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A '''fireball''' is an orb of fire that can be used as a weapon. Typically, one can only shoot fireballs if he or she acquires a [[Fire Flower]]. However, some enemies can shoot fireballs without the use of a power-up. Additionally, [[Mario]] can train himself to shoot fireballs from his hand (without using a Fire Flower).
{{rewrite-expand|''Paper Mario'' series}}
{{about|the projectile used as a weapon by [[Fire Mario]] and various enemies|other uses|[[Fireball (disambiguation)]]}} {{redirect|Fire Orb|the fire-elemental Orb in [[Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition]]|[[Orb (Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition)]]}}
{{item infobox
|image=[[File:Fireball Artwork - Super Mario 3D World.png|200x200px]]<br>Artwork from ''[[Super Mario 3D World]]''
|first_appearance=''[[Mario Bros. (game)|Mario Bros.]]'' ([[List of games by date#1983|1983]])
|latest_appearance=''[[Mario & Luigi: Brothership]]'' ([[List of games by date#2024|2024]])
|variants=[[Green Fireball]]<br>[[Ice Ball]]
}}
A '''Fireball''' (also written as '''Fire Ball''') or '''Ball of Fire'''<ref>''[[Mario Kart Tour]]'' in-game name of the [[Fire Piranha Plant]] projectiles</ref> is a common projectile in the ''[[Super Mario (franchise)|Super Mario]]'' franchise. Typically, a character can shoot fireballs only if they acquire a [[Fire Flower]]. Some enemies can shoot fireballs without the use of a power-up. In some spin-off games, [[Mario]] and [[Luigi]] can shoot fireballs from their hands without using a Fire Flower. In most games, fireballs are capable of being thrown even underwater. [[Ice Ball]]s can be seen as a parallel to fireballs.
==History==
===''Mario Bros.''===
{{main|Fireball (obstacle)}}
Fireballs first appear as obstacles in ''[[Mario Bros. (game)|Mario Bros.]]'', where they randomly appear on the stage, moving and bouncing off the edges of the screen.


In ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'', fireballs are the special item of both Mario and [[Luigi]]. When the special item is used, five fireballs will be lauched into the racetrack, hitting other drivers and causing their karts to spin-out. These fireballs are capable of ricocheting off walls. However, after a short amount of time, the launched fireballs will fizzle out. Interestingly, while Mario shoots orange fireballs, Luigi shoots green fireballs.
===''Super Mario'' series===
====''Super Mario Bros.'' / ''Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels'' / ''Super Mario Bros. Deluxe''====
[[File:Firemarioshoot.gif|thumb|[[Fire Mario]] shooting a fireball in the remake, ''[[Super Mario All-Stars]]'']]
Fireballs make their debut as projectiles in ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'', where [[Mario]] and [[Luigi]] can shoot these fireballs only if they acquire a [[Fire Flower]]. They are affected by gravity and bounce only on the ground. If they hit a block sideways or from the underside, they will usually explode. Most enemies can be defeated by one fireball, and [[Bowser]] can be defeated by five. Hitting Bowser and [[Impostor Bowser|his fakes]] with five fireballs will defeat them and give 5,000 [[point]]s; the latter seven will also reveal the common enemy that was in disguise.


[[Category: Items]]
====''Super Mario Bros. 2'' / ''Super Mario Advance''====
Fireballs only appear in ''[[Super Mario Bros. 2]]'' as enemy projectiles. [[Panser]]s shoot two fireballs at a time (gray/green ones shoot them straight up, while the others shoot them toward the player in an arc). Red and Green/Gray [[Birdo]]s spit fireballs; the former also shoots eggs, but the latter does not, forcing the use of [[Mushroom Block]]s to defeat them. Autobombs also shoot fireballs at players if [[Shy Guy|Shyguy]]s are on them.
 
====''Super Mario Bros. 3'' / ''Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3''====
[[File:SMW Art - Fire Mario.png|thumb|left|Artwork of Fire Mario shooting fireball from ''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'']]
Fireballs return in ''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'', being usable projectiles again. Though Mario and Luigi are not the only ones that can shoot fireballs, as [[Fire Piranha Plant|Venus Fire Traps]], [[Fire Bro]]thers, and [[Fire Nipper Plant|Fiery Walking Piranha]]s can also shoot fireballs from their mouths; these fireballs can be blocked if the Mario Bros. [[crouch]] while [[Hammer Mario|wearing]] a [[Hammer Suit]].
 
Due to palette limitations in the NES version of the game, Mario and Luigi's fireballs appear green inside [[Toad House]]s and cyan during [[Koopalings|Koopaling]] fights.
 
In ''[[Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3]]'', the [[Orange Switch]] makes any enemies defeated by Fire Mario's fireballs become coins, as in ''Super Mario World''.
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====''Super Mario World'' / ''Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2''====
[[File:SMW Art - Yoshi Breathing Fire.png|thumb|Artwork of [[Yoshi]] spitting Fireballs from ''[[Super Mario World]]'']]
Fireballs appear in ''[[Super Mario World]]'' where they are used as a weapon. When enemies are hit by fireballs, they become coins. Additionally, [[Yoshi]] can breathe fireballs if he eats a [[Red Shell]] and [[Yoshi (species)|Red Yoshi]] can also breathe fireballs if he eats a [[Koopa Shell]]. The fireballs that Yoshi spit out look like [[Lava Bubble]]s and destroy most enemies. [[Jumping Fire Piranha Plant]]s spit fireballs at the peak of their jumps, and [[Volcano Lotus]]es release four at a time.
 
====''Super Mario 64'' / ''Super Mario 64 DS''====
In ''Super Mario 64'', [[flame thrower (Flame Chomp)|flame thrower]]s and [[Fly Guy]]s spit fireballs at Mario when he is near them. The lava and volcano of [[Lethal Lava Land]] also spew fireballs at certain intervals.
 
Fireballs also appear in ''[[Super Mario 64 DS]]'' as a stream of [[Fire Breath]] with Yoshi's [[Power Flower (Super Mario 64 DS)|Power Flower]] ability. They are also found by swallowing flame throwers, Fly Guys and campfires.
 
====''New Super Mario Bros.''====
Fireballs return in ''[[New Super Mario Bros.]]'', where they have the same function as in the previous game, when Fire Mario shoots fireballs. In the Mario vs. Luigi game mode, fireballs can stun a brother and knock a big star from him, but can defeat a brother in [[Mini Mario (form)|Mini form]].
 
====''Super Mario Galaxy''====
Fireballs reappear in ''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]'' as Fire Mario's projectiles; however, the form has a time limit, and though he can shoot more than two fireballs at a time, he cannot do so underwater. [[Kamella]] and [[Magikoopa]]s also shoot fireballs from their wands (the former also spawns [[Green Shell]]s), and [[King Kaliente]] and [[Rocto]]s spit them and coconuts (the latter of which can be hit back at them).
 
====''New Super Mario Bros. Wii''====
Fireballs appear in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]'', appearing when [[Fire Mario]] shoots them. [[Fire Bro]]s. also throw fireballs, and [[Fire Piranha Plant]]s spit them out, melting any [[Ice Block]] in their way. [[Yoshi]] can also spit a giant Fireball (like in ''Super Mario World'') by eating a fireball launched by a character with a Fire Flower power up, or from a [[Fire Piranha Plant]]. This giant fireball transforms all enemies encountered into [[coin]]s.
 
====''Super Mario Galaxy 2''====
Fireballs return in ''[[Super Mario Galaxy 2]]'', acting as they did in its predecessor, though Magikoopas instead spawn Goombas. [[Prince Pikante]] also shoots fireballs and coconuts in his battle.
 
====''Super Mario 3D Land''====
Fire Mario reappears in ''[[Super Mario 3D Land]]'', acting as it does in the 2D ''Super Mario'' games. The fireballs thrown bounce off walls and fizzle out after two seconds. Fire Piranha Plants also spit fireballs.
 
====''New Super Mario Bros. 2''====
[[File:FirePipeNSMB2.png|thumb|left|Fire Mario shooting fireballs into a pipe to get coins]]
Fireballs return in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. 2]]'' and behave as they always have. There is an extra gimmick where [[Fire Mario]] can shoot fireballs into certain pipes and [[coin]]s and other items (like [[Mega Mushroom]]s) can come out the other end.
 
====''New Super Mario Bros. U''====
[[File:NSMBU Piranha Plants on Ice Screenshot.png|thumb|upright=1.1|[[Fire Piranha Plant]]s spitting out fireballs in ''New Super Mario Bros. U'']]
Fireballs reappear in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. U]]'', acting as they did in ''New Super Mario Bros. Wii''.
 
====''Super Mario 3D World'' / ''Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury''====
[[File:Fire Princess Peach Artwork - Super Mario 3D World.png|thumb|left|Fire Peach throwing a fireball]]
Fireballs reappear in ''[[Super Mario 3D World]]'' and its [[Nintendo Switch]] port ''[[Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury]]'', and behave like they did in ''Super Mario 3D Land''; they can also go through [[Clear Pipe]]s and destroy any spiked balls within them. Fire Bros. also throw fireballs, which can go through Clear Pipes and be destroyed by players' fireballs.
 
In the ''Bowser's Fury'' campaign of ''Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury'', fireballs that make contact with the water surrounding [[Lake Lapcat]] will be put out.
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====''Super Mario Maker'' / ''Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS''====
Fireballs return in ''[[Super Mario Maker]]'' and ''[[Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS]]'' due to the return of the [[Fire Flower]] item and enemies such as [[Fire Piranha Plant]]s. [[Yoshi]] can also swallow fireballs from enemies that shoot them, or get fireballs from fire obstacles such as [[Fire Bar]]s or [[Burner]]s. Additionally, the [[Fire Koopa Clown Car]], an object released via a software update on December 22, 2015, has the ability to shoot fireballs from its mouth, and Fire Flowers give it a triple spread-shot. A charge can create larger fireballs, which can destroy [[block]]s.
 
====''Super Mario Maker 2''====
Fireballs make a comeback in ''[[Super Mario Maker 2]]'', retaining their behavior in its predecessor. Fire Bros. also return, though only in the ''Super Mario 3D World'' style; a new [[Sledge Bro]]-like variation also debuts, the [[Heavy Fire Bro]]. Red Yoshis also return in the ''Super Mario World'' and ''New Super Mario Bros. U'' styles, and spit fireballs instead of licking, unlike in ''Super Mario World''; their fireballs work like those of the Fire Koopa Clown Car; these cannot be charged up, however.
 
===DIC cartoons===
====''The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!''====
[[File:Fireballsmbss.jpg|thumb|A fireball from ''[[The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!]]'' episode "[[The Bird! The Bird!]]".]]
Fireballs appear in ''[[The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!]]'' They are used by Fire Mario (known as Super Mario in the show). The episode, "[[The Fire of Hercufleas]]" introduces the [[Great Balls of Fire]], very powerful fireballs that can damage a wall.
 
====''The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3''====
Fireballs also appear in ''[[The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3]]''. Once again, they are used by Fire Mario. The episode, "[[Princess Toadstool for President]]" includes the song, "[[List of The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3 songs#Great Balls of Fire|Great Balls of Fire]]," which is a real song. Fireballs are also produced by [[Flame Chomp|Fire Chomp]]s and [[Fire Snake]]s.
 
====''Super Mario World'' television series====
Fireballs reappear in the [[Super Mario World (television series)|''Super Mario World'' television series]]. They are used by Fire Mario and [[Bowser Statue]]s.
 
===''Mario Kart'' series===
====''Super Mario Kart''====
Fireballs make their debut in the [[Mario Kart (series)|''Mario Kart'' series]] in ''[[Super Mario Kart]]'', where [[Bowser]] would drop these items and touching them would make the driver spin out. Unlike other laid down items such as [[Banana|Banana Peels]], however, they move around a bit on the course.
 
====''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!''====
[[File:MKDD Fireball M.png|thumb|Artwork of a Fireball from ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]''.]]
Fireballs reappeared in ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'', where they are the [[Special Item (Mario Kart series)|Special Items]] of Mario (and [[Petey Piranha]] and [[King Boo]], due to their ability to have any special item). Luigi's is a [[Green Fireball]], but it acts the same. When the special item is used, five fireballs will be launched into the racetrack, hitting other drivers and causing their [[kart]]s to spin-out. These fireballs are capable of ricocheting off walls. However, after a short amount of time, the launched fireballs will fizzle out.
 
====''Mario Kart Arcade GP series''====
The Fireball appears as an item in ''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP]]'', ''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP 2]]'', and ''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP DX]]'', in which it is one of Mario and Luigi's special items. The Fireball is one of the few items that can be thrown both forwards and backwards depending on the player's input. When thrown, the Fireball bounces across the track and ricochets off walls, exactly as it does in ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!''. However, only one Fireball is launched instead of five.
 
In ''Mario Kart Arcade GP DX'', [[Fire Mario]]'s special item is the Double Fireball, which allows him to throw two Fireballs rather than one.
 
====''Mario Kart DS''====
Fireballs appear in ''[[Mario Kart DS]]'' on the track [[DS Mario Circuit]], where two [[Fire Piranha Plant]]s can be seen spitting them out onto the road acting as an obstacle for the racers to dodge.
 
====''Mario Kart Wii''====
Fireballs also appeared in ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'', where they could only be seen in the 2nd Competition of March 2009. Here, [[Dry Bowser]] would spit out fireballs to attack the player. He would either fire three fireballs backwards or one fireball forward, depending on the player's racing position.
 
====''Mario Kart 7''====
[[File:MK7 Mario fireball.png|thumb|left|Artwork of Mario preparing to throw a fireball in ''Mario Kart 7''.]]
Fireballs appear in ''[[Mario Kart 7]]'' where they are used as a special weapon. They can only be used if the [[Fire Flower]] item, which allows the racers to shoot fireballs forwards and backwards, is acquired. A racer hit with a fireball loses a single [[coin]]. The item lasts until ten fireballs are thrown or for ten seconds.
 
====''Mario Kart 8'' / ''Mario Kart 8 Deluxe''====
Fireballs appear in ''[[Mario Kart 8]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'', where they have the same use and effect as in ''Mario Kart 7''.
 
====''Mario Kart Tour''====
Fireballs appear in ''[[Mario Kart Tour]]'', where they have the same use as in ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!''. Unlike in ''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!'', however, three fireballs (four when Fire Flower+ is active) are launched instead of five and fireballs orbit the player's kart prior to being launched. Fire Piranha Plants also shoot fireballs at drivers. A fireball also appears in one of [[Fire Bro]]'s [[Jump Boost]] animations, albeit only with an aesthetic purpose.
 
Fireballs can be destroyed by hitting them with an item or by driving into them while powered-up, granting bonus points in the process. The action of destroying a fireball thrown by another driver is displayed on-screen as "Item destroyed!", while the same action done to fireballs thrown by Fire Piranha Plants is displayed as "Ball of Fire".
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===''Club Nintendo'' comics===
In the ''[[Club Nintendo (magazine)|Club Nintendo]]'' comic "[[Super Mario: Verloren in der Zeit]]", Fire Mario uses a Fireball to defeat a ''Tyrannosaurus rex''.
 
===''Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars''===
{{SMRPG move infobox
|title=Fireball
|image=[[File:SMRPG FireOrb.png]]
|used_by=[[Mario]]
|type=Magic
|power=20
|effect=Damage
|element=Fire
|range=One enemy
|mitigation=N/A
}}
Fireballs appear in ''[[Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars]]'' as a fire-based special attack that [[Mario]] learns when he reaches Level three, under the name of '''Fire Orb''' in the original. The move is called '''Fireball''' in the remake. The attack allows Mario to shoot small fireballs at one enemy. To do more damage than usual, the player should push {{button|snes|Y}} repeatedly while Mario is unleashing fireballs. Fireball uses five [[Flower Point|FP]] and has a Magic Power of twenty points. This attack is useful in the first fight against [[Croco]] in [[Bandit's Way]]. When used against an enemy made of fire, the Fireball attack does no damage.
 
Mario can learn two more powerful versions of Fireball during the course of the game: [[Super Fireball]] and [[Ultra Fireball]].
 
===''Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!''===
Fireballs appear only as hazardous obstacles shot by [[Karbine]]s and [[Kroc]] in ''[[Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!]]'' The fireballs shot by Kroc are similar to those shot by [[Karbine]]s, except Kroc shoots from the foreground, whilst Karbines do so in the background.
 
===''Super Smash Bros.'' series===
{{main-wiki|SmashWiki|Fireball}}
[[File:Smash Ultimate Fireball Mario.jpg|thumb|left|Mario's Fireball in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'']]
Fireballs appear as the standard special move used by both Mario and Luigi throughout the [[Super Smash Bros. (series)|''Super Smash Bros.'' series]]. The fireballs here only deal a small amount of damage, unlike with games of the ''Super Mario'' franchise. ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'' also makes the fireballs travel for a shorter distance before they vanish. Mario's Fireballs are red and affected by gravity (meaning they bounce against the ground), while Luigi's Fireballs are [[Green Fireball|green]] and shoot straight no matter what, unless it ricochets off of something in front of Luigi. [[Kirby]] can also use the Fireball move once he has [[Inhale|sucked up]] Mario or Luigi, and the color and performance of the Fireball are according to which Mario Brother he has sucked up. In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]'', and ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]'', Yoshi can spit single fireballs in his [[Final Smash]] [[Super Dragon|form]].
 
In ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS'' and ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U'', the first custom variant of Mario's Fireball is '''Fast Fireball''', in which the fireball travels directly forward at high speed but does not cause knockback and deals less damage. The second is '''Fire Orb''', which fires a larger but slower fireball that moves similarly to the standard Fireball but can hit multiple times. The custom variants for Luigi's Fireball are '''Bouncing Fireball''', which behaves like Mario's standard Fireball, and '''[[Ice Ball]]''', which moves more slowly but can freeze opponents.
 
In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', both Mario Brothers' Fireballs remain unaltered, aside from visual improvements, including brighter, flashier particle effects, as well as the appearance of smoke. However, Mario's Fireballs can now hit multiple times when used near opponents, just like the Fire Orb custom variant from the previous game.
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===''Mario & Luigi'' series===
====''Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga'' / ''Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions''====
[[File:MLSS AdvancedFireBros.png|thumb|The [[Super Attack|Advanced]] version of [[Fire Bros. (move)|Fire Bros.]] has Mario combine normal fireballs to create a big fireball.]]
In ''[[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga]]'', Mario and Luigi learn a [[Bros. Attack]] named [[Fire Bros. (move)|Fire Bros.]], which involves Mario throwing fireballs in high arcs so Luigi can use his hammer to bat them back at the enemies in low arcs. This game also introduces the concept of combining multiple fireballs into a single larger fireball, as the [[Super Attack|Advanced Command]] for Fire Bros. has Mario jump to push each fireball that Luigi hammers forward into a mass above Mario's head. To finish, Mario jumps off Luigi spike that fireball into an enemy
 
Mario is also given his fire technique known as [[Firebrand]], which acts like fireballs, lighting all the [[Torch (object)|Torches]] so that some location can be accessible for the Bros.
 
In the tutorial battle with [[Bowser]], Bowser only attacks Mario using his [[Fire Breath]]. As [[Rookie]], he also spits fireballs alongside throwing [[hammer]]s, similar to how he attacked in the original ''Super Mario Bros.'' [[Bowletta]], a transformation between [[Cackletta]] and Bowser, also tries to breathe heavily and, after a few seconds, tries to breathe massive fire to defeat the Mario Bros. which can be done by dodging. Additionally, fireballs also appear during the final battle with Cackletta.
 
The remake of ''Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga'', ''[[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions]]'', changes Fire Bros. animations. Instead of throwing individual fireballs, Mario throws one into the arc then sends the remainder into the first fireball. They combine to create a large fireball, that gradually descends to Luigi, who uses his hammer to split it into multiple fireballs that land on one enemy. It is similar to [[Luiginary Flame]], an attack from ''[[Mario & Luigi: Dream Team]]''. The Advanced Command is replaced by a discrete [[Super Attack]] named Super Fire Bros. It follows from the Fire Bros. changes, but it swaps the hammer attack from normal Fire Bros. with Luigi jumping to pop the giant fireball into the air. Mario jumps off Luigi to spike the fireball down into the enemies, as before. It explodes on impact, with the shockwave damaging all grounded enemies.
 
====''Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time''====
[[File:MLPIT Mix Current.png|thumb|[[Mix Flower]] tasks all four characters to throw fireballs to create a giant fireball]]
In ''[[Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time]]'', the [[Fire Flower#Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time|Bros. Flower]] is a the [[Bros. Item]]. that allows Mario and Luigi, or [[Baby Mario]] and [[Baby Luigi]], to throw fireballs at the enemies. They bounce along the ground, as they do in the ''[[Super Mario (series)|Super Mario]]'' series. If the babies are paired with the adults, then the babies can lob their fireballs to hit flying enemies. While both brothers (or pairs of brothers) have fireballs in hand, a large fireball is passed between the brothers during the attack. The brother(s) with the large fireball should be the one(s) throwing fireballs. If the other brother(s) throw fireballs, their fireballs will disappear when they collide with the ground, and never reach the enemies. The [[Mix Flower]] is a different Bros. Item where all four characters split up, then throw fireballs above the enemies. They congeal into a giant fireball, which drops down at the end to inflict damage. However, one large fireball is moving between the characters, and only the character with that fireball can throw fireballs. Everyone else has [[Ice Ball]]s, and throwing them decreases the size of the large fireball.
 
[[Blazing Shroob]]s, found in [[Thwomp Caverns]], the [[Shrooboid Brat]] and [[Elder Shrooboid]] can also attack using fireballs. If the wrong brother hits the [[Adult Shine Block]], a fireball will appear and force the babies to restart from the beginning of the room.
 
====''Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story'' / ''Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey''====
In ''[[Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story]]'' and its remake, ''[[Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey]]'', Mario and Luigi can obtain the Fire Flower [[Bros. Attack|Special Attack]]. It turns them into Fire Mario and Fire Luigi, and allows them to throw fireballs at enemies. The mechanics and animation are broadly similar to Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time, however, a large fireball does not move between Mario and Luigi. Rather, one brother's fireball is larger and the other is smaller, and this changes during the attack. The attack also has a second phase where Mario and Luigi both have large fireballs so they can both throw at the same time. The remake renames Special Attacks to Bros. Attacks, but has no outstanding changes.
 
====''Mario & Luigi: Dream Team''====
[[File:MLDT - Dream BrosMove 4 Fire.png|thumb|[[Luiginary Flame]] continues the concept but with the [[Luiginoids]], so more characters contribute to the final attack.]]
In ''[[Mario & Luigi: Dream Team]]'', the Fire Flower returns as a Bros. Attack, though the mechanics have been changed. In this game, both brothers are holding fireballs that gradually increase in size. The size resets after being thrown, and the rate at which the fireballs grow varies. Throwing them while they are large is optimal, but waiting too long will burn that brother and cost them the fireball. A second phase that only triggers on a perfectly executed attack gives both brothers an infinite supply of large fireballs to throw. [[Luiginary Flame]] is a [[Luiginary Attack]], where the [[Luiginoid]]s work with Mario to pass a fireball forward to other groups of Luiginoids. Each group adds their fireballs to that fireball, so the fireball grows to large proportions. Missing inputs burns the receiving character, makes them drop their fireballs if they have any, and shrinks the main fireball. Only the Luiginoids gain Fire form in this attack. Mario concludes the attack by swinging his Hammer at the fireball to scatter the fire over all enemies. If not hit, the fireball bounces off Mario's head then bounces off one enemy for minimal damage.
 
[[Fire Bro]]s, [[Piranha Plant]]s, and a new enemy called [[Magmad]] also attack by using fireballs; the former throw the fireballs into their target, while the latter two spit the fireballs out.
 
====''Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam''====
In ''[[Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam]]'', the Fire Flower once again returns as a Bros. Attack. It is mechanically similar to the attack from ''Mario & Luigi: Dream Team'', though the animation for attacking flying enemies has the fireballs be thrown in arcs instead of across the ground. As with all [[Fire (element)|fire based attacks]], fireballs deal critical damage to Paper enemies.
 
[[Fire Bro]]s. return with fireballs as their main weapon, and the paper variant can also fold itself into a baseball bat to send a fireball into a Bro. [[Fire Piranha Plant]]s also appear in both 3-dimensional forms and paper forms, using fireballs as their main weapon. [[Bowser]] and his paper counterpart can shoot fireballs as well as one of their attacks in the first phase of the final battle; these ones explode upon hitting the ground, and their shockwaves must be jumped over. The Bowsers' fusion, [[Shiny RoboBowser]], can shoot giant fireballs in some of his attacks.
 
==== ''Mario & Luigi: Brothership'' ====
In ''[[Mario & Luigi: Brothership]]'', with the [[Fire & Ice]] [[Bros. Move]], Mario can throw fireballs with his [[Fire Mario|Fire suit]] with {{button|switch|x}} (while [[Luigi]] uses [[Ice Ball]]s from his [[Ice Mario|Ice transformation]] with {{button|switch|y}}). The first phase of the new [[Bros. Attack]] [[Max-Mix Vortex]] involves Mario placing fireballs in a ring while Luigi fills the slots not covered by Mario with Ice Balls. Additionally, during the first phase of [[Reclusa]]'s battle, Mario can use his fireballs to block ice shots and cancel Reclusa's ice attacks when the Bros. catch up to the fiend. This is also done in the [[Luigi Logic]] section of the second phase of the fight, where Mario can shoot down Weeping Reclusa's ice shots with his fireballs as the Bros. head into the beast's maw.
 
Some enemies also use fireballs. The [[Fire Bro]]. appears in this game, throwing fireballs as an attack, and a new enemy called Reclusiff can drop fireballs onto the Bros. from above before slamming into one of them; these must be blocked with a hammer. The returning ''[[Mario & Luigi: Dream Team]]'' enemy [[Magmad]] can bounce a fireball between itself and another Magmad (if there is more than one) as the two Magmads head towards their target, who must use a hammer strike to repel the fireball. The [[Pipegunk]] is also able to shoot fireballs from the pipes on top of its body when [[Shun]] moves the arena it is fought in into a magma chamber with his remote. Mario and Luigi must counter this move with their hammers.
 
===''Mario Baseball'' series===
====''Mario Superstar Baseball''====
[[File:MSB Fireball Icon.png|thumb|Fireball in ''[[Mario Superstar Baseball]]'']]
The Fireball is Mario's [[Star Skill]] in ''[[Mario Superstar Baseball]]''. When pitched with, the Fireball sets the ball on fire and is thrown as a fastball with extremely high velocity and very little movement. Compared to Luigi's equivalent [[Green Fireball]], it has slightly higher velocity and lower movement, matching Mario's specialties as a pitcher. When batted with, the Fireball also sets the ball on fire, hitting it as a fast, low line drive to the outfield. Players who attempt to catch the ball are burned, stunning them for a short time.
 
In Challenge Mode, players must purchase the Red Fireball item in order to use this skill.
 
Mario's Fireball icon is the same as Luigi's colored red, even keeping the L in the cap.
 
====''Mario Super Sluggers''====
[[File:Mario-FireBall-MSS.png|thumb|left|Mario uses his Fire Ball Star Pitch in ''Mario Super Sluggers''.]]
Fireballs reappeared in ''[[Mario Super Sluggers]]''. Like in ''Mario Superstar Baseball'', it is used as Mario's Star Pitch, though Luigi is given a different Star Pitch. Just like in the predecessor, Mario will throw the baseball at a fast speed, which makes it harder for batters to properly hit it. However, unlike some other Star Pitches, the ball will still be able to travel a far distance if the player hits it with good timing. This makes it possible to get home runs with this Star Pitch since it does not affect how far the ball can go when hit.
 
===''Wario Land: Shake It!''===
Fireballs only appear as uncommon enemy attacks. [[Volcannon]]s shoot them from their erupting tops, and the [[Shake King]] can drop waves of fireballs during his battle.
 
===''Dr. Mario World''===
In ''[[Dr. Mario World]]'', Dr. Fire Mario, Dr. Fire Luigi, Dr. Fire Peach, and Dr. Fire Rosalina all use fireballs as part of their skills. The animation in Stage Mode for Dr. Fire Mario has three fireballs race across the screen, while the animation in Stage Mode for Dr. Fire Rosalina shows three fireballs bounce across the screen. Then, the fireballs are used on the stage. For Dr. Fire Mario, Dr. Fire Luigi, and Dr. Fire Peach, each affected row and/or column has a fireball run through it, burning viruses and eliminating any object. For Fire Rosalina, the fireball drops onto the stage and bursts over a square area to the same effect. In either case, all objects that can be eliminated are eliminated, even if those objects normally have to be matched more than once to be eliminated.
{{br}}
 
==Profiles==
===''Super Mario Bros. 3''===
*'''Wii Virtual Console manual description:''' ''Press {{button|wii|1}} to throw fireballs. (You must pick up a Fire Flower first.)''
 
===''Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars''===
*'''Menu description:'''
**''Flower Used 5''
**''Mg. Power 20''
**''Fire orb! Push "Y" repeatedly!''
====''Super Mario RPG'' (Nintendo Switch)====
*'''Battle menu description:''' ''Fire away! Push {{button|switch|A}} repeatedly!''
 
==Gallery==
<gallery>
SMB2 FireBall.gif|''[[Super Mario Bros. 2]]''
Mario-Fireball-Melee.png|Mario's Fireball in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''
Luigi-Fireball-Melee.png|Luigi's Fireball in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee''
FireballIcon-MKDD.png|''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'' icon
Fireball attack Brawl.png|Mario's Fireball in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''
WiiU SmashBros scrnC01 04 E3.png|Mario's Fireball in ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]''
Fireball SSB4 Wii U.jpg|Mario's Fireball in ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U''
SSB4 Wii U - Luigi Screenshot04.png|Luigi's Fireball in ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U''
MarioSpecial BA.png|Mario's Fireball
MarioSpecial BB.png|Fast Fireball
MarioSpecial BC.png|Fire Orb
LuigiSpecial BA.png|Luigi's Fireball
LuigiSpecial BB.png|Bouncing Fireball
LuigiSpecial BC.png|Ice Ball
SSBU Fireball Luigi.jpg|Luigi's Fireball in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''
MKT Mario Fire Flower.jpg|''[[Mario Kart Tour]]''
MKT Ice Bro and Fire Bro.jpg|''Mario Kart Tour''
PMTOK Musee Champignon art 127.png|''[[Paper Mario: The Origami King]]''
Super Mario Bros 30th Rimpainting.png|Folding screen for celebrate the ''Super Mario Bros.'' 30th Anniversary and the 400th anniversary of the Rimpa school's founding, based on ''{{wp|Tawaraya Sōtatsu|Fujin Raijin-zu Byobu}}''
Supernintendoworldpowerupbandkeychallenge-c.jpg|[[Super Nintendo World]]
TSMBM Fire Peach.jpg|''[[The Super Mario Bros. Movie]]''
Lava Wave Ride.png|[[LEGO Super Mario|LEGO ''Super Mario'']]
SMRPG Remake Fireball.jpg|''[[Super Mario RPG (Nintendo Switch)|Super Mario RPG]]''
M&LB Fire and Ice icon.png|''[[Mario & Luigi: Brothership]]''
</gallery>
 
==Names in other languages==
{{foreign names
|Jap=ファイアボール
|JapR=Faiabōru
|JapM=Fireball
|ChiS=火球
|ChiSR=Huǒ Qiú
|ChiSM=Fire Ball
|ChiT=火焰球
|ChiTR=Huǒyàn Qiú
|ChiTM=Flame Ball
|Dut=Vuurbal
|DutM=Fireball
|Fre=Boule de feu
|FreM=Fireball
|Ger=Feuerball
|GerM=Fireball
|Ita=Palla di fuoco
|Ita2=Fiamme danzanti
|Ita2N=''Mario Kart: Double Dash!!''
|ItaM=Fire ball
|Ita2M=Dancing flames
|Kor=파이어볼
|KorR=Paieobol
|KorM=Fireball
|Por=Bola de fogo
|PorM=Fire ball
|Rom=Bilă de foc
|RomN={{file link|HappyMealMcDonaldsRomania.jpg|McDonald's Romania 2017 Happy Meal box, ''Super Mario'' promotion}}
|RomM=Fire ball
|Rus=Огненный шар
|RusR=Ognennyy shar
|RusM=Fiery ball
|Spa=Bola de Fuego
|SpaM=Fire Ball
|Swe=Eld
|SweM=Fire
}}
 
===Ball of Fire===
{{foreign names
|Jap=ひのたま
|JapR=Hinotama
|JapM=Fireball
|ChiS=火焰球
|ChiSR=Huǒyàn qiú
|ChiSM=Flame ball
|ChiT=火球
|ChiTR=Huǒ Qiú
|ChiTM=Fireball
|Fre=Boule enflammée
|FreM=Flaming ball
|Ger=Flammenball
|GerM=Flame ball
|Ita=Palla infuocata
|ItaM=Fiery ball
|Kor=불덩어리
|KorR=Buldeong'eori
|KorM=Fireball
|Por=Bola ígnea
|PorM=Igneous ball
|Spa=Bola ígnea
|SpaM=Igneous ball
}}
 
==References==
{{NIWA|SmashWiki=1}}
<references/>
 
{{navboxes|
{{TSMBSS animation}}
{{TAOSMB3}}
{{SMW TV}}
{{SMK}}
{{SMRPG}}
{{SSB}}
{{SSBM}}
{{MKDD}}
{{MSB}}
{{MKAGP}}
{{MKAGP2}}
{{SSBB}}
{{MKAGPDX}}
{{MVDKMOTM}}
{{MVDKMLM}}
{{Mario Super Sluggers}}
{{SSB4}}
{{SSBU}}}}
[[Category:Projectiles]]
[[Category:Hazardous objects]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong Country Returns enemies]]
[[Category:LEGO Super Mario objects]]
[[Category:Mario Kart Arcade GP items]]
[[Category:Mario Kart Arcade GP 2 items]]
[[Category:Mario Kart Arcade GP DX items]]
[[Category:Mario Kart: Double Dash!! items]]
[[Category:Mario Super Sluggers]]
[[Category:Mario Superstar Baseball]]
[[Category:Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis]]
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[[Category:Super Mario Kart items]]
[[Category:Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars moves]]
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[[Category:Super Smash Bros. special moves]]
[[Category:Super Smash Bros. Brawl special moves]]
[[Category:Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U special moves]]
[[Category:Super Smash Bros. Melee special moves]]
[[Category:Super Smash Bros. Ultimate special moves]]
[[Category:The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3]]
[[Category:The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!]]
[[Category:Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 enemies]]
[[Category:Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3]]
[[Category:Yoshi's Island DS]]
[[Category:Yoshi's Story]]
[[de:Feuerball]]
[[it:Palla di fuoco (oggetto)]]

Latest revision as of 13:14, November 22, 2024

It has been requested that this article be rewritten and expanded to include more information. Reason: Paper Mario series

This article is about the projectile used as a weapon by Fire Mario and various enemies. For other uses, see Fireball (disambiguation).
"Fire Orb" redirects here. For the fire-elemental Orb in Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition, see Orb (Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition).
Fireball
Artwork of a Fireball from Super Mario 3D World.
Artwork from Super Mario 3D World
First appearance Mario Bros. (1983)
Latest appearance Mario & Luigi: Brothership (2024)
Variants

A Fireball (also written as Fire Ball) or Ball of Fire[1] is a common projectile in the Super Mario franchise. Typically, a character can shoot fireballs only if they acquire a Fire Flower. Some enemies can shoot fireballs without the use of a power-up. In some spin-off games, Mario and Luigi can shoot fireballs from their hands without using a Fire Flower. In most games, fireballs are capable of being thrown even underwater. Ice Balls can be seen as a parallel to fireballs.

History[edit]

Mario Bros.[edit]

Main article: Fireball (obstacle)

Fireballs first appear as obstacles in Mario Bros., where they randomly appear on the stage, moving and bouncing off the edges of the screen.

Super Mario series[edit]

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

Fire Mario shooting a fireball in the remake, Super Mario All-Stars

Fireballs make their debut as projectiles in Super Mario Bros., where Mario and Luigi can shoot these fireballs only if they acquire a Fire Flower. They are affected by gravity and bounce only on the ground. If they hit a block sideways or from the underside, they will usually explode. Most enemies can be defeated by one fireball, and Bowser can be defeated by five. Hitting Bowser and his fakes with five fireballs will defeat them and give 5,000 points; the latter seven will also reveal the common enemy that was in disguise.

Super Mario Bros. 2 / Super Mario Advance[edit]

Fireballs only appear in Super Mario Bros. 2 as enemy projectiles. Pansers shoot two fireballs at a time (gray/green ones shoot them straight up, while the others shoot them toward the player in an arc). Red and Green/Gray Birdos spit fireballs; the former also shoots eggs, but the latter does not, forcing the use of Mushroom Blocks to defeat them. Autobombs also shoot fireballs at players if Shyguys are on them.

Super Mario Bros. 3 / Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3[edit]

Artwork of Fire Mario in Super Mario World (later used in Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2)
Artwork of Fire Mario shooting fireball from Super Mario Bros. 3

Fireballs return in Super Mario Bros. 3, being usable projectiles again. Though Mario and Luigi are not the only ones that can shoot fireballs, as Venus Fire Traps, Fire Brothers, and Fiery Walking Piranhas can also shoot fireballs from their mouths; these fireballs can be blocked if the Mario Bros. crouch while wearing a Hammer Suit.

Due to palette limitations in the NES version of the game, Mario and Luigi's fireballs appear green inside Toad Houses and cyan during Koopaling fights.

In Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3, the Orange Switch makes any enemies defeated by Fire Mario's fireballs become coins, as in Super Mario World.

Super Mario World / Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2[edit]

Artwork of Mario and Yoshi breathing fire, from Super Mario World.
Artwork of Yoshi spitting Fireballs from Super Mario World

Fireballs appear in Super Mario World where they are used as a weapon. When enemies are hit by fireballs, they become coins. Additionally, Yoshi can breathe fireballs if he eats a Red Shell and Red Yoshi can also breathe fireballs if he eats a Koopa Shell. The fireballs that Yoshi spit out look like Lava Bubbles and destroy most enemies. Jumping Fire Piranha Plants spit fireballs at the peak of their jumps, and Volcano Lotuses release four at a time.

Super Mario 64 / Super Mario 64 DS[edit]

In Super Mario 64, flame throwers and Fly Guys spit fireballs at Mario when he is near them. The lava and volcano of Lethal Lava Land also spew fireballs at certain intervals.

Fireballs also appear in Super Mario 64 DS as a stream of Fire Breath with Yoshi's Power Flower ability. They are also found by swallowing flame throwers, Fly Guys and campfires.

New Super Mario Bros.[edit]

Fireballs return in New Super Mario Bros., where they have the same function as in the previous game, when Fire Mario shoots fireballs. In the Mario vs. Luigi game mode, fireballs can stun a brother and knock a big star from him, but can defeat a brother in Mini form.

Super Mario Galaxy[edit]

Fireballs reappear in Super Mario Galaxy as Fire Mario's projectiles; however, the form has a time limit, and though he can shoot more than two fireballs at a time, he cannot do so underwater. Kamella and Magikoopas also shoot fireballs from their wands (the former also spawns Green Shells), and King Kaliente and Roctos spit them and coconuts (the latter of which can be hit back at them).

New Super Mario Bros. Wii[edit]

Fireballs appear in New Super Mario Bros. Wii, appearing when Fire Mario shoots them. Fire Bros. also throw fireballs, and Fire Piranha Plants spit them out, melting any Ice Block in their way. Yoshi can also spit a giant Fireball (like in Super Mario World) by eating a fireball launched by a character with a Fire Flower power up, or from a Fire Piranha Plant. This giant fireball transforms all enemies encountered into coins.

Super Mario Galaxy 2[edit]

Fireballs return in Super Mario Galaxy 2, acting as they did in its predecessor, though Magikoopas instead spawn Goombas. Prince Pikante also shoots fireballs and coconuts in his battle.

Super Mario 3D Land[edit]

Fire Mario reappears in Super Mario 3D Land, acting as it does in the 2D Super Mario games. The fireballs thrown bounce off walls and fizzle out after two seconds. Fire Piranha Plants also spit fireballs.

New Super Mario Bros. 2[edit]

Fire Pipe
Fire Mario shooting fireballs into a pipe to get coins

Fireballs return in New Super Mario Bros. 2 and behave as they always have. There is an extra gimmick where Fire Mario can shoot fireballs into certain pipes and coins and other items (like Mega Mushrooms) can come out the other end.

New Super Mario Bros. U[edit]

Piranha Plants on Ice
Fire Piranha Plants spitting out fireballs in New Super Mario Bros. U

Fireballs reappear in New Super Mario Bros. U, acting as they did in New Super Mario Bros. Wii.

Super Mario 3D World / Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury[edit]

Artwork of Fire Princess Peach, from Super Mario 3D World.
Fire Peach throwing a fireball

Fireballs reappear in Super Mario 3D World and its Nintendo Switch port Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury, and behave like they did in Super Mario 3D Land; they can also go through Clear Pipes and destroy any spiked balls within them. Fire Bros. also throw fireballs, which can go through Clear Pipes and be destroyed by players' fireballs.

In the Bowser's Fury campaign of Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury, fireballs that make contact with the water surrounding Lake Lapcat will be put out.

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

Fireballs return in Super Mario Maker and Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS due to the return of the Fire Flower item and enemies such as Fire Piranha Plants. Yoshi can also swallow fireballs from enemies that shoot them, or get fireballs from fire obstacles such as Fire Bars or Burners. Additionally, the Fire Koopa Clown Car, an object released via a software update on December 22, 2015, has the ability to shoot fireballs from its mouth, and Fire Flowers give it a triple spread-shot. A charge can create larger fireballs, which can destroy blocks.

Super Mario Maker 2[edit]

Fireballs make a comeback in Super Mario Maker 2, retaining their behavior in its predecessor. Fire Bros. also return, though only in the Super Mario 3D World style; a new Sledge Bro-like variation also debuts, the Heavy Fire Bro. Red Yoshis also return in the Super Mario World and New Super Mario Bros. U styles, and spit fireballs instead of licking, unlike in Super Mario World; their fireballs work like those of the Fire Koopa Clown Car; these cannot be charged up, however.

DIC cartoons[edit]

The Super Mario Bros. Super Show![edit]

Fireballs appear in The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! They are used by Fire Mario (known as Super Mario in the show). The episode, "The Fire of Hercufleas" introduces the Great Balls of Fire, very powerful fireballs that can damage a wall.

The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3[edit]

Fireballs also appear in The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3. Once again, they are used by Fire Mario. The episode, "Princess Toadstool for President" includes the song, "Great Balls of Fire," which is a real song. Fireballs are also produced by Fire Chomps and Fire Snakes.

Super Mario World television series[edit]

Fireballs reappear in the Super Mario World television series. They are used by Fire Mario and Bowser Statues.

Mario Kart series[edit]

Super Mario Kart[edit]

Fireballs make their debut in the Mario Kart series in Super Mario Kart, where Bowser would drop these items and touching them would make the driver spin out. Unlike other laid down items such as Banana Peels, however, they move around a bit on the course.

Mario Kart: Double Dash!![edit]

Fireball in Mario Kart: Double Dash!!.
Artwork of a Fireball from Mario Kart: Double Dash!!.

Fireballs reappeared in Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, where they are the Special Items of Mario (and Petey Piranha and King Boo, due to their ability to have any special item). Luigi's is a Green Fireball, but it acts the same. When the special item is used, five fireballs will be launched into the racetrack, hitting other drivers and causing their karts to spin-out. These fireballs are capable of ricocheting off walls. However, after a short amount of time, the launched fireballs will fizzle out.

Mario Kart Arcade GP series[edit]

The Fireball appears as an item in Mario Kart Arcade GP, Mario Kart Arcade GP 2, and Mario Kart Arcade GP DX, in which it is one of Mario and Luigi's special items. The Fireball is one of the few items that can be thrown both forwards and backwards depending on the player's input. When thrown, the Fireball bounces across the track and ricochets off walls, exactly as it does in Mario Kart: Double Dash!!. However, only one Fireball is launched instead of five.

In Mario Kart Arcade GP DX, Fire Mario's special item is the Double Fireball, which allows him to throw two Fireballs rather than one.

Mario Kart DS[edit]

Fireballs appear in Mario Kart DS on the track DS Mario Circuit, where two Fire Piranha Plants can be seen spitting them out onto the road acting as an obstacle for the racers to dodge.

Mario Kart Wii[edit]

Fireballs also appeared in Mario Kart Wii, where they could only be seen in the 2nd Competition of March 2009. Here, Dry Bowser would spit out fireballs to attack the player. He would either fire three fireballs backwards or one fireball forward, depending on the player's racing position.

Mario Kart 7[edit]

Mario
Artwork of Mario preparing to throw a fireball in Mario Kart 7.

Fireballs appear in Mario Kart 7 where they are used as a special weapon. They can only be used if the Fire Flower item, which allows the racers to shoot fireballs forwards and backwards, is acquired. A racer hit with a fireball loses a single coin. The item lasts until ten fireballs are thrown or for ten seconds.

Mario Kart 8 / Mario Kart 8 Deluxe[edit]

Fireballs appear in Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, where they have the same use and effect as in Mario Kart 7.

Mario Kart Tour[edit]

Fireballs appear in Mario Kart Tour, where they have the same use as in Mario Kart: Double Dash!!. Unlike in Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, however, three fireballs (four when Fire Flower+ is active) are launched instead of five and fireballs orbit the player's kart prior to being launched. Fire Piranha Plants also shoot fireballs at drivers. A fireball also appears in one of Fire Bro's Jump Boost animations, albeit only with an aesthetic purpose.

Fireballs can be destroyed by hitting them with an item or by driving into them while powered-up, granting bonus points in the process. The action of destroying a fireball thrown by another driver is displayed on-screen as "Item destroyed!", while the same action done to fireballs thrown by Fire Piranha Plants is displayed as "Ball of Fire".

Club Nintendo comics[edit]

In the Club Nintendo comic "Super Mario: Verloren in der Zeit", Fire Mario uses a Fireball to defeat a Tyrannosaurus rex.

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars[edit]

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars move
Fire Orb
Fireball
Used by Mario
Type Magic
Magic power 20
Effect Damage
Element Fire
Target One enemy
Damage reduced N/A

Fireballs appear in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars as a fire-based special attack that Mario learns when he reaches Level three, under the name of Fire Orb in the original. The move is called Fireball in the remake. The attack allows Mario to shoot small fireballs at one enemy. To do more damage than usual, the player should push Y Button repeatedly while Mario is unleashing fireballs. Fireball uses five FP and has a Magic Power of twenty points. This attack is useful in the first fight against Croco in Bandit's Way. When used against an enemy made of fire, the Fireball attack does no damage.

Mario can learn two more powerful versions of Fireball during the course of the game: Super Fireball and Ultra Fireball.

Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble![edit]

Fireballs appear only as hazardous obstacles shot by Karbines and Kroc in Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! The fireballs shot by Kroc are similar to those shot by Karbines, except Kroc shoots from the foreground, whilst Karbines do so in the background.

Super Smash Bros. series[edit]

SmashWiki article: Fireball
Mario's Fireball in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Mario's Fireball in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Fireballs appear as the standard special move used by both Mario and Luigi throughout the Super Smash Bros. series. The fireballs here only deal a small amount of damage, unlike with games of the Super Mario franchise. Super Smash Bros. Brawl also makes the fireballs travel for a shorter distance before they vanish. Mario's Fireballs are red and affected by gravity (meaning they bounce against the ground), while Luigi's Fireballs are green and shoot straight no matter what, unless it ricochets off of something in front of Luigi. Kirby can also use the Fireball move once he has sucked up Mario or Luigi, and the color and performance of the Fireball are according to which Mario Brother he has sucked up. In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS, and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, Yoshi can spit single fireballs in his Final Smash form.

In Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, the first custom variant of Mario's Fireball is Fast Fireball, in which the fireball travels directly forward at high speed but does not cause knockback and deals less damage. The second is Fire Orb, which fires a larger but slower fireball that moves similarly to the standard Fireball but can hit multiple times. The custom variants for Luigi's Fireball are Bouncing Fireball, which behaves like Mario's standard Fireball, and Ice Ball, which moves more slowly but can freeze opponents.

In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, both Mario Brothers' Fireballs remain unaltered, aside from visual improvements, including brighter, flashier particle effects, as well as the appearance of smoke. However, Mario's Fireballs can now hit multiple times when used near opponents, just like the Fire Orb custom variant from the previous game.

Mario & Luigi series[edit]

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

Screenshot of the Advanced Fire Bros. Bros. Attack in Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga
The Advanced version of Fire Bros. has Mario combine normal fireballs to create a big fireball.

In Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, Mario and Luigi learn a Bros. Attack named Fire Bros., which involves Mario throwing fireballs in high arcs so Luigi can use his hammer to bat them back at the enemies in low arcs. This game also introduces the concept of combining multiple fireballs into a single larger fireball, as the Advanced Command for Fire Bros. has Mario jump to push each fireball that Luigi hammers forward into a mass above Mario's head. To finish, Mario jumps off Luigi spike that fireball into an enemy

Mario is also given his fire technique known as Firebrand, which acts like fireballs, lighting all the Torches so that some location can be accessible for the Bros.

In the tutorial battle with Bowser, Bowser only attacks Mario using his Fire Breath. As Rookie, he also spits fireballs alongside throwing hammers, similar to how he attacked in the original Super Mario Bros. Bowletta, a transformation between Cackletta and Bowser, also tries to breathe heavily and, after a few seconds, tries to breathe massive fire to defeat the Mario Bros. which can be done by dodging. Additionally, fireballs also appear during the final battle with Cackletta.

The remake of Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions, changes Fire Bros. animations. Instead of throwing individual fireballs, Mario throws one into the arc then sends the remainder into the first fireball. They combine to create a large fireball, that gradually descends to Luigi, who uses his hammer to split it into multiple fireballs that land on one enemy. It is similar to Luiginary Flame, an attack from Mario & Luigi: Dream Team. The Advanced Command is replaced by a discrete Super Attack named Super Fire Bros. It follows from the Fire Bros. changes, but it swaps the hammer attack from normal Fire Bros. with Luigi jumping to pop the giant fireball into the air. Mario jumps off Luigi to spike the fireball down into the enemies, as before. It explodes on impact, with the shockwave damaging all grounded enemies.

Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time[edit]

Mix Flower
Mix Flower tasks all four characters to throw fireballs to create a giant fireball

In Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time, the Bros. Flower is a the Bros. Item. that allows Mario and Luigi, or Baby Mario and Baby Luigi, to throw fireballs at the enemies. They bounce along the ground, as they do in the Super Mario series. If the babies are paired with the adults, then the babies can lob their fireballs to hit flying enemies. While both brothers (or pairs of brothers) have fireballs in hand, a large fireball is passed between the brothers during the attack. The brother(s) with the large fireball should be the one(s) throwing fireballs. If the other brother(s) throw fireballs, their fireballs will disappear when they collide with the ground, and never reach the enemies. The Mix Flower is a different Bros. Item where all four characters split up, then throw fireballs above the enemies. They congeal into a giant fireball, which drops down at the end to inflict damage. However, one large fireball is moving between the characters, and only the character with that fireball can throw fireballs. Everyone else has Ice Balls, and throwing them decreases the size of the large fireball.

Blazing Shroobs, found in Thwomp Caverns, the Shrooboid Brat and Elder Shrooboid can also attack using fireballs. If the wrong brother hits the Adult Shine Block, a fireball will appear and force the babies to restart from the beginning of the room.

Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story / Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey[edit]

In Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story and its remake, Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey, Mario and Luigi can obtain the Fire Flower Special Attack. It turns them into Fire Mario and Fire Luigi, and allows them to throw fireballs at enemies. The mechanics and animation are broadly similar to Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time, however, a large fireball does not move between Mario and Luigi. Rather, one brother's fireball is larger and the other is smaller, and this changes during the attack. The attack also has a second phase where Mario and Luigi both have large fireballs so they can both throw at the same time. The remake renames Special Attacks to Bros. Attacks, but has no outstanding changes.

Mario & Luigi: Dream Team[edit]

Screenshot of Mario & Luigi: Dream Team
Luiginary Flame continues the concept but with the Luiginoids, so more characters contribute to the final attack.

In Mario & Luigi: Dream Team, the Fire Flower returns as a Bros. Attack, though the mechanics have been changed. In this game, both brothers are holding fireballs that gradually increase in size. The size resets after being thrown, and the rate at which the fireballs grow varies. Throwing them while they are large is optimal, but waiting too long will burn that brother and cost them the fireball. A second phase that only triggers on a perfectly executed attack gives both brothers an infinite supply of large fireballs to throw. Luiginary Flame is a Luiginary Attack, where the Luiginoids work with Mario to pass a fireball forward to other groups of Luiginoids. Each group adds their fireballs to that fireball, so the fireball grows to large proportions. Missing inputs burns the receiving character, makes them drop their fireballs if they have any, and shrinks the main fireball. Only the Luiginoids gain Fire form in this attack. Mario concludes the attack by swinging his Hammer at the fireball to scatter the fire over all enemies. If not hit, the fireball bounces off Mario's head then bounces off one enemy for minimal damage.

Fire Bros, Piranha Plants, and a new enemy called Magmad also attack by using fireballs; the former throw the fireballs into their target, while the latter two spit the fireballs out.

Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam[edit]

In Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam, the Fire Flower once again returns as a Bros. Attack. It is mechanically similar to the attack from Mario & Luigi: Dream Team, though the animation for attacking flying enemies has the fireballs be thrown in arcs instead of across the ground. As with all fire based attacks, fireballs deal critical damage to Paper enemies.

Fire Bros. return with fireballs as their main weapon, and the paper variant can also fold itself into a baseball bat to send a fireball into a Bro. Fire Piranha Plants also appear in both 3-dimensional forms and paper forms, using fireballs as their main weapon. Bowser and his paper counterpart can shoot fireballs as well as one of their attacks in the first phase of the final battle; these ones explode upon hitting the ground, and their shockwaves must be jumped over. The Bowsers' fusion, Shiny RoboBowser, can shoot giant fireballs in some of his attacks.

Mario & Luigi: Brothership[edit]

In Mario & Luigi: Brothership, with the Fire & Ice Bros. Move, Mario can throw fireballs with his Fire suit with X Button (while Luigi uses Ice Balls from his Ice transformation with Y Button). The first phase of the new Bros. Attack Max-Mix Vortex involves Mario placing fireballs in a ring while Luigi fills the slots not covered by Mario with Ice Balls. Additionally, during the first phase of Reclusa's battle, Mario can use his fireballs to block ice shots and cancel Reclusa's ice attacks when the Bros. catch up to the fiend. This is also done in the Luigi Logic section of the second phase of the fight, where Mario can shoot down Weeping Reclusa's ice shots with his fireballs as the Bros. head into the beast's maw.

Some enemies also use fireballs. The Fire Bro. appears in this game, throwing fireballs as an attack, and a new enemy called Reclusiff can drop fireballs onto the Bros. from above before slamming into one of them; these must be blocked with a hammer. The returning Mario & Luigi: Dream Team enemy Magmad can bounce a fireball between itself and another Magmad (if there is more than one) as the two Magmads head towards their target, who must use a hammer strike to repel the fireball. The Pipegunk is also able to shoot fireballs from the pipes on top of its body when Shun moves the arena it is fought in into a magma chamber with his remote. Mario and Luigi must counter this move with their hammers.

Mario Baseball series[edit]

Mario Superstar Baseball[edit]

The Fireball is Mario's Star Skill in Mario Superstar Baseball. When pitched with, the Fireball sets the ball on fire and is thrown as a fastball with extremely high velocity and very little movement. Compared to Luigi's equivalent Green Fireball, it has slightly higher velocity and lower movement, matching Mario's specialties as a pitcher. When batted with, the Fireball also sets the ball on fire, hitting it as a fast, low line drive to the outfield. Players who attempt to catch the ball are burned, stunning them for a short time.

In Challenge Mode, players must purchase the Red Fireball item in order to use this skill.

Mario's Fireball icon is the same as Luigi's colored red, even keeping the L in the cap.

Mario Super Sluggers[edit]

Mario uses his Fire Ball Star Pitch in Mario Super Sluggers.
Mario uses his Fire Ball Star Pitch in Mario Super Sluggers.

Fireballs reappeared in Mario Super Sluggers. Like in Mario Superstar Baseball, it is used as Mario's Star Pitch, though Luigi is given a different Star Pitch. Just like in the predecessor, Mario will throw the baseball at a fast speed, which makes it harder for batters to properly hit it. However, unlike some other Star Pitches, the ball will still be able to travel a far distance if the player hits it with good timing. This makes it possible to get home runs with this Star Pitch since it does not affect how far the ball can go when hit.

Wario Land: Shake It![edit]

Fireballs only appear as uncommon enemy attacks. Volcannons shoot them from their erupting tops, and the Shake King can drop waves of fireballs during his battle.

Dr. Mario World[edit]

In Dr. Mario World, Dr. Fire Mario, Dr. Fire Luigi, Dr. Fire Peach, and Dr. Fire Rosalina all use fireballs as part of their skills. The animation in Stage Mode for Dr. Fire Mario has three fireballs race across the screen, while the animation in Stage Mode for Dr. Fire Rosalina shows three fireballs bounce across the screen. Then, the fireballs are used on the stage. For Dr. Fire Mario, Dr. Fire Luigi, and Dr. Fire Peach, each affected row and/or column has a fireball run through it, burning viruses and eliminating any object. For Fire Rosalina, the fireball drops onto the stage and bursts over a square area to the same effect. In either case, all objects that can be eliminated are eliminated, even if those objects normally have to be matched more than once to be eliminated.

Profiles[edit]

Super Mario Bros. 3[edit]

  • Wii Virtual Console manual description: Press One Button to throw fireballs. (You must pick up a Fire Flower first.)

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars[edit]

  • Menu description:
    • Flower Used 5
    • Mg. Power 20
    • Fire orb! Push "Y" repeatedly!

Super Mario RPG (Nintendo Switch)[edit]

  • Battle menu description: Fire away! Push A Button repeatedly!

Gallery[edit]

Names in other languages[edit]

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese ファイアボール[?]
Faiabōru
Fireball
Chinese (simplified) 火球[?]
Huǒ Qiú
Fire Ball
Chinese (traditional) 火焰球[?]
Huǒyàn Qiú
Flame Ball
Dutch Vuurbal[?] Fireball
French Boule de feu[?] Fireball
German Feuerball[?] Fireball
Italian Palla di fuoco[?] Fire ball
Fiamme danzanti[?] Dancing flames Mario Kart: Double Dash!!
Korean 파이어볼[?]
Paieobol
Fireball
Portuguese Bola de fogo[?] Fire ball
Romanian Bilă de foc[?] Fire ball McDonald's Romania 2017 Happy Meal box, Super Mario promotionMedia:HappyMealMcDonaldsRomania.jpg
Russian Огненный шар[?]
Ognennyy shar
Fiery ball
Spanish Bola de Fuego[?] Fire Ball
Swedish Eld[?] Fire

Ball of Fire[edit]

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese ひのたま[?]
Hinotama
Fireball
Chinese (simplified) 火焰球[?]
Huǒyàn qiú
Flame ball
Chinese (traditional) 火球[?]
Huǒ Qiú
Fireball
French Boule enflammée[?] Flaming ball
German Flammenball[?] Flame ball
Italian Palla infuocata[?] Fiery ball
Korean 불덩어리[?]
Buldeong'eori
Fireball
Portuguese Bola ígnea[?] Igneous ball
Spanish Bola ígnea[?] Igneous ball

References[edit]

  1. ^ Mario Kart Tour in-game name of the Fire Piranha Plant projectiles