Top Mario Levels 1 & 2 - Snow
This post will become the first in a regular series, identifying the greatest levels within the Mario universe. These will range from the very first levels (I’m sure I’ll cover World 1-1 of Super Mario Bros at some point!) to those from the phenomenal Mario Galaxy games.
Because of the weather at the moment I’ve started off with not one – but two levels set under the white stuff – yes snow levels! Just about every Mario game since the 3rd Super Mario Bros on the NES has featured a snow level. They seem to be a staple of the Mario platforming series, providing a little bit of magic each and every time, whether its in the level design, or just the soundtrack running in the background.
World 3-1 – New Super Mario Bros Wii
The new Super Mario Bros games took an already great concept and refined it for the current generation, the Ice/Snow levels are no exception, they feature slippy surfaces, as well as new concepts you probably weren’t expecting. This level in particular just looks like a standard snow level, with straight forward platforming and an uninspiring mix of slopes and jumps. That all changes when you have the penguin suit. As the penguin suit allows you to slide through the entire level, creating a speed run of sorts.
Cool Cool Mountain – Super Mario 64
Cool cool mountain contains not one, but two ice slides, making up half of the mountains available stars, this makes it considerably different to many of the other worlds in Mario 64. The first thing you’ll notice when you arrive at the mountain is an inviting log cabin (seemingly the staple building in snowy areas), but on greater scrutiny there aren’t any doors – through the chimney it is.
Within the cabin your eyes widen as before you lies a steep slope, with twists and turns that make Peach’s secret slide look like a doddle. Before you have chance to take it in (nevermind give it a try) a massive penguin (must have been on the fish steroids) challenges you to a race. This is where it gets tricky, not only do you have to make it down the slide, beating the penguin is one hell of a challenge, sometimes he takes up over half the track himself, making passing nearly impossible. If you’re really skilled, there are plenty of rewards as well, there are loads of coins dotted about the slide, as well as a couple of major short-cuts that are tricky to find. Beating the penguin rewards you with a star, but you’ll keep rewarding yourself by playing the slide over and over, looking for the best time.
I’ll be adding more classic levels sporadically through the next few weeks and months, so keep popping back!
Posted in Top Mario Levels