Summary
Amidst the vast array ofSuperMariogames, certain power-ups have emerged as joyous additions to the gameplay. These unique abilities bring a sense of excitement and innovative gameplay shifts to the whimsical world of the Mushroom Kingdom. From iconic transformations that grant flight or special abilities that enhanceMario’s skills, these power-ups have become synonymous with the resident plumber.
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They spark curiosity, exploration, and a sense of anticipation, creating moments that players cherish from the most fun to the most powerful, all celebrating the fun and imaginative designs that players have spent decades manipulating for their own platforming gains.
10Rock Mushroom
InSuper Mario Galaxy 2, players come across the Rock Mushroom, a unique power-up that stands out due to its rugged appearance resembling an ordinary mushroom. When acquired, Mario’s appearance transforms into Rock Mario, featuring a rough hat, gray overalls, and buttons. A shake of the Wii Remote causes Mario to morph into a massive boulder, granting him the ability to roll around.In this boulder form, he can trundle, leap, and crush enemies and large red crystals that hide items.
However, if Mario comes into contact with certain enemies or surfaces, he reverts back to his rock form, which can be reshaped into a boulder by shaking the Wii Remote again. Notably, in “The Chimp’s Bowling Challenge” within the Melty Monster Galaxy, players must use Rock Mario to defeat Pinheads. This power-up also has a significant role in the Freezy Flake Galaxy, particularly in collecting Launch Star pieces. The Rock Mushroom introduces distinctive gameplay mechanics that add excitement to Mario’s abilities.
9Spring Mushroom
The Spring Mushroom, featured in bothSuper Mario GalaxyandSuper Mario Galaxy 2, brings an exciting twist to Mario’s adventures. This metallic mushroom, with eyes and a spiral cap, gives Mario or Luigi the power of springs. Once they become Spring Mario or Spring Luigi, their usual walking turns into bouncy hopping. Spring Mario isn’t very fast, but he can jump really high, which lets players perform impressive moves in the air. If timed right, Mario can jump even higher when he lands. Another bonus is the ability to Wall Jump automatically, adding more acrobatic options.
But Spring Mario’s bouncy actions alsomake it harderto control where he goes. This means players have to be super careful when dealing with obstacles. He changes back to normal if he touches water, Sling Stars, Launch Stars, or gets hurt. Whether bouncing through Toy Time Galaxy’s Heavy Metal Mecha-Bowser mission or hopping up the see-through platforms in Matter Splatter Galaxy’s Watch Your Step, Spring Mario adds a playful hop to Mario’s movements.
8Rainbow Star
The Rainbow Star, a lively power-up found in bothSuper Mario GalaxyandSuper Mario Galaxy 2, adds a burst of excitement to Mario’s quests. Acting like the Super Star, this enchanting item turns Mario into the stunning Rainbow Mario. When collected, Mario becomes a trail of vibrant rainbow colors, leaving a glowing path behind him as he dashes ahead. In this special form, Mario’s abilities get a big boost.
He can defeat enemies, leaving behind Star Bits, and easily smash certain objects and barriers, like the tough Chomps and solid Boulders. Rainbow Mario is incredibly agile, letting him run faster, jump higher, and cover greater distances. But, as the power-up starts to fade, the music speeds up, matching Mario’s quicker movements until the effect goes away completely.
7Mega Mushroom
The Mega Mushroom is a special power-up that can be found in the Mushroom Kingdom. When Mario uses it, he becomes gigantic for a short time, gaining an enormous amount of strength. With this power, Mario can easily stomp on and smash everything in his way, including the biggest and toughest enemies. This unique item has appeared in different Mario Party games, where players can turn into giants and take coins from opponents.
Players can also find the Mega Mushroom in games likeNew Super Mario Bros.andSuper Mario 3D Worldfrom theSuper Marioseries. In these games, Mega Mario can crush enemies, break blocks, and even go through warp pipes. Getting a Mega Mushroom is a rare and thrilling event, and its immense power is something to be reckoned with.
6Cloud Flower
InSuper Mario Galaxy 2, the Cloud Flower power-up transforms Mario into Cloud Mario. This form lets him spin to create temporary cloud platforms adorned with friendly faces, enhancing his jumping abilities—enabling slow descents and longer leaps. Yet, he’s limited to producing three clouds at once, necessitating more Cloud Flowers for replenishment.
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The Cloud Flowerspans various galaxieslike Fluffy Bluff and Twisty Trials, each offering unique challenges. His cloud-based skills prove indispensable for conquering obstacles and discovering the game’s expansive universe.
5The Propeller Mushroom
The Propeller Mushroom, known as the Propellerhead or Propeller Suit, made its first appearance inNew Super Mario Bros. Wii. Upon collection, players morph into the Propeller form, donning a flight suit matching their character’s color, complete with a propeller helmet marked by their emblem. By giving the Wii Remote a shake, players can take to the skies, twirling like a propeller. A gentle descent is attainable, with remote shaking for slower falls.
Pressing down triggers a drill-like move akin to a Ground Pound. Flight isn’t endless, yet a new launch is possible after landing. An added delight is the ability to grasp another player using the Propeller Mushroom and jointly ascend. Beware of its flighty nature, though—it may fly off if ignored.
4Red Star
The Red Star from Super Mario Galaxy,whilst only appearing once in the entire series, is not something to forget. The Red Star is first encountered during the game’s purple coin challenges allowing Mario - or Luigi, if playing the game through again - to be given the ability to fly freely throughout the level, letting Mario fly gracefully throughout the world.
The Red Star can also be used to traverse the Comet Observatory, allowing travel between hubs to be faster and a lot more fun for the player. Despite its short run, the power of the flight ability makes it worth getting and playing around with every time Rosalina’s observatory is visited.
3Super Leaf
The Super Leaf, a power-up in theSuper Mariofranchise, debuted in Super Mario Bros. 3. Grabbing this item transforms Mario or Luigi into Raccoon Mario or Raccoon Luigi, complete with raccoon ears and a tail. With the tail, they can glide, fly after a running start, and perform a tail whip to hit blocks and enemies. Although absent inSuper Mario World, a similar power-up called the Cape Feather was introduced.
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The Super Leafmade a triumphant returninSuper Mario 3D Land, granting Tanooki forms with gliding abilities. New variations like the Invincibility Leaf and Statue Leaf added exciting twists. InSuper Mario 3D World, the Super Leaf reappears but is less common than in its predecessor.
2Super Bell
The Super Bell first appeared inSuper Mario 3D World. When obtained, Mario and his friends can transform into their Cat forms; they can slide into enemies and pounce in midair. With the Super Bell, they gain the ability to dash at crouching height and sprint faster than in any other form, meaning it is excellent for anyone wanting a much easier journey through some difficult levels.
In addition to this is the Super Bell’s Giga form, exclusive to theBowser’s Furymode ofSuper Mario 3D World+ Bowser’s Fury.The Giga Bell isan oversized version of the Super Bell, radiating strength and might. With this colossal form, Mario gains incredible abilities to combat the formidable Fury Bowser. By collecting Cat Shines, ground-pounding inactive Giga Bells, or steering Plessie beneath Fury Bowser, Mario can obtain the highly coveted Giga Bell. This transformation grants him an enlarged and enhanced Cat form.
1Fire Flower
Fire Flowers, also known as Flame Flowers, are iconic power-ups found throughout theSuper Mariofranchise. Fire flowers grant the player the ability to hurl fireballs which have uses beyond just defeating Goombas, the flames can also light up dark areas and melt ice blocks, allowing for further exploration.
Fire Mario or Fire Luigi can withstand multiple hits also, giving them three hits before losing a life instead of the standard two. The Fire Flower has become a recognizable item, inspiring variations such as the Ice Flower and the Gold Flower. With its distinct appearance and powerful abilities, the Fire Flower continues to spark excitement and enhance Mario’s adventures.
