Level: Difference between revisions

===Overworld/grassland theme===

[[File:N3DS SM3DL screenshot 93.png|150px|thumb|left|[[World 1-1 (Super Mario 3D Land)|World 1-1]] from ''[[Super Mario 3D Land]]'']]

This is a grassy world with hills, [[tree]]s, and slopes. This is usually the easiest kind of level theme, as it is normally the first level or world theme encountered in each game. It is common for this level theme to introduce common level features and mechanics, such as [[jump]]ing, breaking [[block]]s, and new power-ups. Common enemies here include [[Goomba]]s and [[Koopa Troopa]]s. [[Pit|Bottomless pit]]s are some of the more dangerous features in these levels. This level theme often has secret areas that lead to sky- or underground-themed locations. In 3D games, grassland levels offer more exploration and typically feature an easy boss battle.

===Underground/cavern theme===

[[File:World1-2NSMB.png|150px|thumb|right|[[World 1-2 (New Super Mario Bros.)|World 1-2]] from ''[[New Super Mario Bros.]]'']]

This theme takes place underground, with stone or occasionally icy floors. This theme is usally found during the first or second level in the game. A common archetype for this level is [[Piranha Plant]]s that come out of pipes, [[Buzzy Beetle]]s walking on the ceiling, or bottomless pits, so the player should time their jumps to get across. A different kind of underground level includes a mine or sewer, with water or [[poison (obstacle)|poison]] to get across. Some underground levels cross over with the desert theme. Underground levels usually have an arrangement of the [[Underground Theme]] from ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]''

===Sky/cloudy/"athletic" theme===

[[File:NSMBW World 1-5 Screenshot.png|150px|thumb|left|[[World 1-5 (New Super Mario Bros. Wii)|World 1-5]] from ''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]'']]

This theme takes place in the sky, typically with many clouds and pipes. Common enemies here include Piranha Plants, [[Koopa Paratroopa]]s or, occasionally, [[Lakitu]]s, [[Flame Chomp]]s, or cloud-based enemies. [[Mushroom Platform]]s are very common in these levels, as are auto-scroller segments. Sometimes, Mario has to ride a moving platform across the sky. This theme usually has fast-paced music.

===Castle/fortress/tower theme===

[[File:NSMBU Crushing Cogs Tower Screenshot.png|thumb|150px|[[Crushing Cogs Tower]] from ''[[New Super Mario Bros. U]]'']]

This theme takes place in one of many [[tower]]s, [[fortress]]es, or [[castle]]s that the [[Koopa Troop]] built or conquered. They are typically encountered at the midpoint or end of a world, with [[Bowser's Castle]] normally being the last challenge the player must face. Towers are always vertical-scrolling, while castles and fortresses are usually horizontal-scrolling. [[Thwomp]]s, [[Whomp]]s, [[Dry Bones]], [[lava]], and [[Lava Bubble]]s are very common here. Castles are typically varied, featuring [[Snake Block]]s, [[Spinner]]s, [[pendulum]] platforms, or moving ledges. Bosses, including [[Bowser Jr.]], the [[Koopalings]], and [[Boom Boom]], are normally fought at the end of these levels. Castles and fortresses are typically the hardest genre of levels in the game, aside from post-game content. In the final castle, [[Bowser]] himself is fought.

===Desert/sandy theme===

[[File:World2-1SMB2.png|150px|thumb|left|[[World 2-1 (Super Mario Bros. 2)|World 2-1]] from ''[[Super Mario Bros. 2]]'']]

This level theme often features [[quicksand]] that slows down and sucks in the player, palm trees to jump on, and pyramid ruins. [[Tornado]]s, [[Pokey]]s, and Lakitus with [[Spiny|Spinies]] are common obstacles faced in these levels. Bottomless pits and blocks are also fairly common here. 3D games typically feature temples and caves for the player to explore.

===Underwater/sea theme===

[[File:SMB NES World 7-2 Screenshot.png|150px|thumb|[[World 7-2 (Super Mario Bros.)|World 7-2]] from ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'']]

This level theme takes place underwater, featuring many underwater enemies, such as [[Cheep Cheep]]s, [[Blooper]]s, eel enemies, and [[Urchin]]s. Strong [[current]]s and auto-scrolling make navigating these levels difficult. The player is often given a limited air gauge in 3D games. This theme often overlaps with the underground theme. Auto-scrolling in the 2D games is common.

===Beach/coastal theme===

[[File:SMG Beach Bowl Penguins.png|left|150px|thumb|[[Beach Bowl Galaxy]] from ''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]'']]

This level theme takes place on beaches or the coastline, with water submerging the bottom of the level. There are palm trees on the islands on top of the water. Unlike underwater levels, beach levels offer the option to travel above or below water. Crab enemies, [[Porcupuffer]]s, and Urchins are common here. Sometimes, there are [[Cheep Cheep]]s that jump in and out of the water and [[Water Spout]]s. Beach levels are often found near underwater levels, and so the level themes often overlap.

===Haunted/spooky theme===

[[File:SMG2 Haunty Halls Sneaking Down the Creepy Corridor.png|thumb|150px|right|[[Haunty Halls Galaxy]] from ''[[Super Mario Galaxy 2]]'']]

This level theme features ghosts, such as [[Boo]]s, [[Peepa]]s, and [[Broozer]]s. Pumpkin and spider enemies such as [[Splunkin]]s and [[Scuttlebug]]s are also fairly common. This level type usually takes place in a [[Ghost House]], often rife with ghosts, full of unusual objects such as fake doors and possessed objects. However, this theme can also take place in a spooky forest with dead trees or even underwater. These levels often feature maze-like navigation.

===Jungle/forest/swamp theme===

[[File:Forest of Illusion 1 SMW.png|150px|left|thumb|[[Forest of Illusion 1]] from ''[[Super Mario World]]'']]

This level theme takes place in a jungle with [[Poison (obstacle)|poison]]ous swamp water, [[vine]]s to swing from, and exotic enemies such as [[Wiggler]]s, [[Piranha Plant]]s, and [[Shy Guy]]s. Forests and jungles may require the player to get across a swamp, such as riding [[Dorrie]]. In the [[New Super Mario Bros. (disambiguation)|''New Super Mario Bros.'' series]], [[Bramball]]s can be often found in this theme. Forest levels in 3D games often feature treetops that challenge the characters' jumping skills. Most levels in the ''[[Donkey Kong Country (series)|Donkey Kong Country]]'' series are jungle levels.

===Ice/snow theme===

[[File:SMO Snow Moon 14.png|right|150px|thumb|The [[Snow Kingdom]] from ''[[Super Mario Odyssey]]'']]

This level theme features slippery ice that hinders the player's movement, as well as snow-themed enemies such as [[Snow Pokey]]s and [[Mr. Blizzard]]s. Another common feature of these levels is [[icicle]]s that fall from the ceiling, stopping the player from crossing safely. In 3D games, skating across ice is an option. Sometimes ice levels overlap with the jungle theme, such as in [[World 9-7 (New Super Mario Bros. Wii)|World 9-7]] from ''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]'', or even the volcano theme, such as in [[Freezeflame Galaxy]] and [[Shiverburn Galaxy]].

===Mountain/rock theme===

[[File:SM64 Tall, Tall Mountain.png|150px|left|thumb|[[Tall, Tall Mountain]] from ''[[Super Mario 64]]'']]

Mountain- and rock-themed levels typically feature [[Monty Mole]]s, [[Bullet Bill]]s, and [[Chain Chomp]]s and have underground segments. Sometimes, it is required to climb on thin ledges on cliffsides to avoid falling to the player's death. Other common obstacles include bottomless pits, [[Bill Blaster]]s, and [[Fire Bar]]s. In 3D games, mountainous levels require exploration to reach the very top of the level.

===Volcano/lava theme===

[[File:NSMB2 World 6-1 Volcanic Debris.png|right|150px|thumb|[[World 6-1 (New Super Mario Bros. 2)|World 6-1]] from ''[[New Super Mario Bros. 2]]'']]

Volcanic and lava-filled levels are typically later levels faced in the games. They feature lava and debris falling from the sky, and they often swarm with some of Bowser's stronger minions. Lava creatures such as [[Blargg]]s, [[Koopa Troopa]]s, [[Hammer Bros.]], and [[Lava Bubble]]s are very common here. As lava levels are faced later in the series, they are generally the hardest levels in the game. The underground theme is a common overlap here. Bowser's castles are also full of lava.

===Space/galaxy theme===

[[File:Space Zone Area 1 SML2.png|150px|left|thumb|The [[Space Zone Area 1|first level]] of the [[Space Zone]] from ''[[Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins]]'']]

Space levels are rarer levels within the ''Mario'' series, as they rarely appear outside the '' Super Mario Galaxy'' games. Space levels often feature [[gravity]] that affects jumping and planets that pull the player in. Space levels have some of the most diverse enemy types in the games, as they are often combined with a different level theme, such as the sky theme.

===Airship/military theme===

[[File:SMAS SMB3 World 3-A Screenshot.png|right|150px|thumb|[[World 3-Airship (Super Mario Bros. 3)|World 3-Airship]] from ''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'']]

These levels take place on a flying [[airship]], usually built to accommodate some of Bowser's armies. Common enemies here include [[Rocky Wrench]]es, [[Cannon]]s, [[Bullet Bill]]s, [[Burner]]s, and [[Mechakoopa]]s. Bosses and allies of Bowser, including Bowser Jr., the Koopalings, and Boom Boom, are fought at the ends of these levels. Airships are normally auto-scrollers with many obstacles, and they are an alternative to castles and towers. Sometimes, the level is based on a different kind of automobile, such as [[tank]]s and military trains.

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===Factory/mechanical theme===

[[File:Wario Land 2 S 4-4.png|left|150px|thumb|[[Escape from the factory!]] from ''[[Wario Land II]]'']]

These levels take place in a metal fortress, factory, or foundry area, often featuring [[Warp Pipe]]s, [[Conveyor Belt]]s, electrical hazards, and robotic or metal enemies such as [[Goombeetle]]s, [[Topmen]], [[Chain Chomp]]s, and [[Bullet Bill]]s. They are often set in space and can overlap with the castle and airship theme. Factory levels are rare in the mainline ''Mario'' games, though they often appear in the ''[[Donkey Kong Country (series)|Donkey Kong Country]]'' series.