Monty Mole

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“Great granite gumdrops! I was in the middle of a spectacular nap! Why'd you have to wake me?”

Monty Moles (referred to as simply Gophers in the Super Mario World cartoon) are surly moles that appear in several Mario games, including a few sidescrollers such as Super Mario World and New Super Mario Bros. U. They later reappear in Super Mario 64, Paper Mario, and other recent titles. In these games, Monty Moles are generally cowards who throw rocks at Mario and will then burrow underground before Mario can attack them.

History

Super Mario series

Super Mario Bros. 3

Although Monty Moles are not present in the original version of Super Mario Bros. 3, in Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 and the Super Mario All-Stars remake, the king of Ice Land is turned into a Monty Mole in the SNES and GBA versions by Lemmy Koopa. Monty Moles appeared in only one e-reader level called Ground Work.

Super Mario World

Artwork of Monty Mole from Super Mario World.

Super Mario World features regular Monty Moles that pop out of random spots in the ground to surprise Mario or Luigi. Then they will chase after him persistently or walk and hop occasionally. The game also features Mega Moles, giant Monty Moles that Mario can actually ride on to get across obstacles, but can still be hit by one. Monty Moles can be defeated by any attack method. Monty Moles also appear to be wearing sunglasses in this game.

Super Mario 64 / Super Mario 64 DS

Monty Mole in Super Mario 64.

Monty Moles appear in Hazy Maze Cave during the events of Super Mario 64 and Super Mario 64 DS. They throw rocks at Mario and then disappear underground. In the cave, Monty Moles specifically reside in a toxic maze filled with poisonous fog. This fog makes it harder for Mario to see the moles. They also appear in a section of Tall Tall Mountain. Monty Moles in this game act similar to Rocky Wrenches, albeit throwing rocks instead of wrenches.

Super Mario Sunshine

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A Monty Mole, as depicted in Super Mario Sunshine.

Two Monty Moles (or possibly the same mole twice) appear in Super Mario Sunshine, in Pinna Park and Noki Bay. They are at the helm of large, red, dome-shaped cannons, firing Bullet Bills at Mario in the former, and Glorpedo down the cliffside in the latter. When Mario approaches the moles, they stop firing and toss Bob-ombs at him. They can be disabled using F.L.U.D.D., and tossing a Bob-omb at the moles three times defeats them. The only physical difference between the Monty Moles in this game and in other installments is the thinner, lankier arms they are depicted with.

The mole at Pinna Park is found in the episode The Beach Cannon's Secret at the far end of the beach past the Great Sunflower. After Mario defeats it, he is able to jump into the cannon and access a secret course to get the Shine Sprite. A Pianta repairman replaces the Monty Mole from Episode 3 onward. In Noki Bay, the Monty Mole can be fought and defeated which rewards Mario with a Shine Sprite.

These Moles manning of war machinery may be a throwback to Rocky Wrenches, who manned all the machines in Super Mario Bros 3.

New Super Mario Bros.

Whack-a-Monty.

The Monty Tank.

Monty Tank, a Monty Mole riding a tank, is the boss of the World 6-Castle in New Super Mario Bros.. The Monty Tank fires Bullet Bills and Bob-ombs. Mario or Luigi can defeat it by either jumping on its head when he comes out to throw a Bob-omb or to hit him with a fireball. If they jump on him, he will spin around his tank and shoot Bullet Bills all over the place and grows another cannon afterwards. He can be defeated when Mario or Luigi attack him three times.

They also appear in a minigame titled "Whack-a-Monty" where the player has to tap as many Monty Moles as he or she can in a certain amount of time. The player will gain a point if he or she whacks a Monty Mole and will lose three if he or she taps on Luigi.

Super Mario Galaxy / Super Mario Galaxy 2

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A regular Undergrunt in Super Mario Galaxy.

Although Monty Moles don't appear in Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2, similar enemies called Undergrunts are found in these two games.

New Super Mario Bros. Wii

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In New Super Mario Bros. Wii, Monty Moles first appear in World 6. Here, they retain their attack method from Super Mario World. Once Mario and crew get near a Monty Mole's hiding spot, it will jump out of the wall and will try to charge into them. Kamek can also turn platforms into Monty Moles during his fight with Mario in World 8.

Super Mario 3D Land

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A Monty Mole (right) and Morty Mole from Super Mario 3D Land.

Monty Moles reappear in Super Mario 3D Land. They only appear in 5-4, a cave level, in that level, as well as 7-4. This is their first appearance in a 3D game where they can run and not have their body in the ground. They patrol the area and attack Mario if he gets in their way. They can be defeated with a single stomp. A new and larger sub-species called Morty Moles also appears in a few cave levels such as 7-4 and must be stomped twice to be defeated.

New Super Mario Bros. U

After an absence in New Super Mario Bros. 2, Monty Moles once again appear in New Super Mario Bros. U. They act the same. They only appear in the levels Yoshi Hill and Magma-River Cruise.

Super Mario Maker

A Monty Mole in the Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario Bros. 3 game styles.

Monty Moles reappear in Super Mario Maker as enemies. They function the same as previous games. In the Course Maker, they are made by shaking a Rocky Wrench. They be placed on the ground, or inside, which the latter will make them appear if the climb up and pop out if the player gets close. They can be enlarged by a Super Mushroom and be given wings, which the former will turn them into a Big Monty Mole and the latter will make them jump around while running, similar to a Paragoomba. They can be placed in Blocks, Pipes, Bill Blasters and on tracks.

Super Mario World TV series

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Several Monty Moles, pinning Cheatsy Koopa to the ground in the Super Mario World episode "Gopher Bash".

Monty Moles, though never called as such and always referred to as Gophers, appeared in the episode "Gopher Bash" of the Super Mario World animated series.

In the episode, several Monty Moles acted as minions of Cheatsy Koopa, aiding him in his plot to steal all the crops grown by the cave-people of Dome City. These Monty Moles are eventually defeated by Mario, Luigi and Yoshi, who, after tracking Cheatsy down, sneak up on the moles, tie them up, and suspend them from the ceiling. The Monty Moles are then dropped on top of Cheatsy Koopa, pinning him to the ground. They can also sing during Cheatsy's Life, a self-praising song.

Super Mario World: Mario to Yoshi no Bōken Land

In the interactive OVA Super Mario World: Mario to Yoshi no Bōken Land, after Iggy's horde of Koopa Troopas, Rexes, and Chargin' Chucks is defeated by Mario, Luigi, and Yoshi, he summons a group of Monty Moles and Koopa Paratroopas. They are quickly disposed of when Yoshi swallows a Green Shell and breathes fire on them.

Super Mario Adventures comic

In the Super Mario Adventures comic, several Monty Moles are sent by Bowser to attack Princess Toadstool's Castle; these Monty Moles, along with the rest of the monsters sent by Bowser, are defeated by Mario and Luigi.

Later in the comic, a Monty Mole, wearing a blue tuxedo, is seen among the attendees in Bowser's wedding to a brainwashed Princess Toadstool.

Hotel Mario

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In Hotel Mario, Monty Moles make an appearance in Larry's Chillton Hotel. They dig out of the thin floors, and then start sliding towards Mario. They will hit the wall, get dizzy for a moment, and then proceed with their antics again.

Mario Kart series

Super Mario Kart

Monty Moles are obstacles in Super Mario Kart, in SNES Donut Plains 2 and SNES Donut Plains 3. If a racer runs into them, it will attach themselves to him or her which causes the player to slow down and drop coins.

Mario Kart 64

Chubby.

Monty Moles appear in Moo Moo Farm of Mario Kart 64 as obstacles. The instruction booklet referred each of them as a Chubby rather than Monty Mole.

Mario Kart DS

In Mario Kart DS, they are referred to by their usual name, and mainly appear in N64 Moo Moo Farm.

In the Mario Kart DS Mission 3-6, the player's task is to hit five Monty Moles. In Mario Kart Wii, they appear in Moo Moo Meadows and also appear as audience members in other courses. They also appears as stationary obstacles in Peach Gardens.

Mario Kart Wii

Monty Moles appear as obstacles in Moo Moo Meadows of Mario Kart Wii and NDS Peach Gardens.

Mario Kart 8

SNES Donut Plains 3 and Wii Moo Moo Meadows return in Mario Kart 8, bringing along the Monty Moles with them. They act as stationary obstacles as in most Mario Kart games, but will now dig around for some time before popping up. This changes the gameplay of SNES Donut Plains 3 from the original Super Mario Kart where they would attach themselves to drivers who drew into them. In Animal Crossing from the Animal Crossing x Mario Kart 8 DLC Pack, Mr. Resetti replaces Monty Moles to fit with the theme of the course.

Paper Mario series

Paper Mario

During the events of Paper Mario, Monty Moles appear at Mt. Rugged, where they pop out of the ground ran chase Mario. In battle, they attack Mario by throwing rocks at him. In one of the walls of the mountain, there is a Monty Mole-shaped hole, through which an endless stream of moles can pop out. Stronger, green Monty Moles can also be found in Flower Fields. They are also known as "Monty Moles"; however, the Japanese and Chinese version of the game gave them a different name from the regular Monty Moles.

Super Paper Mario

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A Monty Mole.

Monty Moles were going to appear in Super Paper Mario but were taken out for unknown reasons. They would have attacked Mario by popping out of holes in the wall (like in Super Mario World) and throwing rocks (like in the first Paper Mario game and Super Mario 64).

Paper Mario: Sticker Star

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The pre-release screenshot featuring the Monty Mole boss.

A crowned purple Monty Mole boss was intended appears in a pre-release screenshot of Paper Mario: Sticker Star, but was taken out of the final game. However, Rocky Wrenches appear in the game.

Mario & Luigi series

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga

A mole giving Mario and Luigi a 1-Up Super

A gold Monty Mole giving Mario and Luigi a 1-Up Super.

Monty Moles are actually portrayed as friendly creatures in Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, where 11 of them can be found in well hidden locations throughout the game. If Mario and Luigi reach a Monty Mole's chamber, it gives them a prize of some sort, such as clothing, items or badges. The Monty Moles in the game are golden in color, and wear red bow ties.

Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time

Monty Moles chronologically first appear in Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time. One is encountered in the Gritzy Desert, and will prevent the four Mario Bros. of past and present from progressing unless they can complete his challenge. Two more are seen in the underground region of the Koopaseum and they both run an Item Shop. Additionally, deep in the Gritzy Caves, two more Monty Moles run two more challenges that must be completed.

Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story

A group of four Monty Moles, called the Monty Bros., appear in Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story. They utilize a giant drilling machine to fulfill Bowser's orders and dig a tunnel below Toad Town. They don't make much progress however, so Bowser has to finish their duties.

The Monty Bros. later reappear in the Treasure Chamber in Bowser's Castle, betraying Bowser and claim that Fawful bribed them and ordered them to get rid of Bowser. They attack Bowser in a giant train called the Fawful Express. Bowser must defeat them in his giant form. If he succeeds, the falling chunks of the debris from the train will defeat the Monty Moles.

Fawful-themed Monty Mole enemies called Mawful Moles and a Metal Mawful Moles can be also be found in this game.

Mario & Luigi: Dream Team

Monty Moles also make an enemy appearance in Mario & Luigi: Dream Team. Here, they act as support enemies for Bowser Jr. during his battle at the end of the Battle Ring's Battle Medley, repairing the Junior Clown Car after it explodes.

Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam

Monty Moles appear in Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam as an enemy. They battle in holes that were dug out of the ground. They also have a similar attack pattern as Mawful Moles in Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story. They are encountered in Sunbeam Plains and later the haunted area of Gloomy Woods.

Mario Golf series

Mario Golf: Advance Tour

In Mario Golf: Advance Tour, a Monty Mole appears in Links Club Practice Center. The player must shoot three shots at it, to earn a Super Drink.

Mario Golf: World Tour

Monty Moles appear in Mario Golf: World Tour. Many Monty Moles appear in the Castle Club mode as NPC characters. Two very large Monty Moles appear in Hole 7 of Wiggler Park. If the player hits them with the ball, they will burrow into the ground. Their name can also appear on the tournament scoreboard.

Yoshi series

In Yoshi Touch & Go, Monty Moles appear as somewhat uncommon enemies, attacking Yoshi in a manner similar to their attack pattern from Super Mario World; leaping from the ground or by charging at Yoshi. Here, Monty Moles could be defeated by either jumping on them, throwing an egg at them or by encasing them in a circle with the Nintendo DS's stylus.

In Yoshi's Woolly World, Monty Moles reappear. An enlarged Monty Mole named Big Montgomery also appears.

Mario Baseball series

Mario Superstar Baseball

Monty Mole getting ready to swing in Mario Superstar Baseball.

A Monty Mole also appears in Mario Superstar Baseball as an unlockable character. Oddly enough, it is a member of Mario's team. It has the ball dash ability, which allows it to run extremely fast while in possession of the baseball. In the crowd there is Monty Moles with yellow cheeks.

Mario Super Sluggers

Monty Moles watching the game in the Mario Super Sluggers opening.

In the sequel Mario Super Sluggers, Monty Mole maintains its position as a member of Mario's team. While its best stat continues to be speed, its other stats are slightly below average.

Mario Party series

Mario Party 3

Monty Mole appears in Woody Woods in Mario Party 3. It switches the direction players move every turn.

Mario Party 5

In Mario Party 5, Monty Moles appear in the minigame Flatiator. They appear out of the ground to obstruct the team players while avoiding the single player. The one player on the ball can simply roll over them. One also appears in Pirate Dream hosting a board event.

Mario Party 6

The daytime version of Mole-it!

In Mario Party 6, Monty Moles are in the minigame Mole-it!, where the players earn points by hitting them when they pop out of the pipes. During the day, the pipes are on the ceiling, and at night, they are on the ground. Hitting a normal Monty Mole earn a team one point, and a golden Monty Mole gives the team three.

Mario Party 7

In Mario Party 7, a Monty Mole appears on the board Pyramid Park. It appears when the player lands on the Green Space on the far right of the board, next to three pots. He offers to play a game of Whack-the-snake-and-not-the-mole. In the minigame Sphere Factor, three or four of them pop out of the ground towards the end (before the bridge) and try to prevent the player from rolling the huge ball to the finish line. Monty Moles also appear in the minigame Monty's Revenge, where they are the one whacking the players with hammers.

Mario Party 8

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The minigame, Crops 'n' Robbers from Mario Party 8.

Monty Moles make another party appearance in Mario Party 8. This time a bunch of Montys appear in the minigame Crops 'n' Robbers where one player has to whack Montys that are in the holes, so the players can gainway. The other player has to collect the carrots to win the game. A Monty Mole also appears in the bonus minigame Moped Mayhem.

Mario Party Advance

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A Monty Mole appears as a character in the town area of Shroom City in Mario Party Advance. It is found in the Town Game Room A, where it is shown trying to win the minigame, Scratch 'Em. The Monty Mole is unable to win, so Mario and his friends play the gambling-type minigame to help break its losing streak. Upon winning, Monty will reward the player with the minigame. The end of the game states that Monty Mole gave up on winning at the casino and got married.

Mario Party DS

Monty Moles appear again in Mario Party DS as owners of the shops. Once players enter the Warp Pipe, they can buy items from it. Monty Moles also appear in the minigame Mole Thrill. In this minigame, players have to dig with their partner through the dirt, while staying ahead of mole.

Mario Party 9

In Mario Party 9, Monty Moles appear in the minigame Plunder Ground. They hold and shuffle the treasure chests the players try to earn points from. They also appear out of the holes in the minigame Hole Hogs. In addition, Monty Moles also have a constellation, named "Hello Mole." Monty Moles appear in Magma Mine as props.

Mario Party: Island Tour

Monty Moles reappear in Mario Party: Island Tour for the Nintendo 3DS. They appear in the background of the minigames Match Faker and Tap Dash.

Mario Party 10

A Mega Monty Mole appears as the mid-boss of Airship Central in Mario Party 10. He appears in the minigame Mega Monty Mole's Maze Mischief.

Mario Strikers Charged

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Monty Mole in Mario Strikers Charged.

Monty Moles are a sidekick in Mario Strikers Charged. They are Power Players, which means they are good at shooting and tackling, but cannot pass very well. Their Skillshot is Dirt Drill, where they go underground with the ball, dig towards the goal, and pop up near the goalie, and shove him aside, shoving the ball into the goal. However, if the move is too close, Kritter will shove his hand into the ground and pull Monty Mole out, thereby blocking the shot. If the move is too far away, Kritter will simply catch the ball. This happens to be their second playable appearance in a sports title. In this game, they have headlights, something that is never seen in any other game they appeared in.