As someone who's never really been outside of the USA, I never really knew about this games existence until I really got into video game history a number of years ago. I'm glad I did though, because there's so much history that makes the hobby all the more enjoyable. But in doing so, you can imagine my surprise after finding out that the "Super Mario Bros 2" we got here was a reskin of "Doki Doki Panic" and that the original sequel that was intended wasn't released globally (which makes sense looking back, since SMB2 is very odd compared to the other Mario games-still one of my favorites). At least, until a couple of decades later; only now being called "Super Mario Bros: The Lost Levels" instead (despite the title screen still showing "Super Mario Bros 2"). But playing it as it is and has always been, is this infamous game really a good sequel?
Not really. That's not to say it's a bad-or even a not good game, because it is, but as a sequel, it really fails at doing anything that much better. Though, to be fair, it also doesn't do much worse either. The gameplay is precise and fun, the music is the same great stuff, the visuals are slightly improved with a couple of added visual details that gives this game the particles of identity it needs, and the levels can be immensely satisfying to complete. Speaking of which, the levels, as many may know, are HARD. While it's not quite Kaizo hard, the level designers really had a field day by making some of the most tough and occasionally baffling level design choices in a 2D platformer, and it's a stark contrast to the level design in the first SMB. Though, that's not to say they're not well thought out and well designed, because they are, but man, I can almost guarantee that you will want to scream if you stick with this until the end.
But aside from that, this game still feels mostly the same as the first one, which is this games biggest problem. It's much less of a sequel but more of a level expansion pack that takes very little steps forward. The music, gameplay, and context behind the game are all 1 to 1 the exact same as the first game; visuals being the only thing KIND OF improved, but even they look basically identical. You or anyone would be forgiven if they saw a screenshot from this game and believed it was from the first game, because they look and feel that much of the same, and anyone expecting any big steps forward here are going to be disappointed.
Though, because of this game's mission of being a very slightly improved, but tougher than nails successor to the first game still being successful, it's no wonder why this game still has an audience. It may not be that good of a sequel, but it's still fun and brutal enough to where it fits in the Mario lineage just fine, and when you mix that with the fact that this game sticks true to what the first game did right, it's understandable why some consider this to be the best 2nd game the iconic plumber had. For me, the one we got in the US is infinitely better and much more enjoyable, but because of how different and odd it is compared to every other Mario game, I can see why some may disagree with me. Overall, I recommend anyone who hasn't played this to at least try it. Who knows? Maybe the added difficulty will strike a chord with you like it has for many others. It may be underwhelming, but it's still satisfying. Just remember to not play this game if you have a bad day beforehand.
