From the beginning you will beat Bowser. After you get kicked out of the castle go back to it. You will speak to Smithy and get knocked away from the castle. This is the last time you'll be by the castle till the end.

Mario's Pad
Here you'll learn from Toad many important tips to help you through the game. If you go inside the Pipe House you can turn off the light and replenish your HP throughout the game. For the first time you will see a save box. Make sure to save at every one you find!!!!!

Mushroom Way
From the beginning just follow the path. Fighting the guys can be good if you can beat them no problem. You should see Toad blocked by a guy. Defeat him to save Toad. In the next screen kill the guy on the flower. Start spinning on it and jump on the platform to the right. Kill the flying guy with Toad to save Toad once again. In the final screen go to the Hammer Brother and defeat it. This will save Toad and let you go to Mushroom Kingdom.

Mushroom Kingdom
When you enter Mushroom Kingdom go straight with Toad through the castle. After you talk to the King and do all the stuff he tells you exit the castle. As you leave a Croco will steal something from a white puff creature. Talk to him and say yes. He is Mallow and he will become part of your team. Tip: At the shops always buy new armor and weapons. At the village shop you can buy Honey Syrup, Pick Me Ups, and Able Juice for the items. The armor selection is a shirt and pants. The accesories are Jump Shoes and the Antidote Pin. As you leave Mushroom Kingdom to the right you will get hit by the Croco. Follow him out of Mushroom Kingdom.

Bandit's Way
The first screen here is generally easy. In the second screen you have to jump to the platform with the red flower. After that jump on the yellow platforms across the gap(if you fall off jump back on). In the third screen go the opposite way of Croco to avoid the monsters(unless you want to fight them for experience). The fourth screen has no trick. If you want to get the treasure boxes you can easily. In the final screen walk up behind Croco three times to get into a battle. After you beat him go back to Mushroom Kingdom. Avoid the bouncing guys here. They get really annoying. Go to the throne room of the castle and get into the battle. Use Mario against Mack and use Mallow's thunderbolt to get rid of the bouncing guys. After you beat them you will acquire the first star. Now go to the shop and buy the Cricket Pie with the Frog Coin acquired when beating Croco.