Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic

Doki Doki Panic is a Japan-only NES game made by Nintendo for the Famicom Disk System. This game was the basis for Super Mario Bros. 2 outside of Japan. In fact, the only differences are graphical changes of certain enemies and characters to be more appropriate for the Super Mario Bros. theme and only one game play change. The third Mouser boss, an albino, was perceived as too difficult and was thus replaced with Clawgrip. This change was in tune with the decision to use Doki Doki Panic in place of the Japanese Super Mario Bros. 2, which Nintendo of Japan feared was too advanced for American games.

However, Shigeru Miyamoto was more involved in this game than he was in the Japanese Super Mario Bros. 2. Ever since Yoshi's Island use of Shy Guys as enemies, more and more elements from this game have affected the Mario series worldwide. Of particular note is how Mario, Luigi, and Princess Toadstool's skills and attacks have been shaped by the skills of the characters they replaced.

Characters (And Their American Counterparts)

 * Mama – Luigi
 * With the ability to jump higher and lightly hover at the top of her jumps, Mama was a good choice for areas with long gaps. Luigi took her place, and in later games kept her special jumps.
 * Papa – Toad
 * The most powerful character in the game, Papa could throw enemies and items very far, but he was not very good at running or jumping. While Toad takes his place, in future games Toad was not endowed with the Papa's might.
 * Lina – Princess Toadstool
 * The perfect character for a player with trouble timing jumps, Lina could hover, although she was lackluster in speed and strength. Princess Toadstool replaced her, although Lina's moves inspired two of her special attacks in Super Smash Bros. Melee.
 * Imajin – Mario
 * The balanced character, Imajin was the perfect fit for a player just starting out. While Mario replaced him, Imajin's balance in all areas has since become a staple of Mario's in the sports games.  Additionally, Imajin's strength was transferred to Mario in Super Mario 64.