This game came with my hand-me-down DMG I got for my birthday back in 2001. Thankfully I never made it to the final level back then, pretty sure I would've tossed the game out the window after losing 50+ lives. Looking for what I should play next, recommendations welcome :)
I'll always prefer SML 1.
But I do fondly remember this.
I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone say this.
SML1 was basically just a proof of concept, it’s so short, lacking graphical detail and proper Mario physics. It’s not awful or anything, but if it didn’t have “Mario” in the title it wouldn’t even be remembered today.
SML2 isn’t perfect but it’s one of the best original Gameboy games, and really shines on its own. They don’t even feel like they’re part of the same series. I highly recommend the SML2 DX hack, played it on my Analogue Pocket and loved it, without the slowdown and with colour it’s very fun.
I think it's a combination of nostalgia and the fact that SML1 had levels, enemies and music that were super unique compared to other Mario games before or after.
SML2 is a better game on the technical side of things but nothing in it blew me away or was memorable enough for me to recall with super clarity like I do with 1.