Game Over & Continues

In Super Mario Bros. 2, managing your lives and understanding the continue system is crucial for success. Unlike some other Mario titles, a Game Over here doesn't necessarily mean starting from the very beginning of the entire game, but it does set you back significantly if you're not prepared.

What Happens When You Get a Game Over?

When your character loses their last life, the "Game Over" screen will appear.
You will then be presented with the option to "Continue" or "End".
Choosing "End" will send you back to the title screen, forcing you to begin a brand new game from World 1-1. All progress, including collected coins and cherries, will be lost.

Using Continues Effectively

If you choose "Continue" after a Game Over, you will be sent back to the beginning of the current World you were playing. For example, if you were defeated in World 3-2, continuing would place you back at the start of World 3-1. This is a vital mechanic to understand, as it means you don't have to replay the entire game, but you will need to re-navigate through the stages of your current World.

Maximizing Your Continues: Strategies for Success

Since continues reset you to the start of the current World, your primary goal should be to accumulate as many lives as possible, especially before entering a new World. Here's how:

Collect Coins for Bonus Chances:
- Every 100 coins you collect during a stage will grant you one extra life.
- Coins are found in various locations:
  - Hidden in the ground: Look for discolored patches or areas where enemies are present. Use your character's digging ability (press B while standing over the spot) to unearth them.
  - Dropped by enemies: Some enemies, when defeated, will drop coins.
  - Sub-space: Entering Sub-space (by finding a Potion and using it) often reveals a coin plant that can be plucked for multiple coins.
- Prioritize collecting coins, especially in earlier, easier stages, to build up a life reserve.
Cherry Collection for Bonus Chances:
- Collecting 5 cherries in a stage will trigger a bonus chance at the end of the stage.
- The bonus chance involves a slot machine where you can win extra lives or coins.
  - Matching three "7"s grants 5 extra lives.
  - Matching three "Cherries" grants 2 extra lives.
  - Matching three "Coins" grants 1 extra life.
  - Any other combination typically awards coins.
- Cherries are usually found in plain sight or slightly off the main path. Keep an eye out for them!
Finding 1-Up Mushrooms:
- These rare items instantly grant you an extra life.
- They are often hidden in Sub-space, requiring a Potion to access.
- Specific locations to look for 1-Up Mushrooms:
  - World 1-1: After the first few enemies, look for a Potion near a small cliff. Use it to enter Sub-space and find a 1-Up.
  - World 1-2: In the underground section, there's a Potion near the end. Use it to find another 1-Up.
  - World 2-1: Near the end of the stage, after the quicksand section, there's a Potion that leads to a 1-Up.
- Always prioritize grabbing a Potion if you see one, as it might lead to a hidden 1-Up or a coin plant.
Character Choice:
- While not directly related to continues, choosing the right character for a stage can minimize life loss.
  - Luigi's higher jump can help bypass tricky platforming sections, reducing fall damage or enemy encounters.
  - Princess Peach's floating ability makes many jumps safer and can help recover from missteps.
- Consider switching characters at the start of a World if you're struggling with a particular type of obstacle.

By diligently collecting coins, cherries, and 1-Up Mushrooms, you can build a substantial life stock, making the "Continue" option less of a setback and more of a minor inconvenience on your journey through Subcon!