| Super Mario Bros. 2 (USA) (aka 'Dream Factory - Doki Doki Panic' in Japan) Introduction Ok, ok, I know this is the English replica of the Japanese game 'Dream Factory - Doki Doki Panic'. Actually the two games bear only minute differences to each other (If you are interested, click here to view Classic Gaming's analysis). Regardless of which, both games are still amazing to behold. Special Features The USA version of the Super Mario Bros 2 retains the beautiful graphics and intriguing gameplay of the original game. Instead of Arabian characters, this game enables you to choose from Mario & company as its playing characters. 'Mario' is the standard character that possesses all the required control and ability to complete the game. You can also play as Mario's brother 'Luigi', who has the ability to jump slightly higher than Mario but has less control to brake his speed on the run. 'Toadstool' is a new character who possesses poorer abilities than Mario and Luigi, but can make an incredible 'leap' upwards by storing its power for a few seconds on the ground. The most unique character of all is the 'Princess', who is lousy in everything but compensates her disabilities by being able to float in the air by flapping her skirts in the wind! One plus point of Super Mario Bros 2 is that it enables 2 players to play the game at the same time! Hence you can cooperate with a friend and enjoy the gaming fun together. How many games in our era has this funtion? The game also has better graphics and character design from the original Mario. Both Mario and Luigi becomes more '3D-like' and more adorable than the '2D flat Mario' of the previous game. The complexity of the game is also marvelous as it incorporates multiple teleporting doorways linked to different sections of the world. Travelling through doorways enable players to reach multiple dimensions and to collect keys or artifacts that can be brought back to clear previous obstacles blocking their way. Apart from the basic controls, now the characters are also empowered with the ability to pick up vegetables, fruits, and even enemies to perform throwing actions at objects and to eliminate approaching foes. With this enhanced option, it effectively injects some element of strategic gameplay. Players can now pick up bombs to clear obstacles or keys to open new doorways. Certain stages cannot be completed with simple actions - they require intelligent planning and completion of a multitude of tasks before the path to advancement can be unlocked. Moreover, some foes and kings are invulnerable unless you cleverly use certain items to thwart its attacks and damage its body. This adds great depth to the gameplay and paves the way for greater improvement in the future Mario legacy. This game is definitely a classic of its time. It is a major enhancement from the original Mario which is too linear in graphics and gameplay. This is probably the game that sets the groundwork for the immortal Super Mario Bros 3 in later years. Rating: 9 (at its time), 8.5 (now) |
| Super Mario Bros. 2 (USA) |
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