Discover various 1-Up tricks in Super Mario Bros. 3, including endless enemy stomps, ricocheting Koopa shells, and utilizing level-end coins for extra lives.
This section covers various methods for gaining multiple lives within a single level in Super Mario Bros. 3.
Endless Enemy Stomp
This trick requires Raccoon Mario and an endless supply of enemies. Mario must stomp an enemy, bounce into the air, and then slowly descend to the ground to bounce up again. The slow descent allows more enemies to appear, theoretically enabling Mario to bounce in the air forever. The ninth enemy killed without touching the ground will grant a 1-Up.
This trick works on World 1-2, where an elevated pipe produces continuous Goombas. A variation can be performed in the World Two Fortress near the start. Draw the first three Dry Bones together and stomp them one-by-one using the slow descent of the Raccoon Tail. As you descend from the third Dry Bones stomp, the first Dry Bones will revive to be stomped again. Continue this pattern to gain extra lives. World 7-5 also features three Green Paratroopa Koopas that can be used for this technique.
Ricocheting Koopa Shell
This is a variation of the Endless Enemy Stomp, where Mario watches enemies get eliminated by a ricocheting Koopa Shell instead of hopping on them. This is notably done in Worlds 3-4 and 3-9. Both require Mario to bring a Koopa Shell forward. On 3-4, Mario encounters three Green Koopa Troopas on a slope. Retreat one into its shell before running right to make Lakitu appear. Reach the part of the level with a green pipe overhead and two blocks on the ground. Release the Koopa Shell between the blocks to defeat incoming Green Spiny Eggs for increasing points. In 3-9, retreat the first Green Paratroopa Koopa into its shell before running right under the next ledge. Toss the Koopa Shell past a low-lying Bullet Bill cannon. Quickly get on the ledge above before running right to stand where two Bullet Bill cannons are visible. Stay put as the Bullet Bills are killed by the Koopa Shell, racking up 1-Ups.
The Fake Touch Down Move
A slower but effective method for gaining extra lives. This trick requires Mario to avoid touching solid ground, resting between jumps on objects that do not count as solid. Worlds 3-7 and 5-4 are good areas for this. In World 3-7, an elevated brick set has a Green Koopa Troopa walking between its walls. Kick it to start moving and create a beanstalk. Stomp the Koopa Shell to stop its ricochet, then return to the vine without touching the ground. Wait for the Green Koopa Troopa to emerge from its shell, then stomp it before landing back on the beanstalk. Repeat this to slowly gain points and 1-Ups.
World 5-4 features rotor platforms that spin periodically. These work similarly to the beanstalk. Take down the Green Paratroopa Koopa before returning to the spinning platform. This is tougher but achievable for skilled players.
End Of Level Enemy Coins
Finishing a level by grabbing the changing card while an enemy is present kills the enemy, turning it into Gold Coins and points. If enough enemies are present, the points can accumulate significantly.
This is particularly effective in levels where Lakitu follows Mario to the end, allowing for a few 1-Ups.
Multiple Extra Lives Levels
These are levels where at least two extra lives can be gained before the player intentionally causes themselves to die to repeat the process and build up extra lives. The most famous example is the First World Seven Fortress. The first room is entirely bricks, except for a hidden P-Block that turns bricks into Gold Coins. Collect as many as desired, then exit and re-enter the room to repeat.
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