Super Mario Bros. 2

Nintendo Entertainment System

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Game Introduction

Super Mario Bros. 2 is a unique and iconic platformer released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Unlike other Mario titles, this game introduced new mechanics such as picking up and throwing enemies, selectable characters with different abilities, and vertical-scrolling stages. Originally based on a different Japanese game (Doki Doki Panic), it was rebranded as a Mario game for international audiences and quickly became a classic in its own right.

Overview

Release Date: 1988 (North America), 1989 (Europe)
Platform: Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
Genre: Platformer
Developer: Nintendo EAD
Publisher: Nintendo
Game Mode: Single Player

Story & Setting

In this dreamlike adventure, Mario has a mysterious vision of a staircase leading to a magical door. On the other side lies the world of Subcon, a land ruled by the evil frog king Wart, who has cast a spell on its inhabitants. Mario, Luigi, Princess Toadstool, and Toad embark on a journey to defeat Wart and free Subcon from his tyranny.

Each level takes place in surreal environments full of odd enemies, such as Shy Guys, Birdo, and Phantos, all of which became part of the larger Mario universe thanks to this game.

New Features in Super Mario Bros. 2

Character Selection: Choose between Mario, Luigi, Toad, and Princess Toadstool — each with unique stats.
Throwing Mechanic: Pick up and throw enemies, vegetables, and objects as your main form of attack.
Vertical Scrolling: Levels feature both horizontal and vertical movement.
No timer: Take your time exploring — there’s no countdown clock.
Health system: Collect hearts to increase your HP and mushrooms to expand your max life.

Gameplay & Controls

The gameplay focuses on strategic platforming and creative problem-solving using pick-up mechanics. Here’s how to control the game using your keyboard on an NES emulator:

🎮 Emulator Controls

Move: Arrow keys (← →)
Jump (A): Z key
Pick Up / Run (B): X key
Start: Enter key
Select: Shift key

💾 Saving & Loading

Save State: Use the emulator’s “Save” function to save your game anytime.
Load State: Use “Load” to resume from a saved point.

Tips & Tricks

👑 Best Characters for Each Stage

Luigi: Highest jump — great for vertical levels.
Princess: Can float briefly — perfect for tricky platforming sections.
Toad: Fastest at picking up items — ideal for boss fights or tight action.
Mario: Balanced and reliable in most stages.

🌱 Secret Mushrooms & Coins

Use potions to create doors to the shadow world where you can find health-boosting mushrooms.
Pick up coins in the shadow world and use them in the slot machine mini-game at the end of each stage for extra lives.

🐸 Defeating Wart (Final Boss)

Wart is vulnerable only when his mouth is open.
Pick up the vegetables launched from the machine and throw them in his mouth quickly before he closes it.
Watch out for bubbles — they’ll push you away and reset your timing.

🎲 Bonus Slot Tips

Try to match 3 of the same symbol for 1-UPs.
The slot game is luck-based, but having more coins increases your chance of gaining extra lives.

Legacy & Reviews

Super Mario Bros. 2 may have started as a reskin of another game, but it has firmly earned its place in Mario history. Its unique gameplay, new characters, and imaginative design brought a fresh perspective to the franchise.

Introduced iconic characters like Shy Guys, Birdo, and Bob-ombs.
Celebrated for its bold gameplay changes and dreamlike visuals.
Frequently included in retro collections and remakes, such as Super Mario All-Stars.

Whether you're playing it for the first time or reliving childhood memories, Super Mario Bros. 2 remains a magical and quirky adventure worth exploring.