Index > There needs to be an AVGN episode of Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels > I'm on the fence about this > Re: I'm on the fence about this > Re: Re: I'm on the fence about this > Lost Levels prankish nature work against the Super Player goal > Re: Lost Levels prankish nature work against the Super Player goal > Prank only works when no one gets hurt > Re: Prank only works when no one gets hurt
Posted by Trung (@trung) on Feb. 8, 2026, 6:10 a.m.
we live in an age where a linear game with beginning to end is well established. Therefore games are assessed by what is it like in completing the game or 100%. my assessment of the game is based on that standard in what would it be like to 100% the game and compare to other games within the genre
in 1986 the linear game is in flux and the rules were being established
the status quo is the arcade which is replaying the sane gameplay mechanics until you get a high score
in some ways the beating the game 8 times is consistent with the arcade mentality of replaying the game multiple time to get a high score but modify within context of the linesr game.
Therefore the bonus levels is more akin to cherry on top to reward the dedicated gamers who broke the world record point score rather than a core experience which we judge the game right now. we live in an era where there is no such thing as an “optional side quest” and there is a demand everything in the 100% completion is polished
i will concede that it was a game of its time but it is an aspect that aged very poorly and was only fixed with the Mario All Stars release