Welcome to a brand new episode of Defunct Games Decides, the show that isn't afraid to get to the bottom of classic video game arguments. After the runaway success of Super Mario Bros., Nintendo charged ahead with a sequel. Japan saw a sequel in 1986, but Nintendo was concerned that Americans couldn't handle the insane challenge of it. So another Miyamoto game called Doki Doki Panic was given a Mario facelift and shipped to the US in 1988. The Japanese sequel didn't reach the U.S. until it was included on Super Mario All-Stars under the title The Lost Levels. Now it's time to choose the better follow-up.

NOTE: To avoid confusion, I will be referring to the two games as "Lost Levels" and "Doki Doki" from this point forward.

Super Mario Bros.: Lost Levels vs. Doki Doki Panic

LOST LEVELS: This one uses the same engine and art style as the first game. The plot is also the exact same as the first with Peach getting kidnapped by Bowser again. There are two major differences. First, multiplayer was scrapped; instead the player could choose either Mario (who runs faster) or Luigi (who jumps higher) to go through the game. Second, the challenge was raised to almost absurd levels. From layouts that require pixel-perfect accuracy to the infamous Poison Mushroom, the Lost Levels will test even the best players. There's a reason why, out of all the games included in Mario All-Stars, this is the only one where the player can save each level rather than each world.

DOKI DOKI PANIC: Like with Zelda 2, Doki Doki was a complete departure from all the other games in the Mario series. Instead of saving Princess Peach for the zillionth time, she and Toad join Mario and Luigi to take down Wart who is trying to control the dreamworld. The worlds are distinct from each other; each one feels unique even though an Egyptian flair is seen throughout. Level layouts go in every direction with plenty of crossroads. Enemies aren't stomped on this time; instead, the quartet can pick up things to throw at them, from radishes to other enemies. The challenge comes from choosing the best character to use each stage. Mario is the all-around character, Luigi can jump high, Toad is super-fast, and Peach can float for a few seconds.

VERDICT: This is a case in which, no matter which one I choose, I'm going to piss someone off. Lost Levels took the tried and true gameplay of the original and pumped it up with insane challenge. Doki Doki threw the original out the window and provided an experience unique to the entire series. Both games are truly excellent, but, in the end, I have to give the nod to Doki Doki Panic. The unique setting and mechanics made it a pleasure to play. While I can appreciate the crazy difficulty of the Lost Levels, it still felt more like DLC for the first game instead of a sequel. Originality is one of the best things a game can have, and Doki Doki has it in spades.

Do you agree? Let me know in the comments section. And don't forget to follow Defunct Games on Twitter and recommend future debates to be resolved on Defunct Games Decides!
BRAND NEW DEBATES EVERY
TUESDAY AND THURSDAY