Hard Block: Difference between revisions

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{{more images}}
{{image|more=yes|appearances in the ''Mario Kart'' series}}
{{distinguish|Stone Block}}
{{distinguish|Stone Block|Rock Block}}
{{item-infobox
{{item infobox
|title=Hard Block
|image=[[File:SMM3DS Art - HardBlock.png|160px]]<br>Artwork from ''[[Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS]]''
|image=[[File:SMM2 Hard Block SM3DW icon.png]]<br>A Hard Block in the ''[[Super Mario 3D World]]'' style from ''[[Super Mario Maker 2]]''.
|first_appearance=''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' ([[List of games by date#1985|1985]])
|first_appearance=''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' ([[List of games by date#1985|1985]])
|latest_appearance=''[[Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury]]'' ([[List of games by date#2021|2021]])
|latest_appearance=''[[Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition]]'' ([[List of games by date#2024|2024]])
}}{{quote2|AARGH! I can't hit the [[? Block]]s because those annoying Hard Blocks are in the way.|[[Toad (species)|Purple Toad]]|''[[Super Mario Maker 2]]''}}
}}
{{quote|AARGH! I can't hit the [[? Block]]s because those annoying Hard Blocks are in the way.|[[Toad (species)|Purple Toad]]|''[[Super Mario Maker 2]]''}}


A '''Hard Block''' is one of the many [[block]]s in the ''[[Mario (franchise)|Mario]]'' universe. They are commonly used to make stair-like structures. Unlike [[? Block]]s and [[Brick Block]]s, Hard Blocks cannot contain [[List of items|items]] or [[Coin]]s. [[Mario]] and [[Luigi]] are not normally able to destroy Hard Blocks, but certain methods, such as entering a [[Mega Mario|Mega]] state or using a [[Big Thwomp]], can be used to destroy them.
A '''Hard Block''' (also lowercased)<ref>{{cite|quote=A Bulrush will smash right through hard blocks! You may need to help show it which way to go though.|author=Tip|title=''[[Super Mario Bros. Wonder]]'' by [[Nintendo EPD]]|format=North American Localization|publisher=[[Nintendo|Nintendo of America]]|date=20 Oct. 2023|accessdate=27 Nov. 2024}}</ref> is a type of [[block]] commonly used to make stair-like structures and other platforms. Unlike [[? Block]]s and [[Brick Block]]s, Hard Blocks cannot contain [[List of items|items]] or [[coin]]s (with the exception of ''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]''). [[Mario]] and [[Luigi]] are not normally able to destroy Hard Blocks, but certain methods, such as entering a [[Mega Mario|Mega]] state or using a [[Big Thwomp]], can be used to destroy them.


==History==
==History==
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====''Super Mario Bros.'' / ''Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels''====
====''Super Mario Bros.'' / ''Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels''====
[[File:SMB Hard Block Sprite.png|frame|left]]
[[File:SMB Hard Block Sprite.png|frame|left]]
[[File:SMB NES World 6-1 Screenshot.png|thumb|right|Hard Blocks in ''Super Mario Bros.'']]
The first Hard Blocks appeared in ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' Referred to as '''stairblocks'''<ref>{{cite|author=Sase, Shinji, [[Howard Phillips]], and Lynn Griffes, editors|title=''[[How to win at Super Mario Bros.]]''|format=U.S. Edition|date=1987|location=Redmond|publisher=Tokuma Shoten, [[Nintendo|Nintendo of America]]|isbn=4-19-720003-XC|page=7}}</ref> in the companion book ''[[How to win at Super Mario Bros.]]'', their most notable use is to create stairs at the end of many levels leading to the top of the [[Goal Pole|flagpole]], which itself has a Hard Block as its base. In some levels, they are used to create much more gently-sloped stairs as a minor obstacle. Stairblocks reappear in ''[[Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels]]'' with an identical appearance and purpose. They are also incorporated into ''[[Super Mario Bros. Special]]''.
Hard Blocks make their debut in ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'', and reappear in ''[[Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels]]'' with an identical appearance and purpose. Their most notable use is to create stairs at the end of many levels leading to the top of the [[Goal Pole|flagpole]], which itself has a Hard Block as its base. In some levels, they are used to create much more gently-sloped stairs as a minor obstacle.


====''Super Mario Bros. 3''====
====''Super Mario Bros. 3''====
[[File:SMB3 Wood Block Sprite.png|frame|left]]
[[File:SMB3 Wood Block Sprite.png|frame|right]]
[[File:Wooden Block.png|thumb|left]]
[[File:Wooden Block.png|frame|right]]
Hard Blocks also appear in ''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'', where they are known as '''Wood Blocks'''.<ref>Peterson, Erik. ''Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3'' Player's Guide. Page 31.</ref> Some Wood Blocks are bouncy; these blocks bounce Mario or Luigi away if they run against their sides, and are sometimes found near [[pit]]s as an obstacle. Some of these blocks also hold items, only releasing them if they are bumped into or hit with a [[shell]] or [[Raccoon Mario|tail]] [[Tanooki Mario|whip]].
Hard Blocks also appear in ''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'', where they are known as '''Wood Blocks'''.<ref>{{cite|author=Peterson, Erik|date=2003|title=''Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3'' Player's Guide|page=31|publisher=Nintendo of America|language=en-us|isbn=1930206-37-2}}</ref> Some Wood Blocks are bouncy; these blocks bounce Mario or Luigi away if they run against their sides, and are sometimes found near [[pit]]s as an obstacle. Some of these blocks also hold items, only releasing them if they are bumped into or hit with a [[shell]] or [[Raccoon Mario|tail]] [[Tanooki Mario|whip]]. [[Chain Chomp]]s are usually found attached to Wood Blocks. Larger inert Wood Blocks appear in the fourth world, [[Giant Land]].
 
[[Chain Chomp]]s are usually found attached to Wood Blocks. Larger inert Wood Blocks appear in the fourth world, [[Giant Land]].


In the [[Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3|GBA version]], the Hard Blocks' design from the ''[[Super Mario All-Stars]]'' version of ''Super Mario Bros.'' returns in [[Classic World 1-1]], [[Classic World 1-2]], and [[Classic World 2-2]].
In the [[Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3|GBA version]], the Hard Blocks' design from the ''[[Super Mario All-Stars]]'' version of ''Super Mario Bros.'' returns in [[Classic World 1-1]], [[Classic World 1-2]], and [[Classic World 2-2]].
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====''Super Mario World''====
====''Super Mario World''====
[[File:SMW Hard Block.png|frame|left]]
[[File:SMW Hard Block.png|frame|left]]
Hard Blocks, now called '''Gray Blocks'''<ref>Nintendo ''Mario Mania'' Player's Guide. Page 71.</ref>, appear once again in ''[[Super Mario World]]'' with a different redesign, this time resembling blocks of stone. They reprise their purpose from previous games.{{br}}
Hard Blocks, now called '''Gray Blocks'''<ref>{{cite|title=Nintendo ''[[Mario Mania]]'' Player's Guide|date=August 1991|page=71, 89, 108, 153|language=en-us|publisher=Nintendo of America}}</ref> (alternatively '''gray Block'''<ref>{{cite|title=Nintendo ''Mario Mania'' Player's Guide|page=57|date=August 1991|language=en-us|publisher=Nintendo of America}}</ref> or '''Grey Block'''<ref>{{cite|title=Nintendo ''Mario Mania'' Player's Guide|page=73|date=August 1991|language=en-us|publisher=Nintendo of America}}</ref>), appear once again in ''[[Super Mario World]]'' with a different redesign, this time resembling blocks of stone. They reprise their purpose from previous games.{{br}}
 
====''Super Mario Sunshine''====
Hard Blocks (localized as '''orange blocks'''<ref name>{{cite|author=Averill, Alan, and Jennifer Villarreal|title=''Super Mario Sunshine'' Player's Guide|page=73|location=Redmond|publisher=Nintendo of America|language=en-us|date=2002|isbn=1-930206-23-2}}</ref>) primarily appear in secret courses as platforms and barriers. Many are of atypical shapes (i.e. rectangular or triangular prisms) depending on their purpose. Some shift back and forth. Thin variants appear in "[[The Secret of the Dirty Lake]]" and "[[The Beach Cannon's Secret]]" that function like [[trampoline]]s.


====''New Super Mario Bros.''====
====''New Super Mario Bros.''====
[[File:NSMB Hard Block.png|frame|left]]
[[File:NSMB Hard Block.png|frame|left]]
[[File:3-A NSMB.png|thumb|200px|Hard Blocks in [[World 3-A (New Super Mario Bros.)|World 3-A]] of ''New Super Mario Bros.'']]
Hard Blocks reappear in ''[[New Super Mario Bros.]]'' at the end of most levels. Like in ''Super Mario Bros.'', they are often used as a staircase to reach the flagpole. The flagpole itself has a new [[fortress]]-styled base instead of a Hard Block. If Mario gains a [[Mega Mushroom]] and turns into [[Mega Mario]], he can destroy Hard Blocks simply by running into them. [[Volcanic debris]] can also destroy Hard Blocks.
Hard Blocks reappear in ''[[New Super Mario Bros.]]'' at the end of most levels like in ''Super Mario Bros.'', used as a staircase to reach the flagpole. The flagpole itself has a new [[fortress]]-styled base instead of a Hard Block. If Mario gains a [[Mega Mushroom]] and turns into [[Mega Mario]], he can destroy Hard Blocks simply by running into them. [[Volcanic debris]] can also destroy Hard Blocks.


====''New Super Mario Bros. Wii''====
====''New Super Mario Bros. Wii''====
Hard Blocks reappear in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]'', but only in {{world-link|coin|2|World Coin-2 (New Super Mario Bros. Wii)}}.
[[File:NSMBW World 8-4 Screenshot ALT.png|thumb|Hard Blocks in World 8-4 of ''New Super Mario Bros. Wii'']]
Hard Blocks reappear in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]''. In [[World 8-4 (New Super Mario Bros. Wii)|World 8-4]], a [[Star Coin]] and several [[Blooper]]s are found caged within Hard Blocks, which can be destroyed by pressing a nearby [[? Switch]]. Hard Blocks also appear in {{world-link|coin|2|World Coin-2 (New Super Mario Bros. Wii)}}, a remake of [[World 1-1 (Super Mario Bros.)|World 1-1]] in ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]''


====''Super Mario 3D Land''====
====''Super Mario 3D Land''====
Wood Blocks from ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' return in ''[[Super Mario 3D Land]]'', where they are usually twice as large (like those in Giant Land) and have a more yellow color. Hard Blocks with the design from ''Super Mario Bros.'' return at the end of [[World 2-3 (Super Mario 3D Land)|World 2-3]] and [[Special 1-3]].
[[File:SM3DL 2-3b.jpg|thumb|left|''Super Mario Bros.''-style Hard Blocks in [[World 2-3 (Super Mario 3D Land)|World 2-3]] of ''Super Mario 3D Land'']]
Wood Blocks from ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' return in ''[[Super Mario 3D Land]]'', where they are usually twice as large (like those in Giant Land) and have a more yellow color, though none contain any items. Stairblocks from ''Super Mario Bros.'' return at the ends of [[World 2-3 (Super Mario 3D Land)|World 2-3]] and [[Special 1-3]], once again as staircases near the courses' Goal Poles.


====''New Super Mario Bros. 2''====
====''New Super Mario Bros. 2''====
[[File:NSMB2 CobwebJungle.png|thumb|Wooden Hard Blocks in ''New Super Mario Bros. 2'']]
While wooden and stone Hard Blocks return, golden and colored Hard Blocks make their debut in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. 2]]''. Pink, green, blue, orange, beige, brown, gold, black, light blue, red and yellow are the only known colors.
While wooden and stone Hard Blocks return, golden and colored Hard Blocks make their debut in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. 2]]''. Pink, green, blue, orange, beige, brown, gold, black, light blue, red and yellow are the only known colors.
{{br|left}}


====''New Super Mario Bros. U'' / ''New Super Luigi U''====
====''New Super Mario Bros. U'' / ''New Super Luigi U'' / ''New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe''====
[[File:NSLU Piranha Heights Luigi Sighting.png|thumb|left|An 8-bit Luigi made out of colored stone blocks in ''New Super Luigi U'']]
[[File:NSLU Piranha Heights Luigi Sighting.png|thumb|An 8-bit Luigi made out of colored stone blocks in ''New Super Luigi U'']]
Hard Blocks return in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. U]]'', referred to as '''stone blocks'''{{ref needed}}. Colored stone blocks also appear in ''[[New Super Luigi U]]'', used mostly for decoration, or to make pixel art such as [[List of Luigi sightings in New Super Luigi U|8-bit Luigi]]s, a common [[Easter egg]] in the game.
Hard Blocks return in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. U]]'', referred to as '''stone blocks'''.<ref>{{cite|author=New Super Mario Bros. U Channel|date=December 27, 2012|url=www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKXR85iIA4Y|title=New Super Mario Bros. U -- Third Star Coin in Stoneslide Tower|quote=Find the pipe hidden in the ceiling next to the sign. Once inside, use the Screwtop Platform to guide the Grrrols into the stone blocks. When the way opens, grab that coin!|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=May 23, 2022}}</ref> Colored stone blocks also appear in ''[[New Super Luigi U]]'', used mostly for decoration, or to make pixel art such as [[List of Luigi sightings in New Super Luigi U|8-bit Luigi]]s, a common [[Easter egg]] in the game.


====''Super Mario Maker'' / ''Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS''====
====''Super Mario Maker'' / ''Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS''====
{{multiple image
{{multiple image
|align=right
|align=left
|direction=horizontal
|direction=horizontal
|image1=SMM-SMB-HardBlock.png
|image1=SMM-SMB-HardBlock.png
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====''Super Mario Maker 2''====
====''Super Mario Maker 2''====
[[File:SMM2 Hard Block SM3DW icon.png|thumb|30px]]
[[File:SMM2 Hard Block SM3DW icon.png|thumb|30px]]
Hard Blocks also appear in ''[[Super Mario Maker 2]]''. They have the same functionality as they did in ''[[Super Mario Maker]]'', except that they cannot be broken by [[Big Mario]] from the side. [[Link]]'s bombs can now also destroy Hard Blocks.  
Hard Blocks also appear in ''[[Super Mario Maker 2]]''. They have the same functionality as they did in ''[[Super Mario Maker]]'', except that they cannot be broken by [[Big Mario]] from the side. [[Link]]'s bombs can now also destroy Hard Blocks. [[Giant Spiked Ball]]s, a big [[Blasta Mechakoopa]]'s missile explosion, a big [[Zappa Mechakoopa]]'s laser beam, and [[Ground Pound]]s from some [[Koopalings]] can destroy Hard Blocks. They can also be given wings, and when playing a course, they will fly a few blocks left, then fly twice as many blocks right, then fly that many blocks left, and repeat the last two actions. Hard Blocks can also stop the screen from scrolling, so it is possible to make a course that requires breaking Hard Blocks stopping the screen from scrolling to advance.


In the ''[[Super Mario 3D World]]'' style, they take the form of [[Rock Block]]s. If the player uses the [[Super Hammer (Super Mario Maker 2)|Super Hammer]], they can break these blocks with a hammer swing. They can also be broken by [[Banzai Bill]]s.
In the ''[[Super Mario 3D World]]'' style, they take the form of [[Rock Block]]s. If the player uses the [[Super Hammer (Super Mario Maker 2)|Super Hammer]], they can break these blocks with a hammer swing. They can also be broken by [[Bomber Bill|Banzai Bill]]s, a [[Porcupuffer]]'s explosion from fireballs, and [[Big Bully|Big Bullies]].
{{stub|section=yes}}


===''Mario Kart'' series===
===''Mario Kart'' series===
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===''Super Smash Bros.'' series===
===''Super Smash Bros.'' series===
[[File:HardBlocks W1-1 SSBB.jpg|thumb|left|Hard Blocks in the World 1-1 version of Mushroomy Kingdom in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'']]
[[File:HardBlocks W1-1 SSBB.jpg|thumb|left|Hard Blocks in the World 1-1 version of Mushroomy Kingdom in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'']]
[[File:HardBlocks W1-2 SSBB.jpg|thumb|right|Hard Blocks in the World 1-2 version of Mushroomy Kingdom in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'']]
[[File:HardBlocks W1-2 SSBB.jpg|thumb|Hard Blocks in the World 1-2 version of Mushroomy Kingdom in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'']]
''Super Mario Bros.''-styled Hard Blocks appear throughout the [[Super Smash Bros. (series)|''Super Smash Bros.'' series]].  
''Super Mario Bros.''-styled Hard Blocks appear throughout the [[Super Smash Bros. (series)|''Super Smash Bros.'' series]].  


The [[Mushroom Kingdom (Super Smash Bros.)|Mushroom Kingdom]] stage in ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' and the [[Mushroom Kingdom (Super Smash Bros. Melee)|Mushroom Kingdom]] stage in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'' feature the blocks' classic staircase arrangement in the background. The former also has [[Semisolid Platform#Super Smash Bros. series|pass-through platforms]] made of Hard Blocks ([[Empty Block]]s in ''Ultimate'').
The [[Mushroom Kingdom (Super Smash Bros.)|Mushroom Kingdom]] stage in ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' and the [[Mushroom Kingdom (Super Smash Bros. Melee)|Mushroom Kingdom]] stage in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'' feature the blocks' classic staircase arrangement in the background. The former also has [[Semisolid Platform#Super Smash Bros. series|pass-through platforms]] made of Hard Blocks ([[Empty Block]]s in ''Ultimate'').


In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]'', and ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', Hard Blocks appear as part of the [[Mushroomy Kingdom]] stage. They are arranged just as in [[World 1-1 (Super Mario Bros.)|World 1-1]] (and in ''Brawl'' only, [[World 1-2 (Super Mario Bros.)|World 1-2]]) of ''Super Mario Bros.'' However, they now appear worn, chipped, and cracked, matching the stage's ruined appearance. The block the [[Goal Pole|flagpole]] stood on in World 1-1 is gone, but only in ''Brawl'' and ''for 3DS''; it is in the background in ''Ultimate''. Additionally, Hard Blocks also form the top two layers of the stage's [[Final Destination]] form in the 3DS game, and the [[Battlefield]] form's platforms in ''Ultimate''.
In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]'', and ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', Hard Blocks appear as part of the [[Mushroomy Kingdom]] stage. They are arranged just as in [[World 1-1 (Super Mario Bros.)|World 1-1]] (and in ''Brawl'' only, [[World 1-2 (Super Mario Bros.)|World 1-2]]) of ''Super Mario Bros.'' However, they now appear worn, chipped, and cracked, matching the stage's ruined appearance. The block the [[Goal Pole|flagpole]] stood on in World 1-1 is gone, but only in ''Brawl'' and ''for 3DS''; it is in the background in ''Ultimate''. Additionally, Hard Blocks also form the top two layers of the stage's [[Final Destination]] form in ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS'', and the [[Battlefield]] form's platforms in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''.
{{br}}
{{br}}


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==Gallery==
==Gallery==
{{Main-gallery}}
<gallery>
<gallery>
SMB Underground Hard Block.png|''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' (underground)
SMB Underground Hard Block.png|''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' (underground)
SMAS SMB Hard Block.png|''[[Super Mario All-Stars]]'' (''Super Mario Bros.'')
SMAS SMB Underground Hard Block.png|''Super Mario All-Stars'' (''Super Mario Bros.'') (underground)
SMAS SMB3 Wood Block.png|''Super Mario All-Stars'' (''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'')
SMAS SMB3 Wood Block.png|''Super Mario All-Stars'' (''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'')
SMW2 Hard Block gray.png|''[[Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island]]''
SMW2 Hard Block toy.png|''Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island''
SM3DL-HardBlock.png|''[[Super Mario 3D Land]]''
SM3DL-HardBlock.png|''[[Super Mario 3D Land]]''
SMM Hard Block Stamp.png|''[[Super Mario Maker]]'' stamp
</gallery>
</gallery>


==Names in other languages==
==Names in other languages==
===Hard Block===
{{foreign names
{{foreign names
|Jap=木目ブロック<ref>Shogakukan. 2015. ''Super Mario Bros. Hyakka: Nintendo Kōshiki Guidebook'', ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' section, page 41.</ref><br>''Mokume Burokku''<br>石ブロック<ref>Shogakukan. 2015. ''Super Mario Bros. Hyakka: Nintendo Kōshiki Guidebook'', pages 118, 149, 199, 215.</ref><br>''Ishi Burokku''<br>硬いブロック<br>''Katai Burokku''
|Jap=硬いブロック
|JapM=Woodgrain Block (''Super Mario Bros. 3'')<br><br>Stone Block (''New Super Mario Bros.'' games)<br><br>Hard Block (''Super Mario Maker 2'')
|JapR=Katai Burokku
|JapM=Hard Block
|Ita=Blocco duro
|Ita=Blocco duro
|ItaM=Hard block
|ItaM=Hard block
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|ChiTR=Jiānyìng Zhuānkuài
|ChiTR=Jiānyìng Zhuānkuài
|ChiTM=Hard block
|ChiTM=Hard block
|FraE=Bloc solide
|FreE=Bloc solide
|FraEM=Solid block
|FreEM=Solid block
|Por=Bloco sólido
|PorM=Solid block
}}
 
===Wood Block===
{{foreign names
|Jap=木目ブロック
|JapR=Mokume Burokku
|JapM=Woodgrain Block
|JapC=<ref>{{cite|language=ja|publisher=[[Shogakukan]]|date=October 19, 2015|title=''Super Mario Bros. Hyakka: Nintendo Kōshiki Guidebook'', ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' section|page=41|isbn=978-4-09-106569-8}}</ref>
}}
 
===Stone block===
{{foreign names
|Jap=石ブロック
|JapR=Ishi Burokku
|JapM=Stone Block
|JapC=<ref>{{cite|language=ja|publisher=[[Shogakukan]]|date=October 19, 2015|title=''Super Mario Bros. Hyakka: Nintendo Kōshiki Guidebook''|page=118, 149, 199, 215|isbn=978-4-09-106569-8}}</ref>
}}
}}


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<references/>
<references/>


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{{Blocks}}
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[[Category:Blocks]]
[[Category:Blocks]]
[[Category:New Super Mario Bros. Objects]]
[[Category:New Super Mario Bros. objects]]
[[Category:New Super Mario Bros. 2 Objects]]
[[Category:New Super Mario Bros. 2 objects]]
[[Category:New Super Mario Bros. U Objects]]
[[Category:New Super Mario Bros. U objects]]
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[[Category:Super Mario 3D Land objects]]
[[Category:Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 Objects]]
[[Category:Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 objects]]
[[Category:Super Mario Bros. Objects]]
[[Category:Super Mario Bros. objects]]
[[Category:Super Mario Bros. 3 Objects]]
[[Category:Super Mario Bros. 3 objects]]
[[Category:Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels Objects]]
[[Category:Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels objects]]
[[Category:Super Mario Maker Objects]]
[[Category:Super Mario Bros. Wonder objects]]
[[Category:Super Mario Maker 2 Objects]]
[[Category:Super Mario Maker objects]]
[[Category:Super Mario World Objects]]
[[Category:Super Mario Maker 2 objects]]
[[Category:Super Mario Sunshine objects]]
[[Category:Super Mario World objects]]

Latest revision as of 10:32, December 3, 2024

It has been requested that more images be uploaded for this article. Remove this notice only after the additional images have been added. Specific(s): appearances in the Mario Kart series

Not to be confused with Stone Block or Rock Block.
Hard Block
Hard Block
Artwork from Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS
First appearance Super Mario Bros. (1985)
Latest appearance Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition (2024)
“AARGH! I can't hit the ? Blocks because those annoying Hard Blocks are in the way.”
Purple Toad, Super Mario Maker 2

A Hard Block (also lowercased)[1] is a type of block commonly used to make stair-like structures and other platforms. Unlike ? Blocks and Brick Blocks, Hard Blocks cannot contain items or coins (with the exception of Super Mario Bros. 3). Mario and Luigi are not normally able to destroy Hard Blocks, but certain methods, such as entering a Mega state or using a Big Thwomp, can be used to destroy them.

History[edit]

Super Mario series[edit]

Super Mario Bros. / Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels[edit]

Sprite of a Hard Block from Super Mario Bros.

The first Hard Blocks appeared in Super Mario Bros. Referred to as stairblocks[2] in the companion book How to win at Super Mario Bros., their most notable use is to create stairs at the end of many levels leading to the top of the flagpole, which itself has a Hard Block as its base. In some levels, they are used to create much more gently-sloped stairs as a minor obstacle. Stairblocks reappear in Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels with an identical appearance and purpose. They are also incorporated into Super Mario Bros. Special.

Super Mario Bros. 3[edit]

Sprite of a Wood Block from Super Mario Bros. 3
Wooden Block.png

Hard Blocks also appear in Super Mario Bros. 3, where they are known as Wood Blocks.[3] Some Wood Blocks are bouncy; these blocks bounce Mario or Luigi away if they run against their sides, and are sometimes found near pits as an obstacle. Some of these blocks also hold items, only releasing them if they are bumped into or hit with a shell or tail whip. Chain Chomps are usually found attached to Wood Blocks. Larger inert Wood Blocks appear in the fourth world, Giant Land.

In the GBA version, the Hard Blocks' design from the Super Mario All-Stars version of Super Mario Bros. returns in Classic World 1-1, Classic World 1-2, and Classic World 2-2.

Super Mario World[edit]

A Hard Block from Super Mario World

Hard Blocks, now called Gray Blocks[4] (alternatively gray Block[5] or Grey Block[6]), appear once again in Super Mario World with a different redesign, this time resembling blocks of stone. They reprise their purpose from previous games.

Super Mario Sunshine[edit]

Hard Blocks (localized as orange blocks[7]) primarily appear in secret courses as platforms and barriers. Many are of atypical shapes (i.e. rectangular or triangular prisms) depending on their purpose. Some shift back and forth. Thin variants appear in "The Secret of the Dirty Lake" and "The Beach Cannon's Secret" that function like trampolines.

New Super Mario Bros.[edit]

Sprite of a Hard Block from New Super Mario Bros.

Hard Blocks reappear in New Super Mario Bros. at the end of most levels. Like in Super Mario Bros., they are often used as a staircase to reach the flagpole. The flagpole itself has a new fortress-styled base instead of a Hard Block. If Mario gains a Mega Mushroom and turns into Mega Mario, he can destroy Hard Blocks simply by running into them. Volcanic debris can also destroy Hard Blocks.

New Super Mario Bros. Wii[edit]

World 8 (New Super Mario Bros. Wii)
Hard Blocks in World 8-4 of New Super Mario Bros. Wii

Hard Blocks reappear in New Super Mario Bros. Wii. In World 8-4, a Star Coin and several Bloopers are found caged within Hard Blocks, which can be destroyed by pressing a nearby ? Switch. Hard Blocks also appear in World Coin-2, a remake of World 1-1 in Super Mario Bros.

Super Mario 3D Land[edit]

Super Mario Bros.-style Hard Blocks in World 2-3 of Super Mario 3D Land

Wood Blocks from Super Mario Bros. 3 return in Super Mario 3D Land, where they are usually twice as large (like those in Giant Land) and have a more yellow color, though none contain any items. Stairblocks from Super Mario Bros. return at the ends of World 2-3 and Special 1-3, once again as staircases near the courses' Goal Poles.

New Super Mario Bros. 2[edit]

While wooden and stone Hard Blocks return, golden and colored Hard Blocks make their debut in New Super Mario Bros. 2. Pink, green, blue, orange, beige, brown, gold, black, light blue, red and yellow are the only known colors.

New Super Mario Bros. U / New Super Luigi U / New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe[edit]

E3 2013 release screenshot of New Super Luigi U
An 8-bit Luigi made out of colored stone blocks in New Super Luigi U

Hard Blocks return in New Super Mario Bros. U, referred to as stone blocks.[8] Colored stone blocks also appear in New Super Luigi U, used mostly for decoration, or to make pixel art such as 8-bit Luigis, a common Easter egg in the game.

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

SMM-SMB-HardBlock.png
SMM-SMB3-Block.png
SMM-SMW-RockBlock.png
A Hard Block from the New Super Mario Bros. U style of Super Mario Maker.

In Super Mario Maker and its 3DS version, all four designs of the Hard Blocks based on the four level styles appear. They can be destroyed by strong enemies, including Big Koopa Troopa shells, Big Thwomps, Bob-ombs, Magikoopas' magic attacks, Skewers, and Bowser. A new method of breaking Hard Blocks is firing a fully charged shot from a Fire Koopa Clown Car. They can also be destroyed by Big Mario.

Super Mario Maker 2[edit]

Hard Block (Rock Block) icon in Super Mario Maker 2 (Super Mario 3D World style)

Hard Blocks also appear in Super Mario Maker 2. They have the same functionality as they did in Super Mario Maker, except that they cannot be broken by Big Mario from the side. Link's bombs can now also destroy Hard Blocks. Giant Spiked Balls, a big Blasta Mechakoopa's missile explosion, a big Zappa Mechakoopa's laser beam, and Ground Pounds from some Koopalings can destroy Hard Blocks. They can also be given wings, and when playing a course, they will fly a few blocks left, then fly twice as many blocks right, then fly that many blocks left, and repeat the last two actions. Hard Blocks can also stop the screen from scrolling, so it is possible to make a course that requires breaking Hard Blocks stopping the screen from scrolling to advance.

In the Super Mario 3D World style, they take the form of Rock Blocks. If the player uses the Super Hammer, they can break these blocks with a hammer swing. They can also be broken by Banzai Bills, a Porcupuffer's explosion from fireballs, and Big Bullies.

Mario Kart series[edit]

Hard Blocks have appeared in the Mario Kart series with either their Super Mario Bros. appearance, or as colored blocks that border Mario Circuit.

Super Smash Bros. series[edit]

Hard Blocks in the World 1-1 version of Mushroomy Kingdom
Hard Blocks in the World 1-1 version of Mushroomy Kingdom in Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Hard Blocks in the World 1-2 version of Mushroomy Kingdom
Hard Blocks in the World 1-2 version of Mushroomy Kingdom in Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Super Mario Bros.-styled Hard Blocks appear throughout the Super Smash Bros. series.

The Mushroom Kingdom stage in Super Smash Bros. and the Mushroom Kingdom stage in Super Smash Bros. Melee feature the blocks' classic staircase arrangement in the background. The former also has pass-through platforms made of Hard Blocks (Empty Blocks in Ultimate).

In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Hard Blocks appear as part of the Mushroomy Kingdom stage. They are arranged just as in World 1-1 (and in Brawl only, World 1-2) of Super Mario Bros. However, they now appear worn, chipped, and cracked, matching the stage's ruined appearance. The block the flagpole stood on in World 1-1 is gone, but only in Brawl and for 3DS; it is in the background in Ultimate. Additionally, Hard Blocks also form the top two layers of the stage's Final Destination form in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS, and the Battlefield form's platforms in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

Mario Clock[edit]

In Mario Clock, Hard Blocks appear using their Super Mario Bros. design as the terrain of the bridge stage theme.

Nintendo Badge Arcade[edit]

Hard Blocks also appear as badges in Nintendo Badge Arcade. The Super Mario Bros. Hard Blocks appear as part of the Super Mario Bros. set, while Gray Blocks appear as part of the Super Mario Maker set.

Gallery[edit]

For this subject's image gallery, see Gallery:Hard Block.

Names in other languages[edit]

Hard Block[edit]

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese 硬いブロック[?]
Katai Burokku
Hard Block
Chinese (simplified) 坚硬砖块[?]
Jiānyìng Zhuānkuài
Hard block
Chinese (traditional) 堅硬磚塊[?]
Jiānyìng Zhuānkuài
Hard block
Dutch Hard blok[?] Hard Block
French (NOE) Bloc solide[?] Solid block
Italian Blocco duro[?] Hard block
Korean 딱딱블록[?]
Ttakttak Beullok
Hard Block
Portuguese Bloco sólido[?] Solid block
Russian Прочный блок[?]
Prochnyy blok
Solid Block
Spanish (NOA) Bloque duro[?] Hard block

Wood Block[edit]

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese 木目ブロック[9]
Mokume Burokku
Woodgrain Block

Stone block[edit]

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese 石ブロック[10]
Ishi Burokku
Stone Block

References[edit]

  1. ^ "A Bulrush will smash right through hard blocks! You may need to help show it which way to go though." – Tip (20 Oct. 2023). Super Mario Bros. Wonder by Nintendo EPD (North American Localization). Nintendo of America. Retrieved 27 Nov. 2024.
  2. ^ Sase, Shinji, Howard Phillips, and Lynn Griffes, editors (1987). How to win at Super Mario Bros. (U.S. Edition). Redmond: Tokuma Shoten, Nintendo of America. ISBN 4-19-720003-XC. Page 7.
  3. ^ Peterson, Erik (2003). Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 Player's Guide. Nintendo of America (American English). ISBN 1930206-37-2. Page 31.
  4. ^ August 1991. Nintendo Mario Mania Player's Guide. Nintendo of America (American English). Page 71, 89, 108, 153.
  5. ^ August 1991. Nintendo Mario Mania Player's Guide. Nintendo of America (American English). Page 57.
  6. ^ August 1991. Nintendo Mario Mania Player's Guide. Nintendo of America (American English). Page 73.
  7. ^ Averill, Alan, and Jennifer Villarreal (2002). Super Mario Sunshine Player's Guide. Redmond: Nintendo of America (American English). ISBN 1-930206-23-2. Page 73.
  8. ^ "Find the pipe hidden in the ceiling next to the sign. Once inside, use the Screwtop Platform to guide the Grrrols into the stone blocks. When the way opens, grab that coin!" – New Super Mario Bros. U Channel (December 27, 2012). New Super Mario Bros. U -- Third Star Coin in Stoneslide Tower. YouTube. Retrieved May 23, 2022.
  9. ^ October 19, 2015. Super Mario Bros. Hyakka: Nintendo Kōshiki Guidebook, Super Mario Bros. 3 section. Shogakukan (Japanese). ISBN 978-4-09-106569-8. Page 41.
  10. ^ October 19, 2015. Super Mario Bros. Hyakka: Nintendo Kōshiki Guidebook. Shogakukan (Japanese). ISBN 978-4-09-106569-8. Page 118, 149, 199, 215.