Pile Driver Micro-Goomba

A Pile Driver Micro-Goomba in The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3.

Pile Driver Micro-Goombas are a special variety of Micro-Goomba that hide in Brick Blocks. They have only appeared in Super Mario Bros. 3. These Micro-Goombas are quite strong for their size, as they are able to jump extremely high and long while lifting the much larger Brick Block. The Pile Driver Micro-Goomba is also resistant to fire attacks, as it is protected by its Brick Block (which cannot normally be destroyed by fire as well). While their Mugger Micro-Goomba cousins can only slow down the Mario Bros., Pile Driver Micro-Goombas can directly damage the heroic plumbers.

Pile Driver Micro-Goombas first appeared in World 2-1, the first area of Desert Land, and were a staple enemy in the various desert levels throughout the rest of the game. In these levels, Pile Driver Micro-Goombas were typically hidden among normal Brick Blocks, although some stayed out in the open. When a Mario brother approached the hidden Micro-Goomba, the creature would jump high in the air and attempt to crush the hero. However, a Pile Driver Micro-Goomba would lift its Brick Block a couple of times before jumping, providing the plumber with enough time to dodge the upcoming attack. The Mario Bros. could destroy these enemies by stomping the block-shielded Goomba, hitting the creature with the Raccoon tail, or by tossing a Koopa Shell at the tiny Goomba.

Pile Driver Micro-Goombas can be distinguished from their surroundings. Regular Brick Blocks glisten, Pile Driver Micro-Goombas' Brick Blocks do not. Also, the Pile Driver Micro-Goomba's Brick Block is slightly smaller.

Although they're unrelated, Blockhoppers from New Super Mario Bros. are fairly similar to Pile Driver Micro-Goombas.