Pokey
Pokey is a cactus monster that is composed of four to five spherical body segments. To defeat a Pokey, typically each body section must be destroyed.
Pokeys first appeared in Super Mario Bros. 2. In this game, Pokeys were green and could be defeated by throwing objects at their body segments.
Pokeys reappeared in Super Mario World. This time, Pokeys were yellow and could not be defeated by tossing objects at their body segments (as there were no items to toss). Thus Pokeys could only be defeated by Yoshi, who could eat their body segments one at a time. Additionally, the number of body segments present depends on if Mario has Yoshi or not. If he does, Pokeys have five body segments. Without Yoshi, Pokeys only have four segments so that Mario can jump over them.
A few Pokeys appear in Shifting Sand Land in the game Super Mario 64. Again, Mario must destroy each body segment on at a time, unless he attacks the head, in which case the whole body will fall apart.
In the Paper Mario series, Pokeys gained a few new abilities. Pokeys could now use their body segments as projectiles, launching them to attack opponents. Additionally, Pokeys gained the ability to summon other Pokeys, which would rise from the ground when called for. Also a new variety of Pokey was introduced, the Poison Pokey, also known as the Pokey Mummy.
In Super Mario Sunshine, a smaller version of Pokey, known as a Pokey Sprout, was introduced. Pokey Sprouts are just like regular Pokeys except they only consist of one body segment (the head). Regular Pokeys also appear. Both varieties have pink flowers on top of their heads. Additionally, both types hide in the ground, springing out when Mario approaches. Pokey sprouts can be defeated by spraying them into a wall. To defeat a regular Pokey, Mario must come close to the tall cactus, causing the Pokey to attempt to crush him. However, Pokey’s spikes will get stuck in the ground and Mario can jump on his head to defeat him. Additionally, these Pokeys have flowers on top of their heads.
The Skellokey, a new variety of Pokey, appears in Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time.
