Raccoon Mario
| Raccoon Mario | |
|---|---|
 Artwork of Raccoon Mario for New Super Mario Bros. 2 | |
| Applies to | Mario, Luigi, Toad, Toadette, Goomba, Big Goomba, fake Bowser, Bullet Bill, Boo, Thwomp, Bob-omb, and any character in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate |
| Item needed | Super Leaf, P-Wing (Super Mario series) Normal and Shiny Tails (Paper Mario series) |
| Power(s) given | Glide, fly (infinitely with a P-Wing), tail whip |
| First appearance | Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988) |
| Latest appearance | Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition (2024) |
- “Hey, flying raccoons! You didn't happen to see where those two pesky plumbers went, did ya?”
- —Angry Sun, "Sneaky Lying Cheating Giant Ninja Koopas"
Raccoon Mario (spelled Racoon Mario in Super Mario Bros. 3 materials) is a form Mario turns into after acquiring the Super Leaf, and as of New Super Mario Bros. 2, Luigi's form is called Fox Luigi. First seen in Super Mario Bros. 3, this form allows Mario to slowly float down when falling, using his tail. Mario can attack enemies with his tail by spinning. He is also able to briefly fly if he runs for a short time and then jumps. Though named for raccoons in English, most elements associated with the form are primarily inspired by the Japanese tanuki,[1] which has legends of magical leaves granting the animal strange abilities; the Tanooki Mario transformation relates to this, having a full suit rather than just the ears and tail, and is additionally given a statue transformation in reference to tanuki abilities in folklore.
Raccoon Mario was created when Takashi Tezuka wanted a way for Mario to spin and knock away enemies with a tail. At first, the inclusion of a tailed Mario made him worried, but he wanted this new action to implemented in some way. However, the spin was originally meant for when Super Mario Bros. 3 was still using a bird's-eye view, so adjusting the controls to a side-view was a challenge. Flying was a mechanic Tezuka wanted to add since Super Mario Bros., and Raccoon Mario ultimately ended up being able to do both.[2]
History[edit]
Super Mario series[edit]
Super Mario Bros. 3[edit]
Raccoon Mario is the result of Mario or Luigi obtaining a Super Leaf in Super Mario Bros. 3.[3] The unique actions of Raccoon Mario (and his analogue, Tanooki Mario) includes using his tail to float down slowly;[4][5] flying briefly after filling the Power Meter from running beforehand;[6][7] or tail whip to defeat certain enemies and break blocks.[8][9] An upgraded form of Raccoon Mario with the Power Meter filled consistently is obtained from a P-Wing, up to the point of either hitting an enemy,[10][11] transforming into another upgraded form over Super Mario (except Tanooki Mario), or exiting the level.
Super Mario 3D Land[edit]
Even though Super Leaves return in Super Mario 3D Land, Raccoon Mario does not, though it was considered for the game; instead, it was passed over for Tanooki Mario, for visual clarity.[12] The Tanooki form given by Super Leaves acts as Raccoon Mario does, but without flight. Some enemies are powered-up with Super Leaves, becoming "Tail" versions of themselves (as opposed to "Raccoon," and thus match the unlocalized name of Raccoon Mario): normal-sized and Big Goombas, Bullet Bills, Boos, Thwomps, Bob-ombs, and Fake Blocks. Additionally, Tail Bowsers appear in World 1-
Castle and World 5-Castle. Becoming more similar to Raccoon Mario, Tanooki Mario also cannot become a statue unless he gained a Statue Leaf.
New Super Mario Bros. 2[edit]
Raccoon Mario returns in New Super Mario Bros. 2, with the form's raccoon ears retaining the same shape and color differences as those of Tanooki Mario in Super Mario 3D Land. Luigi's Raccoon form is redesigned to be based on a kitsune, consistent with his Tanooki form in Super Mario 3D Land, and he is titled Fox Luigi. The game similarly adds White Raccoon Mario, the counterpart of White Tanooki Mario from Super Mario 3D Land. The gameplay mechanics involving Raccoon Mario are somewhat different than in Super Mario Bros. 3, since the player must now hold the jump button instead of repeatedly pressing it for Mario to ascend and slowly descend. The tail whip was made quicker, usable underwater, and capable of hitting more enemies. The P-Meter associated with Raccoon Mario decreases to better show the amount of flight time remaining. Since Warp Cannon stages auto-scroll very fast, Mario can can fly almost indefinitely, from repeatedly landing on platforms before the P-Meter runs out, much like when using a P-Wing. The Raccoon form adds a woodblock beat to the music,[13] and the player character's voice clip is different when touching a regular Goal Pole.[14][15]
Super Mario Maker subseries[edit]
Raccoon Mario returns in Super Mario Maker, its port, and Super Mario Maker 2, exclusively in the Super Mario Bros. 3 style. Raccoon Mario is functionally similar as before, but knocking on a Warp Door in said game style may cause Weird Mario to appear in Raccoon form. In Super Mario Maker 2 only, Luigi, Toad and Toadette can obtain this form too, with Toadette making use of it for the first time.
Super Mario Odyssey[edit]
The form is an incorrect answer to one of Pauline's questions during her quiz in Super Mario Odyssey, specifically for her question "Which of these things did I actually do a long time ago?".
Paper Mario series[edit]
Paper Mario: Sticker Star[edit]
If a Tail sticker is used in Paper Mario: Sticker Star, Mario is given a raccoon tail that can deflect enemy attacks for one turn,[16] although the Tail places itself behind Mario instead of transforming him directly.[17] Bowser Jr. is particularly vulnerable to the Tail sticker in his third and final battle. There is the Shiny Tail variant, which gives a rainbow-colored tail and a stronger counterattack.
Paper Mario: Color Splash[edit]
Unlike before, the Tail card in Paper Mario: Sticker Star transforms Mario into Raccoon Mario directly,[18] though it still allows Mario to deflect enemy attacks, lasting until Mario either takes damage or wins. At least a few Tail cards are required when starting the boss fight against Ludwig so that the cannonballs launched from the Ludship can be countered.[19]
Paper Mario: The Origami King[edit]
The Tail remains a usable battle item in Paper Mario: The Origami King, turning Mario into Raccoon Mario like before. The Shiny variant also returns, but now retains its original coloration as opposed to the sticker's bright color scheme. As Raccoon Mario, he directly attacks enemies in the same 2x2 area a Hammer attack reaches, rather than counterattacking foes, and a very brief time period (more than other items or weapons) allows the player to input an Action Command to deal more damage using the tail whip. Once the attack concludes, Mario reverts to normal.
The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3[edit]
The form is often called Raccoon Power throughout The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3.[20][21][22] Toad and Princess Toadstool have also received Raccoon Power through the use of Super Leaves, and in one instance, P-Wings. In the episode "Super Koopa", Bowser uses the magic pendant to become Raccoon Koopa.
Nintendo Comics System[edit]
Mario briefly transforms into Raccoon Mario in the Nintendo Comics System story "It's Always Fair Weather" after using "Magic Leaf Raccoonias" as a toothpick, and uses the ability to rescue some hot-air balloonists trapped in a cyclone that had been created by Bowser.
Club Nintendo comics[edit]
In the Club Nintendo comic "Marios Rückkehr," Mario somehow turns into Raccoon Mario after jumping on two trampolines consecutively. He is flying over the Mushroom Kingdom when he finds two Nintendo Gamer's Guides on a cloud, accidentally hitting a Koopa Paratroopa and falling to the ground.
Super Smash Bros. series[edit]
Raccoon Mario has appeared in the form of collectible items throughout the Super Smash Bros. series. In Super Smash Bros. Melee, there is a trophy of Raccoon Mario that can be obtained from the Lottery randomly after collecting 250 trophies, and it unusually compares the tail to a raccoon's outside of English releases.[23] A sticker of Raccoon Mario appears in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, and it can be applied to any fighter in Adventure Mode: The Subspace Emissary to boost their flinch resistance by 112 points. In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Fox Luigi in particular is an Ace-class support spirit that grants the fighter easier dodging when used, and the spirit's battle involves battling Luigi in Raccoon form on the Mushroom Kingdom U stage.
Any fighter can take on the Raccoon form by using the Super Leaf item in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. While in Raccoon form, a fighter can briefly float by holding the jump button in midair, and the speed they move while doing so is equal to their maximum air speed. Like with most other equipable items, the player can lose this form if they are hit enough times or with a strong enough attack; it will also disappear after enough time has passed. This form's tail whip was considered during development of Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U, but it was later dropped.[24]
Unused appearances[edit]
Super Mario World[edit]
Raccoon Mario was going to appear in Super Mario World, but the idea had later been dropped. In the SNES Test Program, Mario's graphics show him with the standard Raccoon tail and ears, which were also seen in preview images for Super Mario World. The transformation was ultimately cut and seems to have been replaced with Caped Mario, a transformation that functions similarly to Raccoon Mario, in the final game.
Profiles and statistics[edit]
Super Smash Bros. series[edit]
Super Smash Bros. Melee[edit]
| Trophy Raccoon Mario | ||
| ||
| Game/move: Super Mario Bros. 3 2/90 | ||
| How to unlock: Randomly obtainable from the Lottery after obtaining 250 trophies | ||
| In Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Leafs caused Mario to grow raccoon ears and a tail. By sprinting and rapidly wagging the tail, Mario gained the ability to fly for short periods. Like the Cape in Super Mario World, the tail also reduced the speed at which he fell, making midair moves easier. Needless to say, real raccoons were jealous. | ||
Super Smash Bros. Brawl[edit]
| Sticker Raccoon Mario | ||
| ||
| Artwork from: Super Mario Bros. 3 | ||
| Effects in The Subspace Emissary: Flinch Resistance +112 | ||
| Usable by: Anyone | ||
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate[edit]
| Spirit #25 Fox Luigi | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Series/game | Super Mario Series |
| Type | Support | |
| Slots | 1 | |
| Class | Ace | |
| Strength / effect(s) | Easier Dodging | |
| How to obtain | Spirit Board; Purchase from Vault Shop for 6000G | |
| Spirit battle | Opponent(s) | Tail Luigi |
| Conditions |
Hazard: Heavy Wind
| |
| Stage | Mushroom Kingdom U | |
| Song | Ground Theme - Super Mario Bros. 3 |
New Super Mario Bros. 2[edit]
- Instruction manual description: Press
/
to swing your tail. Hold 
/
in midair to gently float down.
Gallery[edit]
- For this subject's image gallery, see Gallery:Raccoon Mario.
Super Mario Bros. 3
Names in other languages[edit]
| Language | Name | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese | しっぽマリオ[?] Shippo Mario |
Tail Mario | |
| Chinese (simplified) | 尾巴马力欧[?] Wěibā Mǎlì'ōu |
Tail Mario | |
| Chinese (traditional) | 尾巴瑪利歐[?] Wěibā Mǎlì'ōu |
Tail Mario | |
| Dutch | Wasbeer-Mario[?] | Raccoon Mario | |
| French | Mario raton-laveur[?] | Raccoon Mario | |
| Mario raton laveur[?] | |||
| German | Waschbär-Mario[?] | Raccoon Mario | |
| Italian | Raccoon Mario[25] | - | |
| Mario il Procione[26] | Mario the Racoon | ||
| Mario procione[?] | Raccoon Mario | ||
| Korean | 꼬리마리오[?] Kkori Mario |
Tail Mario | |
| Portuguese (NOE) | Mario Mapache[?] | Raccoon Mario | |
| Romanian | Putere raton[?] | Raccoon power | The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3, general |
| Ratonul Luigi[?] | Luigi the raccoon | The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3, episode "Mind Your Mummy Mommy, Mario" | |
| Russian | Марио-енот[?] Mario-yenot |
Raccoon Mario | |
| Spanish (NOA) | Mario mapache[?] | Raccoon Mario | |
| Luigi zorro[?] | Fox Luigi | ||
| Spanish (NOE) | Mario Mapache[?] | Raccoon Mario | |
| Luigi Zorro[?] | Fox Luigi |
See also[edit]
Trivia[edit]
- Although Luigi's Raccoon and Tanooki forms are Kitsune-themed (as of Super Mario 3D Land), he is seen in Raccoon form in the Super Smash Bros. series to match the other characters.
- The sound effect for transforming into Raccoon Mario (and to a lesser extent, Tanooki Mario) was taken from The Mysterious Murasame Castle.[27]
References[edit]
- ^ In the Japanese Super Mario Bros. 3 manual, the flying form of "Tail Mario" is alternatively called "'Nuki Mario" on page 7: 加速を続けて いるとパワー之一夕一が上 昇し、(p)が点滅してマリオが手をひらきサおんな すはやイン音が鳴ります。このと吉素早く A ボタ ンを連打してください。しっぽマリオ、夕じようたい いつていじ かんそら とヌキマリオの状態ならば一定時間 空を飛 ぶこと ができます。(As you continue accelerating, the power level increases, the (p) symbol flashes, and when Mario opens his hand, you hear a sound. Quickly press the A button repeatedly. Tail Mario, when he has reached the state of 'Nuki Mario, can fly in the sky for a certain period of time.)
- ^ Sao, Akinori. Nintendo Classic Mini: NES special interview – Volume 3: Super Mario Bros.. Nintendo UK (British English). Retrieved November 27, 2024.
- ^ "Changes Mario into Raccoon Mario." – 1990. Super Mario Bros. 3 instruction booklet (PDF). Nintendo of America (English). Page 18.
- ^ "After using the
to jump, Tanooki Mario and Racoon Mario can fly or float for a limited time by pressing the repeatedly." – Super Mario Bros. 3 instruction booklet. Page 7.
- ^ "After jumping, press the
repeatedly to float down." – 2003. Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 instruction booklet (PDF). Nintendo of Europe (English). Page 14.
- ^ "When the Power Meter is all the way to the top, Mario's arms open, a whistle blows and the (P) will flash. When this happens, you can press the repeatedly to fly." – Super Mario Bros. 3 instruction booklet. Page 8.
- ^ "When Mario has a tail, he can fly for a short period of time. To fly, you must press and hold the B Button to run until the Power Meter is full and then press the A Button repeatedly to fly around. ¶ The "P" effect only lasts a short while." – Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 instruction booklet. Page 14.
- ^ "Tanooki Mario or Racoon Mario can make a "tail attack" when you press the B Button. With your tail, you can break blocks and defeat some enemies." – Super Mario Bros. 3 instruction booklet. Page 8.
- ^ "Swing Mario's tail with the
to attack enemies and break blocks." – Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 instruction booklet. Page 14.
- ^ "You can fly through an action scene until you run into an enemy." – Super Mario Bros. 3 instruction booklet. Page 24.
- ^ "This gives you the power to fly through a level until you run into an enemy." – Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 instruction booklet. Page 12.
- ^ Gilbert, Henry (March 9, 2012). Super Mario 3D Land interview - We talk with the director about secrets, Tanookis, and Mario's future. GamesRadar (English). Retrieved November 27, 2024.
- ^ Jannintendo (May 16, 2023). New Super Mario Bros. 2 - 100% Walkthrough - World 1 (06:55). YouTube (English).
- ^ "Whoo! Mario number one!" – Mario. New Super Mario Bros. 2.
- ^ "Ho ho! Number one!" – Luigi. New Super Mario Bros. 2.
- ^ "A tail that repels attacks that come flying right at you. You've got to swing that tail with good timing, though!" – Plaque (2012). Paper Mario: Sticker Star. Sticker Museum: Nintendo (English).
- ^ November 21, 2012. Paper Mario: Sticker Star Walkthrough 6.2 (World 6-2) Bowser Jr.'s Flotilla (06:21). YouTube (English).
- ^ Boss Fight Database (September 27, 2016). Paper Mario Color Splash: Ludwig Boss Fight (1080p 60fps) (01:35). YouTube (English).
- ^ Paper Mario Color Splash: Ludwig Boss Fight (1080p 60fps) (01:45). YouTube.
- ^ "Don't worry, Luigi! We still gotten raccoon power!" – Mario (October 20, 1990). The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3 - "Misadventures in Babysitting". DIC Entertainment (English).
- ^ "We've gotta get out of these Frog Suits and find Raccoon power, so we can fly after the Doomship!" – Mario (November 17, 1990). The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3 - "7 Continents for 7 Koopas". DIC Entertainment (English).
- ^ "It's really hard to control these Raccoon Power Wings! I must look ridiculous!" – Toad (November 17, 1990). The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3 - "Up, Up, and a Koopa". DIC Entertainment (English).
- ^ 「しっぽマリオ -「スーパーこのは」でマリオが変身した姿。アライグマのような尻尾と耳が生えて、 走り回ってメーターがいっぱいになると一定時間空が飛べるようになる。- 飛行の際、尻尾はただ振るのみ。激しく叩きつけるわけでも、回転させるわけでもない。 どのような推進力が発生しているのだろうか…という疑問がどうでもよくなるほど見た目が可愛い。 もちろんルイージが「スーパーこのは」を取れば「しっぽルイージ」になる。 (Tail Mario - Mario's transformed form with a "Super Leaf". He grows a raccoon-like tail and ears, and when he runs around and fills up a meter, he can fly for a certain period of time. - During flight, the tail simply waves. It doesn't slam hard or rotate. It looks so cute that it makes you wonder what kind of propulsion force is being generated. Of course, if Luigi takes a "Super Leaf", he becomes "Tail Luigi".)」– 2001. Super Smash Bros. Melee. Nintendo (Japanese).
- ^ SakuraiMasahiroA (April 30, 2014). Pic of the day. With the Super Leaf, any fighter can have ears and a tail. You can also float in the air by pressing the jump button. We're still figuring out whether you'll be able to attack with the tail.... Miiverse. Archived October 17, 2017, 18:05:13 UTC from the original via Wayback Machine. Retrieved July 11, 2018.
- ^ Super Mario Bros. 3 Italian manual. Page 7.
- ^ Super Mario All-Stars Italian manual. Page 24.
- ^ World of Longplays (August 12, 2011). NES Longplay [117] Nazo No Murasamejou (02:02). YouTube. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
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- The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3
