Super Mario Bros. 2 (NA Version)

[steven787]

Sky Render said:
I decided to record all of Super Mario USA's impact on Mario series.

Character traits introduced to the series:
* Mario's overweight form
* Luigi's tall form
* Luigi's flutter-kick and slippery control
* Peach's floating abilities

Recurring characters introduced to the series:
* Bob-omb
* Shy Guy
* Pokey
* Birdo

Features introduced to the series:
* Multiple playable characters besides Mario and Luigi
* Differentiated character abilities
* The ability to backtrack in levels
* No time limits

Just try and name one Mario game that's had that many traits inherited by future titles in the series that isn't Super Mario USA. Only the original can claim to have had a similar impact, and it started the series.

 

SMB3

Overworld to access levels

Automatic Scrolling sections

Thwomps

Giant/Mini level

Boos

Skeleton Koopas

Magikoopa

More then four levels per act

Toad assistance/houses

Music Blocks

Blocks that appear and disappear with pow.

Fortress

Boom Boom

Chomps

Dry Bones

Missle Bills

Flying Goombas

Tanooki Suit

Racoon Tail - First time Mario Flies

Frog

Power-up holding

Arguably the best back story up until Galaxy

Koopa Kids

Walls and ceiling that move to crush.

et cetera, et cetera, et cetera...

Edit: I just wanted to add that I agree about SMB2NA being important but I got challenged.