* GameBreaker: The point system in ''Koopa Capers'' where it is possible to finish with more than the maximum if you win.
* HilariousInHindsight: A cursed food that causes a Mario character to inhale others and kicks off a FantasticVoyagePlot? [[VideoGame/MarioAndLuigiBowsersInsideStory Not the last time that idea would be used.]]
* ItsEasySoItSucks: A few of the puzzles are subject to this.
* NightmareFuel: It wouldn't be a gamebook series without it.
** The Crystal Trap:
*** It's loaded with endings in which Zelda (the protagonist this go-around) gives an OhCrap as she awaits a terrible fate (sinking in quicksand or becoming a sitting duck for enemies) for failure to have the correct item.
*** The whole book is one big AndIMustScream moment for Link, who is frozen immobile in a block of crystal at the beginning of the book and will be that way irretrievably if Zelda can't find the {{Plot Coupon}}s to free him within 24 hours.
** The Shadow Prince has an ending where you are wrongfully imprisoned and cannot escape as you see Charles run away with the Triforce of Wisdom. Then his mount becomes a giant winged lizard and you realize Ganon has already won, and you can't stop him this time.
** The NonStandardGameOver from ''Pipe Down!'' if the Mario Bros. don't have enough coins to give to a [[GiantEnemyCrab Clawgrip]]. The result has the word '''PINCH!''' in a gigantic explosion graphic that takes up the entire page.
* ThatOneLevel: ''Koopa Capers'', ''The Crystal Trap'' and ''Pipe Down!'' may be the hardest in the series.
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