Taj: Difference between revisions

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__NOTOC__
{{Character-infobox
{{Character-infobox
|image=[[File:TajDS.PNG|200px]]<br>Taj in ''[[Diddy Kong Racing DS]]''.
|image=[[File:TajDS.PNG|200px]]<br>Artwork of Taj from ''[[Diddy Kong Racing DS]]''.
|full_name=Taj the Genie
|full_name=Taj the Genie
|first_appearance=''[[Diddy Kong Racing]]'' ([[List of games by date#1997|1997]])
|first_appearance=''[[Diddy Kong Racing]]'' ([[List of games by date#1997|1997]])
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{{quote|I have something special for you!|Taj the Genie|Diddy Kong Racing}}
{{quote|I have something special for you!|Taj the Genie|Diddy Kong Racing}}


'''Taj the Genie''' is a large blue elephant who lives on [[Timber's Island]] and is, as he says, "the genie of the island."
'''Taj the Genie''' is a blue elephant and a genie who lives on [[Timber's Island]]. He only appears in ''[[Diddy Kong Racing]]'' and its [[Nintendo DS]] remake, ''[[Diddy Kong Racing DS]]''.


==History==
==History==
===''Diddy Kong Racing''===
===''Diddy Kong Racing''===
[[File:DKR TajRace.PNG|thumb|left|200px|[[Tiptup]] racing Taj in the Plane Challenge.]]
[[File:DKR TajRace.PNG|thumb|left|200px|[[Tiptup]] racing Taj in the Plane Challenge.]]
Taj appears during the events of ''[[Diddy Kong Racing]]'', where he helps [[Diddy Kong]] and his pals in their quest to kick the evil [[Wizpig]] out of [[Timber's Island]]. In the game, players can race Taj up to three times in the three vehicles; the boat, the car, and the plane. If defeated, Taj awards his opponent with a [[Golden Balloon]]. Taj can also change the vehicle being used currently for a different one.
In ''Diddy Kong Racing'', Taj's role is assisting [[Diddy Kong]] and his friends in banishing [[Wizpig]] from Timber's Island. At the start of the game, Taj introduces himself to the player, as the "genie of the island". His main purpose is providing the player with a [[Golden Balloon]] after winning a challenge for the first time, either a course, a Silver Coin Challenge, or one of his own vehicle challenges. He also provides a [[T.T. Amulet]] piece after the player completes a specific world challenge. Taj rides on a red, magic carpet for transportation. He also provides a hint to the player after obtaining the first two [[Wizpig Amulet]] pieces, from [[Tricky]] and [[Bluey]] respectively.


In the original ''Diddy Kong Racing'', he has an Indian accent, and speaks much more often. He was also voiced by [[Nintendo]] in the game. When the player summons his attention, he always says "Hello, friend" and asks what the player what they would like to do. In the [[Nintendo DS]] remake, he speaks less (he says nothing during the victory cutscene for each track and doesn't appear at all for the Wish Races) and what he says when the player summons his attention changes all of the time. Once the player selects something for him to do, he disappears without asking if he can help any further. He also has a British accent in ''Diddy Kong Racing DS'' where he was presumably voiced by [[Rareware]].
Each of Taj's vehicle races occur later in the adventure. The first challenge involves the player racing him in a [[Car]], then in a [[Hovercraft]] and lastly in a [[Plane]].


It is unknown if Taj was going to appear in <i>Diddy Kong Racing</i>'s canceled [[Game Boy Advance]] sequel, ''[[Diddy Kong Pilot]]''.
Taj is always seen walking around a grassy patch in the center of Timber's Island. The player can get his attention by either bumping into him or honking their horn nearby. By getting Taj's attention, he gives two options on a menu: changing the current vehicle on Timber's Island or retrying one of his vehicle challenges.


===''Donkey Kong Racing''===
===''Diddy Kong Racing DS''===
Taj was to make a reappearance in now apparently canceled [[Nintendo GameCube]] game ''[[Donkey Kong Racing]]''. Here he was apparently going to be a playable character as he was seen participating in a race with [[Donkey Kong]] where the two were racing through a forest-like area on [[Zinger]]s. He can also be seen on a small red Rambi in the trailer where he can be seen racing Donkey and Diddy on a regular Rambi and a giant Rambi.  
Taj also appears in the remake, ''Diddy Kong Racing DS''. Aside from his usual role, Taj also appears as a newly unlockable racer along with [[Wizpig]]. He can be unlocked after completing the first Adventure Mode. Taj has maximum top speed, but low acceleration and turning.
 
Taj originally had an Indian accent, which was changed to British in the remake. Taj also has less dialogue, as he does not talk when introducing himself at the start or while rewarding a Golden Balloon. Originally, from his options menu, Taj would offer to further assist the player after they selected an option. However, in the remake, Taj only allows them to select one option before vanishing. He also hosts the Wishes Menu, which is where the player can purchase unlockable features.
 
===''Donkey Kong Racing'' (cancelled)===
Taj was set to reappear in the cancelled [[Nintendo GameCube]] title, ''[[Donkey Kong Racing]]''. Here he was apparently going to be a playable character as he was seen participating in a race with [[Donkey Kong]] where the two were racing through a forest-like area on [[Zinger]]s. He is also riding on a small, red Rambi in an earlier part of the trailer.  


===''Diddy Kong Racing DS''===
Taj makes a return appearance in ''[[Diddy Kong Racing DS]]'' as an unlockable racer in this game along with [[Wizpig]], unlike the original. Here, he is unlocked by completing the first Adventure Mode. Taj has high top speed, but low acceleration and turning. He is the fastest character in the game while in a car. He also only helps the player with one thing at a time in this game, unlike the original version, where he asks if he can help any further.
{{br}}
{{br}}


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===''Diddy Kong Racing''===
===''Diddy Kong Racing''===
<gallery>
<gallery>
Taj the Genie.png|''[[Diddy Kong Racing]]''
Taj the Genie.png|Artwork
Taj Walking.png|''Diddy Kong Racing''
Taj Walking.png|Artwork
Taj Balloon.png|''Diddy Kong Racing''
Taj Balloon.png|Artwork
DKRScene2.jpg|Artwork with [[Diddy Kong]]
Taj introduction DKR.png|Taj introducing himself to Diddy.
Taj options DKR.png|Taj's options menu.
DKR GoldenBalloon.png|[[Conker]] receiving a [[Golden Balloon]] from Taj.
DKR GoldenBalloon.png|[[Conker]] receiving a [[Golden Balloon]] from Taj.
DKR first ending scene.png|Taj partying with [[Timber]] in the first ending, after winning the first race against Wizpig.
</gallery>
===''Diddy Kong Racing DS''===
<gallery>
Taj Car Challenge DKRDS win.png|Diddy wins against Taj in the Car Challenge of ''[[Diddy Kong Racing DS]]''.
Taj Car Challenge DKRDS win.png|Diddy wins against Taj in the Car Challenge of ''[[Diddy Kong Racing DS]]''.
Taj unlocked DKRDS.png|The message for unlocking Taj in ''Diddy Kong Racing DS''.
Taj unlocked DKRDS.png|The message for unlocking Taj in ''Diddy Kong Racing DS''.
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Taj talks to self DKRDS.png|Taj talking to the playable Taj in ''Diddy Kong Racing DS''.
Taj talks to self DKRDS.png|Taj talking to the playable Taj in ''Diddy Kong Racing DS''.
Taj head icon DKRDS.png|Icon in ''Diddy Kong Racing DS''
Taj head icon DKRDS.png|Icon in ''Diddy Kong Racing DS''
Taj2.jpg|Taj and [[Donkey Kong]] racing on [[Zinger]]s in the cancelled game, ''[[Donkey Kong Racing]]''.
</gallery>
 
===''Donkey Kong Racing''===
<gallery>
Taj on Red Rambi Donkey Kong Racing.jpg|Taj riding on a reddish Rambi in the ''[[Donkey Kong Racing]]'' trailer.
Taj2.jpg|Taj and [[Donkey Kong]] race on [[Zinger]]s in the trailer for ''Donkey Kong Racing''.
</gallery>
</gallery>


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*Taj could have possibly have been inspired from the real world {{wp|Indian elephant}}, considering his basis from Indian culture.
*The first use of the name "Taj" in the [[Mario (franchise)|''Mario'' franchise]] actually appeared on ''[[Tetris Attack]]''{{'}}s high score board.
*The first use of the name "Taj" in the [[Mario (franchise)|''Mario'' franchise]] actually appeared on ''[[Tetris Attack]]''{{'}}s high score board.
*A ''taj'' (تاج, from the Arabic word for "crown") is a brimless hat worn by people from Muslim countries. However, it may be a reference to the [[Wikipedia:Taj Mahal|Taj Mahal]], a palace in India.
*A ''taj'' (تاج, from the Arabic word for "crown") is a brimless hat worn by people from Muslim countries. However, it may be a reference to the [[Wikipedia:Taj Mahal|Taj Mahal]], a palace in India.

Revision as of 00:50, December 28, 2018

Template:Character-infobox

“I have something special for you!”
—Taj the Genie, Diddy Kong Racing

Taj the Genie is a blue elephant and a genie who lives on Timber's Island. He only appears in Diddy Kong Racing and its Nintendo DS remake, Diddy Kong Racing DS.

History

Diddy Kong Racing

File:DKR TajRace.PNG
Tiptup racing Taj in the Plane Challenge.

In Diddy Kong Racing, Taj's role is assisting Diddy Kong and his friends in banishing Wizpig from Timber's Island. At the start of the game, Taj introduces himself to the player, as the "genie of the island". His main purpose is providing the player with a Golden Balloon after winning a challenge for the first time, either a course, a Silver Coin Challenge, or one of his own vehicle challenges. He also provides a T.T. Amulet piece after the player completes a specific world challenge. Taj rides on a red, magic carpet for transportation. He also provides a hint to the player after obtaining the first two Wizpig Amulet pieces, from Tricky and Bluey respectively.

Each of Taj's vehicle races occur later in the adventure. The first challenge involves the player racing him in a Car, then in a Hovercraft and lastly in a Plane.

Taj is always seen walking around a grassy patch in the center of Timber's Island. The player can get his attention by either bumping into him or honking their horn nearby. By getting Taj's attention, he gives two options on a menu: changing the current vehicle on Timber's Island or retrying one of his vehicle challenges.

Diddy Kong Racing DS

Taj also appears in the remake, Diddy Kong Racing DS. Aside from his usual role, Taj also appears as a newly unlockable racer along with Wizpig. He can be unlocked after completing the first Adventure Mode. Taj has maximum top speed, but low acceleration and turning.

Taj originally had an Indian accent, which was changed to British in the remake. Taj also has less dialogue, as he does not talk when introducing himself at the start or while rewarding a Golden Balloon. Originally, from his options menu, Taj would offer to further assist the player after they selected an option. However, in the remake, Taj only allows them to select one option before vanishing. He also hosts the Wishes Menu, which is where the player can purchase unlockable features.

Donkey Kong Racing (cancelled)

Taj was set to reappear in the cancelled Nintendo GameCube title, Donkey Kong Racing. Here he was apparently going to be a playable character as he was seen participating in a race with Donkey Kong where the two were racing through a forest-like area on Zingers. He is also riding on a small, red Rambi in an earlier part of the trailer.

Gallery

Diddy Kong Racing

  • Artwork

    Artwork

  • Artwork

    Artwork

  • Artwork

    Artwork

  • Artwork with Diddy Kong

    Artwork with Diddy Kong

  • Taj introducing himself to Diddy.

    Taj introducing himself to Diddy.

  • Taj's options menu.

    Taj's options menu.

  • Conker receiving a Golden Balloon from Taj.

    Conker receiving a Golden Balloon from Taj.

  • Taj partying with Timber in the first ending, after winning the first race against Wizpig.

    Taj partying with Timber in the first ending, after winning the first race against Wizpig.

Diddy Kong Racing DS

  • Diddy wins against Taj in the Car Challenge of Diddy Kong Racing DS.

    Diddy wins against Taj in the Car Challenge of Diddy Kong Racing DS.

  • The message for unlocking Taj in Diddy Kong Racing DS.

    The message for unlocking Taj in Diddy Kong Racing DS.

  • Taj as a playable character in Diddy Kong Racing DS.

    Taj as a playable character in Diddy Kong Racing DS.

  • Taj talking to the playable Taj in Diddy Kong Racing DS.

    Taj talking to the playable Taj in Diddy Kong Racing DS.

  • Icon in Diddy Kong Racing DS

    Icon in Diddy Kong Racing DS

Donkey Kong Racing

Trivia

  • Taj could have possibly have been inspired from the real world Indian elephant, considering his basis from Indian culture.
  • The first use of the name "Taj" in the Mario franchise actually appeared on Tetris Attack's high score board.
  • A taj (تاج, from the Arabic word for "crown") is a brimless hat worn by people from Muslim countries. However, it may be a reference to the Taj Mahal, a palace in India.
  • An unused music file in the data for Diddy Kong Racing features the player select theme played on Indian instruments. This could mean that Taj was planned to be a playable character at one point in development.
[Edit]
Diddy Kong Racing / Diddy Kong Racing DS
Playable characters Diddy Kong • Krunch • Drumstick • Bumper • Tiptup • T.T. • Pipsy • Timber • Banjoa • Conkera • Tiny Kongb • Dixie Kongb • Tajb • Wizpigb
Vehicles Car • Plane • Hovercraft
Bosses Tricky • Bluey • Bubbler • Smokey • Wizpig
Worlds Dino Domain • Snowflake Mountain • Sherbet Island • Dragon Forest • Future Fun Land • DK Islandb
Tracks Ancient Lake • Fossil Canyon • Jungle Falls • Hot Top Volcano • Everfrost Peak • Walrus Cove • Snowball Valley • Frosty Village • Whale Bay • Crescent Island • Pirate Lagoon • Treasure Caves • Windmill Plains • Greenwood Village • Boulder Canyon • Haunted Woods • Spacedust Alley • Darkmoon Caverns • Spaceport Alpha • Star City • Thunder Coveb • Meandering Mountb • Splashdown Passb • Strangled Shrineb
Boss tracks Tricky Challenge • Bluey Challenge • Bubbler Challenge • Smokey Challenge • Wizpig's First Strike • Wizpig Strikes Back
Challenge levels Fire Mountain • Icicle Pyramid • Darkwater Beach • Smokey Castle
Items & objects Bananaa • Coinb • Discovery Cardb • Golden Balloon • Power-Up Tokenb • Silver Coin • Taj Tokenb • Tree • T.T. amulet • Weapon Balloon • Wish Key • Wizpig amulet • Zipper
Other Gallery (N64 · DS) • Glitches • Media • Quotes • Timber's Balloon Pop • Trophy Race • Wish Race
a Exclusive to Diddy Kong Racing
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