---------------------------Mario Brothers Battles---------------------------

Learn how to trigger and win Mario Brothers Battles in Super Mario Bros. 3. Discover enemy types, battle objectives, and strategic advantages.

This section will look at all the aspects of the Mario Brothers Battles in Super Mario Bros. 3.

What Is It?

A throwback to the classic arcade hit "Mario Brothers", this occurs in a Two Player game. This situation will occur when the current player in control of their character on the map screen crosses the spot that the other player occupies (represented by a small letter), and one of them presses the A Button to enter into the battle.

What Is The Battle?

This is a situation where a special screen appears with a layout of pipes, POW Blocks, and starting positions for Mario and Luigi. The screen is wrap around, meaning you can walk through one side of the screen to appear on the far side of the screen. The main idea is to knock out more enemies than your opponent can out of five OR survive longer than your opponent.

Enemies appear from the pipes on top of the screen, and to be defeated they must be hit from underneath or by hitting the POW Block when they are on the ground. Take too long and Fireballs appear to try and hit the competitors.

Enemy Information:

• Fireball: If the two players take too long to defeat the enemies, this baddie will fly across the screen on the same level. It cannot be defeated so avoid it at all costs.
• Fly: An enemy that hops around at a fairly slow pace, it can be somewhat difficult to knock onto its back with the POW Block.
• Lobster: The toughest enemy in these battles to face is the Lobster, which means it requires two hits to knock onto its back. If you land only one hit, it will be faster than before.
• Spiny: The most common enemy you will face, it walks in a straight line.

Notes on Enemies:

• All enemies will right themselves after being knocked onto their backs, and they will be faster upon doing so.
• The last enemy remaining in the battle will automatically speed up.
• An enemy who has sped up will change color.

Why Battle?

There are a few reasons to engage in a Mario Brothers Battle:

• Exchange Slot Cards: The most co-operative way to use it is to exchange slot cards so someone can get a better set. For instance, Player one may have a Star and a Mushroom while Player Two has two Mushrooms. By stomping Player One on the head, the Mushroom card will fly into the battle area, where Player Two can grab the Mushroom to get a 2-Up. This can also be used in battle to steal cards if you are mean to one another.
• Steal Opponent's Turn: This is a good way to get them as they pass your position so you can go ahead and do the next level instead of them.
• Distraction and Fun: For a unique and diversionary distraction from the main game. It can be fun to duke it out with a buddy in the Mario Brothers Battle.