It's a classic

SMB2 doesn't have to be a like other MArio games to be a superb game.

https://yt.artemislena.eu/watch?v=Os0zmiMfRjM

I'll listen to this any time, any day.

For anyone that needs the YouTube link (from which you can convert to whatever): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Os0zmiMfRjM.
SMB2 > Adventure of Link.
- I'm just going to say it, Adventures of Link is objectively a horrible fucking game with apparently no direction. I've sunk 50-100 hours on the original Zelda. Maybe 5 on the sequel? 4 of them trying to find a silver lining.
It's just another side-scrolling platformer. It is like all the other Mario games
- That's a bit heretical if you consider the context in which SMB2 came into being. It introduced many new concepts not present in the first SMB and stands on its own. It isn't just another side-scrolling platform, it was also way more vertical, way more scene transitions within a single level, the ability to move context between intra-level scenes, multiple playable characters, each with different abilities. It certainly influenced future SMB games (SMB3 implemented a similar-if-you-squint slot machine mechanic at level end). Similar to Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link which was also dramatically different from the first Zelda and it too influenced future Zelda games.

Super Mario 2 was a great game. The fact that it's weird is what makes it good.

It's just a dream, that's why it's super weird

The argument that it's not a real Mario game is a bit silly really. There are long standing pieces of Mario lore that came from Mario 2. Luigi being taller and more slim, Peach being able to float, shy guys came from Mario 2 and they are a staple enemy in certain other games and Yoshi games.

Bob-ombs, multiple variants of Shy Guys, Birdo, and Pokeys all originated in DDP. All of those besides Birdo have been mainstay enemies ever since.
- I think Birdo is under represented in the games. I'd love to see Birdo in more than just as a character for multi player games like Mario Kart.
And Final Fantasy Legend II isn't even a Final Fantasy game!

While it is a reskin, this version was released in Japan as Super Mario USA.

And furthermore the enemies and several other elements from SMB2 appear throughout the Mario universe to this day. Shyguy, anyone?
- And the character select mechanic was revived in recent Mario games (New SMB, 3D World, Wonder), including each character having a unique trait.
- And Birdo. Mamu on the other hand ended up in Zelda.
- Bob-Ombs and Pokeys as well.
- Does that damn mask appear in other games? It always gave me the creeps back when I was smaller, like the angry sun in SMB3

If I had a nickel for every time I heard about this, I'd have 10¢ just this week. It's not a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice.

It isn't just a reskin, there are a lot of differences. One of the biggest is there is no run in Doki Doki. That makes the experience extremely different from the running and jumping action of Mario.

Is this about the turnips, cause I swore to return them, I just forgot?!

By far one of my favorite Mario games. The music is always stuck in my head

The level design is fantastic. The original Mario Bros. 2 feels like a romhack of Mario 1 designed to troll you. It's like the final boss of Mario games.