5 Of The Best Hidden Stages In The ‘Mario’ Franchise
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Mario and Mario Bros franchise are one of Nintendo’s most enduring mascots, and gamers know him for his mannerisms and princess-rescuing. But did you also know the hidden secrets in his games dating all the way back to his 8-bit origins? Here are the five best hidden stages in the Mario game franchise.
5. Secret Warp To Star 2: Super Mario 64
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Super Mario 64 was the first Nintendo Mario Bros game to include 3D gameplay. It also includes a treasure trove of secrets. One of those is a secret warp that takes you directly to Star 2.
It is found over in Whomp's Fortress. At the first Thwomp, the player will walk Mario over to the metal cap block and a little further past it. The warp will teleport you to the observation spot at the top of the fortress where you will get Star 2.
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4. Pumpkin Zone: Secret Coins: Super Mario Land 2
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Directly following on from Super Mario Land, the sequel tasks Mario with finding six golden coins and retaking his personal island from Wario. In a couple of the zones in the search for the coins, there are hidden stages available that give you extra currency coins. You can find it in the Pumpkin Zone by using the alternate in one of the cemetery stages.
Take Mario through a blocked-off mushroom patch outside Pumpkin Zone to access the Secret Stage. Pick the carrot upgrade from the block, which you can use to go through a large swath of coins. Then, as you near the exit to the level, jump over it and dash right to the very end, where you will find a star. Grab the star and run back to the left, taking out as many goombas as you can to earn extra 1-Ups. Completing the level will light up the eyes of the giant pumpkin.
3. Top Secret Area: Super Mario World
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Super Mario World was a flagship game for the vintage SNES. Mario and Luigi make their way across the game to save Princess Peach and Dinosaur Land, which has its own share of secrets.
You can access the secret stage in the first Ghost House at the very beginning. Mario will use his cape to get to the very top while dodging the boos. The secret exit there will take you to the top secret area where the player will find an unlimited number of power-ups, 1-ups, and Yoshis.
2. Space Zone Bonus Level: Super Mario Land 2
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Another entry from Super Mario Land 2. This time the bonus level is found in the Space Zone.
After ringing the midpoint bell in the first stage of the Space Zone, jump Mario up to find the hidden block located in front of the ringed planet. Continue working your way up to find more hidden blocks which will get you to the secret exit high above the normal goal. The exit will take you to the bonus level.
1. Bowser’s Castle Back Door: Super Mario World
Arguably one of the best hidden stages in the Mario Bros franchise is the back door to Bowser’s Castle in Super Mario World.
The player can access it through Valley Fortress, considered by the fans to be one of the harder levels. Once you’re in the room with Monty Mole, fly Mario up to the left and run across the top of the screen. The back door will let you bypass part of the final level and get you to Bowser quicker.
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