Hippo (level)

"Hippo (Entrance to the Space Zone.)", alternatively the Space Zone Entrance or the Hippo Stage , is a small stage in Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins. It isn't a full world, but it is an important stage nonetheless. It is found on top of a hill on the overworld map. Mario must complete the Hippo stage via the upper stage exit to reach the Space Zone.

The Hippo stage consists of a Hippo that blows Soap Bubbles which Mario can hop into and fly with. The Soap Bubbles allow Mario to float as high as he wants and will only pop if touched by an enemy. As no enemies cross the very top of the stage, it is possible to fly through the whole stage, touching the bonus bell at the very end and proceeding onward to the Space Zone. Without the use of the soap bubble, it is only possible to reach the upper exit through skillful use of Bunny Mario by jumping off a set of coin blocks near the end of the stage, then fluttering across and over the block ridge in front of the exit. If Mario completes the stage via the lower stage exit, he will return to the overworld map, just to the right of the Macro Zone, directly under the Space Zone.