A Critical Look At The Most Monotonous Mario Game- New Super Mario Bros. 2

The New Super Mario Bros. series is one that holds a special place in my heart. The first one on the Nintendo DS was the game that not only got me into Mario, but Nintendo and even gaming as a whole. New Super Mario Bros. Wii also holds significance, because it greatly helped my brother and I bond even during our challenges as brothers. Nearly a decade later, I am revisiting the game that really persuaded me to get a Nintendo 3DS and see how well it has held up. I will not be holding anything back. This game is getting a very honest review, and no amount of coins could change my thoughts on it.
The title ONLY refers to the mainline Super Mario games (platformers). I think it is obvious the truly bad Mario games are spinoffs. (Mario Tennis Ultra Smash, Mario Party 10, Paper Mario Sticker Star)

[@Luis-yh9xd]

The coin collecting gimmick in the Wario Land series was executed much better than in Nsmb2 because the amount of coins and treasures you collect throughout Wario’s adventure will determine what ending you’ll get. This adds replay value and an incentive to collect all of the coins to get the best ending. In conclusion, Nintendo should have just made a remake of VB Wario Land with new levels instead of Nsmb2.

[@Demeech]

Or they could've done both. This wouldn't have been a hard game to make original.

[@Luis-yh9xd]

@@Demeech I agree with your opinion, what I think Nintendo should have done to make Nsmb2 original is to bring back ideas from that cancelled VB Mario Land game and implement them to this game.

[@rougegamer1230]

@@Demeech 13:28 what is the music here?

[@Demeech]

@@rougegamer1230 3D Land, special world 8

[@rougegamer1230]

@@Demeech thanks

[@timothydarden6133]

I read somewhere that the developers originally planned to have Wario be the million coin reward, complete with his Wario Land moves, but they scrapped the idea because programming him would result in the game releasing too close to NSMBU. That's a massive shame and would've been a huge saving grace. Guess Nintendo really has turned Wario from money man to yucky man.

[@darealepic]

2 should've been a 3ds launch title tbh because most people would buy the bigger and better version of the game which was U so 2 and U releasing in the same year was bad,but 2 got dlcs after U's release so why didn't they add wario after that

[@trentnunyabiz6204]

@@darealepic Becuse iwata was holding nintendo back.

[@thejedisonic67]

@@trentnunyabiz6204 iwata sure was holding Nintendo back, just look at the great strides the switch has made with its non existant console features, 2 themes, and online that hasnt improved one bit since the days Iwata was president

[@blueghost312]

how would it be too similar to NSMBU if they added wario

[@foshio1598]

@@blueghost312 the release dates being too close would confuse consumers. It’s bad business. They needed to space out the games to maximize profit

[@dramondestroyer1002]

My least favorite New Super Mario Bros. game: - new gimmick that gets old fast - heavy reuse of assets - same old 8 worlds the third time in a row - huge missed opportunity to do some interesting things with the 3D - the "prize" to 1 million coins collected sucks big time

[@Demeech]

@@theAstarrr I didn't state the gimmick gets old fast, but it's meaningless.

[@davinchristino]

Same 8 worlds? Mostly, but the jungle and beach is one world and there are three special worlds

[@gameyfirebro9645]

Also unfitting SMW boss and Snow Mountain Background when the game is so SMB3 inspired

[@squixypixl]

It might be the same world themes, but there was a bunch of original level themes such as the sky poles in the desert, or the trees in the forest. Also there's the flower, and mushroom worlds

[@davinchristino]

@@squixypixl Exactly

[@ThatBluDude]

Wario WAS going to be in this game, and as a playable character no less. As a reward for collecting one million coins you'd get to play as him with a few moves from Wario Land to boot. However it caused bugs, and the devs worried stopping to fix them would make the game release too closely to New Super Mario Bros. U, so they ended up scraping him.

[@Number1Tailsfan]

What’s wrong with too closely to new super mario bros u?

[@pedrogabriel3158]

knowing abt this just makes me more sad

[@ariastroke9692]

Idk if this is true but that would've been awesoem

[@maglev957]

@@Number1Tailsfan because then everyone would just by U and not bother with this one

[@Number1Tailsfan]

@@maglev957 didn't everyone think the wii u is a wii accessory?

[@techmuse8]

Here’s a fun fact about NSMB2, the levels were apparently designed by people who have never made a 2D Mario level before. Most definitely explains the level design. (Stated in an Iwata Asks interview)

[@SobmicSSBB]

All the levels from a Mario workshop for new hires consolidated into one game. Though come to think of it, "Freshman Team Games" would make for a neat Scott the Woz episode.

[@Lizuma]

For real?? I was wondering why the levels didnt really impress me, I kept wanting to return to NSMB and NSMBW

[@Zakkious]

If this is true then it explains a lot about the game

[@thebigbean8783]

@@Lizuma both terrific games

[@diegomedina9637]

That's Mario Maker.

[@SueZQue83]

I remember playing this game for the first time in a Walmart. After a decade I’ve grown to love the game. By no means is it the best but it’s good at what it does

[@Kyulnjir]

I remember being super excited as a kid after picking up a new copy of NSMB2 from an Argos, I tend to see these games through rose-tinted glasses

[@illford6921]

Tbh I don't get how you can place one over the other when they're all basically the same. They all reuse assets and just upgrade quality. I'd argue U was more disappointing because the one interesting level is so far ahead of the rest in how interesting it was compared to the others. I like NSMB2's level packs thing as well

[@Kyulnjir]

@@illford6921 I grew up with Mario Bros. DS. Seeing them constantly improve in graphics and generally gameplay helps the experience a lot

[@huntertheheavy]

To be honest the story about bowser trying to inflate the mushroom kingdom's currency is based

[@plushvolt7612]

I honestly like this game, definitely very underrated

[@ITzaMii_]

I remember getting my old 2DS bundled with this game. Overall I think NSMB2 is a pretty solid on its own, however considering how rehashy it is of NSMBW, I feel that drags it down greatly. Well, that and the lack of difficulty outside of the DLC. Not a bad game, but not a great one either. Btw, the reason Bowser Jr wasn't in this game was because he was to busy playing Mario Kart 7. But either way, I can't wait for Mario Kart 9 to add Silver Luigi to the roster instead of someone like Funky Kong or Toadsworth.

[@Demeech]

Haha, Bowser Jr. didn't even make it into Mario Kart 7 and EVEN the original Mario Kart 8. Having all seven Koopalings and not Bowser Jr. felt wrong.

[@switchthornsandroses440]

Diamond Rosalina, Ruby Daisy

[@Masked_Mastermind]

Tbh I actually kind of like New Super Mario Bros. 2 for how similar it is to Wii since I liked Wii a lot.

[@coltgun876]

@@Masked_Mastermind I didn't. 2 felt like a cheap cash grab of DS but with Wii's graphics and mechanics. Really there's nothing likable about NSMB2. I'd say that game was where the NSMB series had its downfall. It sucks that only the first two games were good.

[@Masked_Mastermind]

@@coltgun876 2 has some really good level designs at least.

[@con106]

It may not be the best game, but collecting all those coins is such a satisfying feeling to me.

[@pepearown4968]

Honestly, one of the best things this game did was with backgrounds. The athletic snow background was one of the most interesting looking ones in the NSMB series, and the throwback to the SMW hills in world 4 was pretty interesting. The challenge mode was also really interesting, even if some of it was paid DLC.

[@lordroy88]

I actually beat this game on New Years, but I definitely prefer 3D land, Mario kart 7 and Luigi’s Mansion dark moon

[@Demeech]

Which New Year's? I beat the game on my way to school. It was the first day of 7th grade.

[@lordroy88]

@@Demeech this New Years.

[@Lizuma]

Same, those games are SO good! Dark Moon and Super Mario 3D Land are some of the best games Ive played

[@SoshiTheYoshi]

This might be Mr. Krabs and Scrooge McDuck's favorite Mario game. Also, my suggestion for trash or treasure is Pac-Man 2

[@toadrice]

And Tom Nook's

[@SoshiTheYoshi]

@@toadrice As well as Rancid Rabbit from CatDog

[@liamtheyoshi8089]

It might be Wario's as well, since he loves coins. Probably to the point he wished to be in the game.

[@Demeech]

@@liamtheyoshi8089 He would've made the game 1000 times better.

[@liamtheyoshi8089]

@@Demeech Yeah, plus it would make sense.

[@Alibium]

This game is highly underrated. Defo not the best obviously, but at least it had more teams, a twist and so on.

[@mariomaster101official]

I actually like this game although it's not my favorite it's DEFINITELY not my least favorite

[@Demeech]

That's the common consensus I'm seeing

[@rayanthepretentiousnerd]

@@Demeech This game was one of my first Mario games and I still have fun playing it today. I agree with you on almost every point here , however I think the fun factor really makes it for me. I’d overall give it like a 7.5/10 being more critical.

[@smashkarter830]

The "bah"s in this game are worst than the ones in the first two games

[@TheCoolEevee]

Which is odd because it’s the exact same sound clip, just at a different pitch. Also a bit of trivia for if you didn’t know, the “bah”s are actually sampled from the star select screen from Super Mario 64

[@Demeech]

Agreed

[@frozenminecraftmario]

The Ground theme is my fav ❤️

[@yohhh6715]

This is the biggest crime of NSMB2

[@Lizuma]

I like them in the first two a lot, and it’s nostalgic. BUT NSMB 2 overdid it and sort of ruined the really good music from NSMBW for me

[@knux333jw]

It will always baffle me that a game where its raining coins in the Mushroom Kingdom didn't have Wario! Everything about this game angers me lol. There's some dry Nintendo games out there, but this will always be the one time Nintendo ACTUALLY felt lazy to me.

[@No_king1143]

it's*

[@coltgun876]

@@No_king1143 Yeah because the penalty for bad grammar is a 20 year prison sentence.

[@bingobo2551]

I do think that the best way they could have made this game more unique in the form of a last minute change is add a coin requirement to beat every level similar to the fruits in yoshis story. Also making 1 ups 2500 coins instead of a 100.

[@Demeech]

The could just get rid of lives entirely. The extra lives only mattered in the NES games/Super Mario Land. The coins really do resort to nothing though.

[@luisjogos821]

@@Demeech Extra lives sort of mattered in SML2,since,if you Game Over,you lose all your Golden Coins.

[@Dvdh2903]

For the Big-Star coin you could make a specific requirement for each zone. The second zone you enter requires 15 Gold stars (25 to gind in the first zone for example). For regular coins, yes good idea to put an coin requirement in each level to add some challange. They could’ve add 2 Islands you can enter after completing World 1. 1 island is a gamble machine to spend coins at and the other is a shop similar to Odysseys’. Anyway, luigi’s mah boii

[@Super_star_remix]

@@Demeech super mario world:

[@abnormality3345]

Are you fucking insane??

[@zioncoleman3646]

I know new super mario bros 2 is definitely the least original game of the series, but despite its massive flaws I was still curious enough to pick the game up after 10 years, i'll see how feel about the game once i play through it again. Great job on the video too! 👍

[@collectingonthecheap56353]

I liked NSMB2 mostly as it came free with my 2DS. The original NSMB offered more in my opinion for challenge, level diversity, and bosses. NSMB2 looked a bit nicer than the original, but will never be in my top Mario games. I was actually hoping that the New series would have explored different eras of 2D Mario games with the original expanding upon SMB, the Wii version being a home console version of it. I was expecting the sequel to have elements of SMB 2 or SML 2 or a combination of them, but instead more expanding on SMB. That alone was a let down, then the difficulty was essentially removed so there was no trace of NES hard in the standard game. The Koopalings were no longer fresh and exciting at that point and I would have rather seen the return of SMB2 bosses.

[@uykolyx]

now im sad because NSMBU could've been an expansion of SMB3 :(

[@lordroy88]

It’s my 3rd favorite in the series; good level design, the bahcapella makes me smile and it’s great to have another handheld 2d Mario. But they should definitely be more creative with 2d Mario the way they are with dkc

[@Demeech]

I sure hope so. The game is nothing compared to modern 2D platformers.

[@soproprioio622]

@@Demeech its still a fun game, I mean, it's a Mario game, but it does nothing to innovate and the main gimmick is pointless (even tough it's satisfyng)

[@serily4524]

Good level design?, its almost the same levels but with coins.

[@MogusMasterSaikawa22]

Nsmb2 is amazing. It introduces a lot of things never seen in Mario such as invisible trampolines, autorun levels, level specific things like the giant boo which I don’t remember in another game. And it’s got so many well crafted secrets. I don’t have time to actually watch the video right now but you’ll probably just go on about the graphical style I’ll check it out tomorrow

[@geschnitztekiste4111]

Yeah and it adds trees in World 1, totem poles in World 2 and these cool open sky castle ruins in World 5. It does a lot of neat little things

[@MogusMasterSaikawa22]

@@geschnitztekiste4111 Oh totally and the levels are all designed in such amazing ways. You have more open levels , fewer auto scroll levels then any nsmb game besides the secret levels, coin ships make a really good return it’s so good

[@copyer9088]

I can’t tell if being sourcastic or serious

[@MogusMasterSaikawa22]

@@copyer9088 I’m being serious

[@dogwater6313]

Yeah, this game introduces a fair bit more than people give it credit for lol, I think a better soundtrack could’ve boosted this game up there with the original NSMB

[@eksmad]

I liked that you didn't just call it "trash" and that's it. Really well explained, you went in-depth. Thank you!

[@serio0367]

10:20 In the original New Super Mario Bros, you could use Star Coins to buy themes for the bottom screen.

[@TheRealBlazingDiamond]

Those were star coins tho, not regular coins.

[@Lizuma]

And in New Super Mario Bros Wii, you could use them to buy fun hint movies

[@jthemad2616]

In nsmb2 you need star coins for unlocking the secret area and toad houses

[@pokepress]

Would have preferred if they had made a game based on the US SMB2. You could do a neat 3D effect when flipping to subspace.

[@Demeech]

The warp zone looks a bit like subspace. But I'd love if they went all out.

[@diegomedina9637]

Thats what 3D world was basically.

[@omgplzstfuok]

I know the athletic theme in nsmb2 is generally hated, but I think it's hilarious. It's perfect for the game. If you're on a slightly tougher stage it feels like it aggravates the situation, and if done intentionally it's genius.

[@rayanthepretentiousnerd]

*Cough Cough* 9-5

[@recordreader6091]

I will never forget the moment I saw that the beach and forest worlds were splurged into one. I was willing to forgive the nonexistent difficulty and the derivative presentation, but this just looked *wrong* . That alone told me how much time and effort went into the game and cursed any chance I had to enjoy it after.

[@Demeech]

It was so weird that the game only had six main worlds and three special worlds. The special worlds didn't do anything that interesting to be honest.

[@Werten25]

I remember seeing that too. I thought it was a bit weird at first, but I also thought it was kind of cool, since it was a fusion world of sorts.

[@imnotdegamer364]

Okay so, first you probably complain about each game looking the same Then they make an actual cool idea and you complain about it. I’m not trying to say that you NEED to love everything they do, but be a bit more consistent...

[@josesanmartin2058]

@@Demeech It's that the programmers couldn't do 8 worlds, since NSMBU was so close to being released, that if NSMB2 had 8 worlds it would be monotonous and repetitive.

[@robertkovarna8294]

@@josesanmartin2058 It was literally released 3 months apart from the Wii U game. I really don't think it being released any closer to U would have made a difference, even if that did bring back the standard 8 world norm.

[@rafaelhinojosa915]

I feel like this game and Mario kart 7 would’ve benefited from a longer development time. If both games had at least another year of development time, they would’ve been more original and memorable

[@minecraftgravityguy]

What are you talking about Mario Kart 7 is one of the best, most memorable and innovative racing games in history and its amazing. Nsmb2 is really good even if not that innovative i don’t know why so many people like to bitch about what is popular at every chance just to feel like they are unique or something...

[@coltgun876]

@@minecraftgravityguy I don't understand your comment at all lmfao Mario Kart 7 was the worst Mario Kart game in the series AND one of the worst racing games I ever played in my entire fucking life. And don't even get me started on NSMB 2 that game didn't deserve any praise it got for how unoriginal and boring it was. It was like playing World 1's difficulty over and over again.

[@fathernigga]

@@coltgun876 I wouldn't say Mario kart 7 is amazing like the other guy said, but it is definitely not the worst Mario kart lol are you insane?

[@coltgun876]

@@fathernigga Just because someone's opinions doesn't match yours doesn't mean they're insane. Chill dude.

[@fathernigga]

@@coltgun876 I wasn't actually genuine when I said insane bro it was a hyperbole 😐. But anyways, genuine question, have you played both of the 2d Mario kart games and/or 64?

[@spamelikescheese]

Hate on me all you want, but NSMB2 is actually one of my favorite games because of how broken and open it is to strategies in speedrunning, especially with the tanooki suit and its flying tail spin trick which lets you conserve your speed while flying. I use the trick all the time in the game when goofing around.

[@bitsaucetv]

I actually really liked new soup 2. I thought it was basically new soup wii but portable. I also liked how collecting coins felt like it has a real point to is, as you would see how many you had on the title screen.

[@jimmythegamer2231]

Ah yes New Soup, my favorite franchise

[@MadMaxxed1224]

This is my favorite 2d mario game of all time. Can't change my mind. Edit now that I watched the full video: Well at least it didn't get trash. I love this game a ton. The flaws you pointed out definitely stand out but the good, for me, outshine the flaws. It was my first game on the 3ds so I may feel sorta nostalgic for it.

[@Demeech]

Nostalgia is a powerful thing but no amount of it would make me look past the flaws of NSMB2.

[@Mqstodon]

@@Demeech yet it makes you look past the flaws in wii...

[@itz_bluemicaplaying3214]

I can agree. I do believe it might be my favorite 3ds game, considering the coins and coin rush with creative levels and nostalgia it brings.

[@MadMaxxed1224]

@@itz_bluemicaplaying3214 I wouldn't go as far to say it's my favorite 3ds game. My favorite is either Mario Kart 7 (Super underated), Luigis mansion dark moon, or super star saga remake. (Mario and luigi)

[@itz_bluemicaplaying3214]

@@MadMaxxed1224 I mean true. It might not be my favorite, but it’s one of them. I also rlly like SM3DL, Mario Kart 7, and ACNL. I have more games and I understand why you have other favs

[@brannycedeno6823]

The reason why the Tanooki suit was brought back instead of the Rabbit cap for SM3DL is because you can't attack with it, and attacking in all directions was also one of the main ideas behind choosing a power-up. Same thing happened with the Cat suit for SM3DW.

[@perrytheplatypus4620]

Underrated game imo. No sugarcoating that it could've been better tho, especially when it comes to what the coin gimmick amounts to.

[@elkarlo1593]

Coin Rush is actually really good and it stands out from the rest of the NSMB games I just wish the DLC was free or waaaaay cheaper because while the level designs were new, I think, the assets were all reused, so it came off as greedy and dumb, and it probably was

[@shinygiveaways1920]

Speedrun wise I like NSMB2 A fun little 26 minute sprint if youre good, mostly the hard levels make you lose time other then dying. Also the golden raccoon statue becomes a super important unlockable as coins are no longer countered after boss levels, saving 6 seconds over. This is on of my favorite games!

[@johnnobon]

I feel like new super mario bros U at least put in a few new elements in presentation wise. There were some cool new backgrounds, like the Van Goh themed stage, and a neat final boss. It wasn't enough, but it was heading in the right direction. New SMB 2 was just soulless.

[@martmine4618]

Apart from one background looking good nsmbu is the definition of soulless

[@NeverEndingVoid]

This is an awesome video, I really like the footage and narration!!

[@Demeech]

Thank you! The audio is always the trickiest part.

[@enclosedgranddad1715]

New Super Mario Bros. 2 would've been a lot cooler and more unique if it has a consistent casino/gambling motif throughout every world and in the story. Like, imagine the theme/aesthetic of Casino Night Zone from Sonic 2 or Bingo Highway from Sonic Heroes, except each world in NSMB2 is "infected" by it, if that makes sense. And for the story? I dunno, maybe a lot of people get scammed out of their money by the Wario Bros., and Mario & Luigi have to get that money back. Heck, to be even crazier with the story, why not have Bowser be scammed out of his money too, and evicted out of his own castle in the process? LOL EDIT: Regarding the Cape Feather, I agree that it's over-powered, but I'd also argue that a decent amount of skill is required to take advantage of how OP it is.

[@Demeech]

If that means seeing the return of bartender Luigi, I'd take it! The Cape does take skill to use. It's very similar to the Blue Shell power up. There's a learning curve but once you get the hang of them, you're unstoppable. The Raccoon Suit will always be my favorite flight power up.

[@pepearown4968]

At least we got the rainbow levels. Those were at least kind of interesting.

[@fan0]

You can skip whole levels using Cape Feather.

[@al_x2138]

Tbh honest, this is my guilty pleasure game. This was my first NSMB game to have for myself, I was only occasionally able to play NSMBWii with my cousins so to have a version of that crammed into a 3DS was awesome to me as a kid. Now that I replay it, I sometimes forget that coin collecting is the point of the game since there's no real goal or rewards for collecting coins. My enjoyment of NSMB2 is the levels themselves. They're more refined and experiment with mechanics a little more than Wii did and the levels aren't as barren. Coin Rush is an absolute blast though. I'm considering buying a few packs before Nintendo decides to pull the plug on the 3DS' online support

[@TheCoolEevee]

Canon chronological order of the New Super Mario Bros. series: New Super Mario Bros. New Super Mario Bros. 2 New Super Mario Bros. Wii New Super Mario Bros. U

[@buzzytrombone4353]

I still think that this game is the best in the series because it's the only one that has something going for it. The only reason people didn't like it is because of the home console ones which did a lot more for them (and of course more power to those guys, hope they had their fun with them). But this is the ONLY sequel in the series that fully respects the standards of the first game, when it comes to the level design, their compactness allows for the same level of creativity as the first game, in that sense, the memorable factor comes in there. New Super Mario Bros Wii's level design is too large and empty, and there's no memorable aspects to remember from that, same can be said for New Super Mario Bros. U despite the colour palette in the backgrounds being beautiful in the snow world. If this was the only game made after the first New Super Mario Bros game, a good six years after the first game, and the home console ones didn't even exist then it would've been received much better than it is now. Memorability is always a key and for me, this one delivered just as much, if not more than the first game.

[@underconstruction7367]

Agreed

[@PikaTyler_]

i'll be honest, i VASTLY prefer this game over new soup wii, the level design is much better as they don't accommodate for multiplayer as much, level themes are also more creative and mainly i just have more nostalgia for it. i never really had friends to play new soup with though, so that might be why i don't think of wii very highly. still, even with all the missed potential this game has i really enjoy it and its probably my 2nd favorite new soup game, i know how insane that sounds but nostalgia really does work wonders. great video by the way

[@davinchristino]

Your story of nsmb2 is actually so much more deep and better than nintendo's. Amazing

[@WeegeeMaro]

Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins released 20 years before New Super Mario Bros. 2, yet Mario Land 2 is challenging, has great locations (my favorite being the Pumpkin Zone), has better bosses and is more original than New Super Mario Bros. 2. I think that says a lot. As someone who has New Super Mario Bros. 2, I didn’t enjoy it that much. It’s well designed and has good levels, I particularly really like the tower level in World 6 where you need to deactivate the burners, but this game is just so generic and boring. It’s definitely not the worst Mario game, but it’s far from the best. It’s one of the most frustrating games I’ve ever played because it has some good ideas, but it just wasn’t executed good enough. I’ll replay this game every couple of years, but I mostly just get bored of the main campaign and just skip to Coin Rush.

[@Demeech]

Super Mario Land 2 wasn't particularly challenging either. That's saying something. The only game I played that was easier is Kirby Star Allies. I honestly can't believe this game didn't even attempt to do anything original. The coins resort to nothing.

[@L0L247]

I remember feeling underwhelmed by this game too. I convinced myself that I love it anyway because I’m a huge fan of Mario platformers.

[@celagink636]

From a level design standpoint I’d go as far as saying this is the best one, but it’s difficulty and rehashiness really hold it back.

[@LuccaDoesStuff]

I got all the way up to World 6 in New Super Mario Bros. 2 in one evening. I’m not exaggerating. It’s way too easy.

[@wisconsinandillinoisrailfa8428]

Honestly the coin gimmick in this game could’ve been great. Like they could’ve let use buy characters with the coins like how you can buy costumes in SMO.

[@Waffleydootdoot]

I think you were a little bit too mean to the game. The presentation of the game isn't bad. It looks nicer(in quality) than the previous 2 games despite having the same aesthetic. Also there ARE a few creative themes in the levels despite the same overall world themes. Some world 1 levels have cool trees, some desert levels have cool totem pole sections, and there's some cool sky castle levels. I do agree that it is pretty underwhelming and by far the easiest 2D Mario game.

[@geschnitztekiste4111]

This. It’s not great but does some new things

[@NatetheNintendofan]

Oh no this is one of my favorite Mario games ☹ I pirated all the DLC on my 3DS I finished the game but I want a newer Super Mario Bros 2

[@BlueYoshi]

There's SMB Next in development, which is basically Newer 2 (but it's not developed by the Newer Team)

[@GoldenDryBonesandStu]

New Super Mario Bros. 2 was the game I was I I was very excited for it back in 2012, and I did put a lot of hours into it. I wouldn’t count it on bring my favorite game, but it’s not bad by any means, just very boring in some cases. I do like the DLC Shop theme though, reminds me of a time where I couldn’t afford any of the packs.

[@Demeech]

It's still a complete game. Just not a very interesting one.

[@zachnewby4739]

I have not played this, but I like the totem pole things you showed in the video. That's a new aesthetic for Mario..

[@greenkoopa]

Say what you want but I got this game at the lowest point of my life and it brought me back. I love this game and cherish it because what it means to me.

[@sarasaland4709]

3:55 I’ve been DYING for something like the Super Mario Land games. They nostalgically call back to SMB1 and 3 every couple seconds, anyways.

[@bryanhaha1234]

when I was playing mario oddissey, I was just surprised at the amazing idea of exchanging coins for stars locations, that game is the only mario entry that I actually went out of my way to pick every coin that I could see , such an amazing idea I hope they keep it in the next entries

[@callumsparrow4379]

Anyone else remember that one level from NSMB DS with the titanic Wiggler and the star power-ups that spawn trails of blue coins? That alone was way better than the entirely of NSMB2.

[@Hamster07]

This is definitely my least favorite Mario game, and yet I have put some decent hours into it, more than I can say for games like Mario Sunshine.

[@pkshyguy]

I remember playing this on my cousin's 3DS as a kid as I didn't have a 3DS yet and even with starry eyes willing to forgive just about any game at the time, I was pretty underwhelmed. There were a few cool things like the tanooki suit and dry bones enemies but most of everything else was already done in NSMB Wii. I would still end up getting a 3DS later because I thought 3D Land looked cool and would eventually get NSMB2 later down the line, but I think it says something when someone who was as obsessed with Mario as I was found this game to feel samey and uninspired. I still enjoyed the core gameplay but it was just so unnecessary.

[@realthemariogamer]

honestly the only reason i played nsmb2 is the coin rush mode, idk something about trying to get the most coins in a short amount of time is oddly addicting.

[@SweaterSwagg]

This is s great video, Demeech! Great job.

[@S.F.Y.T.A.G]

I think the game is PERFECT, I just can't get over Mario and Luigu having fun flying to get coins and laughing. 😊

[@lukebytes5366]

Ds was a fresh take on an old forgotten part of Mario. Wii was pushing it, but it can be excused as being a altered port of the ds game and it's saved by inserting new concepts and a far bigger scope. (Koopalings were actually somewhat original back then, believe it or not) But the series absolutely went downhill when it continued copying Wii with few original things about the new games. The unchanging presentation wouldn't even be that bad if there were some actual new concepts, but there is nothing unique here.

[@YeaMits]

i’m glad u came up in my recommended because ur channel is actually really good

[@Demeech]

Thank you! This video is doing very well and I'm glad.

[@YeaMits]

@@Demeech yeah it’s a very good video

[@kennydarmawan13]

Can't believe your less-than-2-minutes story is a masterpiece.

[@rayanthepretentiousnerd]

It’s very cool, but I think it would work more as a 3D Mario game.

[@cincoln2829]

I found some of the levels a little challenging. Not that hard though

[@Brotatochip6507]

As much as I love the 3DS, I can’t disagree with the points you made in this video. There are so many missed opportunities in this game.

[@Demeech]

The 3DS was NOT a good system if you love Mario games

[@edwardsaldana2534]

@@Demeech I have to disagree, there were some good Mario games on that platform not including the Mario party series

[@Masked_Mastermind]

@@Demeech I like almost every Mario game that I’ve played on the 3DS lol.

[@seroujghazarian6343]

Now that I think about it, the intros for NSMB2 and SMA2 are very similar

[@bn7ilceh3i]

This video was really well made and entertaining

[@SkiKoala]

I never liked the "New" series games. The physics of the games seem so clunky compared to a game like Super Mario World.

[@leonpaelinck]

I liked the first two. But Wii felt so much harder. Then I realised our TV had input lag. I noticed it when my remote played the death sound befere I fell into the pit on tv.

[@PostApocolyptica]

Bought NSMB2, 100%'d it in about 24 hours. Very forgettable other than the "collect coins" gimmick, which obviously makes the game absurdly easy.

[@ElariaFlori]

Excellent video! I love combining video games and video essays. You seem quite like a young Scott the Woz, with tons of potential. I'm excited to see more from you!

[@FireManiac58]

As someone who never finished any of the New Super Mario games before having only played a little bit of the wii version, this game is actually really fun when you don't take it seriously. It's easy to speedrun most levels and you feel pretty good flying through them. It's not original in any way but I'm still enjoying my time with it.

[@RWSfan2024]

New super Mario bros 2 was the easiest video game I’ve ever played, I completed it in 2 days. I also agree that Wario should the main antagonist and maybe push Waluigi as his partner. The only reason I think the Wario bros would kidnap Peach would be because it’s for luring the Mario bros to them

[@howlingpig]

Or for a ransom, they are greedy

[@RWSfan2024]

@@howlingpig true

[@redonyx9281]

I personally love this game it's a great platformer so easy to pick up and play the levels are enjoyable I actually love the athletic theme in this one. Just a nice colorful Mario adventure

[@ZillennialResonance]

The biggest oversight imo is the fact that 100 coins still gets you a 1-Up

[@takanamoon9907]

"I don't consider Mario Kart Tour to be a mainline Mario Kart game." > Nintendo shows Mario Kart Tour as part of the mainline franchise during the Direct. God damn it, Miyamoto. We have to call Poorly Aged Things and tell them about this!

[@jthemad2616]

This was my very first videogame to ever play in my life, and I dont regret my actions :)

[@coltgun876]

That's sad dude I legit feel sorry for you.

[@raskolnikov6443]

It’s a fun game

[@jthemad2616]

@@coltgun876 I grew up with the WII U, I was a magnet for games that would later be ranted about.

[@coltgun876]

@@rayanthepretentiousnerd Because it's my opinion. This is one of the worst mario games I ever played.

[@rayanthepretentiousnerd]

@@coltgun876 You hate it that much?!

[@mrgreenmario64]

Both this game and New U honestly make me glad the NSMB series is confirmed to be over. Hope we see a new and original 2D Mario soon.

[@murphycreationsvideos]

Same here, I'd like to see more use of the other Mario Characters Mario (Obviously), Luigi, Toad, Princess Peach, Princess Rosalina and Yoshi + Ones that have rarely to never been used in a 2D adventure such as Princess Daisy, Wario, Waluigi, Pauline, Donkey Kong, etc. Nintendo could make an amazing game if they wanted to but they seem to be playing it safe by sticking to their old ways instead of listening to their target audiences who have so many ideas for a better game than the recycled upscaled disappointment we ended up with.

[@Vro789]

Nsmb2 is ... fine. When I first got my 3ds this was one of the 4 mario games I had, being mk wii, nsmb 1, and mario & sonic at the 2012 London Olympics. At the time I thought it was amazing, I still think it's fun but not great. This was a good look at the game instead of just saying it's terrible over and over. I'd love to see a review on 64ds talking about how it's more of a "sequel" than just a "port". Anyway great work on the video.

[@BrickShorts8118]

I think the game should at least be credited for what it did with the little it had. While yes it can be unoriginal, the levels for the most part are very well designed. I’m not saying it’s a perfect game, but I feel as though people are dead set on hating this entry the most when in general it’s not even a bad game.

[@moaijima]

I remember being in the 3rd Grade when this game came out. My friends and I were so overhyped about NSMB2, but unfortunately the game did not live up that hype at all LOL. (IMO NSMB Wii is the best)

[@callinater6133]

NSMBU is the best 2d mario imo. Unlike most of the fanbase I can actually look past the superficial complaints about the production values and realise it’s by far the best designed game in the 2d series. Hope I didnt come off as narcissistic there but it’s something I’m tired of hearing as it’s such a flimsy cop out to dismiss the game’s many upsides. For the record I also think NSMBU is a very pretty looking game. Much more appealing colours than NSMBWII. However, I’ll admit the music sucks ass. 2 is okay imo.

[@nothumanz]

Best 2d Mario game is probably 3 or world

[@callinater6133]

@@nothumanz also amazing games but i think U is technically better than both. Obviously it doesn’t seem nearly as impressive considering it’s the 4th in a rather samey series but still.

[@ChristianJiang]

Lol having a yearly schedule is something I’ve never seen on KZbin… YT channels usually don’t have such long-term projects. Kudos to you!

[@morgboat744]

it’s funny, even as a kid when i would have played ANY mario game you put in front of me, i remember not thinking too much of this one. i didn’t dislike it by any means, but i just barely remember half of it honestly. i can remember almost every single level of NSMB DS, and a bunch of secret ways throughout. NSMB2 is just the definition of “okay” and i think i realized that even as a kid.

[@justjames4]

Indeed this game is bland, for most reasons mentioned in this video. However, it is very silly to judge a game's difficulty based on how hard it is to reach the game over screen. Video games can be experiences rather than a test of endurance, and the main mode of New Super Mario Bros. 2 is one of those kinds of games. Like you did, Coin Rush mode is where the player goes to get more of a challenge, which is most likely intended by the developers given that the DLC to that mode is portrayed as difficult.

[@BallSniffer2700]

a critical look at the worst criticalizer ever- demeetch

[@Freddie_06]

That story you made up, you nearly got me...

[@NatetheNintendofan]

Trash or Treasure: Super Mario Maker for the 3DS Now that's obscure Nintendo game

[@luginess0]

Not that obscure. Now Super Mario Bros Special is obscure.

[@BlueYoshi]

@@luginess0 Mario Family is even more obscure (even though it's not a platformer) and All Night Nippon SMB should be about the same than SMB Special

[@EternalDarknessAboveTheBlueSky]

Lost Levels did add to the series: 1) Wind 2) Super Jump Springs 3) Warp zones that send you to previous levels or beginning of game 4) Death mushrooms 5) The ability to jump over the flagpole

[@RobLobster29]

I played almost all the mainline Mario games when this came out, but New Super Mario Bros 2 was the first game I skipped in the series along with U. I'm glad the series is getting more creative again.

[@donupp13]

I remember getting my 3DS for my birthday about 8-9 years ago and beating this game in 2 days. I've got a lot of memories with this game, but I prefer the first entry for it's multiplayer minigames and level design

[@legoboy7107]

They should have raised the number of coins required to earn an extra life from 100 to 1000 coins, honestly.

[@HandheldGamer1991]

I love this game and the biggest reason for it might be that the screen is not zoomed out so far that the levels feel empty like new super mario wii and U.

[@breny2044]

I remember getting this on Christmas of 2012 with my 3ds and had fun with it although I do agree this game lacked challenge compared to the wii/ds version

[@IceisNice_FollowingChrist]

This review is perfect and exactly how I feel about this game thank you!

[@Demeech]

You're welcome! I've felt this way for nearly a decade.

[@IceisNice_FollowingChrist]

@@Demeech same

[@user-S853]

You were constantly talking about this game as not adding much, but what if you were just starting the Mario bros series? If it’s “too easy”, would you recommend it to a new player?

[@EliTheGleason]

That bah-capella line made me laugh and then want to jump off a bridge Subscribed!

[@Kevintendo]

Bro hearing your fake plot I was like “holy shit I totally wanna replay this game I forgot that dope plot” 😂

[@SMERE7038]

When I was younger I broke my wrist. I had recently gotten this game for my 3ds, and I still wanted to play it. This game was SO easy, I was able to beat it with one hand. On my first playthrough.

[@StonewallTitlow]

I was the same as you. This is the game that caused me to actually start doing Mario games fully.. I had done a tiny little bit of NSMBWii as a little kid.

[@StevenVillman]

*At **15:20** in this KZbin video:* This is what symbol I envision for *_Dry_* Bowser Spaces in _Mario Party Superstars_ on possible future DLC virtual game boards or on virtual game boards in future Mario Party video games (should _Mario Party Superstars_ get no DLC in the form of new virtual game boards).