Mario returns in a massively improved sequel

While the original Super Mario Land was a launch title that arguably is still worth playing today (I'd say so at least), Super Mario Land 2 is a massive improvement over that game. The graphics are way better and the gameplay is way smoother. You can truly see how the developers have gotten familiar with the handheld after experimenting with other games. What I personally found a high point about the original is the unique themeing with stages based on history, coming with representing enemies as well. While the themeing is less historical here, most of the stages are still unique and very memorable. I don't remember other Mario games where you go through a big Mario statue or inside of a turtle. The stages themselves also got an upgrade and aren't just simple horizontal stages, but also vertical with alternate exits in them to unlock more stages. And best of all probably: they can be played in any order! Mario needs to go through a total of six worlds to get a golden coin which he can in turn use to enter his own castle and kick the newly-introduced Wario out. Yet again enforcing its own themeing as Mario doesn't go out to beat an oversized lizard and get the princess for the 5th time this week, but instead for own personal goals. All of this makes Super Mario Land 2 a memorable game that stands amongst the 2D Platformer giants from the franchise. The only thing missing for me is an additional hard mode like the original had, as the game is still very easy and once you've beaten it, you're practically done. Fortunately being able to select which stages to play in what order makes up for that, but I still would have greatly appreciated it as an addition.

8/10