8-bit character: Difference between revisions
Nintendo101 (talk | contribs) (Nintendo of America (proper) refer to these sprites as "Pixel [Name]". It seems that this was not relayed to Prima Games or TransPerfect (AoSMO translators), leading to inconsistently localized sprites, unfortunately.) |
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|latest_appearance=''[[Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury]]'' ([[List of games by date#2021|2021]]) | |latest_appearance=''[[Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury]]'' ([[List of games by date#2021|2021]]) | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''8-bit characters'''<ref name=art>{{cite|author=Sakai, Kazuya, kikai, Rachel Roberts, and Jenny Blenk, editors|date=2019|title="Metro Kingdom". ''[[The Art of Super Mario Odyssey]]''|format=First English Edition|location=Milwaukie|publisher=[[Dark Horse]]|page=175}}</ref> are animated sprites in the 3D ''[[Super Mario (series)|Super Mario]]'' games and ''[[Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker]]''. They resemble two-dimensional [[Nintendo Entertainment System|Famicom]] | '''8-bit characters'''<ref name=art>{{cite|author=Sakai, Kazuya, kikai, Rachel Roberts, and Jenny Blenk, editors|date=2019|title="Metro Kingdom". ''[[The Art of Super Mario Odyssey]]''|format=First English Edition|location=Milwaukie|publisher=[[Dark Horse]]|page=175}}</ref> are animated sprites in the 3D ''[[Super Mario (series)|Super Mario]]'' games and ''[[Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker]]''. They resemble two-dimensional sprites from the [[Nintendo Entertainment System|Famicom]]-era of various characters. The attributive noun "'''Pixel'''" is usually applied to different sprites. 8-bit characters are not the same exact individuals they resemble, who often cooccur with these sprites. For example, '''Pixel Luigis'''<ref name=pixel>{{cite|author=@NintendoAmerica|title=To celebrate #SuperMarioOdyssey’s one-year anniversary, Pixel Luigis and Pixel Captain Toads have been hidden around the festival area in New Donk City! Can you find all 39 of them? Do a Ground Pound in the correct spots to also collect some coins.|archive=https://nitter.poast.org/NintendoAmerica/status/1056236608872169472#m|archiver=Nitter|language=Japanese|publisher=Twitter|date=27 Oct. 2018}}</ref> are found throughout ''[[Super Mario 3D World]]'', in which [[Luigi]] himself is a playable character. The relationship between 8-bit characters and the individuals they resemble is not conveyed. | ||
While allusions to the animated sprites of the original ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' are near ubiquitous in the ''[[Super Mario (franchise)|Super Mario]]'' franchise, 8-bit characters only occur in 3D platformers, appear as flat images in the environment, and move as if they are alive. In most contexts, an 8-bit character can be directly interacted with. | While allusions to the animated sprites of the original ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' are near ubiquitous in the ''[[Super Mario (franchise)|Super Mario]]'' franchise, 8-bit characters only occur in 3D platformers, appear as flat images in the environment, and move as if they are alive. In most contexts, an 8-bit character can be directly interacted with. | ||
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====''Super Mario 3D World'' / ''Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury''==== | ====''Super Mario 3D World'' / ''Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury''==== | ||
{{main|List of Luigi sightings in Super Mario 3D World}} | {{main|List of Luigi sightings in Super Mario 3D World}} | ||
Pixel Luigis appear throughout ''[[Super Mario 3D World]]'' in commemoration of the [[Year of Luigi]]. They can be found on the sides of walls, or as 2D figures in the 3D environment. They are of a wide variety of sizes and behaviors, with one snowflake-sized Luigi blowing in the wind and a whale-sized one swimming in the sea. There are no tangible incentives given to the player for encountering a Pixel Luigi. | |||
Pixel Luigis do not appear in the ''[[Bowser's Fury]]'' campaign of the [[Nintendo Switch]] port. [[List of Luigi sightings in New Super Luigi U|Similar cameos]] appear in ''[[New Super Luigi U]]'', but they are inanimate fixtures of the environment made of blocks and terrain. | |||
====''Super Mario Odyssey''==== | ====''Super Mario Odyssey''==== | ||
[[File:SMO Captain Toad sprite.jpg|thumb|200px|Mario alongside | [[File:SMO Captain Toad sprite.jpg|thumb|200px|Mario alongside a Pixel Captain Toad in the [[Cap Kingdom]].]] | ||
In ''[[Super Mario Odyssey]]'', the most prominent 8-bit characters appear on the walls of terrain, often obscured or behind an obstruction. Striking one with a [[Cap Throw]] causes it to release an item before disappearing. It reappears in the same spot when the kingdom is exited and revisited. The most recurring 8-bit characters are '''8-bit Cat Mario''' and '''8-bit Cat Peach'''.<ref name=art/> They are hidden within all but two kingdoms, the [[Cloud Kingdom]] and [[Ruined Kingdom]]. They are based on the powered-up [[Cat Mario|Cat forms]] of the same name that debuted in ''Super Mario 3D World'', but are otherwise absent in ''Super Mario Odyssey''. Striking 8-bit Cat Mario awards [[Mario]] with ten [[coin]]s. 8-bit Cat Peach releases a [[Heart (item)|Heart]]. As an homage to ''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]'', an '''8-bit Rosalina'''<ref name=art/> is hidden on the [[Dark Side]] and [[Darker Side]] of the [[moon]]. Striking her releases ten coins, like Cat Mario. 8-bit Cat Marios sometimes fall out of [[flower (environmental object)|bushes]] when they are walked through, seemingly caught on a breeze before disappearing. They appear in the Playing with VR mode added on April 25, 2019 through version 1.3.0. | In ''[[Super Mario Odyssey]]'', the most prominent 8-bit characters appear on the walls of terrain, often obscured or behind an obstruction. Striking one with a [[Cap Throw]] causes it to release an item before disappearing. It reappears in the same spot when the kingdom is exited and revisited. The most recurring 8-bit characters are '''8-bit Cat Mario''' and '''8-bit Cat Peach'''.<ref name=art/> They are hidden within all but two kingdoms, the [[Cloud Kingdom]] and [[Ruined Kingdom]]. They are based on the powered-up [[Cat Mario|Cat forms]] of the same name that debuted in ''Super Mario 3D World'', but are otherwise absent in ''Super Mario Odyssey''. Striking 8-bit Cat Mario awards [[Mario]] with ten [[coin]]s. 8-bit Cat Peach releases a [[Heart (item)|Heart]]. As an homage to ''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]'', an '''8-bit Rosalina'''<ref name=art/> is hidden on the [[Dark Side]] and [[Darker Side]] of the [[moon]]. Striking her releases ten coins, like Cat Mario. 8-bit Cat Marios sometimes fall out of [[flower (environmental object)|bushes]] when they are walked through, seemingly caught on a breeze before disappearing. They appear in the Playing with VR mode added on April 25, 2019 through version 1.3.0. | ||
Starting March 14, 2018, Nintendo began posting extra [[Hint Art]] on social media that lead to hidden | Starting March 14, 2018, Nintendo began posting extra [[Hint Art]] on social media that lead to hidden Pixel Luigis. If Mario [[Ground Pound|ground pound]]s on the exact spot as depicted in the Hint Art, a Pixel Luigi pops out and releases 200 coins for the first time he is discovered. Unlike other 8-bit characters, a Pixel Luigi lets out a distorted cry when exposed, and lingers in the environment after being struck. Striking him again makes him twirl. To commemorate the release of ''Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker'' on the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo 3DS, the Pixel Luigis were replaced by '''Pixel Captain Toads'''<ref name=pixel/> from July 11 to August 8, 2018. | ||
There are 2D areas in ''Super Mario Odyssey'' that are entirely composed of 8-bit sprites on a 2D plane. Mario himself appears in these areas as an 8-bit sprite, as do enemies and platforms. However, 8-bit characters cannot be encountered in these areas. The [[Prima Games]] guidebook states 8-bit characters are apparently as old as the fossils found throughout the [[Cascade Kingdom]],<ref>{{cite|author=Walsh, Doug, and Joe Epstein|title=''Super Mario Odyssey: PRIMA Official Game Guide''|format=Collector's Edition|date=2017|location=Roseville|publisher=[[Prima Games]]|page=22}}</ref> some of which resemble sprites of enemies from the original ''Super Mario Bros.'' | There are 2D areas in ''Super Mario Odyssey'' that are entirely composed of 8-bit sprites on a 2D plane. Mario himself appears in these areas as an 8-bit sprite, as do enemies and platforms. However, 8-bit characters cannot be encountered in these areas. The [[Prima Games]] guidebook states 8-bit characters are apparently as old as the fossils found throughout the [[Cascade Kingdom]],<ref>{{cite|author=Walsh, Doug, and Joe Epstein|title=''Super Mario Odyssey: PRIMA Official Game Guide''|format=Collector's Edition|date=2017|location=Roseville|publisher=[[Prima Games]]|page=22}}</ref> some of which resemble sprites of enemies from the original ''Super Mario Bros.'' | ||
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In the original release of ''[[Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker]]'', scanning the [[amiibo|Toad amiibo]] causes a Pixel Toad to appear in a course, with which the player character plays Hide and Seek. This functionatelity is unlocked through normal progression in the [[Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker (Nintendo Switch / Nintendo 3DS)|port]] released on the [[Nintendo Switch]] and [[Nintendo 3DS]]. | In the original release of ''[[Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker]]'', scanning the [[amiibo|Toad amiibo]] causes a Pixel Toad to appear in a course, with which the player character plays Hide and Seek. This functionatelity is unlocked through normal progression in the [[Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker (Nintendo Switch / Nintendo 3DS)|port]] released on the [[Nintendo Switch]] and [[Nintendo 3DS]]. | ||
Though released after the Year of Luigi concluded, the original ''Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker'' includes | Though released after the Year of Luigi concluded, the original ''Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker'' includes Pixel Luigis [[List of Luigi sightings in Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker|throughout the game]], just like ''Super Mario 3D World''. | ||
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
SM3DW 1-2 Luigi 2.jpg|Screenshot from ''[[Super Mario 3D World]]'' ( | SM3DW 1-2 Luigi 2.jpg|Screenshot from ''[[Super Mario 3D World]]'' (Pixel Luigi) | ||
SM3DW W1-Castle Luigi.jpg|Screenshot from ''Super Mario 3D World'' ( | SM3DW W1-Castle Luigi.jpg|Screenshot from ''Super Mario 3D World'' (Pixel Luigi) | ||
SM3DW Bowser-6 Luigi.jpg|Screenshot from ''Super Mario 3D World'' ( | SM3DW Bowser-6 Luigi.jpg|Screenshot from ''Super Mario 3D World'' (Pixel Luigi) | ||
Pixel Toad.png|Sprite from ''[[Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker]]'' ([[Pixel Toad]]) | Pixel Toad.png|Sprite from ''[[Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker]]'' ([[Pixel Toad]]) | ||
SMO Artwork 8-bit Cat Mario and Cat Peach.jpg|Artwork from ''[[Super Mario Odyssey]]'' | SMO Artwork 8-bit Cat Mario and Cat Peach.jpg|Artwork from ''[[Super Mario Odyssey]]'' | ||
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SMO 8bit Cat Peach.png|Sprite from ''Super Mario Odyssey'' (8-bit Cat Peach) | SMO 8bit Cat Peach.png|Sprite from ''Super Mario Odyssey'' (8-bit Cat Peach) | ||
SMO 8bit Rosalina.png|Sprite from ''Super Mario Odyssey'' (8-bit Rosalina) | SMO 8bit Rosalina.png|Sprite from ''Super Mario Odyssey'' (8-bit Rosalina) | ||
SMO 8bit Luigi.png|Sprite from ''Super Mario Odyssey'' ( | SMO 8bit Luigi.png|Sprite from ''Super Mario Odyssey'' (Pixel Luigi) | ||
SMO 8bit Captain Toad.png|Sprite from ''Super Mario Odyssey'' ( | SMO 8bit Captain Toad.png|Sprite from ''Super Mario Odyssey'' (Pixel Captain Toad) | ||
Cat Mario theme.jpg|"Mario: Purrfect Pals" 3DS theme ( | Cat Mario theme.jpg|"Mario: Purrfect Pals" 3DS theme (Pixel Luigi) | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
Revision as of 09:15, April 15, 2024
8-bit character | |
---|---|
![]() Screenshot from Super Mario Odyssey | |
First appearance | Super Mario 3D World (2013) |
Latest appearance | Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury (2021) |
8-bit characters[1] are animated sprites in the 3D Super Mario games and Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker. They resemble two-dimensional sprites from the Famicom-era of various characters. The attributive noun "Pixel" is usually applied to different sprites. 8-bit characters are not the same exact individuals they resemble, who often cooccur with these sprites. For example, Pixel Luigis[2] are found throughout Super Mario 3D World, in which Luigi himself is a playable character. The relationship between 8-bit characters and the individuals they resemble is not conveyed.
While allusions to the animated sprites of the original Super Mario Bros. are near ubiquitous in the Super Mario franchise, 8-bit characters only occur in 3D platformers, appear as flat images in the environment, and move as if they are alive. In most contexts, an 8-bit character can be directly interacted with.
History
Super Mario series
Super Mario 3D World / Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
- Main article: List of Luigi sightings in Super Mario 3D World
Pixel Luigis appear throughout Super Mario 3D World in commemoration of the Year of Luigi. They can be found on the sides of walls, or as 2D figures in the 3D environment. They are of a wide variety of sizes and behaviors, with one snowflake-sized Luigi blowing in the wind and a whale-sized one swimming in the sea. There are no tangible incentives given to the player for encountering a Pixel Luigi.
Pixel Luigis do not appear in the Bowser's Fury campaign of the Nintendo Switch port. Similar cameos appear in New Super Luigi U, but they are inanimate fixtures of the environment made of blocks and terrain.
Super Mario Odyssey

In Super Mario Odyssey, the most prominent 8-bit characters appear on the walls of terrain, often obscured or behind an obstruction. Striking one with a Cap Throw causes it to release an item before disappearing. It reappears in the same spot when the kingdom is exited and revisited. The most recurring 8-bit characters are 8-bit Cat Mario and 8-bit Cat Peach.[1] They are hidden within all but two kingdoms, the Cloud Kingdom and Ruined Kingdom. They are based on the powered-up Cat forms of the same name that debuted in Super Mario 3D World, but are otherwise absent in Super Mario Odyssey. Striking 8-bit Cat Mario awards Mario with ten coins. 8-bit Cat Peach releases a Heart. As an homage to Super Mario Galaxy, an 8-bit Rosalina[1] is hidden on the Dark Side and Darker Side of the moon. Striking her releases ten coins, like Cat Mario. 8-bit Cat Marios sometimes fall out of bushes when they are walked through, seemingly caught on a breeze before disappearing. They appear in the Playing with VR mode added on April 25, 2019 through version 1.3.0.
Starting March 14, 2018, Nintendo began posting extra Hint Art on social media that lead to hidden Pixel Luigis. If Mario ground pounds on the exact spot as depicted in the Hint Art, a Pixel Luigi pops out and releases 200 coins for the first time he is discovered. Unlike other 8-bit characters, a Pixel Luigi lets out a distorted cry when exposed, and lingers in the environment after being struck. Striking him again makes him twirl. To commemorate the release of Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker on the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo 3DS, the Pixel Luigis were replaced by Pixel Captain Toads[2] from July 11 to August 8, 2018.
There are 2D areas in Super Mario Odyssey that are entirely composed of 8-bit sprites on a 2D plane. Mario himself appears in these areas as an 8-bit sprite, as do enemies and platforms. However, 8-bit characters cannot be encountered in these areas. The Prima Games guidebook states 8-bit characters are apparently as old as the fossils found throughout the Cascade Kingdom,[3] some of which resemble sprites of enemies from the original Super Mario Bros.
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
- Main article: Pixel Toad
In the original release of Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, scanning the Toad amiibo causes a Pixel Toad to appear in a course, with which the player character plays Hide and Seek. This functionatelity is unlocked through normal progression in the port released on the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo 3DS.
Though released after the Year of Luigi concluded, the original Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker includes Pixel Luigis throughout the game, just like Super Mario 3D World.
Gallery
Screenshot from Super Mario 3D World (Pixel Luigi)
Sprite from Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker (Pixel Toad)
Artwork from Super Mario Odyssey
Names in other languages
8-bit Luigi
Language | Name | Meaning | Notes |
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8-bit Cat Mario
Language | Name | Meaning | Notes |
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8-bit Cat Peach
Language | Name | Meaning | Notes |
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8-bit Rosalina
Language | Name | Meaning | Notes |
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8-bit Captain Toad
Language | Name | Meaning | Notes |
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References
- ^ a b c Sakai, Kazuya, kikai, Rachel Roberts, and Jenny Blenk, editors (2019). "Metro Kingdom". The Art of Super Mario Odyssey (First English Edition). Milwaukie: Dark Horse. Page 175.
- ^ a b @NintendoAmerica (27 Oct. 2018). To celebrate #SuperMarioOdyssey’s one-year anniversary, Pixel Luigis and Pixel Captain Toads have been hidden around the festival area in New Donk City! Can you find all 39 of them? Do a Ground Pound in the correct spots to also collect some coins.. Twitter (Japanese). (Archived via Nitter.)
- ^ Walsh, Doug, and Joe Epstein (2017). Super Mario Odyssey: PRIMA Official Game Guide (Collector's Edition). Roseville: Prima Games. Page 22.