Super Mario Bros. 2 hit the NES in October 1988, and it was nothing like the first game—because it actually started as a Japanese title called Doki Doki Panic. Nintendo re-skinned it for the U.S. after thinking the real Super Mario Bros. 2 in Japan was too tough for American players. Instead of stomping Goombas, you’re picking up vegetables, tossing enemies, and choosing between Mario, Luigi, Toad, or Princess Peach—each with unique abilities, like Peach’s float or Luigi’s high jump. It introduced Shy Guys, Birdo, and Wart, and while it felt weird at the time, it became a cult favorite and later got ports like Super Mario All-Stars on SNES in 1993. It’s the oddball Mario that ended up shaping the series more than anyone expected.