Koopa (species)

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Not to be confused with Koopa Troopa.
This article is about the Koopa species as a whole. For other uses of the word "Koopa", see Koopa.
Koopa
Koopa TroopaLakituKoopa (Bowser's species)Bony Beetle
MagikoopaSpike TopBoom BoomSnortoise
Chargin' ChuckParabonesSpikeHammer Bro
Spiny EggSledge BroSumo BroTerrapin
Collage showing the diversity of Koopas
First appearance Super Mario Bros. (1985)
Latest appearance Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition (2024)
Variant of Shellcreeper
Variants
Relatives
Notable members
Yoshi-dear, that baby is going to cause disaster to befall the Koopas. So give him here before you accidentally get hurt!”
Kamek, Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island

Koopas (once "the Koopa"[1] and once capitalised as koopas)[2] are a category of turtle-like creatures that form the Turtle Tribe (also known as the Koopa clan or Koopa tribe). There are many different types of Koopas, the most common being Koopa Troopas.

Most Koopas operate in a hierarchy-based grouping system. Bowser is the leader of a large army of minions, which has invaded the Mushroom Kingdom many times and has control over most of the Koopas in the Super Mario franchise, beginning in Super Mario Bros. Many of these same Koopas are members of the Koopa Troop and have different tasks in the organization based on the abilities of their particular class. For example, Koopa Troopas tend to be assigned as basic foot soldiers alongside Goombas due to their lack of specialized offensive capabilities, while Magikoopas are often given advisory roles due to their magical abilities and gift of foresight.

However, not all Koopas are allied with Bowser. Some Koopas, such as the Koopa Troopas of Koopa Village, live peacefully inside the borders of the Mushroom Kingdom, while others, such as Koopa the Quick in Super Mario 64 and the Roving Racers in Super Mario Odyssey, simply hold no allegiance and operate independently.

Name[edit]

Koopas are named from the species that Bowser belongs to due to an inconsistency in localization. According to an interpretation of the story of the original game's Japanese manual[3] during the English localization that saw Koopa (クッパ) as the name of the group of turtles instead of the name of Bowser, they were known for their "black magic."[4] Said interpretation has since been rectified, with Koopa being acknowledged to be the Japanese name of Bowser,[5] but the concept of Koopas as a group of turtles in the West remains,[6] while Nintendo of Japan consistently refers to Koopa as the name of Bowser and to the Turtle Tribe (カメぞく) as the group to which the various turtles belong.[7] This inconsistency has also led to Koopa Troopas commonly being called "Koopas" for short in many Western releases, despite its established wider application and it instead being Bowser's name in Japan.

Origin[edit]

Mario Bros. (game)
A Shellcreeper, the predecessors to Koopas
Main article: Shellcreeper

Koopas in general are based on the Shellcreepers from Mario Bros., as evident by various enemies being tentatively named and designed after Shellcreepers in development documents of Super Mario Bros.[8] Mario Mania indicates that Koopa Troopas and Koopa Paratroopas were previously Shellcreepers.[9] At least one source, Perfect Ban Mario Character Daijiten, lists Shellcreepers among the Turtle Tribe while simultaneously stating that they are the roots originating the whole Turtle Tribe.[10] Additionally, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U states that Koopa Troopas (referred to simply as "Koopas" in English versions) are apparently evolved from Shellcreepers.[11][12][13]

Species[edit]

Koopa Troopa[edit]

Main article: Koopa Troopa
Artwork of Koopa Troopa from Super Mario Party

Koopa Troopas (often shortened to plain Koopas and occasionally to Troopas) are common enemies in the Super Mario franchise. Koopa Troopas are usually displayed as foot soldiers of the Koopa Troop under the direct leadership of Bowser. They typically have no special offensive abilities, rather simply walking forwards slowly. Usually, jumping on them causes them to retreat into their shells, though sometimes they may be removed from their shells instead. Either way, shells can be kicked, causing them to slide along the ground and bounce off walls, or carried around for use elsewhere. Throughout the Super Mario franchise, Koopa Troopas have walked on four legs or two legs. Since their debut in Super Mario Bros., Koopa Troopas have appeared in almost every game in the franchise, usually as enemies, but also as playable characters in numerous spin-offs.

Koopa Troopa family

Koopa Paratroopa[edit]

Main article: Koopa Paratroopa
Paratroopart.png

Koopa Paratroopas are winged versions of Koopa Troopas that either fly or hop. Attacking them causes them to lose their wings and become normal Koopa Troopas. They have several variations, and also served as the inspiration for several other winged enemies in the series, like Paragoombas and Para-Beetles.

Koopa Paratroopa family

Dry Bones[edit]

Main article: Dry Bones
Artwork of Dry Bones in Mario Party 7 (also used in Mario Party DS, Mario Kart Wii and Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games)

Dry Bones are skeletal Koopa Troopas that fall apart when stomped rather than retreat into a shell. Similar to Koopa Troopas exiting their shells after a while, Dry Bones reconstruct themselves, being invulnerable while as a bone pile. They are usually immune to fire. Many "bone" enemies in later games were inspired by them, like Bony Beetles and Bone Piranha Plants.

Dry Bones family

Hammer Bro[edit]

Main article: Hammer Bro
Hammer Bro in New Super Mario Bros. U

Hammer Bros. (or Hammer Brothers) are a type of Koopa that stand upright, wear helmets and shoes, and throw hammers at passerby. There are various similar Koopas who throw other objects at their opponents, such as the Boomerang Bros., Ice Bros., and the Fire Bros. Many of these Koopas have similar shell patterns, color-coded by type: Hammer Bros. wear green armor, Fire Bros. wear red, Boomerang Bros. wear blue, Ice Bros. wear light blue, etc.; and beaks that are lighter in color than the rest of their face.

Hammer Bro family

Lakitu[edit]

Lakitu in New Super Mario Bros. U
A Lakitu as seen in New Super Mario Bros. U
Main article: Lakitu

Lakitus are goggled Koopas who are usually seen riding clouds through the skies. Unlike most Koopas, they do not have snouts or beaks, but flat faces with round noses. Their shells are also unique in their circular patterning. To attack, Lakitus typically throw unlimited numbers of Spiny Eggs at their opponents. They are also often seen with fishing poles, especially in spinoff games.

Lakitu family

Spiny[edit]

Spiny artwork from New Super Mario Bros. 2Spiny Egg
A Spiny and a Spiny Egg
Main articles: Spiny, Spiny Egg

Spinies are four-legged Koopas known for their spiked shells - protecting them from jumps - and their ability to roll into a spiked ball form called Spiny Eggs, generally dropped by Lakitus. As with Koopa Troopas, their shells can often be knocked around if they are knocked inside; a blue version of this shell also appears as a powerful item in the Mario Kart series.

Spiny family

Buzzy Beetle[edit]

NSMBU Buzzy Beetle Artwork.png
Main article: Buzzy Beetle

Buzzy Beetles are squat Koopas with tough, domed shells that are found generally in caves and other dark areas. They are known to be immune to fireballs, and they can climb on walls and ceilings, and they can drop from ceilings if Mario or others approach them closely enough. As with Koopa Troopas and Spinies, Buzzy Beetles hide inside their shell if Mario or others stomp on them, letting their shells be kicked or carried.

Buzzy Beetle family

Koopa (Bowser's species)[edit]

Official artwork of Bowser, Bowser Jr., and the Koopalings on an airship.
Various members aboard an airship
Main article: Koopa (Bowser's species)

Koopas (not to be confused with Koopa Troopas or the Turtle Tribe in general) are a large species that is generally shown with bipedal posture, a spiked shell that is separated between the front and back, and lumpy, fleshy muzzles. As the species Bowser belongs to, many of his traits and abilities are later shown by others, such as the ability to breathe fire. Most examples of them are specific named characters rather than generic enemies. They physically have the closest resemblance to Boom Booms and Sumo Bros.

Most variants of Bowser's species are offshoots of Bowser himself.

Mechakoopa[edit]

Mechakoopa as seen in New Super Mario Bros. Wii.
Main article: Mechakoopa

Mechakoopas are large wind-up toy Bowsers, though other Bowser-shaped robots like Mecha-Bowser have also been identified as Mechakoopas. In most games, Mario can stun them by jumping on them. Then, Mechakoopas can usually be held and thrown, but they eventually recover and move again.

Mechakoopa family

Spike[edit]

Artwork of a Spike from Super Mario 3D World.
A Spike in Super Mario 3D World
Main article: Spike

Spikes are rotund, large-mouthed Koopas who either stand still or walk around. When Mario or an ally of his comes by, however, Spikes throw spiked balls or bars to harm the character. More specialized variants, such as Snow Spikes and Stone Spikes, also exist and throw their namesake projectiles instead of metallic, spiked balls.

Spike family

Boom Boom[edit]

Artwork of Pom Pom and Boom Boom from Super Mario 3D Land
Boom Boom and Pom Pom
Main article: Boom Boom

Boom Booms are a Koopa species similar to Bowser's. Booms Booms are very large and sometimes have spikes on the back of their shells. The only difference seems to be the connected plastron (the underside of the shell) that Boom Booms have. They have huge arms, which they use to attack by flailing them, although in some cases their arms are replaced with wings. Aside from the main Boom Boom, a female Boom Boom named Pom Pom has been shown. They appear as miniboss battles in several games.

Chargin' Chuck[edit]

Artwork of two Chargin' Chucks from Super Mario 3D World.
Chargin' Chucks with and without helmets in Super Mario 3D World
Main article: Chargin' Chuck

Chargin' Chucks are a type of Koopa who wear gridiron football gear. They have a variety of attacks and sports based weaponry, such as damaging baseballs and footballs. They have physical and behavioral similarities to Boom Boom, but often appear in groups.

Magikoopa[edit]

Artwork of a Magikoopa in Super Mario 3D World
A Magikoopa as seen in Super Mario 3D World
Main article: Magikoopa

Magikoopas (also referred to as Kameks) can cast spells and fly on broomsticks. They are generally considered to be high-ranking members of the Koopa Troop. They wear glasses and wizard's garb: typically blue robes and hats, though Magikoopas specializing in different forms of magic sport different colors. Aside from their heads, which have slightly larger beaks than those of their normal counterparts, little is known about the Magikoopa's external structure due to their robes, though the contours of their shells can be slightly seen on their backs. When treated as a singular character, they are usually identified as Kamek, Bowser's main advisor.

Magikoopa family

Sumo Bro[edit]

Main article: Sumo Bro
Sumo Bro

Sumo Bros. (or Sumo Brothers) are a type of Koopa with similarities to Sledge Bro and Chargin' Chuck. They pound their foot to create thunderbolts that explode upon impact with the ground. They have orange skin, dark brown muzzles, smooth black shells, and spiked heads.

Koopa Striker[edit]

Main article: Koopa Striker
Sprite of a Koopa Striker from Super Paper Mario.

Koopa Strikers are soccer-themed Koopas with close similarities to Koopa Troopas. Unlike Koopa Troopas, they have pink, domed heads, black dot eyes, and bushy red eyebrows. They wear soccer ball-patterned shells, of which they can summon endless amounts of spares to kick. The kicked shells act just like a Koopa Troopa's shell after being knocked around.

Koopa Striker family

Shova[edit]

Custom render of Shova from Super Mario Bros. Wonder
A Shova in Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Main article: Shova

Shovas are large Koopas similar to Chargin' Chucks and Sumo Bros. that are capable of pushing large objects like pipes with their large mitted hands.

Other Koopa-like creatures[edit]

These creatures have Koopa-like traits, but have either never been confirmed as Koopas or have only been explicitly considered Koopas in early materials.

Rocky Wrench[edit]

In-game model of a Rocky Wrench from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe's Booster Course Pass
Main article: Rocky Wrench

Rocky Wrenches are enemies and pop out of manhole covers on airships at random. They were stated to be a mole-like type of Koopa during Super Mario Bros. 3,[14][15] though their various derivatives, such as Monty Moles, are depicted as true moles. Between New Super Mario Bros. Wii and Mario Kart Tour, they were given a shell-less design resembling Monty Moles, though a further redesign in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass returned the shell. Despite this, the original description has not been reused since materials for Super Mario Bros. 3, and other non-turtle creatures wearing shells have been introduced in the interim.

Yoshi[edit]

Artwork of Yoshi for Mario Party 10 (reused for Super Mario Party and Mario Kart Tour)
Main article: Yoshi (species)

Yoshis are long-tongued omnivorous saurian creatures initially intended as Koopas.[16] After their debut, this connection was not brought up again for many years, but it would eventually be reconfirmed that they are turtles with the large red "saddle" being a natural shell.[17][18][19] As such, they are the one Koopa-based creature consistently depicted as friendly characters, with Yoshi being a major protagonist of both the Mario franchise as well as his own franchise.

Conkdor[edit]

Artwork of a Conkdor from Super Mario 3D World.
Main article: Conkdor

Conkdors are huge flightless birds with lavender-colored spiked Koopa shells and long necks and beaks they can use to bash anyone in front of them.

Skedaddler[edit]

Custom render of Skedaddler from Super Mario Bros. Wonder.
Main article: Skedaddler

Skedaddlers are timid ground squirrel-like enemies that spit seeds to attack. They have small, black shells very similar to the ones Rocky Wrenches sometimes have.

Names in other languages[edit]

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese カメ一族いちぞく[20][21]
Kame-ichizoku
Turtle Tribe
クッパ一族いちぞく[22] (All Night Nippon Super Mario Bros.)
Kuppa-ichizoku
Bowser Tribe
カメぞく[23]
Kame-zoku
Turtle Tribe
カメ[?]
Kame
Turtle
Catalan Koopa (The Super Mario Bros. Movie)[?] -
Chinese (simplified) 喏库[?]
Nuòkù
Derived from "喏库喏库" (Nuòkù'nuòkù, Koopa Troopa)
乌龟族[25] (Super Smash Bros.)
Wūguī Zú
Turtle Tribe
龟族 (Mario Party Superstars)[?]
Guī Zú
Chinese (traditional) 烏龜族[26] (Mario Kart Wii)
Wūguī Zú
Turtle Tribe
庫巴一族[27] (Super Mario Bros. 35th Anniversary)
Kùbā-yīzú
Bowser Tribe
Dutch Koopa[?] -
French Koopa[?] -
German Koopa[?] -
Italian Koopa[?] -
Tribù delle Tartarughe (Super Mario Bros. manual)[?] Turtle Tribe
Korean 거북족[24]
Geobukjok
Turtle Tribe
Portuguese Koopa[?] -
Russian Купа[?]
Kupa
Koopa
Spanish Koopa[?] -

References[edit]

  1. ^ 1985. Super Mario Bros. instruction booklet. Nintendo of America (American English). Page 2.
  2. ^ "Bowser and his koopas have built the greatest museum in history, but to do it they have stolen many important items from the past." — Mario's Time Machine opening
  3. ^ Super Mario Bros. Japanese instruction booklet. The line in particular is 「強力な魔法を操る大ガメクッパの一族」 which, due to the various meanings of 「の」, can be interpreted as both the tribe of the great turtle Koopa who uses powerful magic or the Koopa tribe, great turtles who use powerful magic. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  4. ^ Super Mario Bros. North American instruction booklet, page 2.
  5. ^ History section of the Official Home of Mario. Note how the rectified story of Super Mario Bros. now states The Mushroom Kingdom was the peaceful home of the Toads until the day Bowser and his wicked minions invaded. Using powerful magic, Bowser™ transformed the Toads into bricks and quickly conquered the land. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  6. ^ Bowser's bio in the Official Home of Mario states The king of the Koopas dreams of ruling the Mushroom Kingdom, and only Mario and his brave friends stand in his way!. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  7. ^ As can be seen both by this diagram of the Koopa Troop on pages 88 and 89 of the Super Mario Zen Hyakka (「スーパーマリオ全百科」, Super Mario Complete Encyclopedia)Media:SMCE pages 88 89.png and the current bio of Bowser in the Mario Portal.
  8. ^ Nintendo of America (September 14, 2015). Nintendo Digital Event @ E3 2015 (41:57). YouTube. Retrieved June 5, 2024.
  9. ^ "These fighting turtles first appeared in Mario Bros. as Shellcreepers, then became Koopa Troopas and Koopa Paratroopas in the Super Mario Bros. series." – August 1991. Nintendo Mario Mania Player's Guide. Page 13.
  10. ^ 1994. Perfect Ban Mario Character Daijiten. Page 55.
  11. ^ "The Koopa is apparently an evolved form of this veteran of Mario Bros." – Shellcreeper trophy. NTSC Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.
  12. ^ "A true veteran from way back in Mario Bros., this guy even predates Koopas, which apparently it evolved into." – Shellcreeper trophy. PAL Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.
  13. ^ Treat4567 (December 28, 2014). [スマブラWiiU] フィギュア 全716種まとめ (2:38). YouTube (Japanese). Retrieved June 5, 2024.
  14. ^ 「モグラようなカメぞくあなからニョキッとてきてスパナをげてくる。飛行船ひこうせん乗組員のりくみいんだ。」 ("Mole-like members of the Turtle Tribe. They will pop out of a hole to throw their spanner. They are the maintenance crew of the airship.") – スーパーマリオブラザーズ3 (Sūpā Mario Burazāzu Surī) instruction booklet. Page 38.
  15. ^ "Rocky is a turtle who kind of looks like a mole. He will suddenly appear and start to throw wrenches at Mario." – 1990. Super Mario Bros. 3 instruction booklet. Nintendo of America (American English). Page 37.
  16. ^ in the section of the Super Mario History Booklet dedicated to Super Mario WorldMedia:SMHAmerican SMW and SMAS.jpg Takashi Tezuka states that ''Yoshi was originally supposed to be a type of Koopa. That saddle you see on his back was actually his shell.
  17. ^ Nintendo Classic Mini: SNES developer interview – Volume 5: Super Mario World and Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island. Nintendo UK (British English). Retrieved June 5, 2024.
  18. ^ Brian (April 27, 2019). Yoshi’s Crafted World devs on the art style, kindergarten inspiration, flip side gimmick, more. Nintendo Everything. Retrieved June 5, 2024.
  19. ^ The Creator of the Famicom and the Designer of Super Mario are here!. GAME Watch (Japanese). Retrieved June 5, 2022.
  20. ^ 1986. Super Mario Bros. 2 Disk System instruction booklet. Nintendo (Japanese). Page 3.
  21. ^ 1988. スーパーマリオブラザーズ3 (Sūpā Mario Burazāzu Surī) instruction booklet. Nintendo (Japanese). Page 35.
  22. ^ 1986. All Night Nippon Super Mario Bros. instruction booklet. Page 6-7.
  23. ^ 1988. スーパーマリオブラザーズ3 (Sūpā Mario Burazāzu Surī) instruction booklet. Nintendo (Japanese). Page 38.
  24. ^ 해머를 던지는 거북족의 엘리트, 전망 좋은 높은 곳을 좋아하는 것 같다.(Hammer-throwing Elite of Turtle Tribe. He seems to like high place with good view.), from card description of Hammer Bro from Super Paper Mario
  25. ^ "在人们的印象中,马力欧一直是一个用特殊的跳跃技能与乌龟族战斗的水管工。 (In people's impression, Mario has always been a plumber who used special jumping skills to fight with the Turtle Tribe.)" – Mario profile. Super Smash Bros..
  26. ^ 瑪利歐賽車 Wii (日文版):角色 - 台灣任天堂網站. Nintendo Taiwan (Traditional Chinese). Retrieved June 5, 2024.
  27. ^ 瑪利歐歷史|超級瑪利歐兄弟 35週年|任天堂. Nintendo HK (Traditional Chinese). Retrieved June 5, 2024.