjoy.

Representative Works of 2D Mario

Since the release of the original 'Super Mario Bros.' in 1985, the 2D Mario series has produced numerous masterpieces. 'Super Mario Bros. 3' and 'Super Mario World' from the Famicom era are still highly regarded as the culmination of side-scrolling action. In 2006, the 'New Super Mario Bros.' series was launched for the DS, bringing 2D Mario back to life with modern graphics. And in 2023, the latest installment 'Super Mario Bros. Wonder' was released, showcasing new possibilities for 2D Mario.

Super Mario Bros. (1985)

The original 'Super Mario Bros.' is a historic masterpiece that established the genre of side-scrolling action games. It consists of eight worlds and 32 stages, perfectly crafting the fundamentals of jump action. All of Mario's basic elements, such as stomping on enemies, breaking blocks, and entering pipes, were born in this title, laying the foundation for future series. The simple yet meticulously calculated stage design retains its timeless fun even after nearly 40 years.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder (2023)

'Super Mario Bros. Wonder' has arrived as a completely new 2D Mario title after about 11 years. Its biggest feature is the new element called the "Wonder Flower," which dramatically changes the stage when touched. The game offers unpredictable surprises, like pipes singing, backgrounds attacking, and Mario transforming into an elephant, providing a rich gaming experience filled with surprises. It has received high praise as an ambitious work packed with innovative ideas while maintaining the comfortable controls of traditional 2D Mario.

Difficulty and Replayability of 2D Mario

2D Mario is characterized by a perfect difficulty setting of "easy to clear, difficult to master." While beginners can clear the main route, there are plenty of advanced elements for expert players, such as discovering hidden goals, collecting all Star Coins, and time attack challenges. Each stage has a time limit set, making the speedy clear times an attractive challenge for experienced players. Additionally, the exploration elements involving finding hidden areas and secret passages lead to new discoveries with every playthrough. The short stage structure creates a high level of addictiveness, making players want to say, "just one more time," which is a major appeal of 2D Mario.

Features and Charm of 3D Mario

3D Mario was born in 1996 with 'Super Mario 64', bringing a revolution to the Mario series. The sandbox-style game design, which allows players to freely explore a three-dimensional space, presents a new form of adventure. The joy of exploring vast fields at one's own pace and finding hidden Power Stars and Shines is a unique experience offered by 3D Mario. A diverse range of actions, puzzles that test creativity, and the joy of discovery in exploration represent the greatest charm of 3D Mario.

The Allure of Sandbox Exploration Game Design

The main attraction of sandbox exploration game design lies in the high degree of freedom given to players. The vast 3D space presents multiple routes, and how to tackle them is up to the player. There is the enjoyment of climbing to high places to get an overview, investigating suspicious spots to find hidden items, and discovering ways to play in one's own style. Even in the same stage, new discoveries await with each visit, and the surprise of finding “I didn’t know this place existed” never fades. The various approaches made possible by players' creativity and the fact that there isn't just one correct way to play are also significant features. The freedom of exploration allows players to strongly feel that they are the protagonists of their own adventures, which is the charm of sandbox exploration design.

Representative Works of 3D Mario

The 3D Mario series began with 'Super Mario 64' and continued to evolve through 'Super Mario Sunshine', 'Super Mario Galaxy', and 'Super Mario Odyssey'. Each work has its own unique game system and world, providing new experiences while maintaining the fundamental concept of sandbox exploration. Innovative ideas have been added with each installment, such as gravity manipulation in 'Galaxy' and the capture system introduced in 'Odyssey'.

Super Mario 64 (1996)

'Super Mario 64' is a monumental work that pioneered 3D action games. The basic structure of exploring 15 worlds centered around Peach’s Castle and collecting 120 Power Stars laid the foundation for future 3D Mario games. Perfectly establishing the basics of 3D gaming, including movement in 3D space, camera work, and jumping action, it influenced many games. Even nearly 30 years after its release, its high level of completion remains unimpaired.

Super Mario Odyssey (2017)

'Super Mario Odyssey' injected new life into 3D Mario with its new system called “capture”. By throwing the hat Cappy to possess enemies and objects, players can control various characters such as Goombas, Bullet Bills, and T-Rexes. The diverse stages set in countries around the world, over 800 Power Moons, and the high degree of freedom in exploration combined to make this a worthy culmination of 3D Mario.

Difficulty and Replayability in 3D Mario

Basic completion of 3D Mario is relatively easy, but collecting all the stars and moons presents a high-difficulty challenge. The high-difficulty stages and challenges that unlock after clearing the main story test 3D action skills to the limit.

Power Stars and Moons can be hidden in hard-to-find places or may only appear under certain conditions, combining the fun of exploration with elements of puzzle-solving. Additionally, there are skill-based challenges such as collecting coins within a time limit or passing through specific routes, allowing for enjoyment tailored to the player's skill level. For dedicated players aiming for complete clearance, 3D Mario offers a deep gaming experience that can be enjoyed for long hours.

Design Philosophy of Course-Clearing Type and Sandbox Exploration Type

The difference between 2D Mario and 3D Mario arises not merely from visual appearance, but from fundamental differences in game design philosophy. The course-clearing type pursues the exhilaration of racing along a singular path to the goal, while the sandbox exploration type emphasizes the joy of adventuring freely in a vast world. Nintendo's development teams have crafted optimal gaming experiences based on each design philosophy. As Shigeru Miyamoto describes, 2D Mario packs deep interest within a simple structure of "moving from left to right," while 3D Mario incorporates a mechanism that draws out player creativity within the freedom of "going anywhere."

Design Philosophy of Course-Clearing Type

The design philosophy of the course-clearing type centers on the sense of achievement from progressing toward a clear goal. The path from the start point to the goal is fundamentally one-directional, requiring players to constantly move forward. This linear progression combined with time pressure creates tension and exhilaration. Each stage is designed to be clearable in a short time, maintaining a delicate balance that encourages players to think, "Let's try again." The ease of immediate retries after failure and the sense of improvement experienced through repeated play contribute to engaging the player. Developers meticulously calculate enemy placement, item locations, and terrain elevation within stages, designing them so players can learn to time jumps and evasions naturally. Nintendo's game design philosophy of "learning without teaching" supports the completion of the course-clearing type.

Design Philosophy of Sandbox Exploration Type

The design philosophy of the sandbox exploration type aims to "draw out the player's curiosity and ingenuity." A vast field is dotted with multiple objectives, and which one to tackle first is up to the player. This non-linear structure allows players to create their own adventure routes. Developers strategically place elements to intrigue players, based on the principle that "everything visible has meaning," including distant tall towers and suspicious caves. There are always ways to reach seemingly inaccessible places, and the sense of achievement upon doing so after trial and error is exceptional. Moreover, the mechanism by which different objectives appear at different times or conditions within the same stage ensures the design does not become tedious upon repeated visits. The freedom to explore at one's own pace and the joy of repeated discoveries support the appeal of the sandbox exploration type.

In Between 2D and 3D: 3D Land / 3D World

As works positioned between 2D Mario and 3D Mario, there are "Super Mario 3D Land" and "Super Mario 3D World."

These games adopt 3D graphics while maintaining a unique position as course-clearing types. Unlike sandbox exploration types that emphasize freedom, they are designed to be easy to enjoy in a short time. This approach, which began with 3D Land developed for portable devices, has also been successful on home consoles. It is a hybrid Mario that balances the ease of play of 2D Mario with the wide range of actions of 3D Mario.

Innovation in being 3D but course-clearing type

The innovation of 3D Land/3D World lies in maintaining the course-clearing structure while adopting 3D space. The appeal of sandbox exploration type 3D Mario was the freedom to explore vast fields, but beginners sometimes struggled to know where to go. 3D Land/3D World set clear goals for each stage, allowing for intuitive progression similar to 2D Mario while enjoying the unique three-dimensional actions that 3D space offers. By fixing or semi-fixing the camera angle, considerations are made to ensure that players who may easily experience motion sickness can play comfortably. The short stage structure allows for quick gameplay during commutes, establishing a new form of 3D Mario.

Attraction of 3D Land/3D World

The greatest charm of 3D Land/3D World is its abundance of stages and diverse ideas. Each stage can be cleared in about 2 to 5 minutes while featuring unique gimmicks and themes. Stages where shadows become tangible, stages with time limits, and stages that compete in speed are packed with innovative designs that prevent boredom. Additionally, 3D World supports simultaneous play for up to four players, adding the fun of cooperation and competition with friends and family. The design allows for different abilities for each character, providing gameplay tailored to player preferences. After clearing the game, a large number of additional high-difficulty stages become available, boasting a volume that satisfies even dedicated players. It can be said that it uniquely fuses the ease of 2D Mario with the wide range of 3D Mario's actions.

Comparison Table of 2D and 3D

The table below compares the main differences between 2D Mario and 3D Mario. If you are unsure which one to choose, please use this table as a reference.

Item	2D Mario	3D Mario	3D Land/3D World
Perspective	Side-scrolling (fixed)	Free perspective (3D)	Fixed/semi-fixed 3D perspective
Controls	D-Pad + Jump	Stick + Diverse Actions	Stick + Jump
Progression Style	Course clear type (linear)	Sandbox exploration type (free exploration)	Course clear type (3D)
Time per Stage	2–5 minutes	10–30 minutes	2–5 minutes
Difficulty	Beginner to intermediate	Intermediate to advanced	Beginner to intermediate
Completion Elements	Time attack, star coins	Collecting all stars/moons	Collecting all stars/stamps
Best suited for	Those who want to play casually, short play sessions	Those who want to explore thoroughly, completionists	Those who want to enjoy the best of both
Representative Works	Super Mario Brothers, Wonder	Mario 64, Odyssey	3D Land, 3D World

As seen in this table, 2D Mario emphasizes easy-to-play action in a short time, while 3D Mario focuses on exploration and depth. 3D Land/3D World serves as a middle ground, offering the charm of 3D while maintaining an approachable gameplay balance.

Which should you choose? Type-specific recommendation guide

Whether to choose 2D Mario or 3D Mario depends on the player's play style and preferences. Here, we recommend Mario series games by type. Check what type suits you best and find the optimal title. Remember, enjoying both can also maximize your experience of the Mario series' charm.

For Beginners and Casual Users

For beginners and casual users not accustomed to games, 2D Mario or 3D Land/3D World are recommended. 2D Mario has intuitive controls, making it easy to understand what to do just by looking at the screen. In particular, 'Super Mario Brothers Wonder,' as the latest release, offers comfortable controls and friendly difficulty adjustments, making it ideal for first-time Mario players. Both 3D Land and 3D World, while possessing the charm of 3D, feature clear course clear progression that allows for smooth gameplay without getting lost.

Both can be cleared in a short time, making it easy to get accustomed to the game, with a low barrier to entry and a design that allows for a sense of achievement.

For Enthusiasts and Explorers

For players who enjoy taking their time and exploring, 3D Mario (sandbox exploration type) is definitely recommended. 'Super Mario Odyssey' hides over 800 Power Moons, requiring over 100 hours of playtime to collect them all. The joy of exploring every corner of the vast fields and discovering hidden secrets is a unique experience exclusive to 3D Mario. 'Super Mario 64' and 'Super Mario Galaxy' also offer rich elements to delve into, along with challenging stages. It’s perfect for those seeking the joy of finding their own routes to completion or mastering advanced techniques.

For Those Who Want Quick Gameplay

For those who want to play quickly during commutes or breaks, 2D Mario or 3D Land/3D World are ideal. Each stage completes in about 2 to 5 minutes, making it easy to find a stopping point, perfect for short breaks. They pair especially well with the handheld mode of the Nintendo Switch, allowing for easy play anytime, anywhere. 'Super Mario Brothers Wonder' and 'Super Mario 3D World' are designed to provide a sense of satisfaction even in shorter stages, with the addictive quality that makes you want to play, 'just one more time' after clearing a stage.

Conclusion: Enjoy Both 2D and 3D

2D Mario and 3D Mario are not in competition for superiority; rather, they each offer a distinct gaming experience with their unique charms. 2D Mario pursues the joy of intuitive controls and precise jumping actions as the culmination of side-scrolling action. In contrast, 3D Mario, through its sandbox exploration design, brings about the joy of freely adventuring in vast worlds and the continuous discoveries that await. 3D Land/3D World has established its own unique approach by fusing the strengths of both.

To truly understand the charm of the Mario series, it is recommended to play both 2D and 3D. After enjoying the exhilaration of side-scrolling action, challenging the exploration of the 3D space will let you experience how diverse the character Mario can make the gaming world. Beginners are advised to start with 2D Mario or 3D Land/3D World and, once accustomed, challenge themselves with the sandbox-style 3D Mario.

Throughout its nearly 40-year history, the Super Mario series has continually innovated while offering consistent enjoyment. Understanding the differences between 2D and 3D Mario is also a valuable experience in knowing the evolution of game design. For those unsure of which to choose, starting with a title that piques their interest is a good approach. If time allows, trying the other type is also recommended. By enjoying both 2D and 3D, one can surely grasp the reasons why the Mario series continues to be loved worldwide.

For those who want to know more about the overall picture and history of the Super Mario series, please check out the article on the history of Super Mario.