Best Boo Characters in the Mario Games

Best Boo Characters in the Mario Games

Highlights

  • Boos have evolved from Mario platformer adversaries to primary antagonists, playable characters, and companions in various games.
  • Mario explores haunted houses even in space, using Boo mushrooms to save his brother Luigi and understand Boo language.
  • Boos are fan-favorite Mario enemies present in almost all aspects of the franchise, from games to karting and parties.

As a long-time admirer of the colorful and imaginative world of Mario, I must say that the Boos are some of the most intriguing characters in the series. Their unique designs, varied personalities, and often pivotal roles have kept me engaged throughout my gaming journey.


Ever since the enemy known as Boo first appeared in 1988, it has become a regular foe that the Mario crew often encounters. Although they’ve branched out from platform games to try their hand at golf, racing, and other activities, they continue to be cherished by gamers everywhere.

In this diverse, ethereal game extension, the Boo characters have grown individual personalities, sometimes taking on the role of main villains alongside the Koopa King. Originally appearing as companions, adversaries in sports-like challenges, and even playable heroes, it’s clear that Boos have evolved significantly since their introduction in Super Mario Bros. 3.

12 Boo Mario – Super Mario Galaxy

Make Mario A Boo With This Phantasmic Powerup

Best Boo Characters in the Mario Games

As gamers navigated the cosmic expanses within Super Mario Galaxy, it’s likely they stumbled upon the existence of spooky houses even up there. In their quest to save Luigi from the Boo’s grasp, Mario utilized the abilities granted by the Boo Mushroom.

In this game scenario, characters can transform into a Boo, allowing them to pass through walls and communicate with the Boos to locate their way to the brother’s cell. However, players must change Mario back into his human form for Luigi to stop being scared and acknowledge his sibling.

11 Boos – Super Mario Bros. 3

These Timid Terrors Chase From Karting To Parties

Best Boo Characters in the Mario Games

Over the past four decades, I’ve had my share of battles against various foes while gaming as Mario. Despite the seemingly harmless Goombas ambling about, it’s the relentless Boos that truly give me a run for my money. They are not just sneaky; they are ferocious in their pursuit to take down the hero like myself!

In this manner, Boos have become beloved adversaries in the Mario series and can be encountered across various aspects of the franchise. For instance, they’ll swipe players’ items in Mario Kart, snatch coins in Mario Party, and participate in multiple sporting events as well.

10 Spooky Speedster – Super Mario Galaxy

Beat This Rapid Wraith In A Race To Earn A Power Star

Best Boo Characters in the Mario Games

During the 3D journeys of our hero, Mario, he usually needs to chase after a Power Star. In Super Mario Galaxy, as you delve into Boo’s Boneyard Galaxy, you’ll eventually meet Spooky Speedster – a ghost sporting an orange motorcycle helmet and ready to exchange a Power Star with the player.

Distinguishing Spooky Speedster from other Boos isn’t merely about its stylish headwear, but rather the integrity it upholds during a race. Regardless of whether it appears as Boo Mario or employs Pull Stars, if players manage to defeat it, Spooky Speedster honors its promise and compensates them honestly.

9 Captain Boo – Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser’s Minions

A Sensitive Spectre With A Knack For Leadership

Best Boo Characters in the Mario Games

In the game Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser’s Minions, players were offered a revamped edition of the initial game, along with a completely fresh side story. At the outset of this new tale, players encounter Captain Boo for the first time.

Working under the command of a mind-controlled Iggy, Captain Boo ultimately aligns himself with the main characters and receives his captain rank upon receiving a flag to shield against the sun. With a touch of sarcasm and an awareness of his own quirks, he seamlessly becomes part of the group.

8 Big Boo – Super Mario World

A Confident Creature In A Secret Ghost House

Best Boo Characters in the Mario Games

In the game “Super Mario World,” players can encounter an unusual version of a common foe, the Big Boo, which is found secretly within the Donut House. Unlike regular Boos, this larger variant isn’t shy about revealing itself. It appears and disappears at times, showcasing less self-conscious behavior compared to its counterparts in other Mario platformers.

Even though they won’t assault you personally, they will summon their allies known as Boo buddies in an attempt to prevent you from hurling Grab Blocks at their face instead.

7 Boohemoth – New Super Mario Bros. 2

An Invulnerable Apparation With Humanoid Features

Best Boo Characters in the Mario Games

Generally, most Boos share a similar appearance, which underscores their classic design. But unlike other ghostly adversaries in the Mario series, Boohemoth stands out due to its unique and unexpected look.

In the game “Super Mario Bros. 2”, the Boohemoth appears in only two levels, pursuing players relentlessly. Despite its humanoid teeth and plump figure, it shares the same timidity as regular Boos. However, if players try to trick it by staring, it will begin peeking through their hands and cautiously advancing.

6 Bootler – Paper Mario

A Macabre Manservant With A Paternal Personality

Best Boo Characters in the Mario Games

It appears that each character from the Mario series requires assistance with their daily tasks. While Princess Peach has Toadsworth and Boo’s high society employs butlers, Lady Bow is no exception. Her elderly-looking butler, Bootler, helps her manage her day-to-day activities. However, Bootler displays a protective fatherly attitude towards Lady Bow as Mario attempts to involve her in his journey.

Despite Bootler’s unsuccessful efforts to protect Lady Bow from Mario and safeguard her, he remains employed by aiding Lady Bow during her stay at Poshley Heights in the sequel of Paper Mario.

5 King Boo – Super Mario Sunshine

A Peculiar Poltergeist Painted To Life

Best Boo Characters in the Mario Games

In the game “Super Mario Sunshine,” Bowser Jr’s magical paintbrush stirs up chaos and bewilderment. While poor Mario gets falsely imprisoned for Shadow Mario’s misdeeds, a whimsical version of King Boo is conjured to keep the player on their toes.

In this portrayal, King Boo appears and behaves unlike his typical self, with a dripping tongue and a preference for hiding in the cellar of Isle Delfino’s casino. Unlike other characters, players cannot harm him directly, but they can toss spicy peppers into his mouth to cause damage instead.

4 Lahla & Peeka – Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

Spooky Sisters Who Love Their Shop And Dressing Up

Best Boo Characters in the Mario Games

In the opening scenes of “Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door”, players initially take charge of Mario and find themselves in the lively seaport town of Rogueport. This initial location serves as a central hub, where a pair of Boo sisters operate an exclusive store offering pricier goods that aren’t readily available at typical Toad-run shops.

Despite the potential fame their expensive merchandise could bring, both Lahla and Peeka choose to don formal feline clothing and safeguard the Pianta gang’s secret lair using a series of passwords, rather than showcasing it publicly.

3 Boolossus – Luigi’s Mansion 3

King Boo’s Scary Second-In-Command

Best Boo Characters in the Mario Games

Bulso isn’t your average Boo; he’s one of the largest and most intimidating Boos in the Mario series. His immense size is attributed to numerous regular Boos that make up his body. As King Boo’s right-hand man, he harbors a grudge against Luigi for his constant interference with supernatural matters.

In the world of gaming, I can’t forget my encounter with Boolosus’ capture in Luigi’s Mansion. It was this event that sent King Boo into a rage, leading to the escape plan where they not only broke me out but also freed all other Boos, setting their traps loose in the process.

2 Lady Bow – Paper Mario

A Spiritual Socialite With A Fiery Temper

Best Boo Characters in the Mario Games

In the early games of the Paper Mario series, players appreciate the series’ unique sidekicks, one of them being Lady Bow. She first appears seeking Mario’s assistance to overcome their shared enemy, Hubba Lubba, in return for a star spirit that Mario aims to rescue.

As a fervent admirer, I must admit that Lady Bow initially comes across as somewhat pampered, with her manservant Bootler always at her beck and call. However, the allure of adventure proved too strong for even the most sheltered of souls, and eventually, she decided to embark on this journey alongside Mario. In moments of need, she lends a helping hand by bestowing upon our hero the power of invisibility, allowing him to bypass enemies unnoticed.

1 King Boo – Luigi’s Mansion

The Macabre Monarch With A Hatred Of Luigi

Best Boo Characters in the Mario Games

In most Mario-themed games, King Boo serves not only as the leader of all Boos but also embodies their presence. They delight in taking part in activities with the Mario gang such as karting, attending parties, and participating in the Olympics. However, King Boo harbors a strong dislike for Luigi due to his frequent interventions.

In the “Luigi’s Mansion” video game series, King Boo undergoes a transformation into a more intimidating form, but he is always defeated by Luigi using his ghostly vacuum cleaner, known as the Poltergust.

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2024-08-06 02:35