Summary

A cornerstone of the Mario series, Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins delivers an exceptional platforming adventure. With the introduction of Wario and innovative gameplay elements, it’s a must-play for fans and newcomers alike.

• Release Year: 1992
• Genres: Platform
• Platforms: Game Boy, Nintendo 3DS
• Developers: Nintendo R&D1
• Publishers: Nintendo, Playtronic

Introduction

Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins expands the Mario universe on the Game Boy with a richly designed platforming experience. It stands out for introducing Wario, setting the stage for future rivalries and adventures in the series.

Synopsis

“Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins” is a platform video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy in 1992. It is the sequel to “Super Mario Land” and marks the debut appearance of Wario, who would become a prominent character in the Super Mario series.

The game begins immediately following the events of “Super Mario Land”. While Mario was away in Sarasaland, a jealous childhood acquaintance named Wario puts an evil spell over Mario’s private island, Mario Land. Wario’s motive behind this sudden attack is to steal Mario’s castle out of a desire to have a palace of his own. He finally takes over Mario’s castle with the spell, brainwashing its inhabitants into believing Wario is their master and Mario is their enemy.

The player assumes the role of the protagonist Mario, whose main objective is to reclaim his personal island, Mario Land, from the clutches of his greedy rival Wario. To do this, Mario must travel through Mario Land and collect the six Golden Coins that Wario has scattered. These Golden Coins are guarded by those under Wario’s spell.

The gameplay of “Super Mario Land 2” builds and expands on that of its precursor with innovations carried over from “Super Mario World”. The objective of the game is to reach the end of each level, defeating or avoiding enemies while doing so. The game retains several enemies from the Mario series, such as the Goomba and the Koopa Troopa, and also introduces several new enemies. Enemies can usually be defeated by jumping on their head, but also may need to be defeated by different means, such as by use of fireballs. Other established mechanics include Warp Pipes which allow the player to enter hidden areas or find shortcuts, coins, and ? blocks which hide coins and items.

After collecting all the six Golden Coins, Mario regains entry to his castle. Inside, Mario confronts and defeats Wario, who shrinks and flees, breaking his spell and causing Mario’s castle to revert to its normal form.

“Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins” received critical acclaim upon release and sold over 11 million copies, becoming one of the most successful and highest-rated titles on the Game Boy. Reviewers emphasized that the game surpassed its predecessor in all aspects. The game was re-released in 2011 as a downloadable title for the Nintendo 3DS, and the Nintendo Switch in 2023, as part of the Nintendo Switch Online service.

Characters

Aside from Mario and the debut of Wario, the game introduces players to a variety of enemies and allies. Each zone features unique bosses, such as the witch in the Pumpkin Zone or the three little pigs in the Big Bad’s Castle, adding to the game’s diversity.

Gameplay

Building on its predecessor, Super Mario Land 2 features traditional side-scrolling platform action with new power-ups like the Carrot, granting Mario bunny ears for controlled flight. The game’s non-linear level selection allows players to tackle the zones in any order, enhancing replayability.

Conclusion

Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins is a landmark title for the Game Boy, offering an engaging platforming experience with memorable characters and inventive level design. Its legacy continues to influence the Mario series and platformers at large.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Fan Art

Fan Art Style: Normal

Fan Art Style: Retro

Fan Art Style: Modern