Classic Games

Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins

Wario's debut

Nintendo R&D1's Super Mario Land 2 expanded Game Boy Mario with larger sprites, non-linear world selection, and the villainous debut of Wario.

game-boy platformernintendohandheld 1992

Overview

Super Mario Land 2 represented a dramatic improvement over its predecessor. Larger sprites made Mario visible on the Game Boy’s small screen. Non-linear zone selection let players tackle worlds in any order. And a new villain emerged: Wario, Mario’s greedy doppelganger who had stolen Mario’s castle. The game’s success launched Wario into his own spin-off series.

Fast facts

  • Developer: Nintendo R&D1.
  • Director: Hiroji Kiyotake.
  • Platform: Game Boy.
  • Zones: six themed worlds plus final castle.
  • Innovation: larger sprites, non-linear progression.
  • Villain debut: Wario’s first appearance.

Design advances

Improvements over the original:

  • Sprite size: Mario visible without squinting.
  • World map: choose zone order freely.
  • Power-ups: bunny ears, fire flower.
  • Save system: battery backup.

Wario’s arrival

The evil counterpart:

  • Design: inverted Mario colours.
  • Motivation: greed and jealousy.
  • Castle theft: Mario’s home as final stage.
  • Legacy: Wario Land series followed.

See also