Super Mario Bros. 2 (Japanese version)

A true sequel to Super Mario Bros.

Released on June 3, 1986, Super Mario Bros. 2 (also known as Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels) for the Famicom Disk System was a direct continuation of the groundbreaking Super Mario Bros. from 1985. Unlike the Western version of Super Mario Bros. 2, which featured a more colourful and unconventional gameplay style, the Japanese Super Mario Bros. 2 stayed true to its roots, offering players more challenging levels, familiar enemies, and the classic Mario gameplay that made the original a worldwide sensation.

A brutal challenge for experienced players

Super Mario Bros. 2 was known for its significantly higher difficulty level. The game featured tighter controls, faster enemies, and tricky level design, making it a true test of skill for those who mastered the original Super Mario Bros.. The added difficulty included dangerous jumps, unexpected poison mushrooms, and precarious platforming sequences that kept players on their toes. It was a hardcore experience aimed squarely at those seeking a more intense Mario adventure.

The hidden gem that nearly didn’t make it

Super Mario Bros. 2 remained a Japan-exclusive title for many years, making it an elusive gem for fans outside of the region. The game wasn’t initially released in the West due to concerns about its extreme difficulty and its similarity to the original Super Mario Bros.. However, it would eventually be made available internationally under the Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels title, preserving its place as a crucial chapter in the Mario series and offering a deeper look into what Mario games could achieve in their early years.

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