Power Ups In Mario Games That Deserve A Comeback

Key Takeaways

The plethora of Mario power-ups throughout the franchise adds variety and fun for players.
From the Carrot to the Wing Cap, some power-ups have never returned after appearing in only one game.
Some power-ups like the Mega Mushroom and Blue Shell offer players the satisfaction of overpowering obstacles in the game.

As someone who has spent countless hours exploring Mushroom Kingdom and racing through Rainbow Road, I can confidently say that the Blue Shell is my all-time favorite power-up in the Mario series. Growing up, I remember how exhilarating it was to soar through the skies with the Wing Cap or transform into a golden statue with the Golden Flower. But nothing compares to the thrill of finding that elusive blue shell and watching as Mario rolls endlessly across the level, invincible to every obstacle in his path.

In essence, the core aspect of Mario revolves around his ability to dash and leap through enchanting realms, ultimately battling against adversaries like Bowser to safeguard the world. Since the debut of Super Mario Bros., power-ups have been an integral component of the series, offering aid in both 2D side-scrolling and 3D journeys, with items such as Mushrooms and Super Stars being among them.

Almost every fresh addition to the game, Nintendo typically introduces a new power-up for players to enjoy. Some popular ones, like the Super Leaf, recur frequently across various games, while others seem scarcely seen beyond mentions in spin-offs. Despite fan expectations, they rarely reappear in a contemporary Mario game.

10. Mystery Mushroom

It’s Fun To Transform Into Characters

Power Ups In Mario Games That Deserve A Comeback

First Appearance: Super Mario Maker
Ability: Mario can transform into any character.

The “Mystery Mushroom”, first seen in “Super Mario Maker”, doesn’t possess any unique abilities. Instead, it serves as an alternative to the standard mushroom. Its distinct feature lies in its ability to metamorphose Mario into any character from the Mario universe or other related properties.

Incorporating a versatile skin-changing feature would bring more visual diversity as Mario explores 2D and 3D landscapes. This could also open up possibilities for Mario to acquire unique traversal skills, especially if the Mystery Mushroom enables him to transform into characters like Peach or Donkey Kong, who each possess distinctive in-game attributes.

9. Carrot

The Game Boy Games Had Good Options

First Appearance: Super Mario Land 2: Six Golden Coins
Ability: Mario forms rabbit ears and leaps long distances with the added bonus of gliding.

In various games like “Super Mario Galaxy” and “Super Mario Maker,” Mario has gained the ability to perform high jumps, similar to his brother Luigi. This power wasn’t always available; it was first introduced in “Super Mario Land 2: Six Golden Coins” through a special item known as the Carrot, found on the Nintendo Game Boy.

In the game, Super Mario Bros., Mario acquired rabbit-like traits such as ears, high jumping abilities, and the ability to glide, much like how he got Tanooki ears from the Super Leaf in Super Mario Bros. 3. Rabbits being a common character across various games, including Nabbit who is playable, the Carrot power-up could remain relevant in current games while also paying homage to the Game Boy titles that are often overlooked.

8. Mega Mushroom

Mario Becomes Mega Mario And Stomps Through Levels

First Appearance: New Super Mario Bros.
Ability: Mario grows to a giant size and stomps through levels.

As a gamer, I can’t help but feel a sense of release when I unleash my destructive power on a level, and that’s precisely what the Mega Mushroom is all about! It turns Mario into a colossal version of himself, rampaging through a stage, obliterating every enemy, barrier, and platform in his path – all while leaving him completely unscathed.

Initially, the Mega Mushroom made an appearance in a mini-game within the Mario Party series. However, New Super Mario Bros. transformed it into a prominent power-up in its main gameplay. Recently, it was last seen in Super Mario 3D World, demonstrating its capabilities in 3D gameplay. If it reappears in the future, especially in an open-world format like Bowser’s Fury, it could show even more potential.

7. Metal Cap

Pros And Cons Come With Metal Mario

First Appearance: Super Mario 64
Ability: Mario turns to metal and can survive various hazards.

In just two games – Super Mario 64 and its Nintendo DS remake – the Metal Cap bestows Mario with extraordinary abilities. He becomes an invincible, multi-colored version of himself, able to swim underwater without a problem, and resistant to dangerous elements like poison and fire. This unique set of skills makes Mario quite formidable, despite his disadvantage of having a low jump height.

In other games like “Mario Kart 8”, Metal Mario has been playable, but surprisingly, no 3D Mario game has reintroduced the Metal Cap as a power-up. Interestingly enough, Luigi experienced a similar transformation with unique abilities in “New Super Mario Bros. 2” on the Nintendo 3DS.

6. Ice Flower

The Cold Never Bothered Mario Anyway

First Appearance: Mario & Luigi: Partners In Time
Ability: Mario can run on water and freeze any enemy.

Players could embody their inner Elsa-like spirit with the Ice Flower, first unveiled in “Mario & Luigi: Partners In Time”. This magical ability found its way into the main Mario games through “New Super Mario Bros. Wii”, where it enabled Mario to launch icy projectiles that would freeze enemies into ice cubes for an attack or a new temporary platform.

In the realm of gaming, I’ve found myself utterly captivated by this enchanting Ice Flower. It’s become a cherished addition to our beloved franchise, and even graced the screen in the epic “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” as a magical power-up for none other than Princess Peach! Yet, it’s been a while since I last encountered it within the game – way back in the stellar “Super Mario Galaxy.” If only it had become a regular character in our adventures then!

5. Super Acorn

It’s Like Tanooki Mario But Even Better

First Appearance: New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
Ability: Mario transforms into Flying Squirrel Mario with the ability to glide and cling to surfaces.

In contrast to the debatable nature of the games New Super Mario Bros. U and its enhanced Nintendo Switch version, one standout feature was the Super Acorn. This power-up resembles the Super Leaf in that it transforms Mario and his allies into flying entities; however, instead of turning into a tree-dwelling creature, they become agile flying squirrels this time around.

The Super Acorn enhances the glide feature by enabling characters to prolong their glides with just one click of a button. This makes for exciting navigation tasks within specific game stages. Just as Cat Mario has potential appearances across multiple games and films, so does the Super Acorn.

4. Boo Mushroom

It’s Mario’s Turn To Haunt People

First Appearance: Super Mario Galaxy
Ability: Mario transforms into a Boo with the ability to fly and phase through matter.

In the world of Super Mario, Goombas and Koopas have traditionally been the iconic adversaries alongside Bowser. However, over time, the lovable Boo characters have won fans’ hearts. In the game Super Mario Galaxy, players were introduced to the Boo Mushroom, a magical item that transforms Mario into a large, fluffy Boo with a white mustache and hat.

In simpler terms, the Boo Mushroom empowers Mario with the ability to pass through objects and float, embodying the characteristics typically associated with Boo characters. This power-up was distinct from others prior to its introduction in Super Mario Galaxy 2, although it would have been exciting to see it used in 2D games like Super Mario Bros. Wonder.

3. Golden Flower

The Midas Touch In Video Game Form

First Appearance: New Super Mario Bros. 2
Ability: Mario turns to gold with fireballs that can also turn enemies and obstacles into coins.

In “New Super Mario Bros. 2,” the primary feature is the challenge of amassing numerous coins throughout nearly every stage. Correspondingly, it debuted the “Golden Flower” power-up, enabling Mario to hurl golden orbs at barriers and adversaries, causing them to disintegrate into a shower of coins that can be gathered.

Incorporating coin collection, a captivating element in the Mario series, back into an expansive Mario game or a follow-up to Super Mario Bros. Wonder, could potentially keep players engrossed for extended periods while they amass coins. Moreover, the golden incarnation of Mario, as a complement to Metal Mario, adds an appealing twist to the character’s design.

2. Blue Shell

The Power-Up That Makes Mario Overpowered

First Appearance: Super Mario World
Ability: Mario wears a nearly indestructible blue shell that can roll endlessly.

In the world of popular video games like Mario Kart, the Blue Shell has gained notoriety for being a challenging power-up. However, in the game New Super Mario Bros., it transformed into a unique outfit for our beloved character, Mario. This suit endows Mario with extraordinary abilities, allowing him to roll across the floor within the shell’s protection, making him nearly invulnerable to most enemies in the game. In essence, this upgrade is among the most powerful enhancements for Mario.

In addition to providing extra security, the Blue Shell boosts Mario’s speed significantly. If utilized strategically, a player can complete levels in less than half the time compared to normal gameplay. Such an enhanced movement feature would undoubtedly excite fans in a fresh 2D or 3D Mario game, particularly if it includes additional advantages like a blue explosion, reminiscent of its role in the Mario Kart series.

1. Wing Cap

Soaring Through The Skies Like A Superhero

First Appearance: Super Mario 64
Ability: Mario can fly for a limited time.

It’s not surprising that Mario can fly now, considering Tanooki Mario and Red Stars have granted him this ability before. However, the Wing Cap from Super Mario 64 truly embodies his title as Super Mario. Equipped with wings on his iconic cap, Mario soars through the sky much like a comic book hero, complete with the recognizable ‘M’ symbol.

As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but be captivated by the enchanting skill of flight in video games, a feature that has always been a crowd favorite. Characters like Superman and Peter Pan have a way of inspiring us with their magical abilities, and if Nintendo were to develop another open-world Mario game, the Wing Cap would undeniably be an exceptional power-up for such a style.

2024-12-09 14:35