games, as opposed to Power Stars or Shine Sprites, as the level goals. All levels have a time limit and even feature Goal Poles, a staple of the original Super Mario Bros. The levels of Super Mario 3D Land are much more linear and compact than the other 3D titles, more along the lines of the side-scrolling games. At last, Mario and the three Toads find Princess Peach and, using their Tanooki powers, bring Peach back to her castle. After being chased through various obstacles, Mario manages to press a switch making the bridge under Bowser collapse, sending Bowser into a pool of lava.
Mario eventually finds Bowser's lair, but before they can battle, the floor beneath them breaks and they fall. Mario travels through World 8 and defeats Bowser, only to be tricked by a fake Peach sign, as Bowser escapes with the real Peach. Inspired by Mario's courage, Peach ultimately attempts to escape from Bowser and his army, but she is soon recaptured. Throughout his adventure, Mario receives more letters about Peach's predicament and about various stages of Bowser's Super Leaf-related plan. The message shocks the three Toads and Mario, and immediately, Mario and the three Toads run to save the Princess. Mario grabs and opens the letter, and a picture of Bowser holding Princess Peach captive with Super Leaves flying in the background pops out. However, the yellow Toad notices a hovering letter near the tree, and the group of four goes to investigate. Later on, when Mario and three Toads (red, yellow, and blue) check the Tail Tree, they discover that the Super Leaves are gone. One night, a huge storm blows all of the leaves off, as Bowser laughs in the background. All of the Mushroom Kingdom is familiar with the tree. Outside Peach's Castle stands the Tail Tree, a stripe-tailed tree with Super Leaves on its branches.