Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Super Mario Bros. 2 refines the classic formula of side-scrolling platforming by letting players choose between Mario and Luigi from the very start. Mario’s precise ground control makes him an ideal pick for lovers of tight, technical jumps, while Luigi’s higher, floatier jump trajectory opens up strategic room for aerial encounters and hard-to-reach bonuses. This decision creates immediate replay value, as each character’s quirks fundamentally change how players approach obstacles and enemy encounters.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

Power-ups from the original game—Super Mushrooms, Fire Flowers and Starmen—make a triumphant return, delivering that familiar rush of empowerment. The newly introduced Poison Mushroom adds a subtle layer of risk and caution, forcing players to calibrate their grab timings. Instead of rushing headlong for every floating item, you’ll find yourself hesitating at every corner, balancing greed for power-ups against the possibility of instant harm.

The level structure remains faithful to the first Super Mario Bros., with 8 worlds composed of 4 levels each. Warp zones return, but this time some of these secret shortcuts can even send you backward, introducing both surprise and frustration. From piranha plants that snap at you from pipes to bloobers stalking you on dry land, every new hazard keeps your reflexes on high alert. Gusts of wind occasionally buffeting your jumps only deepen the layers of challenge, ensuring every flagpole feels like a hard-earned victory.

Graphics

Graphically, Super Mario Bros. 2 feels like a direct heir to its predecessor. Familiar palette choices and tile sets reappear, but clever recoloring and subtle design tweaks make each world stand apart. Green hills, orange blockwork and sky-blue backdrops harken back to the original, while unique textures for desert, ice and fortress stages imbue each world with its own personality.

Character sprites retain that chunky, expressive charm we’ve come to expect: Mario’s mustache quivers when he pauses, Luigi’s standstill pose emphasizes his lanky frame, and each enemy—whether a Goomba or a Shy Guy—has its own distinct movement cycle. Though hardware limitations linger, frame-rate dips are rare and animation remains smooth, ensuring that every leap and stomp feels satisfying.

Special effects like the Starman’s flashing aura and the fireball’s glowing trail still pop off the 8-bit screen. Even the darker palette used in the underground and fortress levels achieves a moody atmosphere without sacrificing clarity. While some graphics are clearly recycled from the first game, Nintendo’s art team breathes new life into them with color swaps and minor environmental flourishes, making Super Mario Bros. 2 visually cohesive and classically appealing.

Story

The narrative of Super Mario Bros. 2 is delightfully simple: Princess Toadstool has been kidnapped by King Koopa once more, and our heroic brothers must race across varied realms to rescue her. There are no dramatic plot twists or deep character arcs here, only the timeless appeal of “save the princess” driving every jump and stomp.

Subtextually, the shift in level hazards and the choice between Mario and Luigi subtly enrich the story. Players are not just retreading Bowser’s territory but engaging in a tailored adventure: Mario’s quest feels more grounded and precise, while Luigi’s feels like a high-flying fairy tale. This mild narrative branching keeps the core rescue mission fresh, even if the overarching plot stays light.

Interludes between worlds are brief but impactful: a simple map screen marks your progress and hints at new environments to conquer. There’s comfort in the game’s straightforward goals, but also excitement in discovering warp zones and secret pathways. By the time you face that final showdown, the story’s brevity feels appropriate—here is a classic hero’s journey distilled to its essence, unencumbered by extravagance.

Overall Experience

Super Mario Bros. 2 offers a near-perfect balance of familiarity and innovation for fans of retro platformers. Its blend of recycled assets and new gameplay mechanics creates a sense of both nostalgia and discovery. The choice between Mario and Luigi alone is enough to compel multiple playthroughs, while warp zones and hidden shortcuts reward careful exploration.

Difficulty is well tuned: early levels serve as a smooth warm-up, but the game’s later worlds demand precise timing, creative use of power-ups and mastery of each character’s strengths. Casual players will find enough safety nets with extra lives and power-ups, while veterans can chase 1-Up mushrooms and secret exits for that ultimate challenge.

Whether you’re picking up Super Mario Bros. 2 for the first time or revisiting it as a cherished classic, the overall experience remains as engaging today as it was decades ago. For retro enthusiasts, platforming newcomers or collectors of gaming history, this sequel stands as a shining example of how small tweaks and smart design can reinvigorate a beloved formula.

Retro Replay Score

7.5/10