Skeleton Key

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Skeleton Key
Skeleton Key
The Skeleton Key as it appears in Mario Party 2
Skeleton Key
The Skeleton Key as it appears in Mario Party 3
First appearance Mario Party 2 (1999)
Latest appearance Tetris 99 (27th Maximus Cup, cameo) (2021)
Mario Party Superstars (2021, Super Mario franchise)
“Hi! I'm the Skeleton Key! Shall I use my skills to open this gate?”
Skeleton Key, Mario Party 3

The Skeleton Key is a key in the Mario Party series. It is named after an actual kind of key used on some types of locks. The Skeleton Key can unlock special doors throughout the various boards, usually for opening up secret paths or shortcuts. In order to use a Skeleton Key, a player must reach a door and choose to use it. The item is replaced by the Mini Mushroom in Mario Party 4, which allows partiers to access new paths via gates.

History[edit]

Mario Party 2[edit]

In Mario Party 2, the Skeleton Key has a golden bow on its head and is Luigi's favorite item. It is always for sale at Item Shops, regardless of whether or not Toad or Koopa Kid is running it. The exception to this rule are the shops in Bowser Land where Baby Bowser forces players to buy a particular item, though he can force a player to buy a Skeleton Key. The only way to discard an unwanted Skeleton Key is by using it on a door, even if the player does not wish to travel through it.

Mario Party 3[edit]

In Mario Party 3, the Skeleton Key was redesigned to have big black eyebrows instead and continues to be Luigi's favorite item. Unlike Mario Party 2, it is possible for players to "use" a Skeleton Key on their turn like a normal item, which gives them the option to throw it away.

Mario Party Superstars[edit]

In Mario Party Superstars, the Skeleton Key returns with its Mario Party 2 design.

Gallery[edit]

Names in other languages[edit]

Language Name Meaning
Japanese アカズキーちゃん (Mario Party 2/Mario Party Superstars)
Akazukīchan
キーマン (Mario Party 3)
Kīman

Pun on「開かず」(akazu, can't open), "key", and「赤ずきんちゃん」(Akazukin-chan, Little Red Riding Hood)

Key Man

Chinese (simplified) 开不开钥匙
Kāi bù kāi yàoshi
Can't open the key

Chinese (traditional) 開不開鑰匙
Kāi bù kāi yàoshi
Can't open the key

Dutch Hoofdsleutel
Means "main key" or "head key"
French Clé Squelette
Skeleton key
German Skelett-Schlüssel
Literally means "Skeleton Key"
Italian Schelechiave
Chiave (MPS)
Skele-key
Key
Korean 게이트 키
Geiteu Ki
Gate Key

Portuguese Chave mestra
Master Key
Russian Мастер-ключ
Master Klyuch
Master Key

Spanish Llave maestra
Llave Esqueleto
Master Key
Skeleton Key