Choosing the Best Character in Super Mario Bros. 2: A Comprehensive Guide

Super Mario Bros. 2 is renowned for its diverse character roster that offers various abilities to overcome different challenges. This classic game allows players to choose from four characters: Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach (known as Toadstool in the game), and Toad. Each character has unique strengths and weaknesses that cater to different playstyles. In this article, we will explore the distinct abilities of each character and delve into which character stands out as the most enjoyable to play.

Character Abilities and Their Use Cases

Mario

Mario is a well-rounded character, ideal for beginners. He lacks the specialized abilities of other characters, making him a straightforward choice. His versatility in handling most of the game's challenges makes him an excellent choice for those new to the game or those who prefer a balance in their gameplay experience.

Luigi

Luigi is a high-flying character who excels in jumping. He jumps higher than Mario, allowing players to reach ledges and platforms that are otherwise out of reach. Luigi’s higher jump and the ability to access the same skippable routes as Princess Peach and Toadstool if you run and jump at the very edge of a platform make him a popular choice. The lack of strict item requirements for accessing his jump makes him more versatile than other characters.

Princess Peach

Princess Peach (Toadstool) is famous for her floating ability, which helps navigate tricky areas with ease. Her floating can be a game-changer, making it much easier to perform intricate jumps and reach hard-to-reach areas. However, her floating ability also comes with a drawback: she is unable to jump as high as Luigi and is slightly slower than other characters.

Toad

Toad is a quick and nimble character who excels at picking up items. His speed and ability to pick up items quickly make him ideal for collecting coins and power-ups. However, Toad’s lower jump and lack of specialized abilities limit his usefulness in certain situations.

Personal Preferences and Playstyles

Personal preferences often dictate which character is best for a player. For instance, when the game was first released, many players preferred Princess Peach due to her floating ability, which made levels easier to navigate. However, as more players explored the game, it became evident that Luigi and Mario were often the most enjoyable characters to use.

My Experience

Initially, like many other players, I enjoyed using Princess Peach because her floating ability simplified the game. However, as I gained more experience, I found that Mario and Luigi offered more strategic depth. Luigi’s high jumps allow him to access the same skippable routes that Princess Peach can if you run and jump at the very edge of a platform. This means that the floating ability, which I once cherished, is no longer necessary for advancing quickly.

Timing and Efficiency

The timing involved in the coin slot game at the end of each level is crucial. Once you master the timing, you can rack up a lot of lives, making coins less essential. Having super speed with Toad is helpful, but it requires holding onto heavy items like turnips or power-block enemies. This strict requirement limits Toad’s usefulness in most situations.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

While Luigi feels the most consistent for me, playing with Toad or Peach can be a useful "convenience" in levels that make the most of their skills. Mario, with his no specialization, does not provide any incentives to use him over the other characters. For those looking for the most consistent and versatile character, Luigi is the clear choice. His high jumps and versatility make him a top pick in most levels.

Ultimately, the best character to play as in Super Mario Bros. 2 often depends on your personal playstyle and the challenges of the levels. Whether you prefer a high jump and speed or the convenience of item collection, there is a character that will suit your needs in this classic game.