The Super Mario Bros are games that don’t need any introduction. These games dominated the NES or Famicom (depending on what was available to you). However, did you know that the second game, Super Mario 2, was different in Japan and in the US?
What was the original Super Mario Bros 2?
The original was its own game, but it used the same graphics, style, and music from the first game. It basically is just like the first game, but with whole new levels and worlds. The first game had 8, but in the second one, it had 10 worlds with multiple levels. You could say that this version is just straight up a continuation of the first game. This copy was mostly distributed only in Japan and other Asian countries. If you got hold of them back in the 80s and early 90s, then you were blessed.
What was the Super Marios Bros 2 version for the US?
In the US version (or for the West), the game was entirely different. It had different graphics, new music, and new playable characters. You could play as Mario, Luigi, Peach, or Toad. That was something that even the first game didn’t have: multiple characters to play as. It also has seven worlds and a total of 20 levels to complete. It was entirely different, but the game was a reskin of another game.
What is Doki Doki Panic?
Doki Doki Panic is a game that was also created by Nintendo. It uses the Mario elements but has an entirely different style. It has its own story and gimmick that is very far from the Mario style, and this was what they did to make Super Mario Bros 2, for the US at least.
Why did they have to change the game?
The reason was that the original Super Mario Bros 2 was a bit too difficult. The developers and Nintendo at the time believed that if the game was too hard, it might turn away other people. This could ruin the brand of Mario. That’s why they applied a new coat and looked at Doki Doki Panic using Mario characters.
Suffice to say, it worked like a charm. The kids loved the new Super Mario Bros 2, along with the new worlds and mechanics that came with it. It was really smart with what they did, and when they eventually released Super Mario Bros 3, it was going to lead Nintendo to more success.
The Super Mario Bros Lost Levels
After the release of Super Mario Bros 2 in the US, the original (Japanese version) of the game was also released. It was dubbed Super Mario Bros the Lost Levels. They named it like that because it looked and felt like the first game. By adding Lost Levels to the title, older players would treat it as an extension. Regardless, it was also loved, and it didn’t hurt the Mario’s reputation. Having both Super Mario 2 games out at the time turned out to be a good folly after all.
