The Story of Super Mario Bros. 2

Learn the complete history behind Super Mario Bros. 2 and its Japanese counterpart, Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic.
CHAPTERS
00:00 - Introduction
01:17 - Part 1: For Super Players
06:12 - Part 2: A Leap of Faith
09:28 - Part 3: Heart-Pounding Panic
17:40 - Part 4: A Profound Effect
▶️ Subscribe | kzbin.info...
Follow Gaming Historian:
🐦 Twitter | / gaminghistorian
💻 Facebook | / gaminghistorian
🕹️ Twitch | / gaminghistorian
📷 Instagram | / gaminghistorian
For a list of sources, visit www.thegaminghistorian.com
#SuperMarioBros2 #GamingHistorian #Nintendo

[@Siphonay]

"Will the american children be happy?" There's something about this wording that gets to me. It's just so wholesome

[@thanezollman5269]

Same

[@cristoferchanimak]

Agreed! Sounds like something they would say it at the North Pole!

[@Sarah.Riedel]

Yeah, it's not about the money but *will the children be happy* 💕

[@johngiraltbedford]

We were happy, sir. :D

[@TheMrRuttazzo]

I guess "Kids know d*ck!" was their actual response...

[@EmersonFlemingEmRock13]

You can’t tell me everybody hasn’t had that moment where they tried stomping on an enemy in SMB2 and suddenly you’re riding on it and super confused.

[@KatieLHall-fy1hw]

Concur, definitely happened to me! I liked this game though and the beat it. I think I also beat the Super Mario 3 but have yet to fully beat Super Mario World (Forest of Illusion got me frustrated)

[@brianc3761]

Luigi was hurt in his confusion!

[@hammiranda]

I'm glad we got the US version of SMB2 instead of SMB v2

[@PaloJaurez]

I was exposed to it on super Mario advanced first since I was in that era and thought that was the original lol.

[@binchillin888]

Can't say I did. I was 5 or 6 and just went with it

[@coolestdino]

"Mama, was changed to Luigi" *MAMA LUIGI CONFIRMED*

[@TheCoolEevee]

Mama? MAMA LUIGI?! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!

[@Lanausse]

THATS MAMA LUIGI TO YOU MARIO

[@minix07]

@@Lanausse no everyone

[@time4manmode945]

@@TheCoolEevee man i love that laugh so much😄

[@akenny407]

MAMA? MAMA LUIGI?!?!? AHAHAHAHAHHAAHHAHA!

[@TJDious]

"As long as it's fun, anything goes." And that is why Nintendo is successful to this day.

[@Awesum]

Yeah but they’ve strayed from that path imo

[@RhythmGrizz]

@@Awesum [playing Metroid Dread, Pokémon Legends Arceus, Kirby and the Forgotten Land] Nah they're still good

[@joshuagonzalez5083]

@@RhythmGrizz True

[@DatHombre]

"As long as it's fun, charge full price til the end of time." FTFY

[@bombyman84]

"As long as it's fun, it doesn't need any content! Let's release arcade games for full price!"

[@A_Lone_Wolf]

One of the many reasons I love Mario 2 is - no time limit.

[@jc.1191]

Except the doors that go to that dark zone, lol

[@Jnor116]

Also longer levels.

[@No.10_SopwithMan]

Yes, I dotoo

[@crashspyromariosonicfan6907]

I agree!

[@T-Dawg75]

I never thought of that but now you mention it-that’s a way this game is better than smb1

[@Kyle-un3ei]

I cant believe this is just a KZbin video by a small youtuber. It feels like a good documentary.

[@TheMrRuttazzo]

A hell of a lot more relevant than any alien conspiracy BS which is deliberately designed to look like a "documentary".

[@randmiller88]

Gaming Historian only had just over 100K subscribers when this video came out (exactly three years ago!).

[@shawnevans666]

I liked the voiceovers done by different voice actors. It made me think of most of Ken Burns’ Documentaries.

[@sunchips18]

Randy Miller III That’s still not small. That’s not exactly “big” by today’s standards either, but geez. I know the days when we used to consider 300 sub channels to be big and 1,000 sub channels to be huge are gone, but has subscriber inflation really warped our perception that much?

[@chrisjfox8715]

The b0h3m3 and lonelygirl15 days

[@cspetronilho]

Now it makes sense. SMB2 is not a "random platformer with Mario characters", as some haters say. Doki Doki Panic was made by Mario team, and has all the Mario feeling we see in the other games. This game deserves way more respect from the fans.

[@ultrairrelevantnobody1862]

It's my favourite Mario game. You can play as the princess for Lord's sake.

[@davidnec571]

@@ultrairrelevantnobody1862 I agree. I like it more than Super Mario Bros 3. I get annoyed when people say it's not a real Mario game.

[@hagendf]

Plus, it was already built. So all they had to do was redo the characters and a few of the outlying differences and package it for America.

[@mrhumble2937]

@@hagendf so there happened to be a guy that jumped high for Luigi? I don't even know Mushrooms power.

[@mrhumble2937]

@@ultrairrelevantnobody1862 yea she was the best.

[@MsPlayerr]

Such an iconic game, it has won "game of the year" award so many times in a row

[@ictogon]

Yeah it just won game of the year for 2021 today!

[@MsPlayerr]

@@ictogon barely this time!

[@escadrums2]

SUPA MARIO BRUDDAS TOO BAYBEEEEEEE

[@slickserpent9484]

If Super Mario Bros 2 is so good, why isn’t there a Super Mario Bros 2 2 yet?

[@kiddozzind3069]

THE STREAK NEVER ENDS BAYBEEEEE

[@GayLPer]

Actually, the way this video presents it makes a lot more sense compared to how it was explained to me at first. Explanation I received: Nintendo thought American gamers were weak idiots who wouldn't be able to beat the game so they just converted a different game instead. The Reality: The American video game market was still recovering from the crash, and not only would the game being difficult make some customers unhappy, the fact that it its graphics and sound were mostly identical would have made people feel bitter. The game they converted was a game they felt was worthy as a Mario game to begin with, and that they greatly enjoyed both making and playing.

[@GayLPer]

@craZ guy Guessing you didn't watch the video

[@roguishpaladin]

The explanation and reality you state are (excluding the graphics and sound comment) essentially flip sides of the same coin. It demonstrates that there are multiple ways to say the same thing, some more antagonistic and some more polite.

[@GayLPer]

@@roguishpaladin I disagree; "Americans aren't in the mood for a more difficult game that looks, feels, and plays the same" and "Americans suck at video games" are not flip sides of the same statement. The fact is, Americans probably would've been able to play the game just fine; they just wouldn't have *wanted* to. There's a huge difference between a desire to do something and a capability to do something. And in a market, desire is what's important. Besides, the fact that Super Mario Bros USA did well in Japan should mean something as well.

[@AnnoyedAlways2]

WOW! How did I not think like that before?

[@VictorCN]

@@GayLPer woosh

[@waynecannon4232]

It’s weird how many people have a special place in their heart for this one. Whenever I invite people to play stuff on NSO they always ask about “the Mario game with the turnips”. It’s a real classic.

[@Shiirow]

but would it have held a special place in their heart if it wasnt associated with Mario though.

[@waynecannon4232]

@@Shiirow Man, I didn’t think of that. Probably not. Thanks for your edgy hot take.

[@neypaz8054]

@@Shiirow Well, obviously not, but neither would Lost Levels had it been released originally instead. Plus, having SMB2 proved benefitial as it added new enemies to the Mario series, unlike LL which only added Luigi's higher jump and Poison Mushrooms

[@vh9network]

@@Shiirow There's no way of knowing that since that never happened.

[@ElimGarakSpoonHead]

@@waynecannon4232 Responding to edge with your own edge. Glorious.

[@adamcolbertmusic]

Three things about this game made it so much better than the first Super Mario Bros, in my opinion... 1) no timer, 2) the side scrolling doesn't lock (you can go backwards through the level), and 3) if you killed enough enemies then a heart would float from the bottom of the screen, allowing you to be big again. Put altogether, it was a sandbox game with unlimited health. It was a lot less stressful not having to worry about beating the clock.

[@AnHebrewChild]

I completely agree. Not having a clock let you explore that big dreamlike world

[@Masked_Mastermind]

Not to mention way better physics.

[@etude79]

Well you are in a dream world where time does not exist so it makes sense

[@DSHite]

And that each playable character had their own special ability....

[@gertpacu3926]

This was the first game I ever beat.. I just recently bought a controller for computer so I could play it again online and I remember most every bit of it. It was great to beat again.

[@jackkingsby116]

"Nintendo hoped that all future releases will be dedicated to the disk system." 2020- still uses cartridges

[@Dowlphin]

Dude, discs are so second millennium.

[@SquallyCoin5664]

I hate to be that kinda dude (I really don’t) but they now use SD Cards. Please R/Wooosh me.

[@jackson5116]

Because they had to find a way to bring these disk games to America, and with larger boards (NES games were about twice the height of a Famicom game), it was easier to use higher capacity chips, and install a battery, and combined with the system being finicky, just makes sense to use cartridges without moving parts.

[@RbDaP]

reject modernity embrace tradition

[@MrMarinus18]

Storage space mostly isn't a factor anymore. After all it's great to say you have 1,5 terrabytes but you also need to actually have enough content to fill it up. With most games it's budget that limits the size of games. Also with modern compression tools you can make data a fraction of it's size with pretty much no negative effects other than a small additional development money.

[@scarynightcrew]

this felt like a documentary. damn good research man. you're a true gaming historian. thumbs up!

[@Owlero]

It _is_ a documentary lol.

[@ishma2100]

H0000K now eat some nuts

[@NeoArashi]

Gaming Historian pretty much only make documentaries. Some episodes are shorter, like his Conquest of the Crystal palace video which is less tjan 10 minutes long, and then he makes stuff like Tetris and Punch, both of which are over 45 minutes long.

[@Writer_Tj_Noir]

My Mom was the first person in our family to beat Mario 1 and Zelda: A Link Past Time(1991). She was happy that Peach was Playable in Mario 2. Loved the floating affect she had.

[@Dowlphin]

Surely helps family cohesion when the parents are into video games, too.

[@germany1751]

Zelda: A Link past time? You mean A Link to the Past?

[@Writer_Tj_Noir]

@@germany1751 Yes that was a journey!

[@germany1751]

@@Writer_Tj_Noir ah I prefer ocarina but alttp was really good

[@Writer_Tj_Noir]

@@germany1751 i tried my best to get into that one but i just couldn't lol

[@apauln]

I've always noticed a different atmosphere in Mario bros 2. The feel was very different. And after 3 decades I finally know why.

[@aircommandslipperz]

same like what i thought

[@superpig2067]

For me mario 2 felt the same as any other Mario game once you get past picking up objects and no brick blocks

[@roberturban184]

Absolutely loved the Mario 2 that was released in the US . Lost levels did feel more like an expansion pack then a full game. Great move by Nintendo of America ! The fact that they sold 10 million copies tells you what the players wanted .

[@littlesongbird1]

Exactly: Also Nintendo was pretty smart as a company back then.They do the American market for video games was different than Japan and they adapted things to appeal to Americans (ie USA was still recovering from the video game crash so they had to make sure their video games were high quality and also that's why the NES was called an "entertainment system" and not marketed as a "video game system", they justified delaying the SNES because USA was in a recession so many parents simply wouldn't have been able to justify a new video game system anyway, etc.)

[@user-kf1jx6oj9q]

ERSA 🇹🇷🇹🇻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇺🇸

[@Natsu25100]

Until they finally brought back in the American gaming crowd, in the form of Super Mario All-Stars.

[@theholygiraffe1970]

Wait. The mama character turned into Luigi. MAMA LUIGI

[@Cryo-15]

TheElmoEmperor It all makes sense now

[@grahamwalker2168]

Deep lore

[@popcornado4567]

THATS MAMA LUIGI TO YOU MARIO! *weird sound*

[@dawsonsouza800]

Mama Luigi ha ha ha!

[@VideoGameVlad84]

I literally thought that before looking at this comment.

[@teenprez]

It’s actually a very creative solution Nintendo came up with and gave us a great game!

[@fightermma]

What games are you currently playing?

[@kmc16]

I hope they revisit this series

[@gtx-808]

Japan mario 2 is just the first mario game set on difficult

[@victory2094]

Japan is the best Mario song is go go mario

[@nerymuniz6427]

@@gtx-808 Alternate title: Super Mario Bros: Hardcore mode

[@alexbowman4392]

I remember when my parents got an NES for the first time one Christmas back in the 80s, it came bundled with Super Mario Bros 2, the US version. For the longest time I thought that's how Mario games were like. It wasn't until I went over to my cousin's place who had a NES and had the original Super Mario Bros/Duck Hunt game that realized that SMB2 was so much different. I can't remember when I first heard that the US version was actually another game repurposed for the US because the original SMB2 was thought to be to hard. But I still have such fond memories of playing the US version of SMB2, after all, It started my love of video games.

[@Sambeck63]

Seriously! This is probably the most underrated channel on all of KZbin!!! Fantastic videos!

[@Jschad]

*game of the year for the last 30 years*

[@alicyjinx8923]

STILL DA KING BAYBEE

[@tahsinshabab4530]

I don't get the joke

[@AzureQuality]

@@tahsinshabab4530 why tho

[@tahsinshabab4530]

@@AzureQuality Idk

[@soup6874]

@@tahsinshabab4530 it's a reference to youtuber videogamedunkey

[@phills6732]

As an American, hearing about the actual care that went into the development of Doki Doki Panic, and who was involved, has definitely helped fix my perception of it as less of a Mario game. Thanks!

[@shirleybennett8335]

The guy who reviewed Mario 2: “WHAT WERE THEY THINKING”

[@mookymookymooo]

Same here!

[@danielneal264]

I still remember playing this as a kid when it first game out. So weird in terms of the game play mechanics compared to the first game, but the thing that got me right away and made the game stick with me all these years was how strangely dark it was. A lot of SMB2 has this amazingly deep feeling of looking behind the covers of reality combined with the sense of a exotic temples and tombs.

[@Saxcat20]

You aren't kidding on how hard it was to find Mario 2 for Christmas of 1988. My parents looked all over 3 states for it and finally found it one day at our local K-Mart as they were just about to give up.

[@spingebill1801]

Heck my parents right now will just giveup at the first store

[@Billo1281]

Damn man, you have some above and beyond parents! Good for you!

[@kylem1112]

Billo1281 for real.... my first game system was a super nintendo that one of my moms coworkers gave her to give me for christmas. and this was in 1997 when n64/ playstation was out. i was 5 ort 6 years old at the time too.

[@antech9986]

My first system was the snes, which we got in the early 2000's, dang that was a great system

[@Fauntleroy.]

+Saxcat20 Let's Plays We found Mario 2, Mario 3, and Zelda 2 all at K-Mart within days of their releases. Nobody else had these games but apparently few people thought to check the good old K-Mart!

[@Larry]

I think a lot of people didn't notice the huge differences in Mario 2 as it was the norm on the NES to make sequels completely different from the original, like Zelda II and Castlevania 2. Even Sega did that with the Alex Kidd games. But there's a few US prototype ROMs where the game is even more like Super Mario, such as a remix of the underworld theme when you go in caves Etc. bizarre why they left that out :S

[@JJ_TheGreat]

And yet the Sonic series sequels for SEGA were similar enough, unlike the completely different SMB2 game. At least with SMB3, once you are in the levels, they look more like the levels from the original SMB - with some refinements + the addition of an overworld map. SMB2 levels do not even resemble any Mario levels.

[@japhreal]

Pac in time was a reskin of furries of the fury

[@bjornervig3795]

Sequels should have the same gameplay with added features and upgraded graphics. Otherwise might as well be an expansion pack.

[@FavianTubeX]

When you eat the first poison mushroom in the real Super Mario Bros 2: "Welcome to Dark Souls Bitch!"

[@johnboland6018]

Everyone noticed the difference... hence why it's a classic.

[@LordTchernobog]

Doki Doki Panic: YOU TOOK EVERYTHING FROM ME! Super Mario: I-a don't even know-a you who are...

[@114D]

What a magical game. I remember waiting in line for it at Toys R Us for 4 hours with my brother and Dad and being SO EXCITED when our turn came up and my dad noticed there were only two copies left where they stacked it on slanted shelves on the video game section of the store. You couldn’t grab it yourself, someone behind the counter had to pick it for you. I guess a lot hasn’t changed in that regard. But what a time that was.

[@StudyingManually]

When a game is so difficult that they had to remake it immediately

[@ooliveric]

18:12 THAT'S MAMMA LUIGI TO YOU MARIO !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@thegrumpley1266]

Lol i have the entire series that that meme is from

[@dcgitz]

"Mama? *_MAMA LUIGI?!_* (laughs hysterically)"

[@kenjivlogs1607]

RetroGamerNerd

[@LifeBulb]

The fact that mama was changed to Luigi, makes me laugh even more.

[@Z0MGH4X]

wow

[@knightshousegames]

Of all the sequels in that era that were huge departures from the original game (This game, along with Zelda 2, Final Fantasy 2, Castlevania 2, etc) this is the one that felt the most like it kept with the spirit of the original, and contributed the most to it's respective series. This was actually the first Mario game I ever played when I was like 4 years old, and I loved it. I played the original after that, and loved that too. I never felt like one was better than the other, they both had their own place for me. I didn't really feel that way about Zelda 2 compared to Zelda 1.

[@rienjen]

"If we change the characters to Mario characters, will this make the American children happy?" There's just something super sweet about asking whether or not the game will make children happy vs. asking if they think the game will be profitable.

[@toptenguy1]

-" This mario game is too difficult. We will not release it." -"How about Zelda, Castlevania, Ninja Gaiden and Silver Surfer?" -"Those are fine. Go ahead."

[@mlevar25]

That's true

[@marixsunnyotp3142]

I wonder how players find the entrance of the dungeons without youtube

[@krisfarted]

Froggy Fortress xdxd Nintendo power

[@marixsunnyotp3142]

@@krisfarted I almost forgot that

[@nickmanzo8459]

toptenguy1 to be fair, three of those were not made by Nintendo, and Zelda isn’t “hard” per se, it’s cryptic and filled with secrets you’re meant to explore and discover, and puzzles you’re meant to solve.

[@Justin-Hill-1987]

The Lost Levels is a tough video game, however it is somewhat easier playing as Luigi due to the fact that he jumps higher than his brother Mario. Those reverse warp zones are crazy.

[@katieulrich8445]

I beat it with Luigi. I vowed to never play it ever because I didn’t think I’d beat it again haha….it’s HARD!!

[@slavo316]

Realizing that jumping backwards with Mario he can hit max speed instantly and basically jump the same hight. I prefer Mario over Luigi lol

[@Torentino_Ian_no_channel_2006]

Reverse warp zones more like reverse traps

[@The-P-iz-Free]

Those reverse warps use to make me quit the game🤣🤣

[@shen-long9082]

It's *are tough...not-> *is tough. Duuuuuuuuuh!

[@blazerplays8008]

"Mama, who was Changed to Luigi" *MAMA LUIGI*

[@kevinjamesmith]

Your videos are so well-researched and well-produced. I can't tell you how much I am loving them, thank you so much for doing what you do!

[@katseatsushi4888]

The guy who reviewed Mario 2: “WHAT WERE THEY THINKING”

[@MICKSHRED]

The first vegan

[@Nestalgba92023]

Which region's sequel?

[@SquallyCoin5664]

64 Bit, 32 Bit, 16 Bit, 8 Bit, 4 Bit, 2 Bit, 1 Bit, Half Bit, Quarter Bit, *_THE WRIST GAME!_*

[@JeepnHeel]

They did always characterize Howard as a nerd with a bowtie... hrm.

[@rayminishi689]

I had beaten the original super mario so many times, so playing the All Stars version of the Lost Levels was such a treat to me. I spent most of my time with the Deluxe version, boy, 8-2 does not mess around.

[@codymac4958]

MiNiSHi DoZA I've always wondered if the deluxe version was worth it. What do you think?

[@rayminishi689]

Cody McNeil For portability, yeah. On the go play, the only downside is the screen crunch, so you'll see less. But I personally find it worth it with how cheap gameboy games are.

[@JCOdrjones]

Love the fact "Mama" was changed to "Luigi"

[@k-leb4671]

Maybe those Super Mario World cartoon writers knew something we didn't...

[@horrido666]

Having been a video game addict since the early 70's Space Invaders and Asteroids and the arcade craze of the early 80s, I can attest that SMB2 was the first console game that was more desirable than anything at the arcades. That is its biggest achievement, IMO.

[@ryan9990]

2:58 his voice matched the music!

[@Myjacob99]

Dancing Zombie lmao that just cracked me up

[@rippetoe38]

Wow.

[@buzzardsinuses4780]

🤣

[@SOGNAMETAL]

Holy shit! you have some kind of an upgraded brain to notice this!

[@TheSherriea1]

@@Myjacob99 lmbo* You idiot!

[@ImTheKingOfHyrule]

It's interesting-- if not for the fact that Howard Phillips hated the Japanese Mario Bros 2, we might never have gotten Doki Doki Panic in the US at all. We eventually got Mario Bros 2., but Doki Doki Panic would have been doomed to die in obscurity.

[@metsrus]

good call by Howard Phillips, japanese mario bros 2 looked and felt like super mario bros

[@nateschuette3218]

Or even if we had it wouldn't of had the running upgrade. Can't be without that.

[@StormsparkPegasus]

This is very true. Because of Fuji's ownership of the characters, it would've been impossible to release this game outside Japan without changing the characters. Making it Mario 2 outside Japan was win win for everyone involved. The rest of the world got to play Doki Doki Panic where they wouldn't have otherwise. And there was a better sequel to Mario (which was so popular it was re-released in Japan as Super Mario USA).

[@businessandpoliticsinswede3138]

I've always loved this game, and I always considered Toad as the best character by far. He's fast running and most importantly: fastest to pull up stuff!

[@GamingWithGeo]

To this day SMB2 is still my favorite of the original NES Mario games.

[@johnpoole3871]

Same

[@aircommandslipperz]

me too..and i'm 41 this year lol

[@svetlanarebane]

Mama's abilities were given to Luigi. *That's Mama Luigi to you, Mario!*

[@sheridanrathbun]

*wheeze*

[@alexandramartinez3715]

That's a reference to the Mario World tv show

[@livispuzzled]

mama luigi gonna steal yo girl

[@spiritualwarrior864]

shut the hell up

[@SkippytheNarwhal]

XD nice

[@xsolent]

I lost my mind when this game entered my life, 1988 Christmas morning. This game brought so much joy to myself and sister, words do not describe. So many hours. Had to be 1000's. Thanks, Nintendo for making me a gamer junkie to this day! Peach was my go-to character. Gaming historian love your show! Sub'd.

[@icawn]

rich kid! just kidding, kinda. :)

[@rorschach7697]

@xsolent My 1988 xmas experience was great as well. And i was only child so no sharing hahaha!! And i loved floating with peach through most of the game. 👍

[@nateschuette3218]

This was the first game I ever bought with my own money. I remember it was at least $50. I was only 5-6 so I don't even know how I got that much money back then. Must've been my birthday money from my aunts and uncles. I can still remember struggling to decide if I actually wanted to spend that much. My mom rushing me to make a decision because I was holding up the woman behind the counter. But I went for it. And I think looking back it was a good purchase. I was all about Luigi though. I wasn't going to play as a stupid girl. I remember the day we got Mario 3 also. My mom came home with groceries and we had to help put them away and I found it in one of the bags. As soon as we were done I popped it in and started playing. My mother eventually came in and saw us playing it, and was confused because she thought we already had the game or something. She asked where we got it and I said in the groceries. It was supposed to be our Christmas present. Haha. So we scored a bonus gift that year. since the surprise was gone.

[@telengardforever7783]

1988 was a good year all around. For some reason, everything just felt right in 1988. I remember it very well.

[@cbgames3945]

Yeah, i remember reading that strategy in class, waiting for Christmas, saving my money. :)

[@fordxbgtfalcon]

It became one of my all time favorite NES games, I still play it often. Thoroughly thought out and produced video! Excellent my friend!

[@gigalodon14]

Fun fact: This Game won GOTY 33 years in a row now

[@stripedrajang3571]

It did? Where? How?

[@garythehippopotamus9536]

@@stripedrajang3571 It’s a reference to popular KZbinr and Mario Maker legend videogamedunkey

[@stripedrajang3571]

@@garythehippopotamus9536 so basically, it's not a fact as Mr. Gigalodon stated, but just an opinion from this one person "videogamedunkey"?

[@midgetsausage]

@@stripedrajang3571 yeah. it's called a "joke".

[@stripedrajang3571]

@@midgetsausage , I see.

[@hulkhuggett]

Very cool video. Nicely done. And so professionally edited and narrated, this could be a real documentary on TV. good job!

[@TheLarryburns84]

His material has just gotten better with time. I'd show it on TV if I had a channel.

[@Rexowogamer]

Imagine a tv channel showing these... I bet it would be popular. Just make sure that it’s shown in the UK as well as the US.

[@karnagefails333]

hulkhuggett So because this isn't on another idiot box, its not a "real" documentary? This is better than any shit you'll see on "TV" I'll tell ya that.

[@Rexowogamer]

Karnage Fails TBH TV is shit these days.

[@karnagefails333]

John Burns What are you people like...in your 90s? People actually still watch TV? Like cable TV? That shit is on the verge of total extinction. That's why the prices are so damn high. Did you know you can get a-la-carte tv through KZbin and just pay for the channels you actually watch?

[@estebanrios4418]

17:31 Pablo Escobar waiting in line for a copy of SMB2

[@brute_lin2023]

lol

[@cectv8476]

Do the story of Super Mario Bros 1

[@Anonyhouse]

This game feels like it doesn't exist... like it's a dream. When I first played it, It felt very dream like and surreal to me. It wasn't until I actually beat it that I realized IT WAS A DREAM THE WHOLE TIME!! Sometimes when I'm on acid, I see the game.

[@ahmirwatson9531]

In Doki Doki Panic, the game takes place inside of a magical storybook

[@jacemachine]

Growing up, I really loved Super Mario Bros 2. It was and remains my favorite of the original Super Mario Trilogy. So many good memories of playing it over the years. Amazing to learn all this cool backstory. I knew SOME of it, but certainly that was a drip in the bucket of awesome. Thanks for sharing 'Historian!

[@BobbyJoeXForgotenSB]

***** the one thing he didnt mention was that the shelved prototype used mario as a stand in character so, it pretty much went full circle

[@jacemachine]

THAT I didn't know BobbyJoe!

[@Billo1281]

Yeah it was a really fun when the game released!

[@jacemachine]

I miss Wart. :(

[@Ash_North_]

+Jacemachine Gaming You would think by now Wart would've at least shown up in Mario Kart or Super Smash Bros.

[@connor338]

GAME OF THE YEAR, EVERY YEAR BAYBEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

[@CVerse]

But Knack 3D tho, that's gonna be the one

[@thebluebandana]

Video game dunkey

[@AlanZeino]

mastapeece

[@stevenmarshall8529]

I’ve only recently come across this channel. The videos are of such a high standard! Loving them!

[@vedaryan334]

And thus, the game of the year of all time was born.

[@GamingHistorian]

DId you know today is the 28th anniversary of the release of Yume Kojo: Doki Doki Panic? This video took way longer than I thought! Better late than never I guess. My hope is that this video provides a clear picture of the Super Mario Bros. 2 / Doki Doki Panic switch. Enjoy!

[@robertwooten1784]

***** Hello

[@Therealmadkong]

***** Hey Gaming Historian, are you still doing "games you should play" cause that was a cool idea, but they just disappeared. They are so short and sweet, and I am always looking for more good games to play.

[@benjaminvanderhulst3249]

i like the new intro music!

[@NaturalProgressGames]

***** YESSSSSS!!!

[@TuxEarth]

***** It's also the 30th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. as well.

[@ToastyTime]

This was amazing, keep it up!!

[@VlameXBoy]

Hi

[@taralee1873]

Cool. :3 _-NOTICE ME SENPAI!-_

[@VlameXBoy]

Bashur

[@seahound317]

Hai! And I agree, that is cool!

[@GamingHistorian]

Bashurverse Thanks so much!

[@DarkCode]

My favorite Mario game of all time. It was very mysterious and had a unique vibe to it. I also like the shadow world. It was very dimensional. It was so different and I love the new bosses and art. Will remain my favorite for all these reasons and more.

[@MrWhitbywoo]

The best nes Mario in my opinion and first game I ever finished as a kid. I was 6 when it released. Have such found memories playing it with my friends back in the 80s

[@rpgcraftsman520]

I knew the two bullet points about "SMB2 J was too hard" "Doki Doki Panic was remade into SMB 2 Int'l" already; as immersed in video games as I am, it's hard to not pick up those basics at some point. Learning all the other little pieces of the puzzle was actually very interesting; I didn't consider that the video game industry was only barely beginning to recover its stride at that point in time; it makes the "too hard for the West" argument _actually make sense._ And I didn't know _jack_ about the background of our Arabian heroes in the original, other than their rough analog to the SMB 2 we got. Learning that there was an entirely different plot based on a big Japan-only event at the time was cool too. You, sir, are _definitely_ worth the subscribe, and this video is worth the watch. I normally avoid YT as much as possible these days, unless I'm sure I'll find a given video on here and I want that particular video, but you're reason enough to come back.

[@sidetrackers9755]

SUPA MARIO BRUDDAS 2 BABYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY STILL THE KING

[@indiefruit]

HERE COMES THE BIG BOYS BAYBEEE

[@pinguijose]

MASTAH PIECE

[@connorsmiley2294]

But Knack tho

[@sidetrackers9755]

O that's right, Knack 2 is out. KNACK 2 THE FUTURE BABYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

[@Skylightningz]

Yes

[@grey_vetiver]

Something just makes me smile about the part "will the American children be happy?"

[@jamesgentry13]

Ass bro I wasn't happy lol

[@gregoryderpwrld111]

Dat nam tho

[@shogun1x]

Western devs just ask "Can we squeeze the American children for money?"

[@thetoot9615]

It sounds kinda sarcastic and offensive at first

[@swishasnkush1573]

I thought it was innocent too. They just wanted to appeal to the children cuz the real MB2 was too difficult....

[@porkchopexpress84]

Youre level of research is astounding

[@MrAndersonAFK]

I'm so hooked on your videos you do such a great job with them

[@neoshenlong]

The shit these people could do before the internet.

[@killval849]

yooo right. this shit would never even be contemplated today

[@AdamG1983]

There's no reason why a KZbin channel about old video games should be this good, but here we are. I love this.

[@waltercalderon5762]

This is my all time favorite right next to The Adventure of Link! Thanks for taking me on a walk down memory lane into my childhood!

[@JerichoLeon]

This was a terrific coverage! Thank you for the memories.

[@Ground40015]

One of the first episodes of Gaming Historian I ever watched was this one, and it is one of my favorite episodes of Gaming Historian out of the 120. I liked that I could learn about the Japanese SMB2 and how it was different than SMB2 in America in how it was a modified version of a urban game and I think this was an amazing video to watch over and over again and again and it still doesn't get old. Whoever reads this I hope you have a great day.

[@Aggrofool]

Howard Philips: this game is hard Miyamoto: git gud nub

[@jazzmaster909]

Miyamoto: I agree. lets give you a new(as far as the rest of the world was concerned) better game.

[@tktru]

Howard Philips: this game is hard Miyamoto: ギットグドヌボ*

[@riad9050]

Lel yes

[@timhornswaggle1243]

Not gonna lie. This video blew my mind. Childhood changed forever! But it’s a great video. Thanks so much for the hard researched video!!! Keep em coming!!!

[@wizdoom3902]

I love this breakdown so much. Thanks for being amazing.

[@retroguy74]

This is the best video on the SMB2 story. Period. You're becoming a fucking legend in your own time Norman.

[@FROEZOEN]

18:11 "That's Mama Luigi to you Mario!"

[@tahamohammad8842]

Toad is PAPA! I knew it

[@mage6562]

This is very interesting. I was always curious about the lost levels from Super Mario All-Stars, and now i’m glad to have learned the truth behind that game

[@BrandonPenson]

Cool look at the history of SUPER Mario Bros. 2! Up until a few years ago, I never knew that there were two different versions. Great video! Love your channel and each of these documentaries.

[@NDMytp]

So many people have made videos covering the story of SMB 2, and yet somehow you've managed to teach me so much I didn't know. This is UTTERLY definitive, man! :)

[@meanbeanmachine3852]

Japan: this game is fun! America: (Dies by poison mushroom) WTF

[@manueldesant4849]

Mean bean Machine Japanese : such a fun challenging game American: such an inconvenient!

[@pacboy24]

Japan: wow, challenging! very rewarding! America: too hard! i suck! wheres mcdonalds!

[@Algedibarrios]

Noob

[@hardinglevi3480]

Hey you should make this a meme

[@LazyPirate8]

@@manueldesant4849 well japan got pyu pyu

[@Psilocybin77]

ah sweet sweet nostalgia washing over me. I loved this game as a kid. I never owned it, but would rent it A LOT (probably should have just owned it). It took me forever, but I was able to beat the game. Love it! Thanks so much for this trip down memory lane.

[@Grouncontrol]

Holy hell! Came across your channel The usual KZbin way, under recommended videos. Been watching your super Mario vids and gotta say, GREAT! You’ve got a née sub here!

[@LordTeaboBaggins]

This was actually my favorite NES Mario game. Before someone says it: Yes, I know SMB3 was better. But 2 was still my jam.

[@strangedivine]

It’s also my favourite. I watched my cousins play the game countless times as a kid and it has held a special place in my heart.

[@vedaryan334]

How could smb3 be better? Supa Mario Bruddas 2 is THE game of the year

[@Jnor116]

Mario 3 was not better. After watching a few hours of gameplay I realized mario 3 was shorter levels with way too many single level enemies or items. Case in point most levels could be beaten in 30 seconds, and let me point out the goomba shoe, or the jelly fish are each only in one level.

[@Nic_2751]

@@Jnor116 it also regressed Mario 2’s advancements like different characters and a weaker ost

[@TXFDA]

I'll be honest, while Mario 3 might be the better game overall, it got boring to me. Like, by the time I get to world 4-5, I'm starting to get tired of it. But I could sit there and play through all of Mario 2 in one sitting and never get bored.

[@chadtronic]

Not trying to be bias because I'm in it. But this is seriously one of your best videos so far.

[@unullness]

Haha. You must be so happy, I would be if I was in one of these

[@dbreizin9720]

Chadtronic I didn't even notice you were in it, what part?

[@outshin3d495]

I knew when I heard that voice it was Chadtronic.

[@quickplaya]

Chadtronic He had alot of help from AVGN and all of the other game reviewers on Mario Bros 2... honestly I am sick of seeing MB2 videos and everyone being like... "OMG!!!! I NEVER KNEW THAT!!!"

[@golivares710]

Chadtronic FRICK

[@RPGreg2600]

Great video! This is one of the few Mario games I've never beat, I'm feeling inspired to replay it now and beat it with the help of save states.

[@jacobvidjeskog]

Thank you for the video! Good adventure and fun all the way through.

[@saifis]

In Japan this game is called Mario USA, was such an interesting time for gaming.

[@TheCandoRailfan]

No shit, he says it in the video.

[@EllDoesStuff]

18:11 *THAT’S MAMA LUIGI TO YOU, MARIO!*

[@followthru1000]

I remember walking at a Walmart with this game after putting it on layaway for like a month. Absolutely loved it. Great memories

[@runthejules91]

your channel is the best - many props to you sir.

[@CazTheGamerGuy]

As many times as it's been discussed, it's always so fascinating to look back at the history of Super Mario Bros. 2 and Doki Doki Panic, as well how each (eventually) ended up in the West. Still find it weird that so many enemies from Doki Doki Panic appear in other Mario games yet Wart is almost completely forgotten.

[@kylefunderburk4194]

***** It would be cool to see Wart again.

[@auberweir]

***** that Wart was squashed!

[@burnum]

***** He was added into Link's Awakening. Along with alot of other Mario enemies.

[@AwlrightProductions]

***** Mouser was so rad. Dude wore sunglasses!

[@Zabs_Mcgee]

***** wait if you're there and I'm here.... OH DEAR!!!!

[@frozenaorta]

This is how a retrospective is done. Yes, everyone can sit around now and say, "Well, the original Japanese Super Mario 2 was deemed too difficult for Americans, so they modded Doki Doki Panic into a Mario game for North America. We got the true SMB2 as Lost Levels on the SNES All Stars cartridge." But that's so dumbed down, and there's so much more to the story. That's why we have people like Norm.

[@herculesballz1905]

One of so many reasons why this is one of my most favorite Mario's of all time is because it introduced new characters you could choose from and I loved the game. No time limit, new enemies, new villain and great bosses made this game very obsessing.

[@mattimusprimal637]

@5:50 Ironically, the people who were saying, “Japanese Super Mario Bros. 2 was a ROM hack of the first Super Mario Bros. game” when the American Super Mario Bros. 2 was a ROM hack of Doki Doki Panic!!

[@thelegendofzelda907]

By the time I played Super Mario 64, I started to wonder why Super Mario Bros 2 was so different than all the other one's. Over the last 5 years, I began hearing bits and pieces about the story.

[@thomasrainbow]

Super Mario 2 was and probably will be my favorite game of all time.. I just loved the atmosphere and gameplay.. It was like being in a dream! I actually still remember the first time I played it at friend's house when I was nine. It really left an impression on me! I loved picking up the vegetables and the music especially when underground! Such a beautiful game!

[@quarreneverett4767]

If i recall when you best the game it shows it was a dream

[@professormancaptain4210]

This content is astonishingly good. Jesus, it's just so well done. I'm loving these

[@kenjackben]

I wasn't that big of a gamer back in the day but my cousin really loved Mario 2 and the game is a part of my childhood fond memories many hours spent in front of the TV watching him play it masterfully

[@mauriciomunoz87]

I know this video came out 5 years ago, but I cannot stress enough how well done your videos are. This is top-notch, high quality professional work. Keep up the fantastic job, man!

[@barfgameplay]

Mouser was still in Mario 2, but in different levels ;).

[@Skeletroy]

IAmTheMikko Correct. There are 3 Mousers in Doki Doki Panic, and only 2 in SMB2.

[@dwilliams21]

These are so well done! I learned a lot about this game that I never knew before! Thank you.

[@Gravy_Master]

Oh my heavens what an absolute cream puff of a game. I’m 41 and been gaming ever since. I don’t think I’ve played it in over 25 years but man does this one just stick with me in a very special way. My favorite midi soundtrack of all time. I still put long play videos on every so often while I do stuff just to listen to the music in the background. The way the colors instantly shifted and silhouetted everything in black when you entered some doors. Bombing your way through rocky underground tunnels. Enemy ghosts that only attacked with your back turned to them. Not to mention you could choose from all these wildly different characters that each had a different special power. I only played as Princess or Toadstool because they were just so exotic compared to M&L that I assumed they were better by default. It was so full of life - things growing and you can dig them up and throw them. Vines climbing into the sky, and you could actually climb them and find out what’s up there. Bright dancing cherries and mushrooms and stars everywhere. This was pre-puberty my brothers and sisters. There were only two things that mattered in this world: bmx bicycles, and this.