In Super Mario Bros. 3, when can I wear the Hammer Bro. suit.?

Question

Also, what's the difference between the Raccoon and Tanooki suit?

Answer 1

The hammer suit can be put on for any level, it is a power-up just like all the others, you keep it until you take a hit. (BUT you are resistant to anything but physical contact when you are ducking.

The biggest difference between Raccoon and Tanooki is that if you press Down+B with Tanooki you turn into an invincible statue until you press something else. Attacks and enemies pass through you or bounce off. Otherwise they are identical, with the ablity to fly and tail swipe.

As for using them, I recommend both for hard stages where you need extra fire power. You do get amusing dialog if you manage to complete and airship stage with one of the suits on. The dialog is different for each suit.

Answer 2

As I remember you can get the Hammer Brothers suit in a side part of World two. Go to the edge where you see a rock use the hammer on that to open up another screen. It's got a Mushroom house that has the suits in it.

The Difference between the Tanooki suit and the Racoon tail is that with the Tanooki suit you can go into a "stealth" form and become a statue and not be hit for a few seconds. As memory serves you hit up and press b to do this.