Super Mario Bros. 2/World 4-1

The fourth world that Mario and crew enter is encased with ice. Watch your step, it's slippery! And if you fall, it's hard. To make things worse, enemies like Flurry and Autobomb and you old pal Shyguy will be on your heels. Got any ice skates?

Balanced character selection

The first stage of World 4 is a rather horizontal jaunt across the ice. No special jumping skills are required, and Toad's speed can be a bit of an advantage here. Just be careful not to rush with Toad, or you may go flying into an enemy. This marks Toad's fourth outing, so you'll only be using him one more time after this.

Map A

Part 1

No traction. Slippery is definitely the one word that best sums up map A. Get a feel for how your character moves on the ice. You'll need to stop well in advance if you don't want to crash into an enemy. Better yet, jump in the air. Surprisingly, you have better control when your feet are off the ground than on.

Part 2

Beware the Flurry

These little snowballs seem very attracted to you, as if connected to you by a rubberband. If you're above them you can "lure" them toward a hole by moving left and right above the hole until they fall into it. This can be useful when a Flurry is guarding an item you want to grab on a platform below.

(1) Sub-space 1. It's going to take plenty of skill, know-how and nerve to get from here to Sub-space. Be sure to take potions because you're going to need them as never before. Here's a hint: create doors whenever Flurry is not around.

(2) Sub-space 2. You're finally at the end of map A. Good going. How about taking a quick breat to build up your strength? These rocks aren't slippery, so you don't have to worry. Grab the potion from the top and set it down right where you found it. Be careful, ice is still slippery in Sub-space.

Rocket Ride! Now that you've got the Mushroom, it's onto the next world. Hold it; there's no passage! Just grab a handful of grass and you'll find a rocket in your hands. Climb on board and you're off to map B.

Map B

Part 1

(3) Get the best of Autobomb. The Autobomb follows you everywhere and shoots flames at you. Here's another hint: get rid of Shyguy and get above Autobomb. And look—Autobomb will give you a lift!

Part 2

(4) Where's the boss? You've made it to the end of World 4-1, and you probably expected to find a mini-boss such a Birdo waiting for you. No such luck. Don't be disappointed, it was hard enough getting here. Enjoy the breather.