Chombone
| Chombone | |||
|---|---|---|---|
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| First appearance | Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story (2009) | ||
| Latest appearance | Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey (2018) | ||
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A Chombone is an obstacle resembling a white woodlouse in Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story and its remake. Its name is a portmanteau of "chomp" and "bone", as well as a pun on "trombone". They are found semi-rarely within the Pump Works, located in Bowser's body.
In order to activate them, they need to have food in front of them. Using pipes, the player needs to maneuver the purple star-like orbs in front of them. Without water flooding the area, they are unable to move anywhere. With water, however, they can be pushed around freely until they hit an end. Doing so will allow the orbs to fall in line with the Chombones, enabling them to eat the food. The orb seems to be very spicy, as it causes them to violently react by charging in a straight line, breaking through anything that can be broken, like small bones. As a result, it allows both Mario and Luigi to continue through the Pump Works.
There are two different sizes of Chombone. The first is more commonly found and it can break through small bones. The second is more massive and wider than the others, with only one in the entire game. It charges through a wider range of even thicker materials that block the way.
Interestingly, Smackerels from Super Mario Bros. Wonder resemble Chombones in both their appearance and function. Both are water creatures that come in two sizes, with the larger variety only appearing once, and they charge through walls and clear a path for the player.
Names in other languages
| Language | Name | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese | ゲキカラシウム[?] Gekikarashiumu |
Portmanteau of「激辛」(gekikara, extremely spicy) and「カルシウム」(karushiumu, calcium) | |
| Spanish (NOA) | Ñamhueso[?] | Portmanteau of "ñam" (onomatopoeia for eating) and "hueso" (bone) |
