? and ! Blocks
? Blocks: ? blocks contain the players secret ability. The blocks are unusable until Mario presses the ? switch in the castle. Sometimes a Bom-Omb comes out instead of a flower.
! Blocks: Contains Yellow coins or Koopa Shells.
Other Blocks
Crates: All characters can destroy them. Bricks: Mario, Luigi and Wario can destroy them. Black Bricks: Wario can destroy them. Ice Blocks: Yoshi can destroy them
Caps
If a player finds a cap they may turn into that character. Yoshi does not have a cap but on the other hand when Yoshi jumps in a picture he may chose one to start with. Goombas where the caps most of time when there not in use.
Coins
Collecting coins refills your power meter.
Yellow: Collect a 100 to earn a Star.
Red: Collect 8 to earn a star.
Blue: No star but refills more power than yellow and red.
Other Items
Spinning Heart: The faster you run through it, the more power you regain.
Koopa Shells: Ride on it to become invincible and faster
Mushroom: Become big. After destroying 10 things you will 1-ups
1-up: Gives you a extra life