World 4-1's Lakitu is a master stroke of game design. The stage introduces him after three worlds of generally similar, recurring threats. Lakitu is such a shock that the whole stage is designed around him - there's no other enemies present except for a few Piranha Plants. All of the stage's platforming elements hinge on evading Lakitu. Sometimes, blocks give you a barrier to stop the rain of Spineys, but you have to be careful of them inching into the space with you. And if you're savvy enough to find a block high enough to afford a stomp on Lakitu's head, he'll just come back within a screen or two.
Fire flowers let you take out the Spineys and reduce the stage's challenge significantly, but of course it takes decent skill to get to 4-1 with your powers intact. Also, since 4-1 is the furthest you can warp via 1-2's Warp Zone, you're bound to fight this guy a lot. I felt like a little god when I discovered that if you maintain Mario's top speed in 4-1, Lakitu can't keep up with you, and his Spineys always fall to Mario's left. Of course you have to get down the timing of jumping over the Piranha Plants, which is pretty specific.
Fire flowers let you take out the Spineys and reduce the stage's challenge significantly, but of course it takes decent skill to get to 4-1 with your powers intact. Also, since 4-1 is the furthest you can warp via 1-2's Warp Zone, you're bound to fight this guy a lot. I felt like a little god when I discovered that if you maintain Mario's top speed in 4-1, Lakitu can't keep up with you, and his Spineys always fall to Mario's left. Of course you have to get down the timing of jumping over the Piranha Plants, which is pretty specific.
