Nitpicker: Difference between revisions

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|latest_appearance=''[[NES Remix]]'' ([[List of Mario games by date#2013|2013]])  
|latest_appearance=''[[NES Remix]]'' ([[List of Mario games by date#2013|2013]])  
}}
}}
'''Nitpickers'''<ref>''Donkey Kong Jr.'' NES instruction booklet, page 5</ref>, also simply known as '''birds'''<ref>''"Defeat 2 '''birds''' with fruit!"'' &ndash; in-game instructions for a mission in ''[[NES Remix]]''</ref>, are flying avian enemies that make their debut in the original arcade game, ''[[Donkey Kong Jr. (game)|Donkey Kong Jr.]]''. Ever since their original appearance, Nitpickers remained largely unchanged in behavior but continued to star scarcely in more recent games. Diverse malicious creatures took their role instead and appeared in various games that succeed and closely follow the gameplay of the arcade classic.
'''Nitpickers'''<ref>''Donkey Kong Jr.'' NES instruction booklet, page 5</ref>, also simply known as '''Birds'''<ref>''"Defeat 2 '''birds''' with fruit!"'' &ndash; in-game instructions for a mission in ''[[NES Remix]]''</ref>, are flying avian enemies that make their debut in the ''[[Donkey Kong Jr. (game)|Donkey Kong Jr.]]'' arcade game. Ever since their original appearance, Nitpickers remained largely unchanged in behavior.


==History==
==History==
===''Donkey Kong Jr.''===
===''Donkey Kong Jr.''===
In ''[[Donkey Kong Jr. (game)|Donkey Kong Jr.]]'', a flock of Nitpickers is held captive by [[Mario]], who commands them to undermine and impede [[Donkey Kong Jr.]] from progressing in [[stage 2]]. The birds are depicted yellow, having a distinct magenta coloration on their wings and beaks; likewise, they are slender and bear an unflinching attitude. They proceed in flying in a straight line after getting struck by Mario's whip, and travel along a wide platform. They descend into the platfrom's small opening after traveling further to the right, continuing their flight thereafter in the opposite direction. Occasionally, Nitpickers drop eggs when turning left. The eggs, as well as the birds themselves, are harmful for Donkey Kong Jr. and can drain one of his lives upon coming into contact. On the other hand, Nitpickers can be defeated by having [[fruit]] dropped on them.
In ''[[Donkey Kong Jr. (game)|Donkey Kong Jr.]]'', a flock of Nitpickers is released by [[Mario]] to undermine and impede [[Donkey Kong Jr.]] from progressing in [[stage 2]]. The birds are depicted yellow, having a distinct magenta coloration on their wings and beaks; likewise, they are slender and bear an unflinching attitude. They proceed in flying in a straight line after getting struck by Mario's whip, and travel along a wide platform. They descend into the platfrom's small opening after traveling further to the right, continuing their flight thereafter in the opposite direction. Occasionally, Nitpickers drop [[egg]]s when turning left. The eggs, as well as the birds themselves, are harmful for Donkey Kong Jr. and can drain one of his lives upon coming into contact. On the other hand, Nitpickers can be defeated by having [[fruit]] dropped on them.


Also in ''Donkey Kong Jr.'' exists a species of bird enemies which display a similar demeanor to that of Nitpickers. Along with [[Snapjaw]]s, they are used by Mario in [[stage 4]]. The aerodynamic foes in question fly horizontally across the screen, descending progressively as they meet its margins. They flee off-screen after performing four such flights. Unlike the earlier-introduced Nitpickers, they do not bombard Donkey Kong Jr. with eggs, and are designed to look more like ravens, given their dark coloration and chubby structure. They can be defeated the same way as Nitpickers nonetheless, as falling fruit can put an end to them.
Along with [[Snapjaw]]s, Mario employs another flock of Nitpickers<ref>Instruction manuals for Atari 2600, Intellivision, and Atari 7800 home conversions</ref> in [[stage 4]]. These Nitpickers similarly fly horizontally across the screen, descending progressively as they meet its margins. They flee off-screen after performing four such flights. Unlike the other type, they do not bombard Donkey Kong Jr. with eggs, and are designed to look more like ravens, given their dark coloration and chubby structure. They can be defeated the same way nonetheless, as falling fruit can put an end to them.


Nitpickers return in the [[Donkey Kong Jr. (Game & Watch)|Game & Watch edition of ''Donkey Kong Jr.'']], where they only follow a straight path from left to right and pass by a set of vines located at the bottom of the screen. They spawn at the left side of the screen, do not drop eggs and do not steer back like they did in the original game, merely disappearing after encountering the right side of the screen.
Nitpickers return in the [[Game & Watch]] ''[[Donkey Kong Jr. (Game & Watch)|Donkey Kong Jr.]]'', where they only follow a straight path from left to right and pass by a set of vines located at the bottom of the screen. They spawn at the left side of the screen, do not drop eggs and do not steer back like they did in the original game, merely disappearing after encountering the right side of the screen.


===''Captain N: The Game Master''===
===''Captain N: The Game Master''===
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===''Donkey Kong''===
===''Donkey Kong''===
Neither Nitpickers nor the raven-resembling foes from stage 4 of ''Donkey Kong Jr.'' return in ''[[Donkey Kong (Game Boy)|Donkey Kong]]'' for the [[Game Boy]]. However, they are replaced by three species of bird enemies that retain and mix their behaviors, these being [[Kaibādo]], [[Hōkusu]], and [[Kuro]], listed here according to their order of debut in the game. They spawn from nests that are mostly placed high above the ground, subsequently performing three flights across the room. The end of one flight is marked by their encounter with one of the room's margins, after which they descend a little and change direction. They occasionally drop lethal eggs on [[Mario]], provided the protagonist walks beneath the bird enemies.
In ''[[Donkey Kong (Game Boy)|Donkey Kong]]'' for the [[Game Boy]], Nitpickers are succeeded by three species of birds that retain and mix their behaviors. In order of appearance, these consist of [[Kaibādo]], [[Hōkusu]], and [[Kuro]]. They spawn from nests that are mostly placed high above the ground, subsequently performing three flights across the room. The end of one flight is marked by their encounter with one of the room's margins, after which they descend a little and change direction. They occasionally drop lethal eggs on [[Mario]], provided the protagonist walks underneath it.


===''Mario vs. Donkey Kong'' series===
===''Mario vs. Donkey Kong'' series===
The ''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong]]'' series features Nitpickers in a more modern appearance, with yellow feathers and an orange beak. Fiery Nitpickers are introduced in [[Fire Mountain]].
''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong]]'' features modernized Nitpickers. In [[Donkey Kong Jungle]], they appear with yellow feathers and an orange beak, and routinely perform their traditional flight pattern from their nests; in [[Fire Mountain]], they adapt fiery qualities and lay eggs covered in flames, which cannot be protected by a [[handstand]].


They appear again in ''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis]]'' where they behave in the same way as in the last game, however this time around they appear to be more mechanical than in previous appearances. They appear in the [[Jungle Hijinks]] battle with [[Donkey Kong]]. Their main purpose is to serve as an obstacle to the [[Mini Mario (toy)|Mini Marios]] and swoop down on them if they're underneath it. Everytime the minis hit Donkey Kong, the Nitpicker will start dropping [[egg]]s on the minis. The minis can drop a [[Banana]] on the Nitpicker to temporarily destroy it.
They appear again in ''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis]]'' with a more mechanical appearance. They appear in the [[Jungle Hijinks]] battle with [[Donkey Kong]]. Their main purpose is to serve as an obstacle to the [[Mini Mario (toy)|Mini Marios]] and swoop down on them if they're underneath it. Every time Mini Marios hit Donkey Kong, the Nitpicker will start dropping eggs on them. Mini Marios can drop a [[Banana]] on the Nitpicker to temporarily destroy it.


Nitpickers reappear again in ''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again!]]'' but only in two boss battles.
Nitpickers reappear in ''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again!]]'' for the [[Jungle Rumble]] boss battle.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<center><gallery>
<center><gallery>
File:DKGB BirdNest.png|A nest resided by Nitpicker relatives, as seen in ''Donkey Kong'' for the Game Boy
File:DKGB BirdNest.png|A nest as seen in the Game Boy ''Donkey Kong''.
File:MvsDK Nitpicker.png|A Nitpicker in ''Mario vs. Donkey Kong''.
File:MvsDK Nitpicker.png|A Nitpicker in ''Mario vs. Donkey Kong''.
File:NitpickerMvsDK2.png|A Nitpicker from ''Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2''.
File:NitpickerMvsDK2.png|A Nitpicker in ''Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis''.
File:CaptainN_Nitpickers.png|<center>Nitpickers in ''Captain N''.
File:CaptainN_Nitpickers.png|<center>Nitpickers in ''Captain N''.
</gallery></center>
</gallery></center>
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==Names in other languages==
==Names in other languages==
{{foreignname
{{foreignname
|Jap=ニットピッカー<ref>Mario character book, [http://imgur.com/a/UvABP#70 page 143]</ref><br>''Nittopikkā''<br>バード<ref>[[Media:Mvsdk book ii.jpg|''Mario vs. Donkey Kong'' Shogakukan book]]</ref><br>''Bādo''
|Jap=ニットピッカー<ref>Mario character book, [http://imgur.com/a/UvABP#70 page 143]</ref><br>''Nittopikkā''<br>バード<ref name=Shogakukan>[[Media:Mvsdk book ii.jpg|''Mario vs. Donkey Kong'' Shogakukan book]]</ref><br>''Bādo''<br>ファイヤーバード<br>''Faiyābādo''
|JapM=Nitpicker<br>Bird
|JapM=Nitpicker<br><br>Bird<br><br>Firebird ([[Fire Mountain]])}}
}}
 
==References==
==References==
<references/>
<references/>
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[[Category:Donkey Kong Enemies]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong Enemies]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong Jr.]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong Jr.]]
[[Category:Mario vs. Donkey Kong]]
[[Category:Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis]]
[[Category:Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis]]
[[Category:Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again!]]

Revision as of 00:46, September 15, 2016

Template:LLQuote Template:Species-infobox Nitpickers[1], also simply known as Birds[2], are flying avian enemies that make their debut in the Donkey Kong Jr. arcade game. Ever since their original appearance, Nitpickers remained largely unchanged in behavior.

History

Donkey Kong Jr.

In Donkey Kong Jr., a flock of Nitpickers is released by Mario to undermine and impede Donkey Kong Jr. from progressing in stage 2. The birds are depicted yellow, having a distinct magenta coloration on their wings and beaks; likewise, they are slender and bear an unflinching attitude. They proceed in flying in a straight line after getting struck by Mario's whip, and travel along a wide platform. They descend into the platfrom's small opening after traveling further to the right, continuing their flight thereafter in the opposite direction. Occasionally, Nitpickers drop eggs when turning left. The eggs, as well as the birds themselves, are harmful for Donkey Kong Jr. and can drain one of his lives upon coming into contact. On the other hand, Nitpickers can be defeated by having fruit dropped on them.

Along with Snapjaws, Mario employs another flock of Nitpickers[3] in stage 4. These Nitpickers similarly fly horizontally across the screen, descending progressively as they meet its margins. They flee off-screen after performing four such flights. Unlike the other type, they do not bombard Donkey Kong Jr. with eggs, and are designed to look more like ravens, given their dark coloration and chubby structure. They can be defeated the same way nonetheless, as falling fruit can put an end to them.

Nitpickers return in the Game & Watch Donkey Kong Jr., where they only follow a straight path from left to right and pass by a set of vines located at the bottom of the screen. They spawn at the left side of the screen, do not drop eggs and do not steer back like they did in the original game, merely disappearing after encountering the right side of the screen.

Captain N: The Game Master

Nitpickers are featured as minor impediments in the episode "The Lost City of Kongoland" of Captain N: The Game Master, where they resemble vultures. They are depicted with long tubular beaks, tapering heads, and bulging eyes, as well as straight and focused looks. In the show, Nitpickers are summoned after Simon Belmont blows into a flute while he and the rest of the N Team are cruising down a river in Kongoland. Their beaks are said to be poisonous, and Kevin warns his crew to take cover. The birds immediately prevail and try to raid the team's vessel, but as they swoop down, Princess Lana draws a bazooka off-camera and counter-attacks them with large cork projectiles.

Donkey Kong

In Donkey Kong for the Game Boy, Nitpickers are succeeded by three species of birds that retain and mix their behaviors. In order of appearance, these consist of Kaibādo, Hōkusu, and Kuro. They spawn from nests that are mostly placed high above the ground, subsequently performing three flights across the room. The end of one flight is marked by their encounter with one of the room's margins, after which they descend a little and change direction. They occasionally drop lethal eggs on Mario, provided the protagonist walks underneath it.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong series

Mario vs. Donkey Kong features modernized Nitpickers. In Donkey Kong Jungle, they appear with yellow feathers and an orange beak, and routinely perform their traditional flight pattern from their nests; in Fire Mountain, they adapt fiery qualities and lay eggs covered in flames, which cannot be protected by a handstand.

They appear again in Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis with a more mechanical appearance. They appear in the Jungle Hijinks battle with Donkey Kong. Their main purpose is to serve as an obstacle to the Mini Marios and swoop down on them if they're underneath it. Every time Mini Marios hit Donkey Kong, the Nitpicker will start dropping eggs on them. Mini Marios can drop a Banana on the Nitpicker to temporarily destroy it.

Nitpickers reappear in Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again! for the Jungle Rumble boss battle.

Gallery

Names in other languages

Template:Foreignname

References

  1. ^ Donkey Kong Jr. NES instruction booklet, page 5
  2. ^ "Defeat 2 birds with fruit!" – in-game instructions for a mission in NES Remix
  3. ^ Instruction manuals for Atari 2600, Intellivision, and Atari 7800 home conversions

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