Mario and Mario Kart go 3D

Mario stars exclusively in two new Nintendo 3DS games when Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7 launch across South Africa on 18 November and 2 December respectively.

Super Mario 3D Land, features a mix of classic and brand new Mario gameplay. Princess Peach is in trouble once again: Bowser has kidnapped her and there is only one man who can save the day.

Super Mario 3D Land mixes traditional elements of side-scrolling Mario titles like Super Mario Bros 3 and New Super Mario Bros with newer 3D platforming action as seen in 3D Mario titles such as Super Mario Galaxy Super Mario 3D Land offers game play that every Mario player can easily get into as well as challenges for the biggest Mario experts. Can you make it to the Goal Pole in one piece?

Get ready to master a mixture of new and classic abilities on your quest through the Mushroom Kingdom, as the fan-favourite Tanooki Suit returns in Super Mario 3D Land. By collecting a brown Super Leaf, Mario slips into his cute and furry Tanooki Suit giving him the ability to glide in mid air as well as perform a tail attack. You will also have fun mastering the many other abilities from the Propeller Box which makes Mario fly high in the air and the Fire Flower that allows Mario to throw fireballs at enemies.

Look out for special binoculars placed in certain stages and use them to shift perspective to first person, controlled by motion control, you can scout ahead in stages to spot enemies, obstacles and hidden options.

Mario Kart 7 is the latest instalment in the fan-favourite Mario Kart franchise and brings exciting 3D kart action to the palm of your hand. Drivers can explore all new competitive kart possibilities, on big jumps your kart will deploy a Glider to let you fly over the track, or speed over sea floor as you race underwater. Mastering these abilities will allow you to find shortcuts and beat your opponents to the finish line.

Classic items return and some new power-ups appear for the first time in Mario Kart 7. Fans of the Tanooki power-up will be glad to hear that the Super Leaf makes an appearance in this latest instalment giving you both offensive and defensive abilities. Use your Tanooki tail to both protect you from incoming shells and to whip opponents off the track.

Show off your style by customising your vehicle to give you a competitive advantage on the track. For example, some tyres will help you to drive off-road when the course gets rough while other tyres help you on the smoother city circuits.

All the classic Mushroom Kingdom characters return along with some new characters like Metal Mario and Lakitu, but if you would like to jump into the fun, then why not race as your Mii character? Challenge your friends in local wireless matches or online over a wireless internet connection while you try to master the new courses. Share Ghost Data with people you encounter via StreetPass and register those you meet to challenge them online. You can also download Ghost Data from across the world via SpotPass to test your global karting skills.

There is a course suited to every driving style, from wild rides over a mountain road to city streets and dusty deserts. Fans might recognise new courses on Wuhu Island and in the jungles from Donkey Kong Country Returns.

As an extra treat for Mario fans, if you pre-order a copy of Super Mario 3D Land or Mario Kart 7 you will receive a Nintendo Super Mario 3D Land Mug and an exclusive Nintendo 3DS pouch with either the Super Mario 3D Land or Mario Kart 7 design. To claim your pre-order pouch and mug look out for communication online and in store at selected retailers.

Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7 will be available exclusively for Nintendo 3DS across South Africa from 18th November and 2nd December respectively. Both games are available at all major retailers for a recommended retail price of R499 each.

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