Lightning (obstacle)
| Lightning | |
|---|---|
 A lightning bolt from Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! | |
| First appearance | Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! (1996) |
| Latest appearance | Super Mario Bros. Wonder (2023) |
Lightning appears in the Super Mario franchise as a highly dangerous electrical atmospheric phenomenon appearing in some games as an obstacle. Many related items have also appeared, such as the Lightning originating in the Mario Kart series and the Thunder Bolt and Thunder Rage from the Paper Mario series. It has also been used as a projectile by enemies including Pikkarikun, Ruff Puffs such as Huff N. Puff, certain Lakitus such as Lakithunder and King Lakitu, and the Ruined Dragon, as well as other characters such as Mallow.
History[edit]
Donkey Kong Country series[edit]
Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble![edit]
In Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! and its Game Boy Advance remake, lightning appears in the stage Lightning Look-Out. It flashes briefly at the top of the screen, striking a moment later. The Kongs are hurt if it touches them, but various entities can be used to shield from it. Barrels and yellow Knik-Knaks held by Dixie Kong as well as flying green Buzzes block a single strike, being knocked off-screen after being hit. Red Buzzes are immune, and as such standing under one acts as a stable shelter. If the Kongs are swimming and lightning strikes the water, the lead Kong is electrocuted regardless of position.
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze[edit]
In Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, Lightning Bolts[1] return in Frantic Fields with a similar behavior to before. Rather than flashing before striking, a thin column of cyan light marks where it will appear. It can no longer be blocked, and is one of the few things capable of hurting Rambi.
Super Mario series[edit]
Super Mario Run[edit]
Lightning with an effect on gameplay also appears in the Super Mario Run level, Dark and Stormy. It strikes at frequent intervals, causing all Boos on-screen to vanish and release a coin each. It does not affect playable characters directly.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder[edit]
Lightning reappears in Super Mario Bros. Wonder in Downpour Uproar's and The Final Test Wonder Gauntlet's Wonder Effects, as well as a portion of the credits sequence. Lightning appears as a hazard, being zigzagged, and damages the player if struck or, in the case of the credits sequence, causes them to lose points.
Gallery[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ von Esmarch, Nick, and Cory van Grier. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze Prima Official Game Guide. "Important Items and Objects" tab, "Hazards" subtab.
