Dolphin
| Dolphin | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 In-game artwork of a Dolphin from Dr. Mario World | |||
| First appearance | Super Mario World (1990) | ||
| Latest appearance | Mario Party Superstars (cameo) (2021) | ||
| |||
- “Want to ride the Dolphin Shuttle? Travel 20 spaces for 15 coins right now!”
- —Dolphin, Mario Party 8
Dolphins are a species in Super Mario World. They are goggle-wearing cetaceans serving as platforms that leap out of the water, helping Mario and Luigi reach items and avoid enemies. In other Super Mario media, Dolphins typically appear as background elements, though they have more prominent roles throughout the Mario Party series and a particular Dolphin even had a playable role in Dr. Mario World.
History[edit]
Super Mario World / Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2[edit]
Dolphins are encountered in Vanilla Secret 3 and in a hidden area near the end of Chocolate Island 1 in Super Mario World. They are used as platforms to cross a body of water populated by Porcu-Puffers. They jump in and out of water either vertically or in parabolic arcs. In the Japanese version of Super Mario World, Yoshi can eat the Dolphins. This was changed in Western versions of the original Super Mario World, but was retained in all versions of Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2. They also appear in the opening sequence of Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2.
Super Mario World television series[edit]
In the Super Mario World television series, Dolphins appear only in the episode "Mama Luigi". Seeing that Luigi and Yoshi are being attacked by a Torpedo Ted, two Dolphins decide to help them by letting them ride on their backs. Evading the Torpedo Ted, the Dolphins drop Luigi and Yoshi off at a nearby beach. After being thanked by Luigi, the two friendly Dolphins leap back into the water, cheering happily.
Nintendo Adventure Books[edit]
A Dolphin is featured on the cover of Dinosaur Dilemma, and artwork of one is used in the book, but none appear in the actual story. An equally friendly sub-species of them, the micro-dolphins, is discovered to be living inside Yoshi in Unjust Desserts.
Super Mario-kun[edit]
Dolphins appear in the second chapter of the second volume of Super Mario-kun as allies. When the Mekakuppa attacks Mario, Luigi and Yoshi at Vanilla Dome, it creates a hole in the roof, flooding the dome with the water of Vanilla Secret 3. Dolphins come down with the water and offer to help the three heroes to escape by making them ride their backs and swim over the waterfall, reaching the surface. Mario then proceeds to clog the hole, trapping (briefly) the Mekakuppa in the dome and then proceeds to thank the Dolphins, along with saving them from Yoshi (who kept trying to eat them).
Mario Party series[edit]
Mario Party 4[edit]
A Dolphin appears in Koopa's Seaside Soiree in Mario Party 4, where he will let the character played as get on his back while he swims through the water. The character can Jump to get Coins this Dolphin swims by on the trip.
Mario Party Advance[edit]
- “Hello, ladies and germs! Enjoy the show!”
- —Dolphin, Mario Party Advance
A Dolphin is met in the Shroom City mode of Mario Party Advance. When encountered at the Mario Vaudeville, he glumly asks if the player could listen to his story. If accepted, he explains that he is a (self-proclaimed) good comedian, but has had difficulty to get any gigs. Because people do not laugh at his jokes, he does not have any confidence, leading him to ask if they could listen to his routine. He asks them to laugh whenever he tells a joke, in the hopes of getting someone else to watch him. After going through his routine, they end up amassing a crowd of Dolphins around him. Dolphin proudly states that he is a comic genius, thanks to the player's help, and gives them the Snow Globe Gaddget. He was also one of the three suspects who was around the area when Shroomlock was dragged off Sushi Cliff. When interrogated, he claimed that he was not responsible for anything, "cross [his] fins". The ending credits state that he has since become a massively popular TV star.
Mario Party 5[edit]
A Dolphin shows up in the Undersea Dream if the player lands on the Green Space on the sunken ship in Mario Party 5.
Mario Party 7[edit]
Some Dolphins can be seen jumping out of the water in the file select screen in Mario Party 7.
Mario Party 8[edit]
Dolphins, also referred to as Dolphin Shuttles, play an important role in the board Goomba's Booty Boardwalk in Mario Party 8. The player character can pay them a certain number of coins depending on what place they are in, allowing them to take a ride on the Dolphin's back and advance a number of spaces.
Mario Party 9[edit]
Dolphins are board features in Mario Party 9. They are encountered in Blooper Beach. On the first half of the board, a Dolphin is the first active sea creature when a party is started, being six spaces away at first. They advance two spaces every turn, and if the player lands on or catches up to the dolphin while captain, the Dolphin gives them 5 Mini Stars. Dolphins also appear when the player lands on a Lucky Space near the end of the board. Landing on one of them results in a trio of Dolphins leading the player to an island with several Mini Stars. Additionally, during the minigame Ring Leader, the players ride Dolphins to jump through hoops.
Mario Party: The Top 100[edit]
A Dolphin makes a cameo appearance in the Collection mode of Mario Party: The Top 100, appearing on Mario Party 9's box art.
Mario Party Superstars[edit]
Similarly to Mario Party: The Top 100, the sole appearance of a Dolphin in Mario Party Superstars is as a cameo on the Mario Party 9 box art, in the Data House. Players can choose Mario Party 9 as their favorite game, causing the box art to appear on it.
Mario Kart series[edit]
Mario Kart Wii[edit]
While no Dolphins themselves appear in Mario Kart Wii, a medium-sized bike called the Dolphin Dasher is based off of a Dolphin.
Mario Kart Arcade GP DX[edit]
Dolphins are background elements in Mario Kart Arcade GP DX. They can be seen jumping out of the water in the Splash Circuit and Tropical Coast stages. A kart based off Dolphins called the Turbo Dolphin appears in the game.
Mario Kart 8 / Mario Kart 8 Deluxe[edit]
In Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, there is a banner with Dolphin artwork from Super Mario World on it found in Toad Harbor. Also, Dolphin Shoals features Dolphins that act similarly to those in Mario Kart Arcade GP DX, as well as Dolphin-shaped hill structures. In Sunshine Airport, this course can be seen listed on the signboards in the terminal next to other courses.
Mario Kart Tour[edit]
A Dolphin appears on a badge in Mario Kart Tour. Additionally, a Mii Racing Suit based on the Dolphin was added in the Ocean Tour as part of Wave 11 of the Mii suits, with the Dash Ring as its special skill. A kart based on a Dolphin, named Dolphin Drifter, is also added in the Vacation Tour.
Mario Golf: World Tour[edit]
Dolphins are background characters in Mario Golf: World Tour. They can be seen swimming around in the background of Cheep Cheep Lagoon.
Mario Playing Cards[edit]
A Dolphin appears on the three of clubs in the NAP-06 deck of the Super Mario Bros. 30th Anniversary release of the Mario Playing Cards.
Dr. Mario World[edit]
Dolphins appear in Dr. Mario World as assistants. Their stage mode effect increases the player's base score for every blue virus that are eliminated. Their versus mode effect grants a chance one of the viruses that appear is transformed into an exploder when all viruses in the player's play area are eliminated. The amount of points gained and the chance of an exploder appearing are increased at higher levels, starting from 50 points and 20% respectively to 200 points and 100% respectively.
A Dolphin also appears as a playable character under the name Dr. Dolphin, marking the first time a Dolphin has been playable in any Super Mario game. His skill effect is the same as Dr. Bowser Jr.'s in that in stage mode an amount of bubbles are popped, while in versus mode viruses are covered inside bubbles. The amount of bubbles or viruses targeted are fewer than Dr. Bowser Jr.'s skill, where Dr. Dolphin's skill pops 4 bubbles (3 prior to version 2.2.0) as opposed to Dr. Bowser Jr.'s 10, while in versus mode at maximum level, Dr. Dolphin covers up to 6 viruses inside bubbles as opposed to Dr. Bowser Jr.'s maximum of 10. To compensate, his skill charges faster compared to Dr. Bowser Jr.'s.
Other appearances[edit]
In the Super Mario Mash-up of Minecraft, regular dolphins are reskinned as Dolphins from the Super Mario franchise.
Profiles and statistics[edit]
Super Mario World[edit]
- Instruction booklet description:
- English:
Don't worry, these guys aren't enemies; they help Mario cross water. A useful shoal of dolphin look alikes![1]
- English:
Perfect Ban Mario Character Daijiten[edit]
| リフトン (JP) / Dolphin (EN) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 | |||
| Original text (Japanese) | Translation | ||
| アクア |
Tribe | Aqua clan | |
| やさしい、 |
Disposition | Gentle, cheerful | |
| ワールド | Game appearances | World | |
| Cheerful and friendly dolphin Helpful characters that swim in groups. Some jump vertically, while others jump left and right. Since there are many of them, you need to move around them and move on. | |||
Dr. Mario World[edit]
Doctor[edit]
| Image | Abilities | Attack | Speed | Defense | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
 15% |
 15% |
 10% |
 10% | |||
| Stage Mode | Versus Mode | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Level | Speed | Description | Speed |
| 1 | 24 | Hides viruses (1) in opponent's stage in bubbles. | 32 |
| 2 | 22 | Hides viruses (2) in opponent's stage in bubbles. | 32 |
| 3 | 20 | Hides viruses (3) in opponent's stage in bubbles. | 32 |
| 4 | 19 | Hides viruses (4) in opponent's stage in bubbles. | 32 |
| 5 | 18 | Hides viruses (6) in opponent's stage in bubbles. | 32 |
Assistant[edit]
- Stage mode: Increases base score by 50/70/100/150/200 points for every blue virus eliminated.
- Versus mode: If all viruses in your stage are eliminated, grants 20%/40%/60%/80%/100% chance an exploder will appear.
- Dr. Mario World Twitter: Yellow: "The second doctor coming May 28, 2 AM PT is Dr. Dolphin! This kind doctor will let you ride on their back when you're in a pinch. Just be careful not to let your bag get wet...and please don't hurt me."[3]
Gallery[edit]
Artwork from Super Mario World
Artwork from Super Mario World
Mario Undōkai trading card
Kellogg's board game on the back of a cereal box
Super Mario World television series (unused animation cel)
Original Story illustration story, from Nintendo Kōshiki Guidebook – Yoshi's Egg
Sprite from Mario Family
Dialogue portrait from Mario Party 4
Mario Party Advance
Mario Party Advance
Dialogue portrait from Mario Party 8
Sprite from Mario Party 9
Model from Mario Kart 8
Artwork from Mario Golf: World Tour
Asset from Dr. Mario World
Asset from Dr. Mario World
Asset from Dr. Mario World
Asset from Dr. Mario World
Dr. Mario World (emblem)
Mario Kart Tour Mii Racing Suit
Mario Kart Tour Mii Racing Suit
Badge from Mario Kart Tour
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Mii Racing Suit)
Artwork used for a Super Mario puzzle.
Artwork used for a Super Mario puzzle.
Artwork used for a Super Mario Christmas-themed puzzle
Super Mario Game Picture Book 3: Mario and Yoshi
Super Mario Picture Book with Peel-and-Release Stickers 3: Dolphin's Ball
Super Mario Picture Book with Peel-and-Release Stickers 3: Dolphin's Ball
Super Mario Picture Book with Peel-and-Release Stickers 3: Dolphin's Ball
Super Mario Picture Book with Peel-and-Release Stickers 3: Dolphin's Ball
Super Mario Picture Book with Peel-and-Release Stickers 3: Dolphin's Ball
Super Mario Picture Book with Peel-and-Release Stickers 3: Dolphin's Ball
Illustration of Delphinus from Nintendo Co., Ltd.'s LINE account
Names in other languages[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese | リフトン[4] Rifuton |
Lifton; from "lift" | |
| イルカ[?] Iruka |
Dolphin | Mario Party Advance | |
| リフトンタクシー[?] Rifuton Takushī |
Lifton Taxi | Mario Party 8 | |
| Chinese (simplified) | 蓝海豚[?] Lán Hǎitún |
Blue Dolphin | |
| Chinese (traditional) | 便車海豚[?] Biànchē Hǎitún |
Taxi Dolphin | |
| French | Dauphin[?] | Dolphin | |
| German | Delphin[5] | Dolphin | Super Mario World |
| Italian | Delfì[?] | From delfino ("dolphin") | |
| Korean | 리프튼[?] Ripeuteun |
From the Japanese name | |
| Portuguese | Golfinho[?] | Dolphin | |
| Romanian | Delfin[6] | Dolphin | Super Mario World television series |
| Spanish | Delfín[?] | Dolphin |
Trivia[edit]
- Blurps, Bubs, Mantas, and Jumbo Rays wear similar goggles to Dolphins. Additionally, in Super Mario 64 DS, Dorrie was redesigned with elements seemingly influenced by the Dolphins. This design is the basis for all of Dorrie's subsequent appearances.
- The rival character Guppy from Super Mario Galaxy was initially envisioned as one of the Dolphins from Super Mario World. However, as his role was finalized as an intimidating bully with a wild nature, they shifted his design to that of the new orca character seen in the final game.[7]
References[edit]
- ^ 1991. Super Mario World instruction booklet (PDF). Nintendo of America (American English). Page 24.
- ^ 1994. 「パーフェクト版 マリオキャラクター大事典」 (Perfect Ban Mario Character Daijiten). Shogakukan (Japanese). Page 231.
- ^ Drmarioworld_EN (May 26, 2020). Post. Twitter (English). Retrieved May 26, 2020.
- ^ Super Mario World Japanese instruction booklet (fold-out)
- ^ Menold, Marcus, Claude M. Moyse, and Andreas G. Kämmerer, editors (1993). Der offizielle Nintendo Spieleberater "Super Mario World". Großostheim: Nintendo of Europe GmbH (German). Page 20.
- ^ May 20, 2015. "Mama Luigi", dubbed in Romanian by KidsCo. Odnoklassniki (OK.ru). Retrieved January 4, 2016.
- ^ Black, Fletcher (November 9, 2007). Super Mario Galaxy: PRIMA Official Game Guide (Collector's Edition). Roseville: Prima Games (American English). ISBN 978-0-7615-5713-5. Page 349.
- Cetaceans
- Underwater creatures
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- Mario Party Advance species
- Super Mario World characters
- Super Mario World (television series)
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