Daan takes a second look at Super Mario 3D Land and the secrets it hides.

WARNING: This article talks about some of the stuff you get after completing the game. If you want nothing to be spoiled, then please don't read this.

Last week, I told you what you could expect from Super Mario 3D Land. My time with the game was very pleasant and quite frankly, I thought I was done with the game when I saw the credits roll. It turned out I was dead wrong. Super Mario 3D Land has also a slew of other features that are worth exploring. That is what we are here to discuss.

Before we do all of that though, let us talk about the StreetPass function for a brief moment. Do you remember the Secret Boxes? In these, you will find micro-challenges in which collecting as many items as possible is the goal. You will able to gather (within 10 seconds) coins, power-ups and even Star Medals. Now with the StreetPass feature, you will be able to earn additional Secret Boxes to use in your copy of the game. Once found through StreetPass, you will be able to access these bonus Secret Boxes right from the map screen in a world where you used up your turn on the original Secret Box.

Super Mario 3D Land expands of the familiar formula of Super Mario Bros. 3 and the Super Mario Galaxy games, and this time is no exception. You might remember the bonus worlds from New Super Mario Bros. Wii and Galaxy 2, but what would you say if you got even more of the gameplay you know and love? Well, that is the case here. After you save the princess, there are eight new unlockable bonus worlds, which can be opened by up one by one through Star Medals. These are almost new full-featured worlds with redux levels, time attacks and sometimes brand new content. A good example is the Propeller level filled with the 8-bit sprites from more than 25 years ago. In the redux level, you will only not see new sprites, but the stage is entirely based around shooting your way through cannons. There is also more enemy fire, with one platform filled with Bullet Bills (sometimes even with Tanooki tails). Star Coins are also harder to grasp, with more precision needed to complete certain objectives and tasks. In another bonus level I experienced, Cosmic Mario made a return. This shadow version of the plumber will follow you all around the stage and when he hits you, you lose your precious power-up.

In comparison to the normal game, these levels become intense and hard as nails. Not that the normal game doesn't become tricky towards the end, but here they are relentless. Finishing them is one thing, but finding all the Star Medals without dying is the true way to completion. Don't worry if you can't finish one though, as you can play these in any order you like and are therefore free to skip levels. I haven’t completed every challenge level just yet, due to the fact that they are this hard. Advanced and veteran players will certainly be entertained and pleased with a game that gives you more for being a completionist.

Next to this meaty content, there is also an opportunity to unlock Mario's younger brother Luigi. As in previous games, he jumps wider and runs faster, but stopping his movements becomes slightly harder. He can be found in the first bonus world, although I can't give you more details on how to find him. Another thing I am not really allowed to talk about much is the Tanooki Statue Mario. Yes, this is conformation that he is in the game and he will be useable in the late parts of your adventure, but beyond this, you will need to find the power-up for yourself.

I want to close out with some final thoughts. Please don't misjudge the variety that Super Mario 3D Land holds as you can expect a lot from Mario's first 3D handheld adventure. I had a blast with this game, and there are just a few issues holding it back. If you are a platforming fan and want something truly unique in your 3DS library, then look out for this game coming to your part of the world this November.