Jaxi
- This article is about the mountable Jaxi. For the inanimate Jaxi Statues, see Jaxi Statue.
- Not to be confused with Taxi.
| Jaxi | |
|---|---|
 Artwork from Super Mario Odyssey | |
| First appearance | Super Mario Odyssey (2017) |
- “I'll take off as soon as you're strapped in, but watch yourself—I go quick.”
- —Jaxi, Super Mario Odyssey
A Jaxi is an animated feline statue found throughout the Sand Kingdom in Super Mario Odyssey. Mario can ride a Jaxi by jumping on its back; the first time it is encountered, it must be paid 30 coins to use it, but this fee has to be paid only once, and Mario can call it at any Jaxi Stand free of charge afterwards. It becomes accessible only after the player completes the mission Showdown on the Inverted Pyramid or talks to it on the Jaxi Ruins. It is instrumental in the acquisition of several Power Moons and serves as quick transportation through the vast desert.
As soon as Mario jumps onto a Jaxi's back, it takes off running at its full speed. The player can control the Jaxi with 
, brake by pressing 
or 
, and dismount by pressing 
. However, the Jaxi's speed makes it difficult to control, and it slides whenever the player makes a turn, though the player can turn more quickly by braking while turning. Jaxi cannot brake forever, and eventually goes back to full speed even with the button is held. However, shaking the controller also causes Jaxi to brake, and can be done indefinitely. Jaxi cannot jump, and it moves slowly while in the air.
Any breakable objects or small enemies the Jaxi runs into are knocked over or defeated, and it can run on poison without being damaged. If Mario falls down a pit while riding a Jaxi, the Jaxi returns to the spot where Mario found it.
Concept and creation
To emphasize a Jaxi being a moving statue, some parts were made movable and others unmovable before the design of the Jaxi was finished.[1] It was also given a necklace that resembles a mane.[1]
Jaxis are based on jaguars and sphinxes, and their name in many languages is a portmanteau of jaguar and taxi. This is reflective of various jaguar deities from ancient Mesoamerica, such as Tezcatlipoca. Jaxis may also be inspired by komainu, Japanese lion statues that are believed to protect shrines and temples from evil. Numerous tales exist about normally stoic komainu statues suddenly coming to life, similar to Jaxis. Notably, the first stone Jaxis encountered in the ruins are before a large gate reminiscent of a torii, which are traditionally guarded by a pair of komainu in Japan.
Quotes
- "How you doin'? I'm what you call a Jaxi."
- "You wanna ride, it'll be 30 coins. Whaddaya say?"
- "Gotta ride along to get along...bud."
- "So, what, you doing some sightseeing? You gotta check out the Inverted Pyramid!"
- "Controls are a snap: : Brake : Dismount"
- "I'll take off as soon as you're strapped in, but watch yourself—I go quick."
- "Aw, were you taking me to see my family, you old softy?"
- "I appreciate your kind gesture. Come see me again anytime!"
- "I know this place. But my days of standing around are done."
Gallery
Render of a Jaxi (bind pose)
Render of a Jaxi (posed)
Jaxi standing upright
Mario riding a Jaxi through the desert
Mario mounting on a Jaxi
Additional names
Internal names
| Game | File | Name | Meaning
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Super Mario Odyssey | ObjectData/SphinxRide.szs | SphinxRide | Sphinx Ride |
| Super Mario Odyssey | ObjectData/JaguarTaxistop.szs | JaguarTaxistop | Jaguar Taxi |
Names in other languages
| Language | Name | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese | ライドン・バス[?] Raidon Basu |
「ライドン」is a portmanteau of "ride" and「ライオン」(raion, lion), as well as a contraction of the English phrase "ride on", combined with "bus". Reused from Raidon in Super Mario 3D World | |
| Chinese (simplified) | 莱德·巴士[?] Láidé Bāshì |
Ride Bus 「莱」(lái) is similar to「来」(lái, to come). |
|
| Chinese (traditional) | 萊德‧巴士[?] Láidé Bāshì |
Ride Bus 「萊」(lái) is similar to「來」(lái, to come). |
|
| Dutch | Jaxi[?] | Jaxi | |
| French | Jaxi[?] | Jaxi | |
| German | Miauxi[?] | Portmanteau of "miau" (meow) and "taxi" | |
| Italian | Ruggitaxi[?] | Portmanteau of "ruggito" (roar) and "taxi" | |
| Korean | 잭시[?] Jaeksi |
Jaxi | |
| Russian | Рыкарус[?] Rykarus |
Portmanteau of "рык" (ryk, roar) and "Ikarus" (a brand of Hungarian buses popular in 1990s-2000s Russia) | |
| Spanish | Jaxi[?] | Jaxi |
See also
References
- ^ a b Post about the concept art of a Jaxi from the Japanese Super Mario Odyssey official Twitter account. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
