Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins builds upon the tight platforming that made its predecessor a handheld classic, introducing larger levels, new mechanics, and a bounty of inventive power-ups. The controls remain crisp and responsive, ensuring that Mario’s jumps and dashes feel precise even on the Game Boy’s limited D-pad. Players will quickly adapt to the addition of the new “Carrot” power-up, which transforms Mario into Bunny Mario and grants him the ability to float, opening up vertical exploration and secret path discovery.

(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 👍)

The level design is impressively varied, ranging from sprawling outdoor areas to claustrophobic caves and even gravity-flipping stages. Each world is themed around a distinct environment—such as Space Zone or Pumpkin Zone—bringing unique hazards and enemy placements that keep progression fresh. Collecting the six golden coins requires both skill and curiosity, as some are hidden in cleverly concealed alcoves or tucked behind challenging mini-puzzles.

Boss encounters escalate appropriately in difficulty, culminating in a one-on-one showdown with Wario himself. Wario’s lair is filled with trapdoors and rotating platforms, demanding flawless execution of jumps, timing, and power-up management. The game strikes an excellent balance between accessibility for newcomers and tougher secret areas that reward experienced players willing to push their platforming prowess.

Graphics

Though constrained by the Game Boy’s monochrome palette, Super Mario Land 2 pushes the system to its limits with finely detailed sprites and richly textured backgrounds. Each zone features distinct visual motifs—haunted mansions, futuristic cities, and even underwater ruins—that feel strikingly different despite the lack of color. Subtle shading techniques give a sense of depth, making foreground platforms stand out against layered backdrops.

The sprite animations are smooth and expressive, bringing Mario’s new transformations to life. Bunny Mario’s ears twitch as he hops, while the Car suit gives him a distinct aerodynamic posture mid-flight. Enemies receive the same treatment, with imaginative designs that range from robot crabs to bouncing skulls. Even minor foes have personality, making every encounter a chance to appreciate the art direction.

When played on a Super Game Boy adapter, the game gains a tasteful color palette that highlights each zone’s theme—lush greens in the Garden Zone, fiery reds in the Fire Zone, and muted purples in the Space Zone. This enhancement underscores how well the original art translates to color, making replays on a modern handheld or emulator a treat for the eyes.

Story

In a departure from the simple “rescue the princess” setup, Super Mario Land 2 introduces a mischievous rival—Wario—who seizes Mario’s castle while he’s off adventuring. Armed with six golden coins, Wario erects barriers around the castle grounds, forcing Mario to journey through six distinct zones to reclaim his home. This fresh premise adds a layer of personal motivation to Mario’s quest, turning the narrative into a reclamation of pride as much as castle turf.

Each world is presented as part of Wario’s twisted redesign of Mario’s domain, with environmental gags and hidden jokes that hint at Wario’s greed and braggadocio. NPC cameos appear in signposts and cutscene screens, offering tongue-in-cheek commentary on Mario’s predicament. Though brief, these interludes inject humor and character into an otherwise straightforward platforming romp.

The final confrontation with Wario provides satisfying closure, combining the series’ trademark whimsy with a proper boss fight that tests all the skills learned throughout the adventure. The story may be light compared to modern narratives, but its blend of humor, personality, and a concrete goal keeps players engaged from start to finish.

Overall Experience

Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins remains one of the Game Boy’s finest platformers, offering a perfect blend of challenge, charm, and innovation. Its level variety and clever power-ups encourage exploration, while hidden secrets and optional paths provide ample replay value for completionists. Even decades after its release, the game’s design philosophies still resonate in contemporary Mario titles.

The audio complements the visuals beautifully, featuring catchy melodies that adapt to each zone’s mood—from the jaunty Garden Zone theme to the tense, echoing tones of the Space Zone. Sound effects are crisp and satisfying, with every jump and enemy defeat punctuated by familiar Mario jingles that reinforce the series’ identity.

For fans of classic handheld gaming or newcomers curious about Mario’s portable origins, Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins offers a timeless adventure. Its inventive level design, memorable power-ups, and the introduction of Wario as a foil make it a standout title in Nintendo’s storied catalog. Picking up this cartridge (or digital download) means discovering—or rediscovering—a gem that defined platforming excellence on the go.

Retro Replay Score

8.3/10