Super Mario Bros. 2 - NES Review

 Super Mario Bros. 2

Nintendo - 1988
Side Scrolling Platformer

Super Mario Bros. 2, released in 1988 by Nintendo for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), was a game that represented a significant departure from the original Super Mario Bros. game. It was released to critical acclaim, becoming one of the defining games of the NES era.

One of the most striking features of Super Mario Bros. 2 was its graphics and visuals, which were a significant upgrade from the original game. The game featured new enemies, varied backgrounds, and imaginative level designs that perfectly complemented the game's shifting gameplay mechanics. The game's visuals showed Nintendo's prowess in the gaming industry, and it proved that they were industry leaders in creating innovative and visually appealing games.

Gameplay-wise, Super Mario Bros. 2 was a significant departure from the first game. Players could now choose between four characters to play, including Mario, Luigi, Toad, and Princess Peach, each with unique abilities, adding an extra dimension of depth to the game. The game's main mechanic, where players had to uproot vegetables and throw them at enemies, was also new, requiring a different set of skills from the original game.

Super Mario Bros. 2 also boasted an impressive soundtrack that is still iconic to this day. The game's audio was impressive, with catchy, memorable tunes that perfectly complemented the game's visuals and gameplay.

However, some critics did have reservations about the game. While some praised the game's difficulty, others criticized it for being too easy, which may have put off hardcore gamers. Additionally, for some, the game's unconventional gameplay and lack of continuity with the previous Mario title was an issue.

In conclusion, Super Mario Bros. 2 is a classic video game that showcases Nintendo's ability to innovate and create new gameplay mechanics. With its engaging gameplay, memorable characters, and impressive graphics, it remains an iconic game of its time and is still enjoyed by many retro gamers today. Despite its minor flaws, it remains a game that helped shape the video game industry and continue to inspire future game developers.