I love the first level of Lost Levels. The poison mushroom is there to tell you: this is not the same as Super Mario Bros. It shatters the expectations of what's fair and what's not. It is a perfect showcase of what the rest of the game is going to be like.
Yeah lost levels starts off strong but it really devolves as it goes. I've completed it including the alphabet worlds a few times and every time I wonder why I'm doing this to myself lol. It's not just that it's hard but it's hard in a way that is more tedious than challenging and it just stops being fun imho.
Lost Levels is pretty much like a standalone expansion of SMB1 with some harder levels. I don't think they've done a concept like that again until New Super Luigi U.
Poor NSMB DS... Even though that first level doesn't have too much in its favor, I will say that it does a great job at re-introducing what made Mario special in the first place, while giving a fun new twist. Yeah, the Mega Mushroom goes underutilized the rest of the game and even in said level... But that feeling of using it for the first time sticks with me.
I personally think Wonder's first level is pretty good. Especially, once you get the block badge, which unlocks a hidden coin heaven that you can't get to without that badge. Mario World's first level similarly has a hidden 3-up moon if you come back to the level with a cape feather.
Would love to see this idea expanded on. Other franchises obviously, or you could rank similar level themes from a franchise, like best Lava Levels in Mario, Ice Levels in Sonic, etc.
I was a huge GameXPlain fan way back in 2013 so it's very novel hearing Derrick's voice for the first time since like 2016 lol. I'm glad he's still around.
Nice list!! I would probably put Wonder a lot higher as I think the Wonder Pipes and Elephant Power-Up really pulled me into the game and proved this would be a game packed with creative, exciting, whacky, weird, and WONDERFUL ideas!! The only levels that I think either matched or maybe surpassed it were SMB1, SMB3, or SM3DW.
Super Mario 3D Land's first level blew me away back in 2011. It felt massive for a linear Mario Level. And it was an amazing elementary school graduation present!
I'd honestly nominate the second level in World, Yoshi's Island 2, for this spot just because it's the first level you're required to play, and I'd say it'd pop the game up a spot or two. It introduces Yoshi and gives more spotlight to unique enemies like Chargin' Chuck and Monty Mole. The way it starts with a Koopa Shell set up to kick at enough Koopas to give a 1-up is also a clever way to teach how much you'll be interacting with that enemy, and the fairly easy-to-nab Dragon Coins teach what they do fairly well. Plus a vine to tease the verticality that levels will showcase throughout the game, and a P-Switch at the end that teaches you how they work and encourages you to hit the top of the goal post. Even the foresty aesthetic is a bit of a surprising change of pace. It doesn't have the same spectacle that Yoshi's Island 1 has with Rex and Banzai Bills and the pipe that shoots you away, and its colorful background is definitely a better showcase for the Super Nintendo, but I'll always appreciate Yoshi's Island 2 for what it does as an optional first level of its own.
Super Mario Wonder ROBBED!!!! the Pipes moving is SO unique. although 1-2 with the signing piranha plants is even better with the best song in the game.
I consider SMW “Yoshi’s Island 2” the best first level in Mario history. Yes, it may be named the second level, but it’s available from the very start of the game and everyone I know always considers it the de facto first level of Super Mario World. It perfectly introduces the basic Mario powers and the changes present in Super Mario World, like how you can hold shells now and throw against enemies to make combos, introduces Yoshi and his abilities, like eating fruits, different colors of shell powers, it shows enemies like koopas, the moles and Charging Chucks and forces you to have different battle strategies against them, shows how secret areas work in the game, like the beamstalk and the underground areas and how you can gain secret lives if you use correctly the shell throw while underground; it introduces the P switch and it’s effects on coins by the end of the level; it introduces the Yellow blocks changes with the yellow cross lines; and so much more. Imo it’s the very peak of platform Mario first levels.
I’m a little bummed that Wonder was placed so low for having a focus on the new powerup, and then proceeding to compliment other levels for doing the same thing. But other than that, I really enjoyed the video. It’s cool to see the 1-1s evolve over the years
Wonder's first level has barely anything going for it though. it is so safe that Derrick compared it to a Kirby level. There's not really any secret to find or any quirky enemies to encounter. it is purely there to showcase the wonder effect which itself is more a visual treat than a platforming challenge.
@@goldmemberpb I personally like it a lot. I think it has a more mellow, explorative feel to it. and it’s a good introduction into the game, being that levels don’t have timers anymore and you can really take your time exploring a level. It does a nice job easing you into how you interact with the levels more, watering flowers as an elephant, and hitting blocks that reveal new blocks or collectibles. There are pipes you can go down, and I think the first level really emphasizes the new animations and the general look of the game.
@@goldmemberpbIt introduces a new power up, a new gimmick, and has a decent secret for a first level, plus it's short and easy to revisit, enough to be in a better position on this list, and I can't take seriously having 3D land and World, when they are in fact 3D games, which of course can do much more than the other games on the list
Great idea for a video - and a decent list! I agree Wonder’s first level doesn’t massively stand out - but tbf there aren’t really any BAD levels on the list. SMB3 definitely deserves first - it manages to be so varied, a great tutorial, and kind of mind blowing for existing Mario players, all in one go. Superb stuff.
Ooh, Derrick is in charge of this video. Cool! Um...I don't know if I have a singular favorite 2D Mario level. It looks to be a toss-up between Land 2, SMB1, and SMB3. If pressed to pick one, I'd probably say the original Super Mario Bros.; it may be basic, but 1-1 in this game is so fun to just romp through. I even like how it was re-created in New Super Mario Bros. 2 and as the Mushroomy Kingdom stage in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Really? No opening level in any Mario game is bad. They all get the job done of whetting the appetite for what's to come. I like your analysis, Derrick.
I'm gonna be honest here, when I was a kid I spend hours and days playing Mario 1, but when Mario 2 came out and instantly new something was off and to this day I haven't finished it, it didn't feel like a mario game back then, and it still doesn't feel like mario now, but one day, one day I will finish it
The other thing cool about Super Mario Bros World is that the first level is optional. It's almost like the game itself is saying, "This level is to show brand new players how to play the game. If you're a seasoned veteran who knows what to do, you can skip ahead to level 2."
Nice vid. I had a feeling SMB3 would be number 1 given its Derrick's favorite game. I do have tonagree with the list though and Mario's first levels are always specials.
Nice to see SMB3 at the top where it belongs. It takes everything brilliant about SMB's first level and elevates it with new mechanics and a new sense of exploration. Perfect level.
One thing Wonder lacks that the first four 2D games had was a BIG robust soundtrack. The music in the modern 2D mario games are too subdued, imo. I can hum every tune from those original Mario games. They weren't just catchy, they were in your face
Great video, btw guys I love this channel however I constantly miss some of your videos because the thumbnails don't stand out that much, I don't know if this is just a me problem, I would like to know if anyone has this same issue, please share some feedback because this could help the channel a lot!
He said no full 3D games because they don’t have levels in the same way. The 3D Land and 3D World games are different because they are structured like the 2D games. Makes sense to include them.
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I love the first level of Lost Levels. The poison mushroom is there to tell you: this is not the same as Super Mario Bros. It shatters the expectations of what's fair and what's not. It is a perfect showcase of what the rest of the game is going to be like.
Too bad the game is kind of bad
@@andreworders7305Yeah, that's true. It promisses to be a hardcore version of Super Mario Bros and sticks to that vision to a fault
Yeah lost levels starts off strong but it really devolves as it goes. I've completed it including the alphabet worlds a few times and every time I wonder why I'm doing this to myself lol. It's not just that it's hard but it's hard in a way that is more tedious than challenging and it just stops being fun imho.
Lost Levels is pretty much like a standalone expansion of SMB1 with some harder levels. I don't think they've done a concept like that again until New Super Luigi U.
I'm one of the 3 people that actually like the game :P
Poor NSMB DS... Even though that first level doesn't have too much in its favor, I will say that it does a great job at re-introducing what made Mario special in the first place, while giving a fun new twist.
Yeah, the Mega Mushroom goes underutilized the rest of the game and even in said level... But that feeling of using it for the first time sticks with me.
I personally think Wonder's first level is pretty good. Especially, once you get the block badge, which unlocks a hidden coin heaven that you can't get to without that badge. Mario World's first level similarly has a hidden 3-up moon if you come back to the level with a cape feather.
Would love to see this idea expanded on. Other franchises obviously, or you could rank similar level themes from a franchise, like best Lava Levels in Mario, Ice Levels in Sonic, etc.
Best first dungeons in Zelda would work, too.
Great idea!
I was a huge GameXPlain fan way back in 2013 so it's very novel hearing Derrick's voice for the first time since like 2016 lol. I'm glad he's still around.
Nice list!! I would probably put Wonder a lot higher as I think the Wonder Pipes and Elephant Power-Up really pulled me into the game and proved this would be a game packed with creative, exciting, whacky, weird, and WONDERFUL ideas!! The only levels that I think either matched or maybe surpassed it were SMB1, SMB3, or SM3DW.
IMO the first level fails to catch wonder, it's level 2 that does it
@@internetguy7319 yeah, level 2 is the moment mario wonder truly hooks the player.
Super Mario 3D Land's first level blew me away back in 2011. It felt massive for a linear Mario Level. And it was an amazing elementary school graduation present!
I'd honestly nominate the second level in World, Yoshi's Island 2, for this spot just because it's the first level you're required to play, and I'd say it'd pop the game up a spot or two. It introduces Yoshi and gives more spotlight to unique enemies like Chargin' Chuck and Monty Mole. The way it starts with a Koopa Shell set up to kick at enough Koopas to give a 1-up is also a clever way to teach how much you'll be interacting with that enemy, and the fairly easy-to-nab Dragon Coins teach what they do fairly well. Plus a vine to tease the verticality that levels will showcase throughout the game, and a P-Switch at the end that teaches you how they work and encourages you to hit the top of the goal post. Even the foresty aesthetic is a bit of a surprising change of pace.
It doesn't have the same spectacle that Yoshi's Island 1 has with Rex and Banzai Bills and the pipe that shoots you away, and its colorful background is definitely a better showcase for the Super Nintendo, but I'll always appreciate Yoshi's Island 2 for what it does as an optional first level of its own.
Super Mario Wonder ROBBED!!!! the Pipes moving is SO unique. although 1-2 with the signing piranha plants is even better with the best song in the game.
“There’s no pits”
5:28 the pit: am i a joke to you?
I love SMB3's and SMW's first levels the most because they have a good amount of enemy variety and some nice secrets to spice things up.
I consider SMW “Yoshi’s Island 2” the best first level in Mario history. Yes, it may be named the second level, but it’s available from the very start of the game and everyone I know always considers it the de facto first level of Super Mario World. It perfectly introduces the basic Mario powers and the changes present in Super Mario World, like how you can hold shells now and throw against enemies to make combos, introduces Yoshi and his abilities, like eating fruits, different colors of shell powers, it shows enemies like koopas, the moles and Charging Chucks and forces you to have different battle strategies against them, shows how secret areas work in the game, like the beamstalk and the underground areas and how you can gain secret lives if you use correctly the shell throw while underground; it introduces the P switch and it’s effects on coins by the end of the level; it introduces the Yellow blocks changes with the yellow cross lines; and so much more. Imo it’s the very peak of platform Mario first levels.
Yoshi's Island isn't a mainline Mario game
@@lol-ih1tl Yoshi’s Island 2 is the name of a level in Super Mario World.
I’m a little bummed that Wonder was placed so low for having a focus on the new powerup, and then proceeding to compliment other levels for doing the same thing. But other than that, I really enjoyed the video. It’s cool to see the 1-1s evolve over the years
Wonder's first level has barely anything going for it though. it is so safe that Derrick compared it to a Kirby level. There's not really any secret to find or any quirky enemies to encounter. it is purely there to showcase the wonder effect which itself is more a visual treat than a platforming challenge.
@@goldmemberpb I personally like it a lot. I think it has a more mellow, explorative feel to it. and it’s a good introduction into the game, being that levels don’t have timers anymore and you can really take your time exploring a level. It does a nice job easing you into how you interact with the levels more, watering flowers as an elephant, and hitting blocks that reveal new blocks or collectibles. There are pipes you can go down, and I think the first level really emphasizes the new animations and the general look of the game.
@goldmemberpb There were a few secrets I thought was pretty well hidden like the pipe that takes you into the foreground, but yeah.
@@goldmemberpbIt introduces a new power up, a new gimmick, and has a decent secret for a first level, plus it's short and easy to revisit, enough to be in a better position on this list, and I can't take seriously having 3D land and World, when they are in fact 3D games, which of course can do much more than the other games on the list
"..So shallow.." 1:10 immediately gets hit by a Goomba. 1:20 LOL
This was great. I gotta say super Mario world is my soft spot.
I think it’s the music and hearing that fanfare theme for the first time as a kid 🥲
Great idea for a video - and a decent list! I agree Wonder’s first level doesn’t massively stand out - but tbf there aren’t really any BAD levels on the list. SMB3 definitely deserves first - it manages to be so varied, a great tutorial, and kind of mind blowing for existing Mario players, all in one go. Superb stuff.
Ooh, Derrick is in charge of this video. Cool!
Um...I don't know if I have a singular favorite 2D Mario level. It looks to be a toss-up between Land 2, SMB1, and SMB3. If pressed to pick one, I'd probably say the original Super Mario Bros.; it may be basic, but 1-1 in this game is so fun to just romp through. I even like how it was re-created in New Super Mario Bros. 2 and as the Mushroomy Kingdom stage in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.
Really? No opening level in any Mario game is bad. They all get the job done of whetting the appetite for what's to come.
I like your analysis, Derrick.
I'm gonna be honest here, when I was a kid I spend hours and days playing Mario 1, but when Mario 2 came out and instantly new something was off and to this day I haven't finished it, it didn't feel like a mario game back then, and it still doesn't feel like mario now, but one day, one day I will finish it
I don't think I've ever gone left when starting a new save file in Super Mario World
The other thing cool about Super Mario Bros World is that the first level is optional. It's almost like the game itself is saying, "This level is to show brand new players how to play the game. If you're a seasoned veteran who knows what to do, you can skip ahead to level 2."
Great ranking!
I.... just now discovered the white block thing in SMB3
Nice vid. I had a feeling SMB3 would be number 1 given its Derrick's favorite game. I do have tonagree with the list though and Mario's first levels are always specials.
First impressions matter, even more so back in the day. Great video, GVG!
Dang, this was a good idea for a video. You should try a similar idea for other franchises.
Great concept! I think a sonic version would be great to see too.
Lost Levels is fine for one level and then it nosedives off a cliff by 1-2 due to the sheer difficulty and the random wind gimmick in later parts.
Nice to see SMB3 at the top where it belongs. It takes everything brilliant about SMB's first level and elevates it with new mechanics and a new sense of exploration. Perfect level.
One thing Wonder lacks that the first four 2D games had was a BIG robust soundtrack. The music in the modern 2D mario games are too subdued, imo. I can hum every tune from those original Mario games. They weren't just catchy, they were in your face
The OG Super Mario Bros has the Best Tutorial Level in the Whole Mario Series
My ranking of 3D Mario first levels would be:
1. Galaxy
2. Odyssey
3. 64
4. Galaxy 2
5. Sunshine
NSMB ds version of 1-1 is so nostalgic to me, I simply can't see it at 14th place. Great video anyways
Level 1-1 is art (TM).
6:19 and only really replicated in 3D world
Could you do ranking every first level of the other worlds?
Mario Wonder deserves bottom 4.
You just know there’s gonna be one sonovagun in the comments going, “where’s Super Paper Mario?”
Great video, btw guys I love this channel however I constantly miss some of your videos because the thumbnails don't stand out that much, I don't know if this is just a me problem, I would like to know if anyone has this same issue, please share some feedback because this could help the channel a lot!
Wait, you are qualifying Super Mario 3D Land for this list (??)
I don’t agree with your idea that first levels need to be a challenge. They need to be an easy level which introduces some of the game’s new ideas.
You said no 3d games and then add the 3D Land on the list. 3D is in the title. Lol
He said no full 3D games because they don’t have levels in the same way. The 3D Land and 3D World games are different because they are structured like the 2D games. Makes sense to include them.
I have had diarrhea every day for eight years.
Thanks for letting us know
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