Throughout the progression of Analogg, we'll be doing a Top 10 every month or so. In honor of Galaxy 2's soon-to-be arrival, we'll be doing a Mario Top 10 this month, and luckily I'll be the one doing it! So let's get started with number 10:
10. Super Mario Bros. 2
I'm sure a lot of people have neglected to play this game, and thus have yet to discover what a gem it truly is. While it may not have been as revolutionary or brilliant as it's prequel or sequel, this game was cute, creative, and all-around fun. Now, it was a little outside of Mario's usual hemisphere; it was actually a redesign of a Japanese game called Doki Doki Panic. Does that make this game any less great? Of course not.
The level designs are intuitive and fun, with a lot of hidden potions and doors that you can find. This game also gave you the ability to ride on top of enemies before picking them up and throwing them. But enemies weren't the only thing you could throw; vegetables were also in the ground and served as excellent weapons against enemies. This game is also famous for another two things: the introduction of Birdo and the playable appearances of Peach and even Toad. As you know, Birdo is the famous dino counterpart to Yoshi, however it's sexual orientation and preference remains a mystery even to this day. In SMB2, you were able to jump on top and grab a hold of her eggs and then throw them back at "her" in order to deal damage.
In this game, not only could you play as the famous Mario Brothers pair of Mario and Luigi, but you could also play as Peach and Toad as well. Each character had different abilities that made them different to play as, such as different health or jump height. Peach could also float around for temporary periods of times, an ability seen again in Super Smash Bros. Melee. This game has a lot of references in future games, in fact. Another one of Peach's moves in Melee, and later Brawl, is her down special, which allows her to pull out a turnip: the vegetable you could throw around in Super Mario Bros. 2. Perhaps the greatest token to the success of this game is it's ability to still influence games of this era.
Another interesting thing about Super Mario Bros. 2 is that Bowser actually wasn't the main villain this time around. In fact, the villain was a fat and lovable crocodile named Wart, who hasn't appeared since the ending of Super Mario Bros. 2. However, fans of this game have been petitioning for a long time to get this villain back in the spotlight again, as he was funny, interesting, and an all-around great villain; one who hasn't been recognized enough. In fact, the entire game often goes unrecognized.
You should change that one of these days, Nintendo.
-Taylor
