Jaxi
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It has been suggested that this page be split into the following: Jaxi, Jaxi (species). (discuss) |
- Not to be confused with Taxi.
- “I'll take off as soon as you're strapped in, but watch yourself - I go quick.”
- —Jaxi, Super Mario Odyssey
Jaxis[1] are feline creatures found throughout the Sand Kingdom in Super Mario Odyssey. They are instrumental in the acquisition of several Power Moons and otherwise serve as quick transports for the vast desert. They only become accessible after completing the mission "Showdown on the Inverted Pyramid" or by talking to the Jaxi in the Jaxi Ruins. Upon talking to one for the first time, it asks Mario if he wants a ride for 30 coins, which Mario can either accept or deny. The player is only charged once.
Jaxis have lived in Tostarena since ancient times. In addition to the rideable Jaxis found in the Sand Kingdom, giant stone versions of the creatures can be found among the ruins. These "statues" are actually living Jaxis in some kind of unanimated state.[2] A Jaxi found on the Inverted Pyramid used to be one of these unanimated statues, suggesting they can go in and out of these states at will.[3]
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 the left control stick, brake by pressing , and dismount by pressing . However, the Jaxi's speed makes it difficult to control, with the Jaxi sliding whenever the player makes a turn, though the player can turn quickly by braking while turning. Any breakable objects or small enemies the Jaxi runs into are knocked over or defeated. Mario can also ride Jaxis safely over poison. If the player falls down a pit while riding a Jaxi, the Jaxi returns to the spot the player found it.
Concept and creation
To emphasize them being moving statues, some parts were made movable and others not-movable before finishing the design of the Jaxi.[4] It was also given a necklace that resembles a mane.[4]
Jaxis are based on jaguars[5] and sphinxes[6], 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.
Gallery
Jaxi standing upright
Mario riding Jaxi through the desert
- SMO Mario Mounting Jaxi Screenshot.png
Mario mounting on Jaxi
- Welcome Back Jaxi!.jpg
The Welcome Back Jaxi! Power Moon
- Jaxi Statue.jpg
A Statue of Jaxi
Names in other languages
| Language | Name | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese | Sphinx Ride[6] (internal) Template:Nowrap Raidon Basu |
Sphinx Ride Raidon Bus; raidon is based on either 「ライド」 (raido, ride), 「ライオン」 (raion, lion) or both. Also, possibly a pun based on the English "ride on". Reused from Raidon in Super Mario 3D World. |
|
| Chinese (simplified) | 莱德·巴士[?] Láidé Bāshì |
Ride Bus. 莱(lái) is similar to the word for run 来(lái). | |
| Chinese (traditional) | 萊德‧巴士[?] Láidé Bāshì |
Ride Bus. 萊(lái) is similar to the word for run 來(lái). | |
| Dutch | Jaxi[?] | Jaxi | |
| German | Miauxi[?] | From miau (meow) and taxi | |
| Italian | Ruggitaxi[?] | From ruggito (roar) and taxi | |
| Korean | 잭시[?] Jaeksi |
Jaxi | |
| Russian | Рыкарус[?] Rykarus |
From рык ryk (growl) and "Icarus", a brand of Hungarian buses popular in 1990s-2000s Russia. | |
| Spanish | Jaxi[?] | Jaxi |
See also
References
- ^ IGN. (June 13, 2017). Mario Gets An Awesome Mount to Ride In Super Mario Odyssey. YouTube. Retrieved June 13, 2017.
- ^ Nintendo EPD. (October 27, 2017). "Aw, were you takin' me to see my family, you old softy?" - Jaxi. Super Mario Odyssey. Retrieved October 6, 2017.
- ^ Nintendo EPD. (October 27, 2017). "I know this place [atop the Inverted Pyramid]. But my days of standing around are done." - Jaxi. Super Mario Odyssey. Retrieved October 6, 2017.
- ^ a b Post about the concept art of a Jaxi from the Japanese Super Mario Odyssey official Twitter account. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
- ^ Super Mario Odyssey internal filename (JaguarTaxistop)
- ^ a b Super Mario Odyssey internal filename (SphinxRide)
