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PodobooSMG2

Podoboo as seen in Super Mario Galaxy 2.

Podoboos[1][2][3][4][5][6] (also known as Fire Podoboos, Lava Bubbles[7][8], or Fire Bubbles) are living fireballs that emerge from lava. They are commonly depicted as a large fireball with two black eyes or also as only a large fireball. Podoboos mainly appear in the Mario platformers but occasionally appear in several Mario sub-series, such as the Mario Party series, the Mario Kart series, and more. In the main series, Podoboos can only be destroyed by using a Starman, Gold Flower, Hammer Suit, Penguin Suit, or an Ice Flower. Their fiery nature renders them immune to the regular Fire Flower. Touching a Podoboo will also scorch Mario or Luigi.

History[]

Super Mario series[]

Super Mario Bros.[]

Podoboos first appeared in Super Mario Bros., as fireballs that would jump out of the lava every few seconds in an attempt to burn Mario whenever the plumber tried to jump over them, their first appearance is in World 2-4. In this game, they only appear in castles, and are completely invincible; not even a Starman can defeat them. In the game's instruction booklet, Podoboos are described as the bodyguards of Bowser.

Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels[]

In Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels, Podoboos reappear and act as they did in Super Mario Bros., and are still primarily found in castles. However, one of them can also be found in World 9-4 between the katakana characters "ト" and "ウ" in the word "アリガトウ" (arigatou, meaning "thank you" in Japanese) that is formed by blocks. Once again, Podoboos are completely invincible and just like the last game, they first appear in 2-4.

Super Mario Bros. 3[]

Like many other enemies from the previous games, Podoboos appear in Super Mario Bros. 3. Also, in World 5-Fortress 2, there are some Podoboos that jump out of lava on the ceiling. Podoboos can only be defeated with the Tanooki Suit's statue mode, the Hammer Suit, or a Starman (unlike in their debut game where they were invincible). Podoboos are also more common in this game than in the previous and they're more red.

Super Mario World[]

In Super Mario World , they are sometimes called Fire Bubbles in the player's guide for the game. It is also the first time in the series Podoboos are shown to have eyes. They again appear in castle levels, where they act the same as in their previous appearances; they simply jump out of the lava in an attempt to burn Mario. In this game, their jumps are slower and sometimes not as high. Also, there are some Podoboos are now found outside the lava at all times, bouncing around the rooms of castles as an additional obstacle. These Podoboos are called "Zigzag Podoboos" due to their zigzagging nature. This role is similar to Boo Buddy Snakes in Ghost Houses and the Red Fireballs found in the Mario Bros. game. If a Zigzag Podoboo falls in the lava, they never come back out.

Super Mario 64/Super Mario 64 DS[]

In Super Mario 64 and its remake, Podoboos are rare, only appearing in Lethal Lava Land. They jump out of the lava horizontally and bounce on the bridges, then they come back to the lava. They are indestructible, and if Mario touches one, it causes him to uncontrollably run on fire and lose three wedges of health, like all other fiery enemies or obstacles. In the remake only Yoshi can defeat a Podoboo, Yoshi can eat a Podoboo, causing him to spit out fire. In the final battle with Bowser, Bowser will spit out flames which resemble Podoboos which bounce around the arena.

New Super Mario Bros.[]

In New Super Mario Bros., Podoboos once againappear as enemies in the World 1-Castle, World 4-Castle, World 6-Castle, World 8-Castle, World 8-5, and Bowser's Castle acting like they do in Super Mario Bros.. In this game, they once again lack eyes.

Super Mario Galaxy[]

Though Podoboos themselves do not appear in Super Mario Galaxy, a blue sub-species called the Lava Bouncer does. This sub-species acts in a similar pattern to regular Podoboos, but instead bounce along the ground trying to scorch Mario (or Luigi). Also, fiery comets appear in a few galaxies, like Melty Molten Galaxy and Bowser's Galaxy Reactor.

New Super Mario Bros. Wii[]

In New Super Mario Bros. Wii, Podoboos appear in many boss castles, acting like they did in New Super Mario Bros.. They could commonly be found in World 8 as an enemy. They have eyes in this game being the first "modern" mainstream game where they possess eyes. Podoboos. Additionally, the Podoboos can be defeated by using an Ice Flower's or Penguin Suit's Ice Balls, or by running into one while using a Starman. They first appear in Roy's Castle in World 2 right at the beginning; they continue to appear in the castles of World 5, World 6 and World 8. They are also found as enemies in the World 8 Enemy Course. In the course, the jump out of the lava in various patterns.

Super Mario Galaxy 2[]

Podobooss reappeared in the game Super Mario Galaxy 2, appearing as obstacles in galaxies with lava, as well as in Bowser's galaxies. Just as in the previous installments, Podoboos jump out of the lava trying to hit Mario (or Luigi). Also, in Bowser's Gravity Gauntlet, in a place in which there are many lava pits, there are Podoboos that jump from one lava pit into another nearby lava pit. Podoboos are also seen in the Melty Monster Galaxy. The Lava Bouncers from the first Super Mario Galaxy also appear in this game. Also, unlike the Lava Bouncers, Podoboos don't have eyes in this game.

Super Mario 3D Land[]

Podoboos return in Super Mario 3D Land, where they mainly appear in castle stages, and, like in the previous games, they act as obstacles that jump out of the lava in order to hit Mario or Luigi, they first appear in World 1's Castle and later appear in World 5's. They are more common in World 8 however. In this game, Podoboos are more durable can only be defeated while the Bros. are under the effects of a Starman or an Invincibility Leaf. This is also the first 3D game where Podoboos have eyes.

New Super Mario Bros. 2[]

Podoboos reappear in the Nintendo 3DS title New Super Mario Bros. 2, again inhabiting castles, and attacking in the same way. In this game, a different kind of Podoboo also appears. These have the capability of jumping out of lava pits in a diagonal pattern and resemble flames rather than fireballs. The Gold Flower can be used to defeat a Podoboo this time.

New Super Mario Bros. U[]

Podoboos reappear in the Wii U title New Super Mario Bros. U, where they act just as they have in the previous Mario games. In this game, Podoboos appear commonly in Castles and Lava Caverns. They can also jump in various different patterns in this game as well.

New Super Luigi U[]

Podoboos make a return in New Super Luigi U, where they have retain the same role as in the original game and appear in almost the same levels as in, New Super Mario Bros. U. However, a sideways flying variation appears, which leap from one side of a lava pool to another in a curve.

Super Mario 3D World[]

Podoboos reappear in Super Mario 3D World where they act just like they did in Super Mario 3D Land and are commonly found in lava-themed levels. Blue Podoboos also appear in this game returning fromSuper Princess Peach

Super Mario Maker/Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS/Super Mario Maker 2[]

Podoboos reappear in Super Mario Maker, Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS, and Super Mario Maker 2. In these games, they are placable enemies just like others such as Goombas and Koopa Troopas. They can be placed in lava as always but this time, they can be set to come out of Warp Pipes and ? Blocks, or be shot by Bill Blasters and tossed down by Lakitus. Giving one wings will make it fly diagonally like the Zigzag Podoboos from Super Mario World. Additionally, while under the effects of a Super Mushroom, Podoboos become "Big Podoboos" seem to resemble Lava Drops from Yoshi series games. In these games, Podoboos are referred to as "Lava Bubbles", similarly, the Blurp is referred to as a Cheep-Cheep.

Super Mario Run[]

Vertically leaping Podoboos appear in Castle levels in Super Mario Run. Otherwise indestructible, they can only be defeated when Mario is under the effect of a Starman. Each supplies players with a +3 coin bonus when in Toad Rally. A sub-species called Poison Podoboo also appears. Instead of leaping from lava, this creature leaps out from poisonous swamps.

Super Mario Odyssey[]

Podoboos reappear in Super Mario Odyssey, where they are found in the Luncheon Kingdom, the Lost Kingdom, the Mushroom Kingdom, and the Darker Side. Unlike most enemies, their eye color does not change when they are captured by Mario; they instead gain his nose, eyebrows, and mustache. When being controlled by Mario and Cappy, Mario can only travel through lava. When in lava, Mario can jump by pressing B, and dash by pressing Leftstick and Y. While having captured a Podoboo, Mario can also ride Lava Plumes and use them to gain extra heigh If Mario jumps on a Magmato, a puddle of lava is formed, allowing Mario to traverse on the ground. Jumping in pots causes them to heat up, releasing a Power Moon. Touching the ground while controlling a Podoboo causes it to dissipate and Mario to return to normal. Podoboos also appear in an 8-bit section in the Cloud Kingdom. There are also objects seen in the Luncheon Kingdom and the Darker Side known as lava cannons that will launch Mario to another area of the kingdom when jumped into as a Podoboo.

Super Mario Bros.: Peach-hime Kyushutsu Dai Sakusen![]

Podoboos make a brief appearance in Super Mario Bros.: Peach-hime Kyushutsu Dai Sakusen!, when the Goombas pull a switch which sends Mario and Kibidango onto platforms that move up and down over lava; it is at this point where Podoboos began attacking them both, trying to knock the heroes into the lava below. Fortunately for Mario and Kibidango, Luigi accidentally breaks a hole in the ceiling while looking for Coins; the room above is filled with water, so the hole that Luigi creates starts a flood in the area, presumably killing the Podoboos.

Nintendo Adventure Books[]

Some Podoboos appear in the Magma Pits in Koopa Capers, hopping in and out of a lava pool Luigi can try and cross using protruding rocks as stepping stones. If Luigi decides to wait before jumping, he will make it, but if he jumps immediately, he will only pass the first three Podoboos, and collide with the fourth, who notably speaks, taunting Luigi by responding to his "I'm pretty hot stuff!" remark with "Not as hot as me."

The Legend of Zelda series[]

Podoboos are one of several Mario enemies to appear in The Legend of Zelda series, specifically appearing in The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening, The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons, The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages, and Cadence of Hyrule: Crypt of the NecroDancer featuring The Legend of Zelda.

Yoshi series[]

Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island[]

Podoboos appear in Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island and its remake Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3. They share the same behavioral patterns as in Super Mario World. In this game, Podoboos can be eaten by Yoshis, giving them the power of the red watermelon: the ability to spit fire.

Yoshi's Story[]

A similar species to Podoboos (referred to as Spark Spooks) reappear in Yoshi's Story. They act as they did in Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island, but cannot be eaten. They appear the levels Blargg's Boiler and Magma Castle. There is another variant in this game, known as Lava Ghosts.

Yoshi's Island DS[]

Podoboos appear once more in Yoshi's Island DS. They act identically to their role in Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island.

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars[]

In Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, a similar species to the Podoboo (referred to as a Sparky) are encountered in the Coal Mines and the optionally-traversed Pipe Vault, harassing Mario and others by blocking their path. In battle, they hover in the air.

In battle, a Sparky attacks by spinning its body into one of Mario's party members. A Sparky can also use the special attack drain, which allows the flame creature to shoot a small fire orb at a party member. Needless to say, fire is ineffective against Sparkies. However, despite being made of fire, Mario can surprisingly use jump attacks on Sparkies. Sparkies typically fight in groups of one to three.

They were first seen at the beginning of the game, during Mario's initial rescue attempt in Bowser's Keep. However, these Sparkies did not attack; they merely jumped out of the lava as Mario walked by.

Paper Mario series[]

Paper Mario[]

In Paper Mario, Lava Bubbles appear as common enemies in Mt. Lavalava. Because of their fiery bodies, they can not be jumped on; Mario can only harm them with hammer-based attacks, unless he has a Fire Shield or Ice Power badge equipped. In this game, Lava Bubbles are weak to water and ice. Lava Bubble can do two attacks. Their main attack is jumping on Mario but the other attack is that Lava Bubbles can damage Mario's partner which can cause Mario's partner to gain the injured status effect but Mario's partner can avoid getting Injured by blocking the attack. This also takes up the Lava Bubble's turn. A stronger, blue-colored variety of Lava Bubble, called Embers, appear as enemies in Star Way.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door[]

In Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, they can be found in the Pirate's Grotto as well as in the Pit of 100 Trials. Mario has to attack them with his hammer since, obviously, they cannot be jumped on. However, if he is equipped with an Ice Power badge, he can jump on them without taking damage. In this game, they attack by getting close to either Mario or the partner, and burning them with their body, causing 4 damage. They can also spit fireballs that hit either Mario or his partner. These fireballs cause only 3 damage, but they can set Mario (or his partner) on fire. Ice and explosions are their main weakness. Also, one character refers to them as "ghosts". If hit by a fire attack (such as Vivian's Fiery Jinx), they will either duplicate or restore HP.

Super Paper Mario[]

In Super Paper Mario, they jump out of lava pits in The Underwhere, just as they do in the main series; however, they can be damaged in this game. The player can use Carrie to jump on them, use Boomer to explode on them, hit them with Cudge, or hit them with Barry. Visually, their flames are no longer slanted, and they don't flip over at the top of their jump as in previous Mario games.

Paper Mario: Sticker Star[]

Podoboos also appear in Paper Mario: Sticker Star for the Nintendo 3DS. However, they only appear in the stage Bowser's Sky Castle, during the third phase of the Bowser battle. As soon as Mario approaches Bowser in a lava-filled area of the final hallway, the Bubbles can be seen jumping up and down in the lava. When it is Bowser's turn to attack, he lifts his pointer finger in the air, and ten Podoboos are sent towards Mario. They each deal two points of damage to Mario. Only the first Podoboos can be blocked, but Mario is helpless against the nine that follow. However, they have a weakness.

The only way to harm the Podoboos is with a Thing Sticker with cold or freezing properties. An example of one such sticker is the Refrigerator. After using the Sticker, the Podoboos are frozen. Using a wind Thing Sticker like the fan make Bowser and the Podoboos fly in the air. Bowser falls, and all 10 Podoboos will fall on Bowser doing 10 damage each. However, more Podoboos will spawn after a few turns.

Paper Mario: Color Splash[]

Podoboos return in Paper Mario: Color Splash. They have three forms: a "normal" version, a black paint version known as a Black Paint Ghost, and an 8-bit version, the latter of which is only shown in the course dedicated to Super Mario Bros. 3, Green Energy Plant. In Redpepper Volcano, a Snifit can be seen teaching a Fire Bro. how to aim his fireballs, using a Podoboo as a target.

Outside battle, normal Podoboos come out from lava, chase Mario and after some seconds come back to the lava if they don't make it to hit him.

There is also a Big Podoboos in Redpepper Crater that serves as a mini-boss. A Shy Guy translates what he says to Mario while battling and when confronting him.

Mario Party series[]

In most Mario Party titles, Podoboos appear as Orbs.

Mario Party[]

In the minigame Hot Rope Jump, players are required to jump over a rope made up of many Podoboos. Contestants must jump over the flaming rope twenty times. If one fails to do so, they will lose fifteen Coins five of those Coins will be given to each opposing player. If all players complete the minigame successfully, everyone will receive ten Coins.

Mario Party 2[]

The Hot Rope Jump minigame returns in Mario Party 2. This time, contestants start by jumping over slow, blue Podoboos five times. After five jumps, the Podoboos turn orange and move more swiftly. The rope will keep twirling until only one contestant remains. The winning contestant gains ten Coins.

Mario Party 3[]

In this game, Podoboos appear in the battle minigame, All Fired Up. Here the player must avoid them in an attempt to be the last one standing; this is the only way to win the minigame. They also appear as obstacles in Treadmill Grill, and are targets in Hyper Hydrants.

Mario Party 4[]

Podoboos also appear in Mario Party 4. They are only found in Bowser's Gnarly Party jumping out of the lava.

Mario Party 5[]

In the minigame, Heat Stroke, Podoboos would land on the platforms the three players were on, making it more difficult for them.

The Bubble Capsule is introduced, which advances the player forward 10 spaces.

Mario Party 6[]

In the minigame, Daft Rafts, Podoboos act as obstacles on some of the rafts. They appear only during the nighttime, in groups. The item from the previous game also returns, known as the Podoboo Orb.

Mario Party Advance[]

In Mario Party Advance, Podoboos appear as obstacles in the minigame, Go-go Pogo. They attack in the same way as in Super Mario Bros., causing the player to lose the minigame if it touches them.

Mario Party 8[]

In Mario Party 8, the minigame Lava or Leave 'Em requires contestants to dodge a Podoboo that splits into many other Podoboos. Also, when the player lands on a Bowser Space in Goomba's Booty Boardwalk, Bowser appears and surrounds the player with three Podoboos. The player will have to jump in order to avoid them as they move towards the center (in an attempt to burn the player); the player must continue to do this for ten seconds. The Podoboos only try to hurt the player three times. If the player touches one, they will lose ten Coins (therefore, the maximum number of coins that can be lost is thirty Coins).

Mario Party 9[]

Some Podoboos jump off the magma in Magma Mine. A Mini Star constellation based on them can be found at the Museum, the constellation is called Fireballs.

Mario Party: Island Tour[]

Podoboos appear in Mario Party: Island Tour in a few minigames. They also appear jumping from the lava on the Bowser's Peculiar Peak board.

Mario Party 10[]

Podoboos reappear in Mario Party 10 in Chaos Castle as an obstacle. If the player gets hit by one they will lose Mini Stars.

Mario Party: Star Rush[]

Podoboos return in Mario Party: Star Rush as usable items in Coinathlon, stunning the player for a few seconds as well as removing coins and Item Boxes when used.

Mario Party: The Top 100[]

The Heat Stroke minigame returns in Mario Party: The Top 100, where the roles of Podoboos are identical to those in Mario Party 5.

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga/Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions[]

In Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga and its remake, they appeared as obstacles in a side-scrolling area in Bowser's Castle.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong series[]

Mario vs. Donkey Kong[]

In Mario vs. Donkey Kong, Podoboos appear as obstacles in Fire Mountain.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis[]

In Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis, Podoboos appear as obstacles in Lava Dome. They can also be placed in the Construction Zone in the Lava Dome Kit and Special Kits 2 and 3.

Mario Superstar Baseball[]

Podoboos reappear in this game, but only in Bowser Castle. First they would jump out of the lava pond and then they would land on the player and cause them to lose the ball. The players themselves would catch on fire and run around for a second, disallowing control over them.

Mario Kart series[]

Throughout various Bowser's Castle courses in the series, Podoboos appear as obstacles.

Super Princess Peach[]

In Super Princess Peach, Podoboos could be encountered in Fury Volcano and Bowser's Villa, where they behave in the same manner as in previous games. There is also a blue variant that appears in Bowser's Villa. These ones hover above blue lava, and when Princess Peach approaches a torch, it slowly follows after her. Peach must lead them to the unlit torches, as lighting all of them in a room will open up certain doorways. Like Beach Koopas, Boo Man Bluff Mobs, and Security Thwomps, the blue variants do not appear in the in-game glossary.

Mario Sports Mix[]

Podoboos also make an appearance in the Wii game Mario Sports Mix, where teams must avoid losing possession in the Bowser's Castle court. If one team member touches it, they will get burned.

Profiles and statistics[]

Super Mario Run[]

  • Notebook Bio: "An enemy that leaps up from the lava. Some of these guys can jump really high into the air!"

Subspecies[]

  • Blue Podoboo - A blue flame ball with eyes that can jump out of blue lava and follow you out of the lava. So far this Podoboo has only been seen in Super Princess Peach and Mario Party 2.
  • Zigzag Podoboos - Podoboos from Super Mario World that are found in the air. They bounce off the level's surfaces. In Super Mario Maker, Podoboos behave like this when they are given wings.
  • Big Podoboos - Originally only found in the first 3 Mario Parties, they were implemented in Super Mario Maker when a Mushroom is given to a Podoboos
  • Sparky - A Podoboo-like flame that resides in the Sewers
  • Spark Spook - A lava ghost found in Yoshi's Story.
  • Podoboo Cog - A rotating fiery chain of Podoboos turning around a Cog.
  • Fire Snakes
  • Lava Bubble, Ember and Phantom Ember - Paper Mario enemies found in the first two games

Trivia[]

References[]

  1. Super Mario Bros. English instruction booklet, page 14.
  2. Nintendo Power Volume 13, page 9.
  3. Super Princess Peach Glossary
  4. Mario Kart Wii Guide pg. 34
  5. Internal Filename for many games including the NSMB series and MPS
  6. Descriptions in most Mario Party games (except Mario Party 10 and Mario Party: Star Rush)
  7. Super Mario Maker description
  8. Paper Mario: Color Splash USA description
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