Super Mario Bros. 2 Overview
Super Mario Bros. 2: A Dream-Filled Detour on the NES
Super Mario Bros. 2 on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is one of the most unusual entries in the series. The version released in the West is completely different from the original Japanese sequel. Instead, Nintendo adapted another game, Yume Kōjō: Dokidoki Panic, and reworked it with Mario characters. The result was a sequel that felt fresh at the time and quietly introduced mechanics that would later become series staples.
The Story: Welcome to Subcon
The adventure starts with a strange dream. Mario finds himself opening a mysterious door that leads to a bizarre world unlike anything he faced before. The next day, while out on a picnic, Mario, Luigi, Toad, and the Princess discover a hidden cave. Inside is the very same world from the dream.
This land is called Subcon, a dream realm now under the control of the villainous frog king, Wart. To restore peace, the group must travel across this odd landscape, deal with its many dangers, and confront Wart in his own domain.
Gameplay and Features
At the start of each stage, players choose one of four characters. Each handles differently, which adds a surprising amount of strategy to the game:
- Mario: Well-rounded and easy to control, making him a safe default choice.
- Luigi: Jumps higher than anyone else, though his movement feels a bit floaty.
- Toad: Fast and strong when lifting objects, but weaker in the air.
- The Princess: Can hover briefly, which helps with tricky platforming.
Across seven worlds, players face a mix of platforming, light puzzles, and boss encounters. Unlike the first Super Mario Bros., defeating enemies usually means pulling vegetables from the ground or picking up objects and throwing them. This change gives the game its own identity.
Several useful items appear throughout the journey:
- Magic Potions: Open doors to a shadow version of the stage where bonus coins and health upgrades can be found.
- Bombs: Blow open blocked paths and reveal hidden areas.
- Invincible Stars: Provide brief protection while you rush through enemies.
After each level, collected coins can be spent in a slot machine bonus game. A bit of luck here can earn extra lives, which become very helpful in the later worlds.
