New dangers lurk here: quicksand that pulls you down if you stand still, and stacked bricks that block your path. Don’t sweat it! Keep going. You’ll make it if you’re fast, smart, and a little lucky.
World 2-1
Are you ready for quicksand? How about deep pits? Digging your way out through the sand isn’t so easy. These are just a couple of the multitude of hair-raising challenges you face. Here’s a clue to remember: don’t stop unless you have a good foothold.
Wrong Jar?
You can jump into the first jar you see in the level. But what’s this? There’s nothing inside but a Snifit and a buried Shell! Don’t worry: Shells make for useful weapons outside.
Heave a Shy Guy at Panser
Panser is spitting flames at the top of the pyramid shown in our screenshot. Be careful! Look for a Shy Guy below, pick him up, and throw him at Panser. Now you can get by safely.
Leave the Hole Digging to Luigi
This room is full of sand that’s perfect for digging through. Dig holes with the B Button to reach the ladder on the bottom-left side of the room, under the sand. But watch out for Shy Guys. They come at you from all sides. This is the time for Luigi to show you how fast he can dig a hole.
Birdo’s Back!
You’ll never guess who’s the Little Boss of World 2-1—Birdo. Long time, no see! Throw three eggs at her again. But be careful that you don’t drop into the pits scattered around the area.
World 2-2
This stage seems extremely difficult at first. The quicksand is faster, and you have a smaller area to move around in. If you haven’t selected Toad as your character yet, now might be a good time.
Bounce Off the Bones
This quicksand is definitely quick. No matter how much you press the A Button, you’re still in trouble. But all is not lost. Leap on the sinking bones and quickly jump to the other side. That’s easy enough, isn’t it? But watch out for Cobrat’s attacks once you get there.
A Mysterious Cave
Did you notice that opening just past the falling bones? Head inside—you’ll be glad you did.
Three bombs: That’s what you have at your disposal to break through the wall near the cave entrance. As soon as you pull one of them, Squat Jump back up to the entrance and use the Bomb to clear away the wall to the left.
Beware of Pokey
Steer clear of Pokey; he does a lot of damage. If you decide to mess with him, go for his weak spot—he’s kind of softheaded.
Speed Off to Safety
Don’t relax yet. There’s trouble ahead at the top of those stone steps—double trouble! Two Pansers are waiting to give you a flaming-hot welcome.
Unless you find something at the bottom of the stone steps to cool their jets, your best bet is to hotfoot it to safety.
Zigzag
Right Is the Right Way
The end of this area splits into two passages. Take the right path; the left leads down to a dead end, and you get stuck climbing up again. The right path leads to the door with no problems. Just remember: right is right… right?
Use the Mushroom Block
There she is again: Birdo. She does her thing—namely, spitting fireballs and eggs at you. Carry three Mushroom Blocks up and hit her from above. Now you’ve got her beat!
World 2-3
The last stage of World 2 is a desert, of course. Expect to do some digging to reach the end of the level, which is guarded by the three-headed serpent, Tryclyde—you won’t have it easy.
Take a Key
In the middle of the area inside the pyramid, you come to a locked door. That’s your destination, but you need a Key first. To get in, go through the door at the very bottom of this area, take the Key, and come back. Just watch out! Phanto’s guarding the Key, and he has a number of nasty ways of getting exactly what he wants.
Defeat Tryclyde
Once you unlock the door, you begin your battle against the three-headed serpent, Tryclyde.
You can avoid Tryclyde’s attack easily enough; just build a wall with your Mushroom Blocks. From the top of the wall, clobber him with the three Mushroom Blocks you have left.
