There's no doubt in my mind I love what Nintendo is doing with Mario 3DS. The game is at once nostalgic and original. It's 2D and 3D. It's challenging yet simple. In many ways it finds an incredible balance... except for one.

These levels are short.At first I was a bit baffled. The game is certainly trying to recall a bit of old school goodness. Gone are the days of stars and miniature worlds accessed through paintings. Now it seems we're back to World 2-3, bouncing up stairs to get flags and, of course, a Tanooki suit.One thing I had always forgotten about older Mario games is that they're relatively short. I remember running through some of Super Mario Bros . 3 when I was evaluating the Mario 25th Anniversary set, and I frequently reached the end of a level when I assumed I'd be nearing the halfway point.Here's what's important though - I think the game works better with its short levels. This is a case where swinging to one design extreme works in favor of a game. I realize many of you love deep, complex experiences, but I'm sure there are just as many who need that kind of segmented gameplay to be able to fit it in your lifestyles.When I'm gaming strictly on a casual basis, I don't have much time. I also often reach for my iPhone, because I know it has the kind of games I can polish off quickly. With Mario 3DS, I can run through a level in relatively short order, and feel very rewarded for a minimal time investment. And that's not to say these levels are easy, either. In just the four segments I played, some rather crafty obstacles were thrown in my way.Mario 3DS has captured the era of "iPhone gaming" well. I can clear a stage or crush an airship in the span of a few minutes. It's honestly a bit refreshing to set down an epic like Ocarina of Time 3D and play around in an original 3D world for Mario, no matter how brief it is.Stay tuned to IGN for more on Mario 3DS. We have plenty more to discuss, don't worry.