If any mechanic is emblematic of the Super Mario series, it is the Power-Ups. The world-famous plumber is most known for using the Super Mushroom and the Fire Flower, but those are just the tip of the iceberg. Some of the best Power-Ups in the series introduce even crazier mechanics, and they have made their mark in all eras of Mario’s history.
The Strongest Power-Up: The Tanooki Suit
The tanuki is a mythological raccoon from Japanese folklore, most known for its ability to change its shape into anything it desires. The Power-Up based on this tricky creature has even greater capability. In Super Mario Bros 3, its tail provides a few different uses. It can swipe at enemies to defeat them, or it can flap to slow Mario’s descent through the air. It can even allow Mario to fly if he gets a running start.
Its most interesting use, however, is in its ability to turn Mario into a statue. What many people know about this ability is that it causes enemies to ignore Mario, preventing him from taking damage. The less common knowledge on the subject is in how it can be used offensively. The heavy statue can kill more enemy types than any other attack in the game. It even defeats things like the firey Podoboos that leap from lava or the ever-annoying Roto Discs. For those seeking raw power, this is one of the best Power-Ups.
The Wing Cap Takes to the Sky
Super Mario 64 took Mario into 3D, and with it came grand opportunities. Its level design was far more open than in prior games, and it gave Mario a forgiving life meter instead of using power to gain extra hits. These details necessitated a change in design philosophy: Instead of items like Mushrooms and Flowers, Mario now collected different hats that operate on a timer. This allowed the caps to be placed specifically in locations where they were needed.
The most memorable of these was the Wing Cap, which allowed Mario to freely fly. The open-level design allowed Mario to soar through the sky with total freedom. The controls are a little difficult to get used to, but feel great once learned. Diving increases speed, and pulling back after a dive allows you to ascend. It results in controls that feel incredible to master, and the freedom of flight is perfectly encapsulated.
This Isn’t Bubble Bobble, Right?
Super Mario Bros Wonder can be described as a breath of fresh air. Many fans were growing disillusioned with how repetitive the 2D Mario games were becoming and wanted something new. When Wonder was announced, it made one thing clear: This game was weird and different. The strongest example of this is the Elephant Power-Up, which turns its user into an elephant. While this was a funny idea and had interesting utility, its bigger hurt box and niche applications made it less fun to use than expected. However, another Power-Up, the Bubble Flower, became one of the most fun in the series.
As its name suggests, the Bubble Flower allows its user to shoot bubbles. The obvious use for it is to trap an enemy inside, which additionally turns them into coins. The stronger use is in how its bubbles linger after being shot. This effectively allows the player to create one-time platforms that they can bounce off of to reach greater heights. The number of applications this has, especially in co-op, is immense. Of all Power-Ups, few feel as though they’re designed specifically to make the player feel stylish in their movement, but the Bubble Flower delivers on that creative potential.
Why Power-Ups are Awesome
Each of the above Power-Ups has its own utility, and different types of players will prefer different kinds. Those who like to defeat every enemy in a display of power will love the Tanooki Suit, while those who prefer to pull off trick jumps will love the Bubble Flower. The Wing Cap is for gamers who want to feel total freedom in an open area and break the boundaries of where they can go. Whatever the case, there is a Power-Up for everyone.
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