Millstone
| Millstone | |
|---|---|
 Sprite from Donkey Kong Country | |
| First appearance | Donkey Kong Country (1994) |
| Latest appearance | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (2017) |
Millstones appear in the Super Mario franchise as large, indestructible stone wheels commonly appearing in ruined areas, mostly as obstacles that harm the player characters by rolling into them.
History
Donkey Kong Country
In Donkey Kong Country, millstones are located in the two temple stages, Millstone Mayhem and Temple Tempest. Each millstone is controlled by a brown Gnawty, who sits in the center hole, and it either moves on a predetermined path attempting to hinder the Kongs, or is stationary at first but starts chasing them at a distance before stopping.
Mario Superstar Baseball
A giant discarded millstone appears in Mario Superstar Baseball on the flanks of Donkey Kong Jungle, and it resembles the millstones used by Gnawties in the previous game.
Super Mario Galaxy 2
In Super Mario Galaxy 2, millstones are located in the Clockwork Ruins Galaxy only. These millstones are shaped like large stone gears and display rinds on the sides. Millstones fall in indefinite numbers onto inclined pathways and roll down towards the player. They feature cuts on their surface where the player can take shelter to avoid getting squashed, as this directly causes them to lose a life. There are also millstones that do not roll down slants, instead rotating in one fixed place, allowing the player to use their rotation to scale the walls and platforms inside the Millstone.
Mario Kart 8 / Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Millstones appear as obstacles in Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. They are located in Thwomp Ruins. These millstones roll around certain parts of the track after 45 seconds in a race, and one rolls over a wall blocking a Glide Ramp, thus making it available for use. Unlike most hazards in Mario Kart 8, slowly driving into a millstone does not make the racer tumble over.
Gallery
Screenshot from Donkey Kong Country
Screenshot from Donkey Kong Country (Game Boy Color)
Screenshot from Donkey Kong Country (Game Boy Advance)
Screenshot from Mario Superstar Baseball
Millstones in Super Mario Galaxy 2
A millstone in Mario Kart 8
Names in other languages
| Language | Name | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| German | Riesen-Ruinenrad[?] | Giant Ruin Wheel | Super Mario Galaxy 2 |
| Italian | Frantoia[2] | From frantoio ("millstone") | Donkey Kong Country (GBC & GBA) |
| Rovine giganti[3] | Giant ruins | Super Mario Galaxy 2 |
References
- ^ Sakai, Kazuya (Ambit) et al. (October 19, 2015). "Super Mario Galaxy 2."『スーパーマリオブラザーズ百科: 任天堂公式ガイドブック』. Shogakukan (Japanese). ISBN 978-4-09-106569-8. Page 169.
- ^ Frantoia Frantuma, Donkey Kong Country (Game Boy Advance)
- ^ November 15, 2018. Super Mario Bros. Enciclopedia. Magazzini Salani (Italian). ISBN 978-88-9367-436-2. Page 169.
