Crush 3D is the first demo released on the 3DS in North America that was a mystery to me. I've been intrigued by the game, but I could never fully grasp the concept.

After checking out the demo, which came out yesterday and allows you to play it 30 times before self-destructing, I'm totally sold on the premise of Crush 3D, and I think it might be a great under-the-radar puzzle platformer. I urge you, if you haven't already, to check out the demo (available in North America and Europe), as my explanation probably won't do it justice.

You control Danny, who was tricked by a malevolent Doc Brown-esque character into using the C.R.U.S.H. machine that takes into his own mind. So now he has to collect his marbles throughout a variety of short and challenging puzzles.

Danny in the 3D world

The main mechanic that makes Crush 3D stand out is the idea that you can change the camera angle and then flatten or "crush" the world from a 3D world to a 2D one. It's sort of like the idea of Super Paper Mario, but more fully realized. You use this function to move around the level, collect the necessary marbles and optional items, and then proceed to the exit. The extra items unlock new outfits and challenge levels.

Danny in the 2D world

The controls use the Circle Pad to move Danny, and the D-pad to change the camera. A press of the L button crushes the world, and if you hold the R button, you can move the camera around the level to get a better view of things. It's not a complex game by any means.

Crush 3D seems like it will get pretty tough, though. I had some trouble with the final puzzle of the demo, but fortunately there is an easy-to-use hint system that subtracts from your score on the level, but can be very helpful. The final game has 40 regular levels and 40 challenge levels in total.

Crush 3D is already out in Europe, and comes out in North America on March 6.