Some video game heroes take up the sword to take on their quest, others prefer to lock-and-load their various shotguns, plasma cannons, and BFGs to obliterate various monstrosities to save the universe, and then there are those heroes that prefer to take the scenic route of their journey and give their enemies a jovial bounce on the head. Since 1985, one such character has chosen to forgo the blades, bullets, and sci-fi weaponry. He doesn't use Master-Blasters, grenades, or Dragon Shouts. Instead, he chooses to munch on mushrooms, kick some Koopa shells, and stop to smell the Fire-Flowers. Of course, we're talking about our favorite princess-saving plumber, Mario.
Since he first premiered on the arcade scene all those years ago, Mario has become one of the world's most recognizable video game characters, appearing in over 200 games. Mario might be a heroic and acrobatic little guy, but he knows better than to take on Bowser's minions alone. Though his arsenal lacks weapons in the traditional sense of swords and guns, his tools of the trade can certainly take the fight out of many a monster. With over 200 games to his name, there certainly are a lot of power-ups to pick from, but we've managed to conjure up a list of our favorites here today. What special items, boosts, or power-ups do we consider the best of the series? What do we choose to defend the Mushroom Kingdom? Which Mario mix-ins make our high score list? Let's find out as we dig into our top 15 Super Mario Power-ups.
15 SUPER MUSHROOM
Our first spot appropriately belongs to the first power-up that many gamers were introduced to. The Super Mushroom has been Mario's favorite snack for several years and has since become one of the most recognizable symbols of the series. The power-up acts as an extra hit point, as well as increasing Mario's size. Makes us wonder if these fantastic fungi have been underneath a certain blue caterpillar.
The mushroom has since appeared in promotional art, on tee shirts, and various other forms of merchandise. Various forms and variations of this power-up exist, including the Mini, the Golden, the Poison, and the ever helpful 1-Up. Mario without mushrooms is like Sonic without his rings, and the fun little fungi guy has become an iconic extra-life-saver.
14 BANANA PEEL
Yet another first on our list, in the world of Mario Kart, the Banana Peel is often considered the first piece of racetrack weaponry. Even during the developmental stages of the game, the creators at Nintendo had it as one of the original power-ups in mind for the multiplayer mega-hit that would be Super Mario Kart. Since then, this slippery demon has been causing skidmarks on the tracks ever since.
Supposedly, the Banana Peel was what inspired the developers to include other Nintendo characters as racers in the series, the banana bringing thoughts of Donkey Kong to mind. After the peel, of course, came the Koopa Shells, the Super Mushrooms, the Bob-ombs, and the rest is history. Who knew a piece of fruit could help iconize a series?
13 BOOMERANG SUIT
One of the most recent additions to the series, Mario's Boomerang Suit appears in the 3DS title, Super Mario 3D Land. Acquired by defeating a Boomerang Bro or touching a Boomerang Flower, this power-up allows Mario to don a blue-shelled costume and hurl a boomerang at oncoming enemies. Though not the most devastating piece of wearable weaponry, the Boomerang Suit will definitely work in a pinch should you need a helping hand.
If we're being entirely honest here, the Boomerang Suit is really just a watered-down Fire-Flower. Even the design of the Boomerang Flower is incredibly too reminiscent of its inspiration. The cute button eyes and bobbing motion of the plant are too uncanny not to notice. A bit nitpicky, perhaps, but it's still worth a mention on our list.
12 FROG SUIT
Slipping into our next spot is Mario's favorite aquatic apparel, the Frog Suit. One of the many memorable items in Super Mario 3, the Frog Suit allows Mario to slip, slide, and swim past different obstacles in the level. With flippers and webbed feet, this green getup is sure to outswim those pesky Bloopers and charge through the Cheep Cheeps.
Though the jumping is phenomenal, doing the awkward walk across platforms can be annoying. The suit truly shines (appropriately) in water levels, allowing the player to swim and glide with ease through these often treacherous currents. The power-up has recently made a comeback in Super Mario Maker, allowing players, new and old, to experiment and play with this slippery suit.
11 RED/GREEN KOOPA SHELLS
Though the shells of fallen Koopas are more of a weapon in the platformer games, they can be a quick and deadly force in Mario's go-cart outings. In the platformers, the shells can be shucked off of their wearers and sent spinning down the level, knocking out enemies along the way. Player be warned, these things bounce back and will also take Mario down a peg.
In the Mario Kart series, the shells have been a part of the weapon roster since the days of the Super Nintendo. The green shells act as basic projectiles and can also block oncoming attacks from players coming from behind, but the reds are as good as heat-seeking missiles. Whether they come in the singles or the three-pack, these shocking shells are ready to clear up the track.
10 BLUE SHELL
Speaking of clearing up the track, how many friendships and parties have been spoiled thanks to this sucker-punch? For those fans unfamiliar with the Mario Kart series, the infamous Blue Shell, aka the Spiny Shell, has the ability to bolt through the other racers and take out the lead car. Naturally, this leads to disarray and chaos on the racetrack. Harsh words are uttered, rage quit ensues, and in some cases, controllers have been smashed.
Though the power-up is considered grossly unfair by some kart enthusiasts, it's also one of the most iconic items in the respected series. Just like the bananas, the bombs, and the other shells, the Blue Shell is synonymous with the Mario Kart name. A truly double-edged sword, it's only fun until it's used on you.
9 ICE FLOWER
Similar to another certain flower on this list, the aptly named Ice Flower gives Mario the ability to freeze his enemies in their tracks. Though not as deadly as its firey counterpart, the Ice Flower certainly has its merit. First appearing in some of Mario's RPG based titles, the Ice Flower truly found its home in New Super Mario Bros Wii. In the title, Mario's fire-throwing abilities are replaced with snowballs that turn enemies into blocks of ice. These ice blocks can be butt-bounced and shattered to pieces, providing an icy demise for any wandering Koopas or Goombas that may block his path.
The Ice Flower, while a formidable weapon, is good for more than icing enemies. The flower can also extinguish fires, and stop lava flow, making for easier progression and platforming. A new twist on an old classic, the Ice Flower is a fun item, and should not be given the cold shoulder.
8 WARP WHISTLE
"One toot on this whistle will send you to a faraway land." A classic hidden gem from the days of the NES, the Warp Whistle was once the secret weapon to beating Super Mario 3. A few of these enchanted instruments are scattered all throughout the game, but once found they can be of tremendous use.
Much like Warp Zones in other Mario Titles, these little beauties will take the player to the world of their choice. Tired of an evil sun chasing you around the screen? Ice levels too slippery? Maybe you're just tired of World 1 and want more of a game changer. Have no fear, the Warp Whistle is here for you. Give it a blow, and away you go.
7 PROPELLER MUSHROOM
In recent settings, Mario has taken a liking to some high-flying headwear to get from A to B. Be it the Propeller Mushroom or the Propeller Block, Mario's jumps have certainly gained some altitude. First appearing in New Super Mario Bros. Wii, the power-up has sent Mario to new heights, and has made for some interesting physics play.
The power-up has sent side scrolling to the stars, but it's even better when viewed in 3D. In Super Mario 3D land, the mushroom is now a block, but the physics are still the same. Mario Can rocket up or spin down and play with the colorful environment and explore the space around him.
6 SUPER BELL
While we're still in the third dimension, let's take a look at another upgrade Mario has found since venturing out of the side-scrolling series. In Super Mario 3D World, Mario acquires the Super Bell, a nifty little power-up that makes taking on the terrain a literal catwalk. Along with a colorful cat-suit, Mario gains feline agility and reflexes, as well as the ability to climb up certain terrain types and to slide into enemies for an acrobatic attack.
This is not the first time Mario has donned an animal themed costume, but it is the first with so many different abilities. The Super Bell is also worn by Luigi, Peach, Toad, and even Bowser! Guess the bell really does pack some purr-fect power.
5 FIRE FLOWER
The Fire Flower with its firepower has been present in nearly every Mario game since his first adventure in the Mushroom Kingdom. It might look cute, but this thing is no pansy. With it, Mario can singe his opponent off the screen, even Bowser can be beaten with a few well-aimed shots from this feisty flower.
To say the Fire Flower is Mario's weapon of choice would be an understatement, having appeared with him throughout so many titles. Link has the Master Sword, Samus has her proton canon, and Mario has his Fire Flower. How many times has he appeared on game art with a fireball in his hand? The flaming flora is such a common sight in the Mushroom Kingdom, we can be certain to see it appear even in the next 200 games.
4 TANOOKI TAIL/SUIT
Easily a fan favorite, the Tanooki tail has been gliding Mario for many games. Making its iconic debut in Super Mario 3, the power-up comes in two varieties: the leaf and the suit. If Mario touches the leaf, he gains raccoon ears and a tail, giving him the ability to charge and to glide upwards over the terrain. The suit has the same abilities but also allows him to turn into a stone statue, giving him a sort of Thwomp like feature. Whatever the option, this power-up is one of the most used and iconic in the series.
The popular power-up has made a smooth glide into the third dimension, particularly in 3D Land and 3D World. In these newer titles, the Tanooki Suit, much like the Propeller Mushroom, allows for fun flight and physics play. It should also be noted that Mario is not the only one who can use it. The Goombas can also be seen sporting tails and doing short glides with them. While slightly more hazardous than a normal Goomba, they are no less fun to bounce on.
3 P-WING
Though this might look like a normal Tanooki Tail, it's a total game changer when put into play. The P-Wing is Super Mario 3's ace in the hole. Not only does it give Mario the Tanooki powers, but it affords him the ability to fly at will without having to charge his run. This can make traversing over a particularly difficult level much easier, as well as seeking out hidden areas and items.
Unfortunately, the P-Wing went out with the '80s and has not seen a modern interpretation. However, it has been converted into a sweet ride in Mario Kart 8. The P-Wing kart sports the iconic wings, but unfortunately lacks the unlimited flight of the original. Perhaps someday Nintendo will bring it back into the modern platformers for some flying fun in newer titles.
2 SUPER STAR
The Super Star, or Starman, is the God-mode of power-ups. One touch of this item and Mario is invulnerable to anything. No enemy, fireball, Bullet-Bill or hazard can touch him so long as the star is active. For a limited time, players can speed through the level without worrying about any oncoming obstacles, making for quite a rush as they dash towards the flag.
The star, like many others on this list, has made appearances in nearly every Mario title since the beginning. Over the course of the franchise, the Super Star has served mainly the same purpose, limited invincibility. From the RPGs to the kart-racing titles, the star is the player's best friend. It gives them a proper boost and a limited feeling of unstoppable power. If it's not broke, don't fix it.
1 MEGA MUSHROOM
Originating in the Mario Party series but finding a more than warm welcome in the platformers, the Mega Mushroom is a power-up that puts even the Super Star to shame. Upon touching this massive pizza topping, Mario increases in size to titanic proportions, crushing, stomping, and crashing everything in his way. The previously mentioned Super Star does give the player limited immunity, but it does not pack the destructive force of the Mega Mushroom.
Gracing the side-scrollers for the first time in New Super Mario Bros. DS, the mushroom made it known that this wasn't mom and dad's Mario. With this power-up, the player is truly unstoppable. The feeling of victory when this thing appears is simply and ridiculously palpable. Whether in the kingdom or on the racetrack, nothing gets in the way of our number one pick.