Super Mario Bros. 2 (1988)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

Super Mario Bros. 2: The Lost Levels

Super Mario Bros. 2 is a 2D platformer and the sequel to the groundbreaking Super Mario Bros. (1985). It was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1988 and was originally known as Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels in Japan. The game features Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad as they navigate the dream world of Subcon to defeat the evil toad king Wart.

Super Mario Bros. 2 is known for its challenging difficulty, even compared to its predecessor. The levels are more intricate and require more precise platforming skills to complete. Enemies are also more aggressive and appear in greater numbers.

One of the most unique features of Super Mario Bros. 2 is the ability to carry objects. Players can pick up and throw items such as vegetables, pots, and even enemies. This mechanic adds a new layer of strategy to the gameplay and can be used to solve puzzles and defeat enemies.

Another notable feature of Super Mario Bros. 2 is the inclusion of four playable characters: Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad. Each character has their own unique abilities and playstyles. Mario is the all-around balanced character, Luigi can jump higher and float in the air for a short time, Princess Peach can float gently downward, and Toad is the fastest character but has the lowest jump height.

The graphics and music in Super Mario Bros. 2 are also top-notch for the NES era. The visuals are colorful and detailed, and the music is catchy and memorable. The game’s soundtrack is considered to be one of the best in the Mario series.

Overall, Super Mario Bros. 2 is a challenging but rewarding platformer that offers a unique and memorable experience. It is a must-play for any fan of the Mario series or 2D platformers in general.

Gameplay

Super Mario Bros. 2 is a side-scrolling platformer in which the player controls one of four characters: Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, or Toad. The goal of the game is to navigate through a series of levels, defeating enemies and collecting coins. The player can jump, run, and shoot fireballs to defeat enemies.

The game features a variety of different level types, including underwater levels, desert levels, and castle levels. Each level is filled with a variety of enemies, including Goombas, Koopa Troopas, and Shy Guys. The player must use their skills and abilities to overcome the obstacles and reach the end of each level.

At the end of each world, the player must defeat a boss in order to progress. The bosses include Wart, Birdo, and Mouser. Each boss has their own unique attack patterns and weaknesses.

Characters

  • Mario: The all-around balanced character. He has no special abilities, but he is proficient in all areas.
  • Luigi: Can jump higher and float in the air for a short time. He is also thinner than Mario, which allows him to fit into smaller spaces.
  • Princess Peach: Can float gently downward. She is the slowest character, but she has the highest jump height.
  • Toad: The fastest character, but he has the lowest jump height. He can also carry items for a longer period of time than the other characters.

Items

Super Mario Bros. 2 features a variety of items that can be used to help the player progress through the game. These items include:

  • Super Mushroom: Makes the player grow larger and gives them the ability to break blocks.
  • Fire Flower: Gives the player the ability to shoot fireballs.
  • Super Star: Makes the player invincible for a short period of time.
  • 1-Up Mushroom: Gives the player an extra life.
  • Feather: Gives the player the ability to fly.

Levels

Super Mario Bros. 2 features a total of 20 levels, divided into four worlds. Each world has its own unique theme and set of challenges.

  • World 1: Grassland
  • World 2: Desert
  • World 3: Underwater
  • World 4: Castle

Bosses

  • Wart: The main antagonist of the game. He is a giant toad who rules the dream world of Subcon.
  • Birdo: A large, pink dinosaur-like creature who shoots eggs at the player.
  • Mouser: A giant mechanical mouse who chases the player through a maze.

Legacy

Super Mario Bros. 2 is considered to be one of the best platformers ever made. It was a critical and commercial success, selling over 10 million copies worldwide. The game has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, including the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Game Boy Advance, and Nintendo Switch.

Super Mario Bros. 2 has also been the inspiration for several other games in the Mario series, including Super Mario Bros. 3 and Super Mario World. The game’s unique gameplay mechanics and challenging difficulty have made it a favorite among fans of the genre.

Conclusion

Super Mario Bros. 2 is a classic platformer that still holds up today. With its challenging difficulty, unique gameplay mechanics, and memorable characters, it is a must-play for any fan of the genre.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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