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Mario (universe)

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Mario (universe)
MarioTitle.svg
MarioSymbol.svg
Developer(s) Nintendo
Various
Publisher(s) Nintendo
Various
Designer(s) Shigeru Miyamoto
Takashi Tezuka
Genre(s) Platformer
Puzzle
Racing
Sports
Party
Action-adventure
Role-playing
Console/platform of origin Arcade
First installment Donkey Kong (1981)
Latest installment Mario Party Superstars (2021)
Article on Super Mario Wiki Mario (universe)

The Mario universe (マリオ, Mario) refers to the Super Smash Bros. series' collection of characters, stages, and properties that hail from Nintendo's expansive and highly successful Mario video game franchise. The Mario universe is Nintendo's flagship franchise, and it is flat-out the most successful game franchise in global sales and in history (although the Pokémon franchise has found even greater success when counting non-game media). The Mario universe is a franchise of fantasy video games, and the most popular games are the fantasy adventure platform games called the Super Mario games. Mario himself is Nintendo's mascot and is considered the most famous video game character in the world. Mario and his brother Luigi, along with their many friends and nemeses, have appeared in dozens upon dozens of Nintendo's video games, many of them being best-sellers and several of which are considered some of the greatest games ever released.

As a direct result, there are more Mario-themed characters, items, and properties to be found in the Smash Bros. series than any other Nintendo franchise, not the least of which are fourteen distinctive playable characters who originated from the series between Smash 64 and Ultimate: Mario, his clone Dr. Mario, Luigi, Bowser, Princess Peach (who has Toad as an attack), Rosalina (who uses Lumas to attack), Bowser Jr. (who has the Koopalings as alternate costumes), Daisy (who functions as a clone of Peach), and even the Piranha Plant. The Mario universe is so expansive, in fact, that Donkey Kong, Yoshi and Wario are considered stars of their own sub-universes: Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong and King K. Rool from the Donkey Kong universe, Yoshi from the Yoshi universe, and Wario from the Wario universe. The Wrecking Crew universe is also a sub-universe of the Mario universe, although no playable characters hail from it. It is the most heavily represented universe in the Super Smash Bros. series, by far, with the highest trophy, sticker, and item count in the series, with the total amount of playable characters falling second to the Pokémon universe (nine to ten if Pokémon Trainer is counted as three separate characters).

Franchise description

Mario as depicted in the opening movie of Melee. Mario is always introduced first among Nintendo characters due to his mascot status.

By the beginning of 1981, Nintendo had developed a series of cabinet arcade games that were moderately successful in Japan, but its efforts to market them to Western audiences had fallen flat. In the most spectacular representation of this performance, thousands of units of an arcade shooter named Radar Scope, the first game Shigeru Miyamoto ever helped develop, were left sitting in warehouse storage. The president of the newly founded Nintendo of America division, Minoru Arakawa, faced financial disaster, so he pleaded with Nintendo CEO Hiroshi Yamauchi to provide him with a new game that he could install as a replacement into Radar Scope machines. Miyamoto agreed to the task of "fixing" the game so it would appeal to gamers, and instead of tweaking the original, he designed an entirely new coin-op game out of the Radar Scope hardware, and created new characters that could then be marketed and used in later games.

The finished product, Donkey Kong, became a huge success for Nintendo and moved 60,000 units by 1982. Its popularity was owed to the many differences from the maze and shooter games of the time that being the first example of a platform game with actual jumping mechanics afforded it; these included its multiple-stage structure and its visual approach to story and characterization. It is considered to be the earliest video game with a storyline that unfolded on the screen itself, with cutscenes in between levels establishing a love triangle between characters inspired by the Popeye comic. The eponymous ape Donkey Kong is the de facto villain, shown stealing away a damsel-in-distress (later given the name Pauline), and it is up to the player-character, a carpenter named "Jumpman" at the time, to save her. This was the earliest incarnation of the character that came to be known as Mario, and his design's most iconic elements were necessitated by severe pixel-based graphical limitations; he was given a mustache because that was the only way to show he had a human face, and he was depicted wearing colorful overalls to show he was wearing something more defined then a shapeless blob. Mario was given his official name in Miyamoto's modestly successful 1983 arcade follow-up Mario Bros., which also introduced Mario's green palette-swapped brother Luigi, changed his occupation from carpenter to plumber, and introduced the idea of him using strong jumping abilities to fell turtle-like enemies.

Mario on the Mushroomy Kingdom stage in Brawl, a recreation of the famous World 1-1 from Super Mario Bros.

Throughout the North American video game industry recession that lasted from 1983 to 1985, Nintendo released the Famicom (the Western equivalent of which was the NES), which eventually found success as a hardware platform in its own right. Miyamoto began development of a successor to Mario Bros. for the console, and the game went through many ideas before settling as a side-scrolling platformer with a very clearly defined diversity to its gameplay elements, onscreen characters, and setting. The 1985 release of Super Mario Bros. is labeled by many as the single most influential video game involved in not just the popularization of the side-scrolling game genre, but the direction the video game industry itself would take following the 1983 crash, and is often described as the game that began the modern era of video games. Almost all of the game's aspects have been praised on separate occasions; the precise controls, creative power-up system, and well-tuned speed and momentum mechanics came into play against a varied set of level-design obstacles and distinctive enemies, and Mario's whimsical quest through his newly established setting, the Mushroom Kingdom, to rescue his love interest Princess Toadstool from the dragon turtle-like Bowser was timeless. The game became the best-selling title in the history of the industry, a record it held for over twenty years.

The Super Mario franchise indisputably became Nintendo's foremost property immediately, and Mario himself earned a permanent position as the company's mascot. It became a custom to release a steady stream of Mario-related titles for each and every Nintendo console and handheld launched in the company's history, and as of 2013, over 200 games featuring Mario characters in some way, shape or form have been released. While many entries into the series enjoyed a high level of success, none of the subsequent Mario games necessarily had anywhere near as much influence on video game genres as Super Mario Bros. itself had, but there is one clear exception: Super Mario 64 was the core platform-based series' inaugural transition into the third dimension, released in the Americas in September 1996, with a free-roaming, non-linear design, and an overarching collection aspect. A launch title for the Nintendo 64, it became the system's best-selling game and is given much of the credit for allowing the Nintendo 64 to attain the success that it had. The game set many precedents for the 3D platformer genre that would forever reappear in 3D platformers to follow, including player-character movement precisely dictated by the controller's analog joystick, a hub-based level design where each level accessible from the hub was a self-contained area containing a large variety of objectives to complete, and the first-ever "free" camera in a game with 3D environments, where the camera could be controlled independently of the character and was not rigidly fixed either to the character's position or a specific point in the level itself. Numerous other Mario platformers, particularly Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World, Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Odyssey, are also frequently cited as some of the greatest games ever made; rather than kickstarting their respective genres as Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario 64 did, they instead garnered high praise for innovating on and refining the formulas set by the first 2D and 3D installments.

The Mario setting itself most often stars Mario, a free-spirited and heroic man with strong jumping abilities who is, by this point at least, a celebrity in the colorful and cartoon-like Mushroom Kingdom. Mario is often accompanied by his taller and more cowardly brother Luigi, who is occasionally mocked in-universe for being less famous than his sibling, but also goes on a few adventures of his own. His love interest and the ruler of the kingdom, Princess "Peach" Toadstool, regularly gets taken away by Mario's trouble-making arch-nemesis, Bowser, who is depicted as a menacing figure and/or a comedic one depending on the game. The most common setup for a Mario game is that Mario goes on an obstacle-laden quest to defeat Bowser and save Peach. Mario games rarely devote focus to lore or characterization; Mario, his world, and the established personalities that are his numerous allies and enemies represent Nintendo's primary "tileset" for creating colorful games of various genres that prioritize the quality of the gameplay itself, and Mario games sometimes satirize some conventions in video games. The Mario franchise is so big, and its side characters so thoroughly established, that several of these characters are the stars of their own semi-regular releases: Donkey Kong has starred alongside a simian supporting cast of his own in various games that, for a time, were primarily handled by British company Rareware; a pet-like dinosaur companion for Mario named Yoshi was introduced in the SNES launch title Super Mario World, and has been the focus of several of his own games; and a mischievous anti-hero equivalent to Mario who debuted in Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins for the Game Boy, Wario, has starred in both his own platformers and a series of party games that deliver a more outward parody of video game trends.

The many games of Mario have explored a large variety of video game genres, and one genre the series seems to avoid making a purely Mario-centric title for is the fighting genre, a gap the series regularly fills in with its guaranteed appearances in every installment in the Super Smash Bros. crossover series:

  • 2D Platforming: The genre most closely associated with the Mario brand, which was begun by Super Mario Bros. for the NES in 1985. These are linear sidescrollers that follow the same basic formula for the most part, and this legacy continued with Super Mario Bros. 2 (both the USA release and the original Japanese title, The Lost Levels), Super Mario Bros. 3, and Super Mario World, with plenty of additional titles released for portable hardware. A compilation of remasters of the first four aforementioned 2D platforming games, titled Super Mario All-Stars, was released for the SNES in 1993. While there was an extended period where new Mario games were no longer two-dimensional platformers, a subseries focused on the official return to the 2D platforming formula, New Super Mario Bros., began releasing for each of the most recent Nintendo platforms, starting with the Nintendo DS in 2006 and going on until 2019's New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe for the Nintendo Switch. In celebration of the Super Mario franchise's 30th anniversary, Super Mario Maker was released in September 2015 for the Wii U, in which players can create and share their own 2D Mario levels online for others to play. In addition, the game featured a robust online feature-set with a multitude of options for finding courses and creators, all of which were only added to with subsequent update patches. A Nintendo 3DS port was released in December 2016 and an expanded sequel for the Switch, aptly titled Super Mario Maker 2, was released in June 2019.
  • 3D Platforming: The seminal Super Mario 64 paved the way for 3D Mario platformers on each of the Nintendo home consoles that followed the Nintendo 64. In some ways, these are the "biggest" Mario releases; Super Mario Sunshine for the GameCube incorporated a radical gameplay twist in the form of the F.L.U.D.D. spraying device on Mario's back; a pair of Super Mario Galaxy games on the Wii placed all of the action on tightly spherical settings; and Super Mario 3D Land for the Nintendo 3DS and Super Mario 3D World for the Wii U, both of which exchanges the free-roaming world aspect for a more contained linear level design. The most recent game, Super Mario Odyssey for the Nintendo Switch, returns to the sandbox level design as seen in 64 and Sunshine. Apart from 3D Land/World, these titles are themed on adventure and exploration, often thrusting Mario into unfamiliar locales; Sunshine is set on a faraway tropical island, both Galaxy games take place in outer space, and Odyssey is pitched as a "globe-trotting adventure" that takes place in various kingdoms. To celebrate the Super Mario series' 35th anniversary, a compilation of remasters of the first three 3D platforming games, titled Super Mario 3D All-Stars, was released for the Nintendo Switch from September 2020 to March 2021.
  • Racing: All high-profile Mario titles in this genre belong to an officially recognized sub-series called Mario Kart. Like several other Mario releases, the first Mario game in this genre, Super Mario Kart for the SNES, is credited for essentially popularizing a new genre in the video game industry, in this case the weapon and obstacle-based kart racing sub-genre. It is an unbroken Nintendo tradition to release one Mario Kart game for each and every major Nintendo home console and handheld system. The most recent console entry in the series is Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit for the Nintendo Switch with a mobile game released in summer 2019, Mario Kart Tour.
  • Party: Yet another genre the Mario brand set the standard for for years to come, the first installment in the long-running Mario Party series was created on the Nintendo 64 in 1999 by developer Hudson Soft, who worked on the series from the first up until the eighth home console entry. But following Hudson's acquisition and dissolving by Konami in the early 2010s, the development duties were passed on to the first-party team Nd Cube. In the Mario Party series, players roll the dice block to move characters across a board like in a board game, then compete in one of many dozens of available minigames to amass a high currency total and purchase a means of winning, typically Stars. The most recent entry is Mario Party Superstars for the Nintendo Switch, effectively a return to form for the franchise that features game boards and minigames from previous home console entries.
  • RPG: Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars was a result of a long-running partnership between Nintendo and Squaresoft, developers of the Final Fantasy series, grafting the Mario aesthetic and reflex-based gameplay onto a JRPG format. This was the starting point for what would become a fair number of Mario-centered JRPGs that differentiate themselves from other titles in the genre by incorporating elements of timing and reflex to some of the standard battle options, known as action commands. These are some of the only Mario games that feature a heaver slant towards storytelling; additionally, almost every game introduces a diverse cast of original characters to rival that of the main Mario universe. Mario has since established two entirely separate RPG-based subseries: Intelligent Systems's Paper Mario and AlphaDream's Mario & Luigi. In Paper Mario, all characters are presented as flat paper-thin illustrations occupying three-dimensional areas. However after its Nintendo 64 debut in 2000, the series began to swerve away from its RPG roots and into the action-adventure genre with the fourth installment, Paper Mario: Sticker Star, which was met with highly polarizing reception for their focus on gameplay and gimmicks rather than story, original characters, exploration, and traditional RPG elements. In Mario & Luigi, the gameplay is centered on cooperative combat and world exploration starring the eponymous brother duo. Unlike its sister franchise, this series is primarily featured on Nintendo's handheld systems and the formula has remained relatively consistent since its Game Boy Advance debut in 2003. Both series crossed over for the first time in 2015 with the release of Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam. While Mario himself is present and playable in all RPG titles, he is frequently teamed up with other party members as battle partners and/or alternate playable characters, including Luigi, Peach, Bowser, and number of original characters, such as Geno, Mallow, Starlow, and Huey among many others. The most recent Mario RPG entry is Paper Mario: The Origami King for the Nintendo Switch, released in July 2020. In October 2019, it was made public that Mario & Luigi developer AlphaDream had filed for bankruptcy, leaving the future of the Mario & Luigi series in limbo.
  • Puzzle: Dr. Mario was a Tetris-style puzzle game for NES that starred Mario in a doctor's costume throwing pills to combat differently colored viruses. There have been some occasional puzzle games following this, but an official puzzle-based subseries entitled Mario vs. Donkey Kong began on Game Boy Advance, which pays homage to Mario's original rivalry with Donkey Kong. The most recent puzzle release is Dr. Mario World for mobile devices.
  • Sports: Mario has a long-standing tradition of applying its aesthetic to a variety of team sports-based games and incorporating specific Mario-flavored twists. The two longest-running Mario Sports subseries are Mario Golf and Mario Tennis, both of which are regularly developed by Camelot Software Planning. Mario Sports games have also been based on association football, baseball, basketball, and more. The Olympic Games series have received one game per season starting in 2008 (excluding the 2018 and 2022 Winter Olympics), and in an unprecedented twist, marking the first ever crossover between Mario and its former "rival" franchise, Sonic the Hedgehog.

In Super Smash Bros.

Being Nintendo's biggest franchise, the Mario universe understandably outnumbers every other universe in Smash 64. It is one of two universes to have two playable characters, and is the only one to have two stages, and a boss character. Yoshi and Donkey Kong also appear as playable characters with their own stages, however they are represented as different universes.

Fighters

  • Mario (SSB)
    Mario (Starter): Mario is the mascot of Nintendo, and the most well-known video game character in the world. He first appeared in the arcade game Donkey Kong as the main protagonist, and since then, has appeared as the main hero in the Mario franchise. He has appeared in many Nintendo games spanning a large variety of genres. In almost every game that he is playable in, he is the most balanced character. This is also true in Smash 64, as he acts as a balanced starting character. Mario's appearance and moves are based of his appearance in Super Mario 64. An exception is his neutral special, which is his iconic Fireball attack from his sidescroller games. His up special is Super Jump Punch, a rising, multi-hitting punch based on Mario jumping and hitting a coin block. His down special is Mario Tornado, a spinning attack loosely on the Spin Jump from Super Mario World.
  • Luigi (SSB)
    Luigi (Unlockable): Luigi is Mario's younger, lankier twin brother who acts as the co-star and deuteragonist of the Mario franchise. He first appeared in the arcade game Mario Bros. as a green palette swap of Mario. Since then, he has started to gain his own personality and abilities. In Smash 64, he appears as an unlockable character. His appearance is based off of Mario Kart 64, which was his last major appearance. Luigi is a clone character of Mario, fittingly enough. However, some of his moves have unique attributes. While his neutral special is also a Fireball attack, Luigi's are green, and they travel in a straight line, unaffected by gravity. His up special is also Super Jump Punch, but instead of being multi-hit, it is a single hit that can cause high damage and knockback if timed correctly. His down special is Luigi Cyclone, a variation of Mario Tornado with only two hits and different knockback.

Boss

  • Metal Mario
    Metal Mario: A spin-off from a form Mario can take in Super Mario 64, Metal Mario makes his gaming debut as an unplayable minor boss in the 1P Game mode. He is fought in Stage 9, on his own stage, Meta Crystal. His moveset is identical to Mario's, with minor differences. Metal Mario barely flinches to ordinary attacks and is almost unaffected by throws at low percentages. In addition, he has extremely fast falling speed due to his weight. Although he is mute in this game, whenever he moves, he makes metallic sounds.

Stages

  • Peach's Castle
    Peach's Castle (Starter): This stage takes place in the sky above Peach's Castle from Super Mario 64. The actual castle itself can be fully seen in the background. There are two main platforms, the top which is a long bridge that players can go through. The bottom platform has a larger block moving left and right underneath it. On the top two corners there are two floating, inward-angled platforms that move slowly up and down. There is also a floating Bumper on the top center of the stage that slowly moves left to right.
  • Mushroom Kingdom (SSB)
    Mushroom Kingdom (Unlockable): The game's only unlockable stage, Mushroom Kingdom is an audiovisual throwback to the original Super Mario Bros. In the middle of the stage is a long pit. Above the pit are two platforms that move up or down depending on the weight on them. On either side of the pit are suspended platforms and Warp Pipes that players can go through. Piranha Plants will occasionally come out of the pipes and can damage players. A Pow Block will randomly spawn in the air that players can interact with.

Items

Main article: Item
  • Fire Flower: This power-up is a semi-sentient orange flower imbued with the power of fire. In many Mario platformers, Mario and Luigi can pick this up and gain the ability to launch fireballs from their hands. In Smash 64, however, it is used more as a weapon that can be wielded to project a continuous stream of fire into the area in front of the wielder.
  • Starman: This power-up is found in many Mario platformers. It is a glowing yellow star with eyes that bounces around after being spawned. If Mario touches it, he will be made invincible for a short period of time, during which any enemy that touches him will be instantly defeated. In Smash 64, touching a Starman will make the player invincible for a total of 10 seconds.
  • Green Shell: Koopa Troopas come in different colors of shells. A green-shelled Koopa is the most common Koopa found in several Mario games. It walks off the edges of platforms, and if jumped on by Mario, it recedes into its shell. The shell can either be kicked or thrown at enemies. In Smash 64, a Green Shell can be thrown at players to cause them damage.
  • Red Shell: A red-shelled Koopa is found in many Mario games. Unlike a green-shelled Koopa, a red-shelled Koopa does not walk off edges, but it can recede in its shell after being jumped on and the shell can be kicked in the same way. In Smash 64, after a Red Shell is thrown, it will actively target the nearest player on the ground, damaging them in the process.
  • Bob-omb: This common enemy is a walking black bomb that patrols around and explodes in many Mario games. In some games, a Bob-omb can be picked up and thrown at an opponent as a volatile projectile. In Smash 64, a Bob-omb can be picked up and thrown at to cause a big explosion. If not picked up, it will start to walk on its own until it self-destructs.

Music

  • 5: Peach's Castle Sky Stage: A remix of the original stages music from the original Super Mario Bros.. It is in fact, a mixture of the world ground and underground themes. It is heard on the stage Peach's Castle.
  • 13: Ancient Kingdom Stage: The original 8-bit theme from the first stage of the original Super Mario Bros.. It is heard on the stage Mushroom Kingdom under normal circumstances.
  • 14: Ancient Kingdom Stage (Finale): The original 8-bit "Hurry Up" version of the normal stage music heard in the original Super Mario Bros.. It is heard on the stage Mushroom Kingdom when there are 30 seconds left and during Sudden Death.
  • 15: Mario Wins: The victory theme of both Mario and Luigi is an orchestration of the standard "Stage Complete" theme heard on the original Super Mario Bros..
  • 27: Starman: A remix of the "invincible" music that would occur when Mario picks up a Starman in Super Mario Bros., and it occurs when the player picks up the Starman item during a match.

In Super Smash Bros. Melee

Melee has a lot more Mario content than before. Three new characters join Mario and Luigi as playable characters, and the Mario universe continues to have the most stages and items, along with having the most trophies. Three bosses also appear, one being considered half Mario, half Smash Bros. property. Sub-universe characters Yoshi and Donkey Kong return as well.

Fighters

  • Mario (SSBM)
    Mario (Starter): Mario returns as a starter character, now having his appearance being based on Nintendo 64-era artwork, such as Super Mario 64 and Mario Kart 64. When making the transition from Smash 64 to Melee, Mario was neither strongly buffed nor strongly nerfed. This again makes him a balanced fighter without any glaring advantages or disadvantages. He can now wall jump just like in his games, and is now given a side special, which is the Cape from Super Mario World. The Cape reflects projectiles and spins characters in the opposite direction.
  • Luigi (SSBM)
    Luigi (Unlockable): Luigi returns as an unlockable character, whose appearance is once again based on his design in Nintendo 64-era artwork, such as Mario Kart 64. Luigi is no longer a full on clone of Mario, but is considered a semi-clone. This is because he gained a few new neutral attacks. Luigi also gained a side special, which is Green Missile. This move can be charged, and once let go, Luigi is launched sideways like a rocket, causing damage. Luigi is notable for having the longest wavedash in the game. Overall, Luigi got a slight buff compared to his previous appearance.
  • Peach (SSBM)
    Peach (Starter): Peach is the princess of the Mushroom Kingdom who usually gets kidnapped and must be rescued by Mario. She first appeared in Super Mario Bros., where she needed to be rescued from the evil Bowser. In Melee, Peach is a new starter character, with her appearance being based around Nintendo 64-era artwork. She is a lightweight character with the unique ability to hover in the air when holding the jump button. Her neutral special is Toad, a counterattack where she pulls out Toad to reflect damage. Her side special is Peach Bomber, a horizontal attack where Peach attacks with her hip. Her up special is Peach Parasol, where Peach pulls out her parasol to slowly float down. Peach's down special is Vegetable which is based on a way to attack in Super Mario Bros. 2. Peach would pull out a turnip (occasionally an item) from the ground, and throw it at opponents.
  • Bowser (SSBM)
    Bowser (Starter): Bowser is the main antagonist of the Mario franchise who first appeared in Super Mario Bros. Bowser constantly tries to kidnap Princess Peach and take over the Mushroom Kingdom with his army of Koopa Troopas, Goombas, and others. In Melee, Bowser is a new starter character, whose appearance is based on Super Mario 64 and Mario Kart 64. Bowser wields great power and bulk, but is lacking in agility due to his heavy weight. His neutral special is Fire Breath, an attack taken directly from Super Mario 64 where Bowser breathes fire in front of him. His side special is Koopa Klaw, where Bowser slashes and bites his opponent. His up special is Whirling Fortress, which is loosely based on the Koopalings going in their shells and spinning sideways. Bowser's down special, Bowser Bomb, comes from Super Mario Bros. 3 where Bowser would jump up and perform a ground pound.
  • Dr. Mario (SSBM)
    Dr. Mario (Unlockable): Dr. Mario is simply Mario in a doctor's uniform from the puzzle spin-off series, Dr. Mario. In it, Mario dresses up as a doctor and throws Megavitamins into a bottle to destroy three species of Viruses trapped within. In Melee, Dr. Mario appears as a new unlockable character. He is a clone of Mario with some slightly altered specifications. In general, Dr. Mario's attacks are stronger than Mario's, but with slightly shorter reach and recovery. He has a different neutral special, Megavitamins. These are pill projectiles that act similar to Fireballs, except they do a little more damage and have a slightly longer range. His side special is Super Sheet, which is slightly slower, longer and more powerful than Mario's Cape. His up special is Super Jump Punch, just like Mario but a bit stronger. His down special is Dr. Tornado, similar to Mario's down special but it is a little stronger and deals less hits.

Bosses

  • Metal Mario
    Metal Mario: Metal Mario returns in Melee to play the same role of minor boss again. Metal Mario is encountered in the eleventh stage of the Adventure Mode. Here, Metal Mario must be fought on the stage Battlefield, after the player defeats the fifteen Fighting Wire Frames. Just like before, Metal Mario is a heavy, flinch resisting clone of Mario. The only difference from Smash 64 is that he does not resist as much knockback. One should note that the player can play as and fight against a Mario under the effect of the Metal Box.
  • Metal Luigi
    Metal Luigi: Metal Luigi makes his first, and only appearance as a single character in Melee. Here, he plays the role of minor boss along with Metal Mario in the eleventh stage of the Adventure Mode. The player can only fight against Metal Luigi if Luigi has already been unlocked. Naturally, Metal Luigi is a heavy, flinch resisting clone of Luigi. Just like Metal Mario, Metal Luigi is mute and only makes metallic noises when moving. One should note that the player can play as and fight against a Luigi under the effect of the Metal Box.
  • Giga Bowser
    Giga Bowser: Giga Bowser is the gargantuan and powered up version of Bowser. He makes his gaming debut in Melee. Because he only appears in Smash Bros., and his trophy is under the Super Smash Bros. universe, he is considered half Mario, half Smash Bros. property. In Melee, he is the secret final boss of both the Adventure Mode, and the Event Mode. He is fought on the stage Final Destination in both instances. Although he is more than twice the size of Bowser, his moveset is almost identical to Bowser's. His attacks are considerably stronger in power, knockback, and range.

Stages

  • Princess Peach's Castle
    Mushroom Kingdom: Princess Peach's Castle (Starter): Taking place on the rooftops of Peach's castle, this stage is far more representative of the castle in its Super Mario 64-onward incarnation. Occasionally, one of three colored buttons spawn on the stage, and when pressed on, some "!" blocks and two semi-solid platforms of the same color will spawn. Sometimes, a Banzai Bill will appear from a random side of the screen (including the top) and move in a slow straight path until it crashes into the castle, creating an explosion.
  • Rainbow Cruise
    Mushroom Kingdom: Rainbow Cruise (Starter): In homage to the final stage of Super Mario 64, this stage is an aerial obstacle course that has a scrolling camera. It starts off on a flying ship (with two semi-solid platforms) that is facing left. After some time, the ship sinks, and players must travel through many moving and collapsing platforms. This is when the players must keep up with the scrolling camera. The stage moves in a clockwise order and at the end, it returns to where it started, getting ready for another cycle to start.
  • Mushroom Kingdom (SSBM)
    Mushroom Kingdom (Starter): The spiritual successor to the Mushroom Kingdom stage of the original Smash Bros., this Mushroom Kingdom stage is once again a homage to the original Super Mario Bros.. The stage is split up into three sections: two walk-off small sections on the left and right, and one main section in the middle. Between the outer ones are two pits. Above the ground, the are rows of Brick Blocks than can be broken. Sometimes, "?" blocks may appear instead. Hitting one of these blocks will make an item spawn.
  • Mushroom Kingdom II
    Mushroom Kingdom II (Unlockable): This stage functions as a throwback to Super Mario Bros. 2. Like Mushroom Kingdom, this stage consists of three sections, the left and right which are walk-offs. The middle section is a little lowered, and between the sections are pits. The waterfall in the background can produce small logs which players can stand on until they fall into the pits. Randomly, Birdo appears as a stage obstacle shooting out eggs from her mouth. Pidgets can also appear riding on carpets that players can stand on.

Items

Main article: Item

Bold italics denote an item new to the Smash Bros. series.

  • Fire Flower: Returns from Smash 64 with a different design.
  • Starman: Returns from Smash 64 essentially unaltered in function and purpose.
  • Green Shell: Returns from Smash 64, essentially unaltered in function and purpose.
  • Red Shell: Returns from Smash 64 essentially unaltered in function and purpose.
  • Bob-omb: Returns from Smash 64, essentially unaltered in function and purpose.
  • Freezie: Freezies are enemies from the original Mario Bros. that kill Mario and Luigi upon a contact. In Melee, when it appears, it slides in one direction and will fall off the stage if not picked up in time. It can be hurled at opponents to encase them in a slab of ice, and they will be temporarily frozen as others attack him or her and pile on the damage without any knockback.
  • Super Mushroom: An iconic power-up from the original Super Mario Bros. that carried on to almost every other Mario game. In many of its appearances, the Super Mushroom increases whoever grabs it in size and extends their life meter by one. In Melee, if a player touches one, they grow in size and increase their bulkiness and strength for a short period of time.
  • Poison Mushroom: An item from Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels. Poison Mushrooms looked similar to Super Mushrooms, but would actually hurt Mario, instead of making him bigger. In Melee, the Poison Mushroom is an item that looks like the Super Mushroom but will cause the character it touches to temporarily become tiny, and therefore much weaker and lighter.
  • Metal Box: An item based on the Metal Box from Super Mario 64. This would provide Mario with a Metal Cap, allowing him to change into Metal Mario, giving him much greater weight and power. In Melee, albeit without the cap; characters temporarily into a living metal model of themselves, increasing their resiliency but also their dropping weight, and making them mute.

Enemies

  • Goombas: First appearing in Super Mario Bros., these brown creatures are described as traitors to the Mushroom Kingdom that operate under the employ of Bowser. They walk sideways and damage whoever they bump into, but are easily defeated by bouncing off their heads. They act the same way in Melee where they appear on the first stage of Adventure Mode.
  • Green Koopa Troopas: First appearing in Super Mario Bros., these turtle-like henchmen of Bowser's army who walk off ledges and retract into their shells when jumped upon, and the shell can be picked up and thrown or kicked at other enemies in many Mario games. This is fully reflected in their appearances in Melee, where they appear on the first stage of Adventure Mode.
  • Green Koopa Paratroopas: First appearing in Super Mario Bros., these are Green Koopas Troopas that have white wings on their shell. They fly in set patterns, and when Mario jumps on them, they lose their wings and convert into regular Green Koopa Troopas. This is fully reflected in their appearances in Melee, where they appear on the first stage of Adventure Mode.
  • Red Koopa Troopas: First appearing in Super Mario Bros., these red shelled versions Koopa Troopas do not walk off ledges, but they still retract into their shells when jumped upon, and their shells can still be used at items to throw and kick at other enemies. This is fully reflected in their appearances in Melee, where they appear on the first stage of the Adventure Mode.
  • Red Koopa Paratroopas: First appearing in Super Mario Bros., these are Red Koopas Troopas that have white wings on their shell. They fly in set patterns, and when Mario jumps on them, they lose their wings and convert into regular Red Koopa Troopas. This is fully reflected in their appearances in Melee, where they appear on the first stage of Adventure Mode.

Music

  • Princess Peach's Castle: An orchestrated remix of the famous stage music from the original Super Mario Bros, with elements of the same game's "underground" theme overlapping with it. It is heard on the Princess Peach's Castle stage in Vs. Mode, and also as the primary music for Mushroom Kingdom Adventure. It is also used as Bowser's credits theme. It is Song 1 in the Sound Test.
  • Rainbow Cruise: A medley of two Mario series tracks. The first half of the track is the remixed first half of an energized tune heard in Super Mario 64, while the second half is a remix of the underwater theme heard in Super Mario Bros. It is also used as Peach's credits theme. It is Song 2 in the Sound Test.
  • Mushroom Kingdom: A perfect preservation of the original 8-bit normal stage music heard in the original Super Mario Bros., appearing on Mushroom Kingdom as the primary track. It is Song 21 in the Sound Test.
  • Mushroom Kingdom (Finale): The original 8-bit "Hurry Up" music heard in Super Mario Bros. It is heard on the stage Mushroom Kingdom when the match's timer reached thirty seconds. It is Song 22 in the Sound Test.
  • Mushroom Kingdom II: The original 8-bit normal stage music heard in Super Mario Bros. 2, appearing on Mushroom Kingdom II as the primary track and as Luigi's credits theme. It is Song 23 in the Sound Test.
  • Mushroom Kingdom II (Finale): The original 8-bit Boss music in Super Mario Bros. 2, appearing on Mushroom Kingdom II as the primary track when the match's timer reached thirty seconds. It is Song 24 in the Sound Test.
  • Super Mario Bros. 3: A synthesized rock-based medley of the first stage music and the first overworld music in Super Mario Bros. 3. It is heard as a secondary track on Yoshi's Island and the single-player Mushroom Kingdom Adventure. It is also used as Mario's credits theme. It is Song 30 in the Sound Test.
  • Dr. Mario: A synthesized remix of the Fever music track first heard in the original Dr. Mario and all of its sequels. This is heard as a secondary track on both Mushroom Kingdom and Mushroom Kingdom II. It is also used as Dr. Mario's credits theme. It is Song 36 in the Sound Test.
  • Mario's Victory: The victory theme of Mario, Luigi, Peach, Bowser, and Dr. Mario is an orchestration of the standard "Stage Complete" theme heard in Super Mario Bros.. It is Song 38 in the Sound Test.
  • Starman: A remix of the "invincible" music that would occur when Mario picks up a Starman in Super Mario Bros., and it occurs when the player picks up the Starman item in a match. It is Song 77 in the Sound Test.

Trophies

In Super Smash Bros. Brawl

In a maneuver both traditional and expected, Super Smash Bros. Brawl is rife with Mario-based content. In addition to every previous character from the universe (sans Dr. Mario, making Brawl the only Smash Bros. game to cut a Mario character) returning, the sub-franchise revolving around series anti-hero Wario has been recognized as its own universe for this game, as well as Diddy Kong joining Donkey Kong as the second Donkey Kong fighter. Yoshi returns as well. Discounting the sub-universes, Mario is third only to Pokémon and Zelda in terms of total characters (counting the Pokémon Trainer as three separate characters and Zelda/Sheik as two) and has twice as many stages as the next most represented franchise. Brawl is also the last game in the series to have an unlockable Mario stage.

Fighters

Four characters from the Mario franchise are playable in Brawl, not counting any sub-franchises, in which case the total number is eight. On the final character select screen (after all characters are unlocked), the first two columns are dedicated to the playable Mario characters, with the first column being the Mushroom Kingdom denizens, and the second column being the sub-series stars.

  • Mario (SSBB)
    Mario (Starter): Mario, the face of gaming, was given a slight character model redesign for his appearance in Brawl as his appearance is based off his current design from the later Mario games, such as Luigi's Mansion and Super Mario Sunshine. He is also armed with F.L.U.D.D. this time around, replacing the Mario Tornado from the previous games. Like the rest of the Brawl roster, Mario has a new Final Smash. His is a massive fireball that expands as it engulfs the stage, called the Mario Finale. Mario is ranked 31st in the current tier list, his balance an impediment when others excel in many areas.
  • Luigi (SSBB)
    Luigi (Unlockable): Luigi returns as an unlockable veteran once again. He remains similar to his brother, but has been further differentiated from him with several new attacks. In addition, Luigi still retains his Luigi Cyclone, giving him another special move unique from Mario. Like Mario, his appearance is also based off his current design from the later Mario games, such as Luigi's Mansion. Luigi's Final Smash, Negative Zone, creates a huge circular field of energy that has random effects on enemies caught inside. He is currently 28th on the tier list, his bizarre physics both a boon and a curse.
  • Peach (SSBB)
    Peach (Starter): Peach reappears from Melee. Her model has been updated to match her current design introduced in Mario Party 4. Her new Final Smash, Peach Blossom, involves Peach blowing numerous kisses that damage all enemies and put them to sleep while a vast amount of peaches fall from the sky. Though she has fallen from her high Melee showing to 19th on the tier list, she is still a solid choice and is still the highest ranking of the non-subseries Mario characters.
  • Bowser (SSBB)
    Bowser (Starter): Bowser also makes a return after first appearing in Melee. His newfound Final Smash is Giga Bowser Transformation, in which he transforms himself to Giga Bowser for 10 seconds to increase his power substantially. Bowser is considered the least viable of the Mario universe characters, even when subseries are taken into account, clocking in at 33rd on the tier list. Giga Bowser (in both Brawl and Smash 4) is part of Bowser's Final Smash. So since he appears as a semi playable character and as a Final Smash trophy for Brawl and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, he leaves the boss roster until his appearance in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

Boss

  • Petey Piranha
    Petey Piranha: A recurring character in contemporary Mario games, Petey appears in the Subspace Emissary mode as the first Boss fought. He captures Peach and Zelda in cages, and uses them to attack the player. The player's goal is to free one of the princesses by attacking their cage. When Petey is defeated, the most damaged cage is broken, and the princess inside is saved. The unsaved one is then turned into a trophy by Wario.

Stages

In total, when sub-franchises are accounted for, 12 of the 41 playable non-custom stages are based off the various Mario-related games. Only the six stages with the Super Mushroom icon are listed below. For the Yoshi stages, see Yoshi's Island (SSBB) and Yoshi's Island (SSBM) (for info on the Melee stage). For the Donkey Kong stages, see 75m, Rumble Falls, and the Melee stage Jungle Japes. For the Wario stage, see WarioWare, Inc. (the only Wario stage in the whole game).

  • Delfino Plaza
    Delfino Plaza (Starter): Based on the main hub area from Super Mario Sunshine. Taking place at first on a platform, the stage flies around and through the plaza area and touches down at certain parts, where the current area in the plaza itself then becomes the ground for the stage for a period of time, and then the platform swoops in and carries the player to another area. The stage's movement mechanics are similar to Melee’s Mute City.
  • Luigi's Mansion
    Luigi's Mansion (Unlockable): Luigi's Mansion is based on the game of the same name. There are pillars in the mansion that can be destroyed to make the whole mansion fall apart. The Mansion eventually comes back together again.
  • Mushroomy Kingdom
    Mushroomy Kingdom (Starter): While the two previous Smash Bros. games have featured Mushroom Kingdom stages based on the original Super Mario Bros., Mushroomy Kingdom is a full recreation of World 1-1 from Super Mario Bros., apparently aged since the original Super Mario Bros. from a vibrant green land into a barren desert. However, while the previous Mushroom Kingdom stages were in a pixel-art style, the Mushroomy Kingdom stage is a completely enhanced version of the stage, even featuring a fitting mix of the original Overworld theme. From time to time, World 1-2, an underground level, will load, instead of World 1-1.
  • Mario Circuit (SSBB)
    Mario Circuit (Starter): This stage is taken from the Mario Kart series, and takes place at an intersection of a figure-8 track that's a bit like Figure-8 Circuit from Mario Kart DS, with Shy Guys racing through it on karts. Players can be damaged if they make contact with any passing Shy Guys.
  • Mario Bros.
    Mario Bros. (Unlockable): A recreation of the classic Mario Bros. game, complete with enemies. A stage that almost completely throws the rules of Smash Bros. out the window, KOing opponents normally here is notoriously difficult due to the way the stage is arranged. Instead, the enemies are a player's main means of scoring KOs by using them as projectile weapons.
  • Rainbow Cruise
    Melee Stages: Rainbow Cruise (Starter): A returning stage from Melee. It is basically unaltered.

Items

Main article: Item

Bold italics denote an item new to the Smash Bros. series.
All items except for the Red Shell return. All these items are classified within the main Mario series. For information on the Hammer and Spring items, see the Donkey Kong universe page.

  • Fire Flower: The Fire Flower returns from the previous Smash Bros. games, redesigned to match its appearance in recent Mario titles. It remains functionally identical to previous Smash titles. However, thanks to the new physics of Brawl, it can now be used while moving around and jumping.
  • Starman: Returns from Smash 64 and Melee, now using the jingle from the original Super Mario Bros.
  • Green Shell: The Green Shell returns from Smash 64 and Melee, essentially unchanged.
  • Bob-omb: The Bob-omb returns from Smash 64 and Melee, essentially unaltered as a very potent throwing weapon.
  • Freezie: The Freezie returns from Melee without significant changes.
  • Super Mushroom: Returns from Melee without significant changes, and returns as a mode in Special Brawl.
  • Poison Mushroom: The Poison Mushroom returns from Melee without significant changes, and also returns as a mode in Special Brawl.
  • Metal Box: The Metal Box returns from Melee with the same basic function and purpose. It is also a mode on Special Brawl.
  • Golden Hammer: The Golden Hammer is an item in Brawl, originating from the game Wrecking Crew. It acts similarly to a regular Hammer, but it improved in every way. It is more powerful, is swung faster, and can even let the user float in midair. However, it is exceptionally rare. Also, like the Hammer's Headless Hammer, the Golden Hammer can become the Golden Squeaky Hammer, which is useless and a liability the character is trapped into "using" until it disappears (but at least its hammer head does not fall off so that opponents can pick it up and throw it at the player).
  • Hothead: A new item hailing from Super Mario World. This fiery sun-like entity travels across and around platforms and walls, damaging what it collides with, both in its original game and in Brawl when picked up and thrown by a character. The Hothead does not harm the character that activates it.
  • Banana Peel: A staple "weapon" from the Mario Kart series which racers typically drop behind them so that racers behind run over them and spin out and get slowed down. In Brawl when it is thrown on the ground by a character, his opponents will slip on it and fall down if they step on it, getting slightly damaged and being temporarily incapacitated.
  • Lightning Bolt: Hailing from the Mario Kart series, it does exactly what it does in the series, shrinking all characters on the stage except for the one who used it. However, it occasionally backfires, and shrinks the player who activated it. It also may shrink every player.
  • Soccer Ball: A soccer ball that when hit, will go flying covered in flames, dealing major damage to opponents hit by it. This behavior originates from Super Mario Strikers.
  • Peach: Although debuting in Brawl, it can't be considered a part of the Super Smash Bros. universe as it only comes after Peach's Final Smash, Peach Blossom. It heals 5% damage if eaten.

Assist Trophies

The Mario franchise features easily the most commonly summoned Assist Trophy characters with a total of three (whereas no other represented franchise has more than one) - this total goes up to four when Kat & Ana (from the Wario series) is counted.

  • Hammer Bro: A single member of the duo that Mario has fought since Super Mario Bros., Hammer Bro somewhat predictably tosses hammers at the foe when summoned, and then disappears.
  • Lakitu and Spinies: Appearing in his original 8-bit form from Super Mario Bros., Lakitu throws Spinies at the ground, which wander around damaging players like they did in the original game. That being said, Lakitu can receive damage from opponents and be defeated prematurely.
  • Waluigi: Luigi's mischievous and villainous answer to Wario, known almost exclusively through his Mario spin-off appearances. Waluigi runs to an opponent, stomps them into the ground, and then either finishes them off with a solid kick or a smack with his tennis racket.

Common Enemies

  • Goomba: Appear as common enemies in the Subspace Emissary. They can be seen helping several of Bowser's minions in stealing Donkey Kong & Diddy Kong's banana hoard to lure the two Kongs into Bowser's clutches. They appear in later stages as well, such as The Great Maze, as common enemies.
  • Koopa Troopa: Appear as common enemies in the Subspace Emissary. They also help steal Donkey Kong's and Diddy Kong's banana hoard.
  • Koopa Paratroopa: Appear as common enemies in the Subspace Emissary. They also help steal Donkey Kong's and Diddy Kong's banana hoard. They float in midair, as well as hop to and fro. They are typically defeated in one or two hits.
  • Hammer Bro.: Appears as a common enemy in the Subspace Emissary mode. They also appear as Assist Trophies. They throw several hammers at foes, however, because they do not aim at enemies directly, the hammers are fairly easy to dodge, and do little damage.
  • Bullet Bill: Appear as common enemies, and behave similarly to how they acted in Mario platformers, shooting across the screen to hit the player character.

Music

By far, the Mario series has the most music tracks in the game (not counting tracks based on musical motifs that originated in the Smash Bros. series). Only tracks from the main Mario series are listed here (even then, not all are classified in-game under the Super Mario Bros. series).

Original Tracks

Returning Tracks

Source Tracks

  • Delfino Plaza: Taken directly from Super Mario Sunshine, this was the music that played in the hub overworld of Delfino Plaza, with the "Yoshi" woodblock rhythm inserted at a point. It is the theme for the Delfino Plaza stage.
  • Ricco Harbor: This is the music that plays in Ricco Harbor, the second level of Super Mario Sunshine. This track is taken directly from said game, and it is used on the Delfino Plaza stage.
  • Main Theme (Super Mario 64): The music that plays on many levels (with several variations) from Super Mario 64, this is taken directly from the same game. It is used on the Delfino Plaza stage.
  • Rainbow Road: Taken directly from Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, this was the music that played on Rainbow Road, the final track in both this title as well as all other Mario Kart games excluding the retro courses featured in Mario Kart DS and Mario Kart Wii. It is used on the Mario Circuit stage.
  • Power-Up Music: Taken directly from Wrecking Crew, this was the theme that played when Mario grabbed the Magic Hammer. It is used on the Mario Bros. stage, and also plays when any character grabs a Golden Hammer.

Victory Theme

  • Victory! Mario Series: An orchestrated version of the "level complete" fanfare from the original Super Mario Bros.

Trophies

Stickers

Masterpieces

Main article: Masterpieces

In Super Smash Bros. 4

As with past installments, the Mario franchise is well represented in Super Smash Bros. 4. The four primary fighters from Melee and BrawlMario, Luigi, Peach and Bowser — were confirmed to return in no more than three months after the games' official showcase at E3 2013. After a hiatus of new representation in Brawl, the series received newcomers in Rosalina & Luma and Bowser Jr., as well as the return of Melee fighter Dr. Mario. Even with the conclusion of DLC in February 2016, the Mario franchise still has the most playable fighters, excluding the series-related characters Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Yoshi, and Wario, who all return as well.

Fighters

  • Mario (SSB4)
    Mario (Starter): Mario was revealed alongside the games at June 11, 2013, expectedly. While accented, his design is less detailed than in Brawl and closely reflects his more recent appearances in the Super Mario series. Mario himself has received significant buffs in the transition from Brawl and his frequent usage in competitive play reflects this.
  • Luigi (SSB4)
    Luigi (Starter): Luigi was revealed during the Nintendo Direct of August 2013, as part of Nintendo's "Year of Luigi" commemoration. Like his brother, his design is less detailed and reflects the more recent Mario games. Luigi's jump is now his trademark Scuttle that debuted in Super Mario Bros. 2, and his Final Smash is now the Poltergust 5000 from Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon. Unlike the last three Super Smash Bros. games, where he had to be unlocked, Luigi appears as a starter character in both versions of the game.
  • Peach (SSB4)
    Peach (Starter): The confirmation of Peach's return was announced on the official website in September 2013, on the anniversary of Super Mario Bros. original release. The detailing in her dress is brighter and has a more simplistic design, closer to her appearances in the Mario series. General aesthetics and moveset changes were made that reflect Peach's character, such as the inclusion of a pink ribbon in her up smash and a small rainbow in her up aerial.
  • Bowser (SSB4)
    Bowser (Starter): Bowser, confirmed alongside Mario at E3 2013, has arguably received the greatest amount of changes out of all the returning Mario veterans. His dinosaurian, hunched posture from previous games is replaced with an upright stance. In correspondence with these changes, Bowser now uses his legs in many of his attacks as well as when dashing, as opposed to the scuttling animation from previous titles. Bowser's greater mobility and improved approach options have significantly benefited his utility in competitive play.
  • Dr. Mario (SSB4)
    Dr. Mario (Unlockable): Originally, Dr. Mario was to be an alternate costume for Mario, but it was decided during development that the fans of his original moveset would appreciate the full character's inclusion. As a result, Dr. Mario returns from Super Smash Bros. Melee. He is the first fighter to be absent in between Smash Bros. installments, followed by the DLC fighters Mewtwo and Roy. While his moveset was recreated faithfully, the changes made to Mario in Brawl make Dr. Mario more distinct from the fighter he was cloned from, and various tweaks done through the equipment mechanic also result in him functioning like a stronger, yet slower Mario. His Final Smash is a variation of the Mario Finale that uses giant Megavitamins, appropriately dubbed Doctor Finale.
  • Rosalina & Luma (SSB4)
    Rosalina & Luma (Starter): The mysterious Rosalina debuted in 2007 as an important side character in Super Mario Galaxy. She allied with Mario to defeat Bowser, who stole the stars she had used to power her Comet Observatory. She is a celestial caretaker of the cosmos, who watches over the stars with her many star-shaped companions, the Lumas. Since her debut, Rosalina has received widespread acclaim and has had many reoccurring appearances in the platforming Super Mario games and the Mario Kart series. Rosalina - accompanied with Luma — was announced for SSB4, the first newcomer unveiled after the E3 2013 showcase. Her character embodies a "puppet" mechanic, where one who controls Rosalina also controls Luma. Her unique physics and attributes are closely inspired by Super Mario Galaxy. She is a starter character in both versions of the game, which is unique considering that Rosalina has had to be unlocked in every previous game she was playable in.
  • Bowser Jr. (SSB4)
    Bowser Jr. (3DS: Unlockable; Wii U: Starter): Bowser Jr. is Bowser's spoiled son, introduced in the 2002 title Super Mario Sunshine. Like his father, Bowser Jr. has the unquenchable desire to defeat Mario. He has become a reoccurring antagonist in the Mario series. This is especially prevalent in the New Super Mario Bros. subseries, where he often appears as the primary villain while Bowser takes a secondary role. In the subseries he pilots his Junior Clown Car, a flying, emotive vehicle that is stuffed with unorthodox weaponry. It is this interpretation of Bowser Jr. that appears in SSB4, where he pilots his Clown Car during battle and utilizes its bizarre gizmos. Uniquely, the Clown Car receives less damage when hit than Bowser Jr. himself, allowing for unique styles of defensive play. What's also special about Bowser Jr. is that he is not alone — instead of alternate colors, Bowser Jr. can be swapped with one of the seven Koopalings, who also use their own personal versions of the Junior Clown Car. Bowser Jr. and the Koopalings were leaked as playable characters during the ESRB leaks and were officially confirmed during The 50-Fact Extravaganza. He is an unlockable fighter in Smash for Nintendo 3DS, but is a starter character in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

Stages

for Nintendo 3DS

Stages exclusive to the 3DS version. According to game director Masahiro Sakurai, the unlockable Kirby stage Dream Land was originally going to be based on Super Mario Land.[1]

  • 3D Land
    3D Land (Starter): a scrolling stage based on various locations from Super Mario 3D Land, beginning in an area similar to World 1-1 at the base of Peach's Castle. Unlike other scrolling stages, it shifts to other stage types. The stage leads to a seaside valley of shifting platforms, similar to isolated stages like Battlefield or traveling stages like Isle Delfino. Skewers rise from the sea below and destroy the platforms as it pushes through the valley, before arriving at a giant Warp Pipe that transitions back to the beginning of the stage. This is one of the possible stages to appear in Level 6 of All-Star Mode as a home stage for Bowser Jr., who is also unlocked on this stage. Its Ω form is a floating platform like Final Destination.
  • Golden Plains
    Golden Plains (Starter): a spacious field based on motifs from New Super Mario Bros. 2 covered with Gold Coins that are collected on contact. Accumulating 100 Coins turns the character gold and increases their attack power. Though not based on one specific location, it is largely derivative of levels from World 1. It is one of the possible stages to appear in Level 2 of All-Star Mode as a home stage for Peach and Bowser. Its Ω form is columnar.
  • Rainbow Road
    Rainbow Road (Starter): an extraterrestrial arena staged on the titular race course from the Mario Kart series. This incarnation of Rainbow Road comes from Mario Kart 7. Like Mario Circuit, it is a traveling stage littered with hazardous, kart-driving Shy Guys. This is one of the possible stages to appear in Level 7 of All-Star Mode as a home stage for Rosalina & Luma. Its Ω form is a floating platform like Final Destination. Rainbow Road was teased prior to its unveiling in reveal trailer for Rosalina & Luma, "Comet Observatory".
  • Paper Mario
    Paper Mario (Starter): a handcrafted stage based on locations from the Paper Mario series. Like Castle Siege, it is a transitional stage that cycles through three different phases. Each one has its own hazards, platform layouts, set order, and is based on a unique location. The three phases are:
  1. Hither Thither Hill: a grassy plain from Paper Mario: Sticker Star. A large windwill provides secondary rotating platforms. Towards the end of this phase, a large Fan Thing is erected on the left side of the stage and blows powerful gusts of wind. Paper Mario’s columnar Ω form is staged in this phase.
  2. S.S. Flavion: a seafaring vessel from Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. Due to the limitations of the 3DS system, the paper-made sea is not swimmable. The ship is occasionally approached by the giant Blooper from The Thousand-Year Door or is blasted into the sky by the Whale from the original Paper Mario.
  3. Bowser's Sky Castle: Bowser's flying fortress from Sticker Star. The main platform is a precarious, tilting bust of Bowser with two small rising platforms to its left and right.

for Wii U

Stages exclusive to the Wii U version. Unused data left in the game's files suggests that a stage based on Dr. Mario was planned but ultimately scrapped. Like Wily Castle and Gaur Plain, it would have included the Viruses as bosses.

Items

Main article: Items

Bold italics denotes an item or Assist Trophy new to the Smash Bros. series.

  • Fire Flower (shooting): a fiery plant from Super Mario Bros. Wielding it allows the fighter to erupt flames from its floral disk, although prolonged usage of the flower causes the flames to get smaller and eventually die. When it spawns, the Fire Flower slowly falls to the ground and sways back-and-forth, like in the New Super Mario Bros. games.
  • Super Star (status): a bouncing, traveling star from Super Mario Bros. that grants temporary invincibility on contact.
  • Green Shell (throwing): the discarded shell of a Koopa Troopa from Super Mario Bros. that trails along the ground when tossed. Unlike in Brawl, its proportions more accurately reflect the modern design of the Koopas' shells. Red Shells appear in Smash Run with an identical function.
  • Bob-omb (throwing): a sentient bomb from Super Mario Bros. 2. When it spawns, it will sit idle unless picked up. If left waiting too long, its key will begin to turn and the bomb will begin to walk until it detonates.
  • Freezie (throwing): a sentient crystal of ice from Mario Bros. that freezes any opponents it is tossed at. Unlike in Brawl, it does not slide off of ledges, and it will freeze any fighters who actively attack it instead of picking it up.
  • Super Mushroom (status): a traveling red mushroom from Super Mario Bros. that causes the users to grow on contact. This increases the damage output, range, and knockback of their attacks at the expense of a bigger hurtbox.
  • Poison Mushroom (status): a traveling red mushroom from Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels that causes the users to shrink on contact. Unlike the other returning items in the game, the Poison Mushroom's design has not changed to reflect its recent pink-spotted purple appearance in Super Mario 3D Land.
  • Metal Box (status): a special type of block from Super Mario 64 that turns the user into their metal form. In this state the user does not flinch very easily and is very strong, at the cost of being incredibly heavy.
  • Golden Hammer[note 1] (battering): a rare hammer from Wrecking Crew. Like the regular Hammer, the Golden Hammer sets the user in a locked state of constantly whacking the hammer. The duration of the attack is much shorter than it was in Brawl. While normally very powerful, there is chance of the hammer being a harmless, squeezable toy that leaves the fighter wielding it vulnerable. Despite formal acknowledgement of a Wrecking Crew series, the Golden Hammer is still classified as a Mario item.
  • Hothead (throwing): a sentient ball of flames from Super Mario World that travels along the platform it was thrown to. It does not damage the user and grows bigger and faster if it makes contact with fire or electric attacks.
  • Banana Peel (throwing): discarded fruit skin from Super Mario Kart. Tossing it at an opponent causes them to trip. With the removal of random tripping, it is one of the few instances in the game where fighters can legitimately slip. It alternatively could be tossed on the ground as a potential trip-causing trap. It is also part of Diddy Kong's moveset.
  • Lightning (status): a bolt of electricity from Super Mario Kart. Touching the item either shrinks all of the user's opponents, the user themselves, or everyone.
  • Soccer Ball (special): a seemingly generic ball that cannot be grabbed, but when hit, will fly across the stage as a dangerous, inflamed projectile. This attribute comes from the Mario Strikers games.
  • POW Block (throwing): a destructive block from Mario Bros. that launches grounded opponents into the air when hit or thrown, much like the POW Blocks in the Mushroom Kingdom and Mario Bros. stages. It shrinks after each consecutive hit and can be hit a total of three times before disappearing.
  • Fire Bar (battering): a new battering weapon based on the spinning bars of flame from Super Mario Bros. Every second time it makes contact with an opponent, it loses a fireball. The greatest knockback and damage output is at the base of the bar.
  • Bullet Bill (transformation): a sentient bullet item from Mario Kart DS. It spawns on stage as a small bullet that can be picked up. When "thrown", the user transforms into a large Bullet Bill and flies across the stage.
  • Grass (container): pluckable red stalks from Super Mario Bros. 2. Upon pressing the attack button, the grass is plucked and with it comes a randomly selected item. If the item can be held, it automatically is in the character's hand. If the item is used by touching it, such as a Super Mushroom, it instantly takes effect.
  • Super Leaf (status): a tanooki leaf from Super Mario Bros. 3. When equipped, the user sprouts raccoon ears and a ringed tail. It allows the user to float in mid-air like Peach. During development, it potentially was also going to allow users to strike opponents with the tail, but this concept was scrapped. When fluttering, the floating sound effect from Super Mario 3D Land plays.
  • Spiny Shell (throwing): a spiny, blue Koopa shell from Mario Kart 64 that homes in and strikes an opponent when tossed. Its design is based on its appearance in Mario Kart 7 and Mario Kart 8.
  • Boomerang (throwing): a blue boomerang from Super Mario 3D Land that can be tossed and return to the user after going a certain distance. When caught, its power increases. Boomerangs can be caught by opponents.

Assist Trophies

  • Hammer Bro.: an armored turtle from Super Mario Bros. that hops around and tosses hammers at opponents. It does not harm the summoner. Its design has been simplified to reflect its appearance in recent Mario titles. It also appears as an enemy in Smash Run.
  • Lakitu & Spinies: Lakitu is a cloud-riding turtle from Super Mario Bros. that flies to the top of the stage and drops Spinies onto opponents. It does not harm the summoner. Lakitu travels faster than it did in Brawl, making it more useful. They also appear as enemies in Smash Run.
  • Waluigi: Wario's mischievous partner from the Mario series. He dashes at a random opponent on stage and stomps them into the ground. After accumulating enough damage, he launches the opponent away with his tennis racket. He does not harm the summoner. He is the only Assist Trophy that does not also appear as an enemy in Smash Run. When Waluigi was unveiled during the "Smash Direct" of April 2014, he was presented as a Wario Assist Trophy. This is notable because Waluigi had never appeared in a Wario title and Wario himself was not yet confirmed for SSB4.
  • Chain Chomp: a monster from Super Mario Bros. 3 that resembles a toothy ball-and-chain. It lunges and chews on opponents within range of its chain, which is tied down by a post. Its post can be damaged by opponents and broken, releasing the Chomp onto the stage briefly before disappearing. It also appears as an enemy in Smash Run.

Smash Tour items

  • Super Mushroom (Red): a red mushroom from Super Mario Bros. The user starts battle in their giant form.
  • Poison Mushroom (Red): a red mushroom from Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels. The user shrinks a foe at the start of battle.
  • Super Star (Blue): a star from Super Mario Bros. It makes the user invincible and twice as fast.
  • Metal Box (Red): a special type of block from Super Mario 64. The user starts battle in their metal form.
  • Bob-omb (Red): a sentient bomb from Super Mario Bros. 2. The user starts battle with a Bob-omb in hand.
  • POW Block (Blue): a destructive block from Mario Bros. It makes all other players drop fighters.
  • Chain Chomp (Blue): a toothy, ball-and-chain being from Super Mario Bros. 3. It launches away nearby opponents.
  • Sidestepper (Red): a sewer-dwelling crab from Mario Bros. It speeds up the user's sideways dodges.
  • Boo (Red): a spectral being from Super Mario Bros. 3. The user starts battle invisible.
  • Ghosts (Luigi's Mansion) (Blue): colorful phantoms from Luigi's Mansion. They allow the user to walk through stationary opponents without triggering a battle.
  • Daisy (Baseball) (Red): the princess of Sarasaland from Super Mario Land, sporting her outfit from the Mario Baseball titles. The user automatically catches thrown items.

Enemies

Main article: Enemies

Enemies that appear in both Smash Run in the 3DS version and Smash Tour in the Wii U version.

  • Kamek[note 1]: Bowser's elderly attaché in the Mario and Yoshi series. In Smash Run, Kamek behaves like the Magikoopa enemies from Super Mario World; he teleports from various spots across the stage and casts multi-shaped projectiles at opponents with his wand. Contact with these projectiles causes stats to drop. He also appears as a stage element on Mushroom Kingdom U.
  • Banzai Bill: a large, shark-mouthed bullet from Super Mario World that slowly homes-in on opponents in Smash Run. If obstructed, it detonates. In Smash Tour, it appears at the start of a turn and strikes the board at the end of it and explodes. It is based on its appearance in New Super Mario Bros. 2 in the 3DS version and New Super Mario Bros. U in the Wii U version. It previously appeared as a stage hazard on Melee's Princess Peach's Castle stage.

Smash Run enemies

Enemies exclusive to the 3DS version. They appear in Smash Run.

  • Goomba: an aggressive fungal being from Super Mario Bros. that charges at opponents. It can be defeated by jumping on its head. It previously appeared as an enemy in Melee's Mushroom Kingdom and Brawl's Subspace Emissary.
  • Koopa Troopa: a bipedal turtle-like creature from Super Mario Bros. that will headbutt nearby opponents. Attacking it causes it to retract into its shell, which can then be used as a projectile. It previously appeared as an enemy in Melee's Mushroom Kingdom and Brawl's Subspace Emissary. There are two variants of Koopa Troopa:
    • Green Koopa Troopa: a Koopa with a green carapace that will walk off ledges.
    • Red Koopa Troopa: a Koopa with a red carapace that does not walk off ledges.
  • Koopa Paratroopa: a winged Koopa Troopa from Super Mario Bros. that will headbutt nearby opponents. Attacking it causes its wings to fall off. It previously appeared as an enemy in Melee's Mushroom Kingdom and Brawl's Subspace Emissary. There are two variants:
    • Green Koopa Paratroopa: a Paratroopa with green carapace that hovers either horizontally or vertically in a set path.
    • Red Koopa Paratroopa: a Paratroopa with red carapace that bounces on the ground with its fluttering wings.
  • Hammer Bro.: an armored turtle-like creature from Super Mario Bros. that hops around and tosses hammers at opponents. Like in Super Mario Bros., it can shift between platforms. It also appears as an Assist Trophy and previously appeared as an enemy in Brawl's Subspace Emissary.
  • Lakitu: a cloud-riding turtle from Super Mario Bros. that drops Spiny Eggs onto opponents. It also appears as an Assist Trophy, but it uniquely is based on Lakitu's appearance from New Super Mario Bros. 2, not its in-game sprite from Super Mario Bros.
  • Spiny: a shelled creature from Super Mario Bros. covered in spines. They are dropped by Lakitu and cause damage on contact.
  • Bill Blaster: the cannon-like vessel of Bullet Bills. There are infrequent variants that will occasionally fire other enemies or items instead of Bullet Bills. Unlike in Super Mario games, Bill Blasters can be attacked and destroyed in Smash Run.
  • Bullet Bill: a sentient bullet from Super Mario Bros. launched from the Bill Blaster. Like a missile, it will often lock-on to nearby opponents and explode on contact. It also appears as a transforming item and previously appeared as an enemy in Brawl's Subspace Emissary.
  • Shy Guy: a masqueraded figure from Super Mario Bros. 2 that run towards opponents with flailing arms, causing damage on contact. Kart-driving Shy Guys also appear as hazards on the Rainbow Road, Mario Circuit, and Mario Circuit (Brawl) stages. There are four different variants in Smash Run:
    • Red Shy Guy: a Shy Guy in red robes and blue shoes. It has the strongest attacks and drops Attack stat boosts when defeated.
    • Blue Shy Guy[note 1]: a Shy Guy in cyan robes and purple shoes. It has the strongest defense and drops Defense stat boosts when defeated.
    • Yellow Shy Guy[note 1]: a Shy Guy in yellow robes and green shoes. It has the highest jump and drops Jump stat boosts when defeated.
    • Green Shy Guy[note 1]: a Shy Guy in green robes and brown shoes. It is the speediest Shy Guy and drops Speed stat boosts when defeated.
  • Chain Chomp: a metallic monster from Super Mario Bros. 3 that resembles a toothy ball-and-chain. It lunges and chews on opponents within range of its chain, which is tied down by a post. Its post can be damaged by opponents and broken, releasing the Chomp onto the stage briefly before disappearing.
  • Flame Chomp: a metallic monster from Super Mario Bros. 3 that is trailed by a tail of fire. It releases the fireballs that make up its tail as projectiles. When it runs out of fireballs, the Chomp shuffles towards the nearest opponent and explodes.
  • Spike Top: a spiked, beetle-like creature from Super Mario World that scuttles along the floor, walls, and ceilings of the Smash Run arena. Its shell protects it from projectiles, and the namesake spike on its carapace protects it from downward blows.
  • Big Goomba: a large variety of Goomba from Super Mario Bros. 3. It charges towards nearby opponents like regular Goombas, but is a lot more powerful. It takes multiple jumps to defeat it. It previously appeared as an enemy in Brawl's Subspace Emissary.
  1. ^ a b c d e This character or item debuted in a game from a different universe.

Smash Tour enemies

Enemies exclusive to the Wii U version. They appear in Smash Tour. Unused data left in the game's files suggests that the Viruses from Dr. Mario and Petey Piranha were originally going to appear as bosses, but were ultimately scrapped.[2][3] Models of the former were re-purposed for a collectible trophy.

  • Nabbit: a cunicular thief from New Super Mario Bros. U who travels along the Smash Tour board, picking up any item he comes across. The first player that bumps into him retrieves his whole loot.

Mii Costumes

Outfits

  • Mii Brawler (SSB4) Toad Outfit (DLC): The outfit is based on Toad, a recurring Mario character that debuted in the original Super Mario Bros. The costume was released with a corresponding hat as downloadable content on September 30, 2015. The color of the vest depends on the Mii's default color. The costume changes depending on the Mii's gender, with a male being bare chested underneath the vest and the female having an undershirt.
  • Mii Gunner (SSB4) Geno Outfit (DLC): The outfit is based on Geno, a playable ally from Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars. He has been heavily requested to be a full playable fighter by fans since the development of Super Smash Bros. Brawl. The costume was released with a corresponding hat as downloadable content on December 16, 2015 to correspond with the release of Cloud and the Chocobo Hat. An official Mii based on Geno's likeness can be downloaded via QR code on the official site.

Headgear

Music

Original Tracks

Arrangements and remixes unique to SSB4.

Returning Tracks

Arrangements and remixes from previous Smash titles.

Source Tracks

Compositions and arrangements directly sourced from the Mario series with no alterations.

Victory Themes

Other

Several tracks from the Mario series are used in promotional material for SSB4 without appearing in either of the final games. "Peach's Castle Stolen" from Super Mario Galaxy is used in "Comet Observatory", the reveal trailer for Rosalina & Luma. "Attack of the Airships" from Galaxy and "Bowser Jr.'s Fiery Flotilla" from Super Mario Galaxy 2 are used in "The Future King", the reveal trailer for Bowser Jr. "Beware the Forest's Mushrooms" from Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars is used in the DLC trailer "Mii Fighters Suit Up for Wave Five" during the segment focused on the Geno Outfit.

Trophies

Masterpieces

Main article: Masterpieces

In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

The Mario universe once again has considerable representation in Ultimate. Despite already having the most characters in Smash 4, the Mario universe introduced two new fighters in the form of Daisy, an echo fighter of Peach, and Piranha Plant, the first DLC character for Ultimate. However, between returning characters and newcomers, the Pokémon universe now has more playable characters compared to Mario. All the characters from Mario's sub-universes also make a return, with the new addition of King K. Rool, included under the Donkey Kong universe. This is the first title since SSB where Mario is the only Mario universe fighter available from the start.

Fighters

  • 01.
    Mario (SSBU)
    Mario (Starter): the title character of the Mario franchise: "Mr. Video Game himself". He was suggested to appear during Ultimate's then unnamed teaser trailer at the end of the March 8th, 2018 Nintendo Direct, and was later formally announced along with all other veterans during E3 2018. His moveset has been retained, but the animations for many of his attacks have been exaggerated and reflect changes to their mechanics. His dash attack no longer allows him to slide under projectile attacks. Mario's traveling companion from Super Mario Odyssey - Cappy - has replaced his standard cap, but he only reveals himself occasionally when Mario uses Super Jump Punch and through Mario's new side taunt, during which he tosses Cappy around in a circle. Mario has two new costumes: one is his builder outfit from Super Mario Maker and the other is his wedding tuxedo from Super Mario Odyssey. Mario is one of eight characters available from the start, but he must be unlocked in Adventure Mode: World of Light. In this mode, he must be defeated on Final Destination and is always the first character unlocked during the campaign.
  • 09.
    Luigi (SSBU)
    Luigi (Unlockable): Mario's lankier twin brother: "the eternal understudy". He was the second-to-last veteran announced to return during E3 2018. Luigi returns once again as an unlockable fighter after being a starter in Smash 4. While Luigi retains many of his moves, he is much less slippery than in previous Smash Bros. entries and now has a new running animation derived from Luigi's Mansion. As alluded to during Simon's reveal trailer "Vampire Killer", Luigi now uses the Poltergust G-00 from Luigi's Mansion 3 for all of his grabs and throws. To unlock him, he must be defeated on the Luigi's Mansion stage.
  • 13.
    Peach (SSBU)
    Peach (Unlockable): The Princess of the Mushroom Kingdom also returns, this time as an unlockable fighter after being a starter in Melee, Brawl, and Smash 4. Her design has been slightly modified, her dress physics return from Melee, and her particle effects have been greatly enhanced. Toad is more present in Peach's moveset now, participating in more attacks. With an increase in mobility and a better combo game thanks to improved moves, Peach is considered to be one of the best characters in the game.
  • 14.
    Bowser (SSBU)
    Bowser (Unlockable): The King of the Koopas returns as an unlockable fighter for the first time after being a starter fighter in Melee, Brawl, and Smash 4. His design is more monotone and dark, and his hair now has some physics-based movement. Bowser has received changes to mobility and power, although his infamous kill confirm from Smash 4 was removed. Bowser also received an updated Final Smash called Giga Bowser Punch, which has him teleports to the background of the stage, aim a reticle, and punch opponents in his Giga Bowser form. Giga Bowser is no longer a full moveset transformation Final Smash, but does one move (as Final Smashes for Ultimate were standardized and straight to the point).
  • 18.
    Dr. Mario (SSBU)
    Dr. Mario (Unlockable): Dr. Mario returns as an unlockable fighter, and while he is still a clone of Mario, he is not labeled as an Echo Fighter. His design has received some minor changes regarding coloration, and his damage output and mobility has received some buffs. Dr. Mario also received a new down air that meteor smashes, akin to Captain Falcon and Ganondorf's equivalent move.
  • 48.
    Rosalina & Luma (SSBU)
    Rosalina & Luma (Unlockable): Rosalina and her loyal servants return as an unlockable fighter after being a starter in Smash 4. Her design has been tweaked to be more like her appearance in Mario games. Rosalina was nerfed during the transition, with most of her best moves from Smash 4 being nerfed. Luma has also been nerfed, being KO'd much easier than in SSB4 and having more end lag on some of his moves.
  • 58.
    Bowser Jr. (SSBU)
    Bowser Jr. (Unlockable): The Prince of the Koopas returns as an unlockable fighter after being a starter in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. Like his father, Jr.'s design is much simpler compared to his Smash 4 counterpart. Bowser Jr.'s moveset has been mostly retooled to be more effective and less situational, at the cost of nerfs to his best moves from Smash 4. Like in Smash 4, the Koopalings appear as alternate costumes.
  • 13ε.
    Daisy (SSBU)
    Daisy (Unlockable): The Princess of Sarasaland and a recurring character in Mario spin-off games makes her debut as an unlockable Echo Fighter of Peach. Unlike previous clones, there are no noticeable gameplay differences between Peach and Daisy, although most of Daisy's animations and effects are different than Peach's - for instance, Daisy has daisy-shaped effects rather than Peach's heart-shaped ones.
  • 70.
    Piranha Plant (SSBU)
    Piranha Plant (DLC): The infamous recurring plant from the Mushroom Kingdom makes its debut as Ultimate's first DLC fighter. Its moveset and alternate costumes all make references to its many incarnations throughout the Mario series, and some of its alternate costumes have it fight inside a Warp Pipe instead of its usual pot. For its Final Smash, Piranha Plant summons Petey Piranha, who attacks in a similar fashion to his Subspace Emissary incarnation.

Boss

  • Giga Bowser
    Giga Bowser: Giga Bowser returns as a boss in both Classic Mode and World of Light. In Classic Mode, Giga Bowser appears as the boss for Mario and Captain Falcon’s routes. Unlike in Melee, the player has to deplete Giga Bowser’s health bar to defeat him rather than knocking him off the stage.

Stages

All Mario stages except Super Smash Bros. MeleeMushroom Kingdom and Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DSRainbow Road (excluding the World 1-2 variant of Super Smash Bros. BrawlMushroomy Kingdom) return.

  • Super Smash Bros.
    Peach's Castle
    Peach's Castle (Starter): A floating arena staged above the grounds of the eponymous palace from Super Mario 64. The platforms are structured like a pinball table, and the stage has an additional platform below the main part of the stage that moves back and forth. There is also a bumper present at the top of the castle, and angled platforms float next to the top of the castle.
  • Super Smash Bros.
    Mushroom Kingdom (SSB)
    Mushroom Kingdom (Starter): An arena staged in the overworld of Super Mario Bros. The design of the stage now more closely resembles the overworld appearance from Super Mario Bros., and many classic elements of the game appear, including warp pipes, moving platforms, a POW block, and a flag that leads to the castle.
  • Super Smash Bros. Melee
    Princess Peach's Castle
    Princess Peach's Castle (Starter): The roof of the eponymous palace from Super Mario 64. The stage as a whole is more detailed than it's Melee counterpart, and the background looks farther away. Entities from the Mario games such as "!" Blocks and Banzai Bills appear from time-to-time, the former producing additional platforms and the latter causing an explosion.
  • Super Smash Bros. Melee
    Rainbow Cruise
    Rainbow Cruise (Starter): A stage that features an airship and platforms akin to those of Rainbow Ride from Super Mario 64. The stage starts out as the airship that gradually moves closer to a series of platforms and magical carpets. The airship then dips down as the stage reverses its directions, with more platforms appearing until the airship reappears and the loop restarts. Like Princess Peach's Castle, the background of the stage is much more detailed.
  • Super Smash Bros. Melee
    Mushroom Kingdom II
    Mushroom Kingdom II (Starter): An arena based off of Subcon from Super Mario Bros. 2. Similar to Mushroom Kingdom, this stage's design is closer to the game that it is based on, although the textures are sourced from Super Mario All-Stars. Logs may appear from the waterfall and act as temporary platforms, while Birdo may also appear from the side and shoot out an egg; this egg can be caught and thrown. Occasionally, Pidgits and a magical carpet may also appear, the latter acting as a temporary platform.
  • Super Smash Bros. Brawl
    Delfino Plaza
    Delfino Plaza (Starter): An arena that is staged on floating platforms that travel to various locations on the titular island plaza from Super Mario Sunshine. These places include a small island to the east of the plaza, the Shine Gate, and part of the main courtyard. Swimming is possible at portions of the stage where deep water is present. The stage itself is also more vibrant and detailed than in the Wii U version.
  • Super Smash Bros. Brawl
    Mushroomy Kingdom
    Mushroomy Kingdom (Starter): A scrolling stage faithfully based off of World 1-1 from Super Mario Bros. Its design is sandy and mostly devoid of life, as if it was an abandoned wasteland, although notable Mario landmarks such as the flagpole and castle are still present. The World 1-2 variant from Brawl is once again absent.
  • Super Smash Bros. Brawl
    Figure-8 Circuit
    Figure-8 Circuit (Starter): An arena staged on the eponymous race course from Mario Kart DS. Previously known as Mario Circuit (Brawl), it has three floating platforms and a road in the middle of the stage, both which may have cart racers appear and disrupt the match.
  • Super Smash Bros. Brawl
    Luigi's Mansion
    Luigi's Mansion (Starter): The titular haunted estate from Luigi's Mansion. Similar to Tomodachi Life, there are rooms in the mansion that are only made visible when a player walks into it. When the pillars are attacked, they may crumble and destroy part of the mansion, exposing more of the background. Once the whole mansion has been destroyed, it will eventually rebuild itself.
  • Super Smash Bros. Brawl
    Mario Bros.
    Mario Bros.: an arena staged in the underground sewers from the titular arcade game. The stage acts similarly to its source material, with enemies appearing from the sides and a POW Block in the middle of the bottom floor that can knock out all enemies on-screen. Similar to both Mushroom Kingdom stages, the design of the stage closely resembles its source.
  • Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS
    3D Land
    3D Land (Starter): A scrolling stage based on various locations from Super Mario 3D Land. The stage begins in World 1-1 at the base of Princess Peach's Castle, then cycles through various landmarks from its source material, including folding platforms, a valley, and a water area. ? Blocks on this stage have a higher chance to spawn a Super Leaf than any other item.
  • Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS
    Golden Plains
    Golden Plains (Starter): A spacious field based on motifs from New Super Mario Bros. 2 covered with Coins that are collected on contact. The stage occasionally shifts to different parts of the map, which displays even more coins. When 100 coins are collected, the fighters become gold characters, who have an enhanced status and super armor. P Switches and Red Rings also appear on this map, which produce more coins when activated.
  • Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS
    Paper Mario
    Paper Mario (Starter): A handcrafted stage based on locations from the Paper Mario series. The first area is a reference to Hither Thither Hill from Paper Mario: Sticker Star, with a windmill that would spin when a player lands on it. The second area is on a ship that references the S.S. Flavion from Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door. On this stage, a blooper and whale may appear randomly, although only the whale interacts with the ship. The final area is based off of Bowser's Sky Castle, a location that is also from Paper Mario: Sticker Star. This location includes a statue of Bowser's head floating in the middle, with platforms at the side.
  • Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
    Mushroom Kingdom U
    Mushroom Kingdom U (Starter): Staged in western regions of the Mushroom Kingdom from New Super Mario Bros. U. This stage transforms into four different layouts, based off of Acorn Plains, Rock-Candy Mines, Meringue Clouds, and Slide Lift Tower. When the stage transforms, Nabbit, water spouts, giant icicles, and other hazards may appear.
  • Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
    Mario Galaxy
    Mario Galaxy (Starter): A spacious arena staged on a grassy planetoid from Super Mario Galaxy. Gravity is weaker on this stage, making all the characters more floaty. The center of gravity on this stage points towards the center of the planet, causing attacks that launch opponents upward to launch them sideways instead. The curvature of the stage also affects projectiles, which move parallel to the surface of the planet in a curve.
  • Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
    Mario Cicuit (SSB4)
    Mario Circuit (Starter): An arena staged on the titular race course from Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Many parts of the track are referenced on this stage, including a circular tower across from the castle and the start/finish line of the stage. Despite having an anti-gravity properties in its source material, gravity is only manipulated for the racing Shy Guys on this stage.
  • Super Smash Bros. 4
    Super Mario Maker
    Super Mario Maker (Starter): An area composed of randomly generated set pieces based on concepts from the titular game, Super Mario Maker. At the start of the match, a random design is made for the stage, which may be added to or reset throughout the match. The appearance of the game may also shift during the match to four different game styles based off of Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World, and New Super Mario Bros. U.
  • New Donk City Hall
    New Donk City Hall (Starter): A new stage that is based off the same city from Super Mario Odyssey. The stage has a platform that moves to different parts of the city hall. Many references to Super Mario Odyssey are also made on the stage, such as the Odyssey and the band. The stage itself also has many references to New York City, which New Donk City is based off of.

World of Light Sub-World

  • Molten Fortress
    Molten Fortress: Based on the castle levels seen in various Mario games, the Molten Fortress appears as a sub-world within The Light Realm. The player uses Warp Pipes and P-Switches to progress through the area. Giga Bowser appears as the boss and must be defeated to progress through the story. The player can unlock Peach and Bowser, with the latter unlocked after defeating Giga Bowser.

Items

Main article: Items

Bold italics denotes an item or Assist Trophy new to the Smash Bros. series.

  • Fire Flower (shooting): a fiery plant from Super Mario Bros. Wielding it allows the fighter to erupt flames from its head, although prolonged usage of the flower causes the flames to get smaller and eventually die. When it spawns, the Fire Flower slowly falls to the ground and sways back-and-forth, like in the New Super Mario Bros. games.
  • Super Star (status): a bouncing, traveling star from Super Mario Bros. that grants temporary invincibility on contact.
  • Green Shell (throwing): the shell of a Koopa Troopa from Super Mario Bros. that trails along the ground when tossed.
  • Bob-omb (throwing): a walking bomb from Super Mario Bros. 2. When it spawns, it will sit idly unless picked up. If left waiting too long, its key will begin to turn and the bomb will begin to walk until it detonates.
  • Freezie (throwing): a crystal of ice from Mario Bros. that freezes any opponents it is tossed at. It will freeze any fighters who actively attack it instead of picking it up.
  • Super Mushroom (status): a traveling red mushroom from Super Mario Bros. that causes the users to grow on contact.
  • Poison Mushroom (status): a traveling red mushroom from Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels that causes the users to shrink on contact.
  • Metal Box (status): a special type of block from Super Mario 64 that turns the user into their metal form.
  • Golden Hammer[note 1] (battering): Returns identical to its appearance in Brawl and Smash 4, with it emitting the same visual effect as the Hammer when it hits an opponent. It is still classified as a Mario item despite the return of the Wrecking Crew universe.
  • Hothead (throwing): a ball of flames from Super Mario World that travels along the platform it is thrown to. It does not damage the user and grows bigger and faster if it makes contact with fire attacks.
  • Banana Peel (throwing): discarded fruit skin from Super Mario Kart. Tossing it at an opponent causes them to trip. It is also part of Diddy Kong's moveset.
  • Lightning (status): a bolt of electricity from Super Mario Kart. Touching the item either shrinks all of the user's opponents, the user themselves, or everyone.
  • Soccer Ball (special): a seemingly generic ball that cannot be grabbed, but when hit, will fly across the stage as a dangerous, inflamed projectile. This attribute comes from the Mario Strikers games.
  • POW Block (throwing): a destructive block from Mario Bros. that launches grounded opponents into the air when hit or thrown, much like the POW Blocks in the Mushroom Kingdom and Mario Bros. stages. It shrinks after each consecutive hit and can be hit a total of three times before disappearing.
  • Fire Bar (battering): a new battering weapon based on the spinning bars of flame from Super Mario Bros. Every second time it makes contact with an opponent, it loses a fireball. The greatest knockback and damage output is at the base of the bar.
  • Bullet Bill (transformation): a sentient bullet item from Mario Kart DS. It spawns on stage as a small bullet that can be picked up. When "thrown", the user is transforms into a large Bullet Bill and flies across the stage.
  • Grass (container): pluckable red stalks from Super Mario Bros. 2. When the attack button is pressed, the grass is plucked and with it comes a randomly selected item. If the item can be held, it automatically is placed in the character's hand. If the item is used by touching it, such as a Super Mushroom, it instantly takes effect.
  • Super Leaf (status): a tanooki leaf from Super Mario Bros. 3. When equipped, the user sprouts raccoon ears and a ringed tail. It allows the user to float in mid-air like Peach.
  • Spiny Shell (throwing): a spiny, blue Koopa shell from Mario Kart 64 that homes in and strikes an opponent when tossed. Its design is based on its appearance in Mario Kart 7, Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.
  • Boomerang (throwing): a blue boomerang from Super Mario 3D Land that can be tossed and return to the user after going a certain distance. When caught, its power increases. Boomerangs can be caught by opponents.
  • Super Launch Star (trap): a five-pointed contraption from Super Mario Galaxy. When tossed, the star expands in size. It will launch any players that make contact with it in the opposite direction it was thrown. The trap remains in effect for ~10 seconds before disappearing.
  1. ^ This item debuted in a game from a different universe.

Assist Trophies

All past Assist Trophies return except for Lakitu & Spinies.

  • Hammer Bro.: an armored turtle from Super Mario Bros. that hops around the stage and tosses hammers at opponents. It does not harm the summoner.
  • Waluigi: Wario's mischievous partner from the Mario series. He dashes at a random opponent on stage and stomps them into the ground. After accumulating enough damage, he launches the opponent away with his tennis racket. He does not harm the summoner.
  • Chain Chomp: a monster from Super Mario Bros. 3 that resembles a toothy ball-and-chain. It lunges and chews on opponents within range of its chain, which is tied down by a post. Its post can be damaged by opponents and broken, releasing the Chomp onto the stage briefly before disappearing.
  • Thwomp: a monster from Super Mario Bros. 3 that resembles a stone slab covered in spikes. It positions itself at the top of the stage suspended in midair. It will abruptly slam into the ground below if it detects an opponent beneath it. Its design comes from its appearance in New Super Mario Bros. U.
  • Flies & Hand: an embodiment of the Gnat Attack minigame from Mario Paint. A disembodied glove moves around the stage in an attempt to kill flies and smack opponents with its fly swatter.

Mii Costumes

Outfits

  • Mii Brawler (SSBU) Builder Mario's Outfit
  • Mii Brawler (SSBU) Toad Outfit: the outfit is based on Toad. The costume changes depending on the Mii's gender, with a male being bare-chested underneath a blue vest and the female having an undershirt underneath a red vest.
  • Mii Gunner (SSBU) Geno Outfit (DLC): this outfit returns from the previous installment sporting no major changes, though it did receive a few visual touch-ups since its last appearance. It returned along with the inclusion of Sephiroth on December 22, 2020, a little over five years after its original debut in Super Smash Bros. 4 with Cloud.

Headgear

Music

Original Tracks

Arrangements and remixes unique to Ultimate.

Returning Tracks

Arrangements and remixes from previous Smash Bros. titles.

Source Tracks

Compositions and arrangements directly sourced from Mario games with no alterations.

Victory Themes

  • Victory! Mario Series: An abridged version of the "Course Clear Fanfare" from Super Mario Bros. Used by Mario, Luigi, Peach, Dr. Mario, and Daisy.
  • Victory! Mario Villains: An arrangement of the "Course Clear Fanfare" from Super Mario Bros. on electric guitar, unchanged from Smash 4. Used by Bowser, Bowser Jr., and Piranha Plant.
  • Victory! Rosalina & Luma: A flourish arrangement of the title track from Super Mario Galaxy, which also plays when Mario or Luigi obtain a Power Star in Super Mario Galaxy, unchanged from Smash 4.

Spirits

Media with elements appearing in the Super Smash Bros. series

The Mario universe has the most amount of media represented throughout the Super Smash Bros. series, with a grand total of 108 games and medias from it. The latest game represented in this universe is Mario Golf: Super Rush, released on June 25, 2021.

Trivia

  • All games that introduced new Mario fighter introduced at least two; 64, Smash 4, and Ultimate all introduced two each while Melee introduced three.
  • Not counting sub-universes, Brawl is the only game to not introduce a new Mario fighter.
  • Smash 4 is the only instance in the Super Smash Bros. series where the Mario Kart series is not considered a different universe from the Mario series in the Sound Test.
  • The Mario universe is one of three universes to have more than one playable antagonist, with the others being Metroid and Kirby.
    • Additionally, Mario has the most antagonistic fighters out of any universe, with three (Bowser, Bowser Jr., and Piranha Plant).
  • Mario is the only universe to feature unlockable characters in every game of the series.
  • The Mario universe has had more than two series symbols, with the version used in the original Super Smash Bros. and Melee, the one used from Brawl on, and the one used by Metal Mario in the original game.
  • The Mario universe is the only universe to have multiple unlockable characters in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS, as well as the only universe with more than one new stage in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.
  • Mario and The Legend of Zelda are the only universes to have had at least one new stage in every installment, and the only two to get new stages in the base game of Ultimate (not counting the Super Smash Bros. universe).
  • Mario and Pokémon are the only universes to debut with both a starter and an unlockable.
    • They are also the first two universes to debut with multiple playable characters, followed by Fire Emblem in Melee and Castlevania in Ultimate.
  • In the Music menu in Brawl and Ultimate, the Mario Kart series is categorized as a separate universe from the main Mario Universe.

External links

References

  1. ^ Masahiro Sakurai (translated by Soma; edited by Marie) (2016-05-11). The Truth Isn’t That Simple — Sakurai Discusses Fan Misconceptions Vol. 505. SourceGaming.info (original Japanese publication in Famitsu). Retrieved on 2018-11-11.
  2. ^ PushDustIn (2015-01-26). Smash 4 Wii U Data Discoveries. SourceGaming.info. Retrieved on 2018-11-11.
  3. ^ PushDustIn (2017-02-05). Unused Petey Piranha Animations Found in Smash for Wii U. SourceGaming.info. Retrieved on 2018-11-11.