Super Mario Bros. 2 - NES Review
The Sequel to the Highly Acclaimed Super Mario Bros.
Considering the success of the first Super Mario Bros., it was only a matter of time before Nintendo released a sequel to the highly praised platformer. While a direct sequel was released in Japan, developers thought the game was too difficult and too similar to the first game.
As a result, Nintendo took the Japanese-exclusive Yume Kojo: Doki Doki Panic, added character sprites from the Mario universe, and released the game as Super Mario Bros. 2 in North America.
The Super Mario Bros. 2 Storyline
Unlike its predecessor and the various sequels that have followed it, Super Mario Bros. 2 does not revolve around Mario saving Princess Peach. Instead, it is up to Mario, Luigi, Toad, and Peach (referred to as simply “Princess” in the game) to save the residents of the dream world know as Subcon from the grasp of the evil Wart, a large anthropomorphic frog.
Gameplay – A Departure from Its Predecessor
The gameplay in Super Mario Bros. 2 is a lot different from that of the first game. Enemies can no longer be defeated by jumping on them, and the Fire Flower power-up is absent from this installment in the series. Instead, vegetables can be plucked from the ground and used as projectiles. Enemies can also be picked up and tossed at other foes.
The platforming gameplay is both horizontal and vertical. Aside from traversing the screen from left to right, players must also reach high destinations and, in some cases, descend down levels. There are also alternate areas known as Subspace. These sections, which can be accessed by dropping a Magic Potion on the ground, allow players to collect gold coins and Mushrooms, but after a few seconds, players are automatically returned to the main stage.
Mario, Luigi, Toad, and Princess Peach are all playable characters, and each one of them handles differently. Mario is a balanced character with normal jumping and plucking attributes. Luigi has the highest jump, but has a lot of traction when running. Toad is the quickest of the four characters and plucks items from the ground faster than anyone else. The Princess has the slowest plucking time compared to the others, but she has the ability to float in mid-air after her initial jump.
Super Mario Bros. 2 has a number of power-ups. The Mushroom returns, and collecting these items increases the player’s life meter, a feature that was new for the series at the time of the game’s release. Hearts, which appear after defeating several enemies, refill the player’s health.
The Starman is also seen in this installment, and it grants the player brief invincibility once again. POW Blocks can be picked up and thrown, in the process eliminating all enemies on the screen. Bombs are also included in this game, and they can be used to defeat enemies and destroy obstacles.
Graphics and Sound in Super Mario 2
The graphics in Super Mario Bros. 2 are a complete overhaul from those in the first game. Overall, the game sees a major visual improvement over its predecessor. The worlds are more colorful and character sprites are more detailed. There is also more attention to detail on both the backgrounds and foregrounds.
While some of the music from the first game is heard throughout this installment (such as the Starman theme and the Overworld theme while in Subspace), there are a number of new tracks. The soundtrack in this game is very inspired, and most of the songs are just as catchy as those found in Super Mario Bros.
Lasting Value
There are seven worlds, six containing three levels, and the last containing two. Stages are lengthier than those found in the previous game, and there are more hidden areas to discover. There is also no time limit this time around, so stages no longer require speedruns. Ultimately, Super Mario Bros. 2 lasts a fair amount of time and once again garners an addictive experience that warrants multiple play-throughs.
Super Mario Bros. 2 – An All-new Adventure
Super Mario Bros. 2 is completely different when compared to the first Super Mario Bros. and, for that matter, most of the follow-ups and spin-offs in the series, and that can be attributed to the fact that it is a completely different game with Mario sprites administered into it. This does not take away from the fun factor and accessibility of the game, though. Super Mario Bros. 2 offers a challenging and unique experience that gamers have been enjoying since 1988.
Score: 8/10
Super Mario Bros. 2 - NES
|
Super Mario Bros. 2 Gameplay
|
What do you think about this article?
More in Technology
Latest Articles