Super Mario Bros. 2

I don't know why Nintendo didn't release this follow up to Super Mario Brothers in the U.S. like they did in Japan. All I know is that it's way better than the sequel we got in the states (the one where you are in Sub Con). The game basically has the same format like Super Mario Brothers, except the levels are much more challenging, and there are 5 additional worlds. I managed to play this on the breakthrough SNES game "Super Mario All Stars", and I enjoyed it too.

This is the true sequel to Super Mario Brothers, and it deserves a perfect 10!

I don't understand why people love or defend this game. There's nothing special about it. It's essentially a harder, less enjoyable version of "Super Mario Bros. (1985)".

I completed the game in just two and a half hours. While it's difficult, it's mostly frustrating because many parts feel more dependent on luck than on skill or knowledge-unlike "Super Mario Bros. (1985)" and The map design is poor and significantly worse than "Super Mario Bros. (1985)". Worst of all, there's no sense of satisfaction after beating a level or finishing the game, which is rare for challenging games.

I'm not sure who the target audience is for this game. Some say this should have been released instead of "Super Mario Bros. 2 (1988)", but who do they think plays Mario games? Mostly kids and people who want to unwind after a long day. Imagine trying to relax and have fun with this game after school or work-it just doesn't fit.

I can't believe they're selling this game at full price. While some criticize "Super Mario Bros. 2 (1988)" for being an altered version of "Yume Kojo: Doki Doki Panic (1987"), at least it has original features, new gameplay mechanics, and four different playable characters. Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels feels like nothing more than a harder expansion of the original without much innovation.

Overall, I mean no disrespect to those who enjoy it, but I prefer "Super Mario Bros. 2 (1988)" or even "Super Mario Bros. (1985)" over Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels. It's hard to even tell whether this should be considered a DLC, an expansion pack, or a full game.

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.

Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels isn't for the faint of heart. Originally released in Japan as Super Mario Bros. 2, it was deemed too difficult for Western audiences-and honestly, that label wasn't wrong. This game isn't just hard; it's borderline unforgiving. But for the right kind of player, that's exactly what makes it so fascinating.

Chapter 1: Familiar, But Meaner

At first glance, it looks like a slightly remixed version of the original Super Mario Bros. The visuals and sound are nearly identical, but the gameplay is where things take a sharp left turn. Jumps are tighter, enemies are placed more deviously, and even the power-ups can betray you (looking at you, poison mushroom). It's a sequel that seems designed not to welcome you in-but to push you back out.

The level design often feels like a gauntlet of traps, requiring pixel-perfect timing, memorization, and sometimes, pure trial-and-error. It's more about endurance than exploration.

Chapter 2: A Test of Skill and Patience

There's no doubt that The Lost Levels was made for hardcore fans of the original. It demands precision and punishes recklessness. For players who love a steep challenge and don't mind repeating the same section over and over just to master it, this is pure heaven. For everyone else, it can feel more frustrating than fun.

The introduction of Luigi as a playable character-with higher jumps but slipperier control-is a nice touch, adding some gameplay variety and difficulty options (though both are tough in their own ways).

Final Thoughts

This isn't a warm, welcoming platformer. It's a "you think you're good at Mario? Prove it" kind of game. And while that makes it divisive, it also makes it uniquely compelling in its own right. Not essential for casual fans, but for those who crave old-school challenge, The Lost Levels earns its reputation.

7/10 - A ruthless but rewarding sequel that doubles down on difficulty. Fun, if you're up for the fight.

This game is similar to the original Super Mario Bros. People remove points for that, but I won't. The reason why I rated it one star below the original is because they made the difficulty a bit too high. And do I need to mention I'm not good at video games? I think I do. Other than that, it's great.