New Super Mario Bros. Walkthrough

Understanding Basic Controls#

Mastering the basic controls in New Super Mario Bros. is essential for surviving the Mushroom Kingdom and beyond. Whether you’re new to the series or just a bit rusty, getting a solid grip on the controls will set you up for success. Let’s break down everything you need to know to get Mario (or Luigi) moving like a pro!

Directional Pad (D-Pad):

Left/Right: This makes Mario run left or right. It’s your main tool for navigating levels.
Down: Ducking is not just for lowering your profile—it’s critical when avoiding low-hanging threats or entering Warp Pipes.
Up: Mostly used to climb vines or grab onto hanging ropes.

Run Button (Y or X):

Hold down Y or X while using the D-Pad to make Mario run faster. This also amps up your jumping distance and helps you gain momentum for certain in-level mechanics. Need to sprint past a tough enemy or reach a far-off platform? You’re going to wanna hold down this button.

Jumping and Stomping#

Jump Button (A or B):

Tapping A or B makes Mario jump. The longer you hold it, the higher he goes. Jumps are your bread and butter for avoiding pitfalls, squashing Goombas, and snagging those high-up coins.

Wall Jump:

When you’re sliding down a wall, press away from the wall and hit A or B to perform a wall jump. This is a lifesaver when jumping up narrow vertical passages or escaping tricky spots.

Special Moves#

Ground Pound:

While in the air, press down on the D-Pad to slam Mario straight down. This move is great for breaking blocks beneath you or taking out tougher enemies.

Spin Jump:

In some versions of the game, shaking the Wii Remote or pressing R triggers a spin jump. This gives Mario extra hang time in the air—crucial for tight platforming sections.

Item Usage#

Fire Flower:

Once you grab a Fire Flower, hitting Y or X will throw fireballs. Aim it well to torch enemies and clear your path.

Propeller Suit:

Shake the Wii Remote or press R to send Mario soaring into the air. This is perfect for dodging obstacles and reaching new heights.

Mini Mushroom:

Makes Mario tiny and lets him fit into small spaces. The controls stay the same, but remember: tiny Mario is lighter, which means higher jumps but more vulnerability.

Interacting with the Environment#

Enter and Exit:

Press Up on the D-Pad to climb into pipes, doors, and climbable items. To go back down, duck using Down on the D-Pad.

Carry and Throw:

Come across an object like a turtle shell? Hold down the Run Button (Y or X) to pick it up. Let go to throw it, which can clear out enemies or activate switches.

Conclusion#

Remember, practice makes perfect. The controls might feel a bit clunky at first, but with time, you’ll be wall jumping, ground pounding, and propelling your way to the flag in no time. These basic moves are the foundation of everything in New Super Mario Bros., so get comfy with them and get ready to tackle tougher challenges ahead. Happy gaming!

Navigating Different Levels#

Ready to jump, stomp, and power-up your way to victory in New Super Mario Bros.? Let’s dig into how to master different levels in the game so you can save Princess Peach without breaking a sweat.

1. Understanding Level Types#

Super Mario games are known for diverse environments. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Grasslands: Easy, with straightforward platforms. Good for grabbing power-ups.
Deserts: Watch for quicksand and sneaky enemies like Pokeys.
Water: Swim carefully and avoid the underwater predators.
Snow/Ice: Slippery surfaces make jumping tricky.
Caves: Expect low visibility and tricky terrain.
Airships: Moving platforms and lots of bullet hazards.
Ghost Houses: Puzzles and hidden exits prevail here.

2. Essential Power-Ups#

Power-ups are your best friends. Memorize these key items:

Mushroom: Grows Mario to Super Mario, giving him an extra hit point.
Fire Flower: Lets Mario shoot fireballs. Great for hard-to-reach baddies.
Star: Invincibility for a short time. Run through enemies like butter.
Mini Mushroom: Shrinks Mario, letting him fit into small spaces but makes him more vulnerable.
Mega Mushroom: Turns Mario into a giant, crushing everything in his path.

3. Level-Specific Tips#

Grasslands#

These levels are usually more forgiving. Use them to practice your basic jumps and power-up collection:

Watch for Pipes: Often hide shortcuts or bonus areas with coins.
Stomp Enemies: Koopas and Goombas give you extra points and sometimes power-ups.

Deserts#

The sand can be a pain, but timing is your friend:

Quicksand: Always keep moving, or you’ll sink.
Pokeys: Hit them from above or use fireballs.

Water#

Swimming requires patience:

Tap A to Swim: Quick taps keep Mario afloat.
Avoid Bloopers and Cheep Cheeps: Predict their patterns to dodge easily.

Snow/Ice#

Slippery surfaces call for careful navigation:

Momentum is Key: Use running jumps and slow down for precise landings.
Penguins: Slide, don’t collide. Fireballs can help here.

Caves#

Dimly lit and sometimes confusing:

Watch for Bats: They swoop down suddenly, so be ready to jump.
Look for Hidden Blocks: These can provide crucial light sources or power-ups.

Airships#

Constant movement and lots of danger:

Stay on the Move: Platforms won’t wait for you.
Dodging Cannons: Watch for bullet patterns and time your jumps.

Ghost Houses#

Prepare for puzzles:

Fake Walls: Some walls are illusions. Test suspicious areas.
Hidden Doors: Look for visual clues like discolored tiles.

4. Mastering Boss Battles#

Every world has a boss, usually in a castle or airship. Here’s a quick strategy:

Study Patterns: Bosses often repeat their moves. Learn these to time your attacks.
Hit from Above: Jumping on the boss is the most common way to deal damage.
Use Power-Ups Wisely: A Fire Flower can make quick work of many bosses.

5. Collectibles#

To really master a level, you’ll want all Star Coins:

Explore Thoroughly: Secret areas and hidden blocks usually have Star Coins.
Listen for Chimes: They often signal a hidden path or item nearby.

Final Tips#

Checkpoint Flags: Always hit these. They save your progress in longer, trickier levels.
Replay Levels: Practice makes perfect, especially for tricky sections or finding hidden items.
Stay Calm: Sometimes you’ll need to slow down and plan your moves carefully.

Stick to these tips, and you’ll be navigating the worlds of New Super Mario Bros. like a pro. Happy gaming!

Key Locations and Their Challenges#

In New Super Mario Bros., each world is packed with unique levels and tricky obstacles. Let’s take a look at some of the key locations you’ll encounter, along with the challenges they bring.

World 1: Grasslands#

1-1: Easy Peasy Forest
- Quick Overview: A straightforward introduction to the game.
- Challenges: Basic Goombas, Koopa Troopas. Get used to jumping and stomping.
- Tips: Look for hidden blocks that contain power-ups.
1-2: Underground Cavern
- Quick Overview: Take a trip below the surface.
- Challenges: Tight spaces, pits, moving platforms.
- Tips: Keep an eye out for secret warp pipes leading to extra coins and items.

World 2: Desert#

2-1: Sandy Dunes
- Quick Overview: Navigate the hot desert sands.
- Challenges: Quick-moving Pokeys, shifting sand.
- Tips: Use shells to clear paths and collect hidden items.
2-Tower: Tower of Terror
- Quick Overview: Your first vertical challenge.
- Challenges: Rising columns, crushing blocks, giant Thwomps.
- Tips: Time your jumps carefully to avoid getting squished.

World 3: Water World#

3-2: Underwater Maze
- Quick Overview: Dive deep and stay alive.
- Challenges: Blooper squids, Cheep Cheep fish.
- Tips: Swimming can be tricky – practice tapping the jump button lightly to control your movement.
3-Tower: Waterworks Tower
- Quick Overview: Combines your swimming and climbing skills.
- Challenges: Water currents, Jellyfish, and moving platforms.
- Tips: It’s easier to control Mario when he’s at the surface of the water. Use this to your advantage.

World 4: Forest#

4-1: Poisonous Pond
- Quick Overview: Dodging through a toxic landscape.
- Challenges: Poisonous water, tight jumps.
- Tips: Look for hidden paths above the main trail for safer routes.
4-3: Wobbly Woods
- Quick Overview: Navigate through unstable ground.
- Challenges: Sections of ground that tilt or sink when Mario steps on them.
- Tips: Keep moving to maintain balance and watch out for sudden drops.

World 5: Ice World#

5-1: Snowy Plains
- Quick Overview: Slippery ice and cold winds.
- Challenges: Ice physics – Mario slides everywhere.
- Tips: Take it slow. Trying to speed through will make you slip more.
5-Tower: Ice Fortress
- Quick Overview: A chilly climb.
- Challenges: Moving ice blocks, frozen floors.
- Tips: Power-ups like the Fire Flower can help melt ice blocks and clear your path.

World 6: Mountain#

6-1: Rocky Road
- Quick Overview: Navigate the rugged terrain.
- Challenges: Rocky platforms, falling rocks.
- Tips: Use the Spin Jump to cover more distance and land safely.
6-3: Scorching Summit
- Quick Overview: It gets hot at the top.
- Challenges: Lava pits, fast-moving platforms.
- Tips: Watch the timing of the platforms carefully to avoid an unexpected lava bath.

World 7: Skyland#

7-2: Sky-High Shenanigans
- Quick Overview: High in the clouds.
- Challenges: Gusts of wind, platforming high above the ground.
- Tips: Use Koopa shells to hit distant blocks – the risk is worth the reward.

World 8: Bowser’s Lair#

8-1: Fiery Depths
- Quick Overview: The final showdown is near.
- Challenges: Lava, fireballs, and Bowser’s minions.
- Tips: Keep a steady supply of power-ups to help tackle the enemies and obstacles.
8-Bowser’s Castle
- Quick Overview: Face off against the big bad himself.
- Challenges: Everything the game has thrown at you so far, plus Bowser.
- Tips: Pattern recognition is key to beating Bowser – watch his movements and strike when the opportunity arises.

Summary#

This guide covers the major challenges in each world of New Super Mario Bros.. Make sure to explore each level fully, as they hold secrets and shortcuts to help you on your journey. Good luck, and may your jumps be precise!

Using Power-Ups Effectively#

Power-ups in New Super Mario Bros. can mean the difference between breezing through levels and constantly hitting Game Over screens. Here’s how you can maximize their potential:

Super Mushroom#

What It Does: Turns Small Mario into Super Mario.
When to Use: As soon as you find one! Being Super Mario gives you an extra hit point – which means you can take a hit without losing a life.
Pro Tips: Sometimes the game will hide Super Mushrooms in bricks; also, always hit blocks as Small Mario first to possibly find hidden items.

Fire Flower#

What It Does: Transforms Mario into Fire Mario, allowing him to shoot fireballs.
When to Use: In levels with lots of enemies, especially those that can’t be stomped on, like Piranha Plants.
Pro Tips: Fireballs can also collect coins and activate item blocks from a distance. Use this to clear paths safely or grab items that seem out of reach.

Super Star#

What It Does: Grants temporary invincibility.
When to Use: Times of high enemy density or to sprint through tough sections without worrying about getting hit.
Pro Tips: Use the invincibility to also grab 1-Ups by plowing through enemies. Chain enough hits to get 1-Up mushrooms!

Blue Shell#

What It Does: Turns Mario into Shell Mario, letting him hide inside a blue shell and perform new attacks.
When to Use: Fantastic for underwater levels and sections with tight spaces. The shell protects you from most attacks and lets you slide through enemies.
Pro Tips: While in the shell, Mario can break blocks, making it easier to explore secret areas. Just be careful – the shell can be hard to control on slippery surfaces.

Mega Mushroom#

What It Does: Grows Mario to an enormous size, making him nearly invincible and letting him crush almost anything in his path.
When to Use: When you need to bulldoze through a large group of enemies or numerous obstacles blocking your path.
Pro Tips: Your size can reveal hidden secrets, including 1-Ups and extra coins. Be mindful of the level design – sometimes being huge can complicate tight platform jumps.

Mini Mushroom#

What It Does: Shrinks Mario to a tiny size, giving him unique abilities such as floating jumps and fitting through tiny passages.
When to Use: Especially useful for exploring hidden routes and accessing tiny pipes that lead to secret areas.
Pro Tips: Mini Mario jumps higher and runs faster, but is also much more vulnerable to enemies. Use this power-up carefully, especially when dealing with mid-level threats.

Yoshi#

What It Does: Allows Mario to ride Yoshi, granting an extra hit point and various new abilities.
When to Use: Almost all the time! Yoshi’s tongue attack is great for defeating enemies, and he can also walk on hazardous terrain, such as spikes.
Pro Tips: Jumping off Yoshi can give Mario an extra boost. Use this to reach otherwise unreachable platforms or to save yourself from falling into pits.

Checkpoint Revisit#

What It Does: Not a direct power-up, but hitting checkpoints can save your progress.
When to Use: Every chance you get; it’s a lifesaver in long or difficult levels.
Pro Tips: If you lose a power-up between checkpoints, carefully backtrack to try and restock. This way, you always face upcoming challenges in the best shape possible.

Understanding and using these power-ups will help you become a true Mario master. Gauge each level’s enemies and design, and equip the right power-up to blast through with ease. Happy gaming!

Strategies for Boss Battles#

Boss battles in New Super Mario Bros. can be pretty tricky if you don’t have a game plan. But don’t worry! We’ve got your back with some straightforward strategies for each boss. Ready, Player One? Let’s dive in!

Bowser Jr. Battles#

Bowser Jr. is one of the first big threats you’ll face, and he can be encountered multiple times throughout the game. Here’s how to take him down:

Dodging His Moves: Bowser Jr. likes to charge straight at you. Keep your distance and practice jumping over him when he gets too close.
Stomping Attack: When Bowser Jr. stops to catch his breath, that’s your cue. Jump on his head three times to win the fight. If you have Fire Flowers, use them! They can replace stomping and make the battle easier.

Big Goomba (World 2)#

This giant Goomba seems intimidating, but his pattern is simple:

Stay on the Platforms: The Big Goomba will walk back and forth under you. Jump to higher platforms to avoid getting squished.
Hit the Switches: There are switches on either side of the arena. Hit them to activate platforms that will fall on the Big Goomba’s head. Do this three times to beat him.

Mummipokey (World 2)#

The desert-themed Mummipokey has a unique attack pattern:

Aim for the Head: His main attack is trying to hit you with his spiky segments. Jump and hit him in the head when it becomes exposed.
Stay Mobile: Keep moving and avoid staying in one spot too long to dodge the segments and sand attacks.

Cheepskipper (World 3)#

Battling in water can be a chaotic experience, but Cheepskipper is manageable:

Keep Moving: Swim around to avoid the Cheep Cheeps and Skipper’s jumps. Make sure you’re consistently moving to stay alive.
Firepower: Having Fire Flowers is extremely useful here. Hit Cheepskipper when he jumps out of the water or swims near you.

Big Boo (World 4)#

Ah, the classic ghost boss. Here’s how to handle him:

Don’t Look Away: Big Boo moves when you aren’t looking at him. Keep your eyes on him to keep him in place.
Climb the Platforms: Use the platforms to get higher ground. When Big Boo is below you, ground pound the floor to make platforms fall on him.
Distance Matters: Maintain a good distance to avoid getting surrounded by other smaller Boos.

Petey Piranha (World 5)#

Petey is one tough plant, but you’ve got this:

Dodge and Weave: He will try to body slam you or shoot goop. Keep moving and avoid direct confrontation.
Fly Time: When Petey takes to the air, wait for him to land. Use the opportunity to ground pound his head three times to win.

Monty Mole and His Tank (World 6)#

This guy looks dangerous with his tank, but there’s a clear strategy:

Vertical Advantage: Stay on higher platforms to avoid his tank shots.
Attack Patterns: He’ll occasionally show himself by popping out. Jump on him when he does this.
Explosives: Be wary of the bombs he drops; don’t let them corner you.

Lakithunder (World 7)#

A cloud-riding menace, Lakithunder can be relentless:

Dodge the Lightning: Lakithunder throws thunderbolts. Move quickly to avoid them.
Catch Him Dropped: Sometimes, he comes closer for a thunder strike. This is your chance to jump on his head. Use those opportunities wisely.

Bowser (Final World)#

The final boss is, of course, Bowser himself. Here’s your strategy for taking him down:

Pattern Recognition: Bowser’s attacks – fire breath and ground shakes – have specific patterns. Learn them.
Avoid the Lava: Be mindful of the stage breaking apart. Jump to avoid falling into lava.
Hit the Switch: The key to victory is saving Peach and hitting the switch behind Bowser. This will make the bridge collapse under him.

Utilize these strategies, and you’ll make short work of the bosses in New Super Mario Bros. Remember, practice makes perfect. Happy gaming!