Image via Complex Original
With New Super Mario Bros. 2 in stores for the Nintendo 3DS, we have to take a trip down memory lane. The character once known as “Jumpman,” in Donkey Kong, has played the hero role in many a game before landing his platformer title, Super Mario Bros. in 1985. Since then, Mario has made cameos as referee in Punch Out!!, sat in the audience during Megaton Punch in Kirby Super Star, and played a couple of 3-on-3 pickup games against NBA stars in NBA Street V3. We all know that is not where Mario is at his best. When Mario is stomping goombas, kicking koopa shells, snagging fire flowers, and flying through stages you see why he's referred to as “super.”
For over 25 years, Mario has saved Princess Peach with finesse and, at times, quickness and ease. Think I’m playing? Catch any speed run of Super Mario 64. Better yet, toss him two whistles and watch him save the Mushroom Kingdom in less than 20 minutes. Sit through fan-made Mario games like Kaizo Mario and Mario Must Die and witness how the man just cannot lose. Sure there is a player controlling Mario, but we can’t help but believe that he saves the kingdom and the world all by himself.
We’re the first to admit that we haven’t given Mario his super-heroism justice. We’ve fallen into lava and pits more times than we can count. We ought to be ashamed of ourselves for the countless times we’ve betrayed Yoshi to save our own asses (only to lose our power-up.) Mario stages are notorious for being challenging and downright cruel. The latter levels are the most difficult, as we expect them to be, but the middle stages are what test our patience and keep us on our toes (and wide awake during our late night gaming sessions.) We’ve comprised a list of our most favorite, challenging, unique, and all around fun Super Mario levels, so before you freshen up your skills before snagging New SMB 2 remember what you’ll be stepping into. Check out our list of 50 Craziest Super Mario Bros. Stages.
Booster Hill
Game: Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
Console: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Level: Booster Hill
New character, Booster, has an interesting side plot where he attempts to marry Princess Peach. Booster Hill is the most fun part of the chapter (aside from hiding behind the curtains in Booster's Tower,) and developers knew that so they allowed for us to hunt for beetles there afterwards.
World 3-1
Game: New Super Mario Bros. Wii
Console: Nintendo Wii
Level: World 3-1
The new penguin suit is introduced in this stage. When you learn to slide on the ground, don't get overzealous. If you are not careful, you'll wind up in the pit.
Chocolate Island 2
Game: Super Mario World
Console: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Level: Chocolate Island 2
This stage has multiple paths and exits. Though the level is very time consuming, it is very fun searching for the key to Chocolate Island's secret only to discover a new area.
World 4-2 USA
Game: Super Mario Bros. 2
Console: Nintendo Entertainment System
Level: World 4-2
This level is pretty tricky with its slippery, icey conditions. If you're not careful early on in the stage with enemies flying towards you, you can potentially lose all of your lives.
Touch Fuzzy, Get Dizzy
Game: Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island
Console: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Level: World 1-7 - Touch Fuzzy, Get Dizzy
They weren't kidding when they said you get dizzy. Gotta love Yoshi's eyes after eating one of the Fuzzy's.
Moleville Mine Cart
Game: Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
Console: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Level: Moleville Mine Cart
The Moleville Mine Cart run is the climactic ending to the Punchinello fight in the mines. This is a fun "timeout" moment of the game where you can take it easy rather than trying to level up.
Star Road 5
Game: Super Mario World
Console: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Level: Star Road 5
By the fifth Star Road level, we got the hang of how to complete the stage. The real challenge comes in when you try to reach the real exit without hitting any color block switches.
World 6-A
Game: New Super Mario Bros.
Console: Nintendo DS
Level: World 6-A
Lakitu rears his ugly head in this level while tornadoes propel you in the air. It's pandemonium!
Mecha Bowser Appears
Game: Super Mario Sunshine
Console: Nintendo Gamecube
Level: Pinna Park - Mecha Bowser Appears
This level is very unique and downright awesome. Dousing Bowser's flames and destroying Bullet Bills make the fight hectic, but when you have everything under control the fight becomes it's epic.
World 7-2
Game: New Super Mario Bros.
Console: Nintendo DS
Level: World 7-2
Movement on your platform can work to your benefit or be the set up to your demise. Have fun with the arrows by clipping through the invisible side walls.
World 6-2
Game: Super Mario Bros. 2
Console: Nintendo Entertainment System
Level: World 6-2
This level is pretty simple, but what is nerve wracking is riding the albatross over the abyss wondering when it would end. Once you reach the end it's smooth sailing.
World 5-4
Game: New Super Mario Bros.
Console: Nintendo Wii
Level: World 5-4
Poison waters and a raft that can hold four people or less without stopping can really stress you out. The right powerup will clear out the mini Goombas, and keep the POW block handy for the Piranha Plants.
Space Zone 2
Game: Super Mario Land 2
Console: Nintendo Game Boy
Level: Space Zone 2
The catchy tune of this level will calm your nerves as you float between the stars. Easier said than done. The boss fight is no easy feat with the double projectile attacks.
World 6-5
Game: Super Mario Bros. 3
Console: Nintendo Entertainment System
Level: World 6-5
We admit it. We let time run out on this stage before figuring out that we had to fly to the top of the level. After that, we still made mistakes with the green shell we had to use.
Digga Leg's Planet
Game: Super Mario Galaxy 2
Console: Nintendo Wii
Level: Spin Dig Galaxy - Digga Leg's Planet
Mario's new ability is utilized in this galaxy and especially in this boss fight. The sneaky, drill attack must be used wisely.
World 7-3
Game: Super Mario Bros.
Console: Nintendo Entertainment System
Level: World 7-3
World 7 is one of many curve balls Nintendo throws to make us fail miserably keep us on our toes. The flying Cheep Cheeps and Paratroopas of World 7-3 are enough of a headache as you get closer to the final level.
Prince Froggy's Fort
Game: Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island
Console: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Level: World 3-4 - Prince Froggy's Fort
The boss fight is the best part of this level. Grab some Shy Guys, and figure a way out of Froggy's stomach.
Bowser's Keep
Game: Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
Console: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Level: Bowser's Keep
The second trip to Bowser's Keep is full of surprises. It's just a matter of picking the right door. You can run the gauntlet against several opponents or complete funny quizzes and puzzles.
Purple Coins in the Bone Pen
Game: Super Mario Galaxy
Console: Nintendo Wii
Level: Ghostly Galaxy - Purple Coins in the Bone Pen
This fun level requires you to be quick, very quick, especially after you collect 100 purple coins. It's not over until you grab the star.
World 8-7
Game: New Super Mario Bros. Wii
Console: Nintendo Wii
Level: World 8-7
Hop on the roller coaster and cruise through Bowser's domain. Be ready to jump when it looks like its getting too hot.
Gobblegut's Aching Belly
Game: Super Mario Galaxy 2
Console: Nintendo Wii
Level: Bowser Jr.'s Fiery Flotilla
Gobblegut knows how to put up a fight. This lengthy battle is very fun early in the game and very challenging when it's sudden death.
World 8-2
Game: Super Mario Bros.
Console: Nintendo Entertainment System
Level: World 8-2
World 8 always serves as Bowser's last (and toughest) line of defense. World 8-2 demanded the same intricate and precise leaps as 8-1, but Lakitu and Bullet Bills were thrown into the mix this time, challenge accepted.
Megaleg's Moon
Game: Super Mario Galaxy
Console: Nintendo Wii
Level: Bowser Jr.'s Robot Reactor - Megaleg's Moon
Nintendo channeled Team Ico's Shadow of the Colossus when creating the fun boss fight. This level takes a lot of maneuvering manipulating Bullet Bills, but that's nothing Mario isn't already used to.
World 3-8
Game: Super Mario Bros. 3
Console: Nintendo Entertainment System
Level: World 3-8
Big Bertha made her debut in this game, and she had us on our toes ever since. We always keep a fire flower handy heading into this level.
The Manta Storm
Game: Super Mario Sunshine
Console: Nintendo Gamecube
Level: Sirena Beach - The Manta Storm
This boss fight is something new and unique to the Super Mario series. The fight becomes more hectic has the manta ray multiplies, much like Boolossus in Luigi's Mansion.
World 4-2
Game: Super Mario 3D Land
Console: Nintendo Entertainment System
Level: World 4-2
The ink blots from Mario Kart made its way into one of Super Mario's platformers. This level is fun despite the random screen covering. If you can get passed that headache you will surely enjoy this stage.
The Sand Bird is Born
Game: Super Mario Sunshine
Console: Nintendo Gamecube
Level: Gelato Beach - The Sand Bird is Born
Don't let the music fool you in this level. A nice flight in the sky is overshadowed by weird turns that can lead to your demise if you're not careful.
World 7-7
Game: Super Mario Bros. 3
Console: Nintendo Entertainment System
Level: World 7-7
World 7 tends to consist of more challenging stages. This brutal stage requires lots of speed. When the invincibility theme ends you might be out of luck.
Fast Foes on the Cyclone Stone
Game: Super Mario Galaxy
Console: Nintendo Wii
Level: Beach Bowl Galaxy - Fast Foes on the Cyclone Stone
This level is simple at regular speed, but the challenge comes when the Prankster Comet rears its head. Stay alert and always get the 1-up at the beginning.
World 8-3
Game: Super Mario Bros. Lost Levels
Console: Nintendo Famicom
Level: World 8-3
There are tons of open space in this stage, tons... Jumping from spring to Paratroopa make us break into sweats. At least Lakitu and some Hammer Bros. come to comfort us in this stage.
Pinball Mini Game
Game: Super Mario Sunshine
Console: Nintendo Gamecube
Level: Pinball Game
You want a challenge? Try completing this level with the rocket nozzle instead. Let the games begin!
World 8-4
Game: Super Mario Bros. Lost Levels
Console: Nintendo Famicom
Level: World 8-4
The world 8 castle is reminiscent to the Super Mario Bros. final castle with the water stage in the middle of the level. We hold the double Bowser moment in this game very close to our heart. Nostalgia at its finest.
Secret of the Village Underside
Game: Super Mario Sunshine
Console: Nintendo Gamecube
Level: Pianta Village - Secret of the Village Underside
Piantas love to toss Mario around in this game. The first time you reach this level be wary of what direction you're facing when you hop into conversation.
Make Mario a Star
Game: Super Mario Galaxy 2
Console: Nintendo Wii
Level: Mario Squared Galaxy - Make Mario a Star
This level is an all around fun, challenging concept. Nintendo does us one better by throwing clones into the mix later on.
Through the Meteor Storm
Game: Super Mario Galaxy
Console: Nintendo Wii
Level: Melty Molten Galaxy - Through the Meteor Storm
The level may look like Doomsday as you soar from planet to planet, but the real challenge sets in when you have to roll the ball containing the star over a lava ring. Nintendo made it so easy for you to fall, the odds are stacked against you here.
Front Door/Back Door
Game: Super Mario World
Console: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Level: Front Door/Back Door - Bowser's Castle
Bowser boss fights are always unique and once you figure out the plan, the fight becomes really fun. The Super Mario World fight in particular shows a very intense side of Bowser especially towards the end of the fight.
Big Penguin Race
Game: Super Mario 64
Console: Nintendo 64
Level: Cool, Cool Mountain - Big Penguin Race
The Big Penguin Race should be called the "Bigger Penguin Race" after you collect the 120 stars. It's a funny easter egg awarded to you for your hard work, but you won't be laughing when you're shoved way off of the course during your second go around.
World 9-1
Game: Super Mario Bros. Lost Levels
Console: Nintendo Famicom
Level: World 9-1
This level is downright weird. The stage was a difficult mix of land and water stage. Swimming to the flagpole took the cake, but everything else before it is a headache.
Wing Mario Over the Rainbow
Game: Super Mario 64
Console: Nintendo 64
Level: Wing Mario Over the Rainbow
Cannons and wing caps help you soar through the clouds, literally! The worst fate is seeing the hat fade away while you're in midair. Just wave bye-bye.
The Galaxy's Greatest Wave
Game: Super Mario Galaxy
Console: Nintendo Wii
Level: Loopdeswoop Galaxy - The Galaxy's Greatest Wave
Setting a new record in this run is quite the feat. It's totally doable especially due to the number of 1-ups lingering through the level. Just have fun and ride the wave. Beware the bounce and tight turns.
Blast to the Lonely Mushroom
Game: Super Mario 64
Console: Nintendo 64
Level: Tall, Tall Mountain - Blast to the Lonely Mushroom
A lone star sits and waits on a mushroom waiting for you to collect it. Unfortunately, your only way over there is via a cannon. We kept many lives handy for the possible trial and error.
Soda Lake
Game: Super Mario World
Console: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Level: Soda Lake
Soda Lake is a secret stage in the Cheese Bridge Area. The Torpedo Ted's managed to keep us one level victory short of the 98 star game completion record.
Fight Toadies with Toadies
Game: Super Mario Advance 3: Yoshi's Island
Console: Nintendo Game Boy Advance
Level: World 4-Secret - Fight Toadies with Toadies
Think you've mastered jumping on paratroopas for extra height? This level will put you to the test. The last thing you would want to hear is Baby Mario's sweet crying.
Kamek's Revenge
Game: Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island
Console: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Level: World 5-Extra - Kamek's Revenge
There is only one of Bowser's cronies that is more annoying than Lakitu and that's Kamek. Kamek rears his ugly head often in this stage in an effort to piss you off. It will work, but if you don't believe us you can see for yourself.
Leaf Raft Minigame
Game: Super Mario Sunshine
Console: Nintendo Gamecube
Level: Leaf Raft Minigame
Oh what's that? You have 30 lives? Hop into this stage and be ready to lose them all. The leaf raft challenge is to use F.L.U.D.D. to direct the leaf through the course as you snag red coins. Don't touch the water though, don't say we didn't warn ya.
Tubular
Game: Super Mario World
Console: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Level: Tubular
The Special Road is the ultimate challenge in Super Mario World. This level, Tubular, happens to be scariest since you're at the mercy of many football kicking Chargin' Chucks.
The Perfect Run
Game: Super Mario Galaxy 2
Console: Nintendo Wii
Level: Grandmaster Galaxy - The Perfect Run
It is all in the title. This marathon style level keeps you on the go as the next planet awaits. Yoshi makes a cameo so use him to your advantage by seeing how long you can keep him around. We guarantee you will love the ending of the stage.
World D-4
Game: Super Mario Bros. Lost Levels
Console: Nintendo Famicom
Level: World D-4
You can never say Bowser has not given his all to stop Mario. If you do say that, play this level (if you can reach it.) Watch that first jump, it'll burn ya. Then see how you'll stand up against flying Cheep Cheeps and huge jumps.
Corona Mountain
Game: Super Mario Sunshine
Console: Nintendo Gamecube
Level: Corona Mountain
The final level of Super Mario Sunshine also happens to be the most annoying. We hope you had enough practice on the leaf raft, because you will have to master the technique to face off against Bowser.
World 8-Crown
Game: Super Mario 3D Land
Console: Nintendo 3DS
Level: Special World - 8-Crown
Spoiler alert! If you have not unlocked this stage yet, we won't spoil it for you. All that we'll share is that there are no power-ups, no checkpoints, and tiny platforms. Those attributes fill the criteria for what makes an absurdly challenging Super Mario stage, which is why we dub this the craziest Super Mario stage today.