Slime
Slime | |
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{{{content2}}} Official artworks of Slime and Liquid Metal Slime. | |
Universe | Dragon Quest |
Debut | Dragon Quest (1986) |
Smash Bros. appearances | Ultimate |
Most recent non-Smash appearance | Dragon Quest Tact (2020) |
Console/platform of origin | Nintendo Entertainment System |
Species | Slime |
Created by | Yuji Horii |
Designed by | Akira Toriyama |
Article on Dragon Quest Wiki | Slime |
The Slime (スライム, Slime) is a common enemy in the Dragon Quest series, also serving as the series mascot.
Origin
In the Dragon Quest games, Slimes are often the first monster that players come across. They are typically the weakest monster, and can be taken down with ease, as they lack any real offensive abilities. Other variations of Slime exist, such as She-Slime (which, despite its name, is not necessarily female), the enormous King Slime, and the elusive Metal Slime. In later games, such as Dragon Quest IX, there are special Slimes that—though often unassuming—can merge with or stack onto other Slimes, creating a new type of Slime, such as a King Slime or a Slime Stack. Friendly Slimes also sometimes appear in the series.
As the series progressed, Slimes grew popular among fans, becoming an icon of the franchise and even starring in spin-off titles such as Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime. They are also often used as the emblem to represent the series as a whole like in Fortune Street. They even sometimes make playable appearances like in the aforementioned game. Certain games include Slimes as companions with their own personality and dialogue. In localized titles, they often use slime-related puns or phrases: for example, "gooman" instead of "human", "slime" instead of "time", "accrooze" instead of "accrue", and saying "slurp" or "goo" as a verbal tic.
In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
According to Masahiro Sakurai, while his first choice for a Dragon Quest fighter was the Hero, he would not have opposed a Slime being playable on Square Enix's request. Ultimately, the two parties agreed on the Hero, but Slimes still feature prominently in the series' representation.[1]
The Hero's reveal trailer features Slime all throughout.
As a background character
Multiple Slimes appear on the Dragon Quest stage, Yggdrasil's Altar. This also includes a Liquid Metal Slime, which are rare like in their respective games.
As a moveset element
Slime appears in one of Hero's taunts, and three Slimes also appear in one of the Hero's victory poses. Solo, the Hero from Dragon Quest IV, has a Slime-themed earring on his left ear (which turns into a Metal Slime in his orange alternate costume).
As a costume
Slime appears as a paid DLC Mii Costume in the form of a hat. Uniquely, it wobbles and jiggles when in motion.
Spirit
Various Slimes appear as spirits on the special DLC-exclusive Spirit Board. The standard Slime can be enhanced to King Slime at level 99.
No. | Image | Name | Type | Class | Slot | Ability | Series |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1,330 | Slime | ★ | 2 | Can Be Enhanced at Lv. 99 | DRAGON QUEST Series | ||
1,331 | King Slime | ★★★ | 2 | Weight ↑ ↑ | DRAGON QUEST Series | ||
1,336 | Liquid Metal Slime | ★★ | 1 | Move Speed ↑ | DRAGON QUEST Series |
Gallery
A Slime in the background of Yggdrasil's Altar.
Joker and Erdrick with a Liquid Metal Slime.
Trivia
- Slime previously appeared alongside Mario characters in Itadaki Street DS and Fortune Street, as well as Final Fantasy characters in Mario Sports Mix.
- Slimes also appeared alongside Simon Belmont, Pit, and Mega Man in the Captain N: The Game Master episode "Trojan Dragon".
- Slime is the third non-playable character to appear in the panoramic banner, following Mr. Saturn and Morgana.
- In the trailer for the Dragon Quest Mii Fighter costumes, a metal Mii Fighter wearing a Slime hat can be seen running away from Luminary, referencing the Metal Slime enemy and its tendency to run away.
- Additionally, the Luminary is seen trying to use Hatchet Man on the Mii Fighter; this references a common strategy for hunting Metal Slimes in the Dragon Quest games, as Hatchet Man has a chance to deal a critical hit, which will always kill Metal Slimes instantly.
- Later to the same trailer, Captain Falcon thrusts his arm out and gestures for Slime to follow him. This is a reference to Dragon Quest V, where monsters may join the Hero's party after defeating them.
- In battles representing Slimes—such as the Hero's Classic Mode and spirit battles—they are represented by Kirby, likely due to their similar size and shape.
References
Dragon Quest universe | |
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Fighter | Hero (SSBU) (XI, III, IV, VIII) |
Stage | Yggdrasil's Altar |
Other | Hero (I, II, V, VI, VII, IX, X) · Martial Artist · Mimic · Slime · Veronica |
Spirits | Spirits |
Music | Ultimate |