User:Salmancer/List of methods of flight

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As the franchise that defined the platforming genre, many Super Mario franchise games allow the character to fly as a powerful ability. Flying is powerful because normally the player's ability to move vertically is restricted by if there are platforms available to jump from. Some games instead use flight as a way to vary the gameplay in certain segments, instead of offering it as an option for the player at potentially all times. There are many different ways games implement flying, for purposes even more varied than the listed ones. This list compares and contrasts all methods that the player can use to fly in different games. Many varieties of floating are included due to similarities to items and abilities declared to be flight. Note that this list concerns player characters flying in games where it is possible for the player character to not be flying. Microgames, being as short and self-contained as they are, usually do not meet this criteria.

There are a number of abilities and items this list excludes for sanity reasons:

  • Flying vehicles whose controls are not synonymous with the player.
  • Abilities and items that only slow down the player's falling speed.
  • Jumping in the air, including moves such as Double Jumps and Flutter Jumps
  • Items that launch the player into the air, unless that item has effects in addition to launching the player into the air. Characters throwing or launching other characters is similarly excluded. Abilities that launch the player into the air and are not tied to using an item or performed by a second character are included as a major exception. (In more casual terms, shooting oneself into the air under one's own power is flying.)
  • Abilities and items allowing the player to move underwater like they are flying.
  • Abilities and items used exclusively in turn based combat scenarios that do not involve moving to other platforms.
  • Abilities and items used exclusively in cutscenes, including a flying vehicle being the means of accessing a separate map and "fast travel" systems.

Flying abilities are organized by the presence or absence of these five attributes:

  • "Can gain height": Does the user's altitude increase by using this ability? Is there no limit on how high the user's altitude can be through use of this ability?
  • "Can gain distance": Can the player move on the horizontal plane while using this ability? Is there no limit on how far the user can move on the horizontal plane through use of this ability?
  • "Is a jump": Is this method of flight a form of a jump?

If a item or ability appears in multiple games, it shares the same row if the mechanics are similar but has a different row if the mechanics are so far apart it falls into a different category. Certain items or abilities with similar mechanics and similar flavor share a row.

Item/Form/Move Image Debut year Games Can gain height Can gain distance Is a jump Notes
Wing
The Wing from Super Mario Bros. Special. Wing
 1986 A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable. Uses the swimming controls in the air
Propeller Mario/Propeller Block Artwork of Propeller Mario in New Super Mario Bros. Wii A Propeller Block 2009 A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. Activate with Spin Jump or Midair Spin. Burst upward movement. Any number of characters can hold another character in Propeller form or holding a Propeller Block, and this ability or item carries all characters into the air.
Propeller Box Mario jumping within a Propeller Box 2011 A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable. Burst upward movement. Slowly descend by holding the jump button. Can ascend three times in Super Mario Maker 2
Raccoon Mario/White Raccoon Mario/Tanooki Mario Artwork of Raccoon Mario in New Super Mario Bros. 2 White Raccoon Mario artwork from New Super Mario Bros. 2 Tanooki Mario in Super Mario Bros. 3. 1988 A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable. Requires a full P-Meter. The P-Meter fills as Mario dashes. Performed by holding the jump button Flying drains the P-Meter. Once the P-Meter is empty Mario can no longer fly. White Raccoon Mario fills the P-Meter faster. The P-Meter stays full permanently with a P-Wing.
Tanooki Mario Artwork of Tanooki Mario in Super Mario 3D Land 2011 A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable. Can only fly during the credits
Cape Mario Artwork of Caped Mario 1990 A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. ∞ A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. Requires a running start. Initial flight is a extremely high jump performed by holding the jump button and stopping when that button is released. Afterward, transitions into a holding pattern where Mario naturally falls slowly but can remain in the air indefinetely by accelerating downward and curving back upward. Taking damage during the second state of fliyiing cancels the flying state without Mario losing this power. Landing on the ground damages enemies. Landing on the ground with a fast dive defeats all enemies on screen.
Power Squirrel Mario Mario's Power Squirrel form from New Super Mario Bros. U 2012 ∞ ∞ A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. Can Flying Squirrel Jump an infinite number of times in place of the Midair Spin. Can glide before, in-between, or after Flying Squirrel Jumps as per Flying Squirrel Mario.
Wing Mario/Winged Yoshi Artwork of Wing Mario from Super Mario 64 DS 1996 A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable. Requires a cannon or a Triple Jump.
Lakitu's Cloud Official artwork, from Super Mario Maker. 1990 A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable. Only lasts a limited time, disappears afterward
Koopa Clown Car/Junior Clown Car/Fire Koopa Clown Car/Fire Junior Clown Car Official artwork, from Super Mario Maker. Junior Clown Car artwork from Super Mario Maker SMW theme Fire Koopa Clown Car Artwork of a Monty Mole in the Fire Koopa Clown Car from Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS 2015 ∞ ∞ A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable.
Bullet Bill Mask In-game artwork from Super Mario Maker 2. 2019 A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable. A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable. Is temporary. Lost upon crashing into walls.
Bullet Bill/Banzai Bill (via Capture) Super Mario Odyssey artwork The Banzai Bill capture icon. 2017 A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable. A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable. Is temporary. Explodes when that timer runs out or on contact with walls or enemies, returning Mario to normal.
Paragoomba/Parabones (via Capture) The Paragoomba capture icon. The Parabones capture icon. 2017 A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. ∞ A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable. Maximum height is a little above highest platform that has ever been landed on.
Winged Yoshi Artwork of Blue Yoshi flying from Super Mario World. 1990 A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable. Is temporary when accessed with Koopa Shells, is permanent when accessed with Yoshi's Wings.
Winged Yoshi Winged Yoshi artwork from Yoshi's Crafted World 2014 A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. ∞ A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. Moves in a sine wave, like a repeating Flutter Jump pattern. Is called "Flutter Flying". After performing, uses wings to slow down falling.
Umbrella Yoshi Umbrella Yoshi in Yoshi's Woolly World 2015 ∞ ∞ A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable. Heavily affected by wind
Sky Pop Yoshi Plane Yoshi in Yoshi's Woolly World 2015 ∞ ∞ A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable. Used in autoscrolling areas
Launch Star Launch Star 2007 A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable. Activate with spin.
Piranhacopter A Piranha Plant performing the move Piranhacopter in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. 2018 A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable. Can be adjusted left and right
Pidgit’s carpets Artwork of a Pidgit riding a magic carpet from Super Mario Advance. 1988 A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable. Is temporary.
Propellerpack K. Rool's Helicopter Pack 2018 A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable. Can be adjusted left and right
Super Dragon Super Dragon trophy from Super Smash Bros. for Wii U 2008 A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable. Is temporary
Wario-Man Wario-Man trophy from Super Smash Bros. for Wii U 2008 A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable. Rises when using aerial attacks.
Spinning Kong Spinning Kong in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate 1999 A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable. Only rises when used in the air. Does not rise very high
Whirling Fortress Bowser performing Whirling Fortress in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate 2001 A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable. Only rises when used in the air.
Rocketbarrel Boost Diddy Kong trophy from Super Smash Bros. for Wii U 2008 A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable. Can be aimed mid-dash, defaults to upward. Can be charged to dash farther
Rocketbarrel Barrage Rocketbarrel Barrage trophy from Super Smash Bros. for Wii U 2008 A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable. Moves upward, but can be turned such that upward to Diddy is any direction. Is temporary.
Hyper Rocketbarrel The move Hyper Rocketbarrel being used in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. 2018 A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable. Attacks from various directions all around the screen with no control granted to the player. Returns to where the attack started when it concludes.
Jetpack[conjectural] Used in case of images missing from a section gallery, table, bestiary box, or certain infoboxes. 2003 A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable. In one segment Left and right movement is automatic but Wario can dash upward. In the other segment left and right movement is free. Collecting fuel in the second segment makes it go faster, and it can break through an otherwise deadly ceiling at max speed.
Flying Mario Artwork of Flying Mario from Super Mario Galaxy 2007 A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable. Starts flying with a Spin. Automatically moves forward, can stop in place by holding a button. Is temporary.
Balloon Mario Balloon Mario from Super Mario 64 DS 2004 A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable.
Rocket Barrel Artwork of a Rocket Barrel from Donkey Kong Country Returns HD 2010 A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable. One of two kinds of Rocket Barrel gameplay in Donkey Kong Country Returns and its ports. Automatically moves to the right. Must counteract falling momentum to rise.
Rocket Barrel Artwork of a Rocket Barrel from Donkey Kong Country Returns HD 2010 A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable. One of two kinds of Rocket Barrel gameplay in Donkey Kong Country Returns and its ports. Automatically flies with upward scrolling screen. Can boost higher upward.
Green Balloon Artwork of a Green Balloon from Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze. 2013 A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable. Rescues player from pits. Can pass through some solid objects. Ends with button press or after too long.
Helicopter Spin Used in case of images missing from a section gallery, table, bestiary box, or certain infoboxes. 2014 A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable. Button has to be held briefly, moves upward
Squawks Artwork of Squawks the Parrot from Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest, also used for Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! 1995 ∞ ∞ A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable. Can be carried by Squawks by freeing him from his corresponding Animal crate, or transform into Squawks by using a Squawks Barrel. The latter case allows Squawks to move faster.
Quawks Official artwork of Quawks from Donkey Kong Country 3 1996 A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable. A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable. Can only transform into Quawks by using his corresponding Animal Barrel.
Rocket Sprite of a rocket in Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!, unmanned and hatch closed 1996 A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable. Normally falls, starts rising after hitting an Ignition Barrel
Blimp Yoshi Mario on Blimp Yoshi from Super Mario Galaxy 2 2010 A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable. Is temporary. Once the meter is empty, returns to normal. Can stop rising by holding the jump button, which also makes the power last longer.
Spin Jump Artwork of Mario doing a Spin Jump in Super Mario Sunshine 1996 A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. Most games tie full slow descent functionality to an object like a tornado, with Spin Jumps done without the object not reducing falling speed as much. Some games lack the option to Spin Jump without an object.
Spin Jump Artwork of Mario and Luigi performing the Spin Jump in Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions. 2003 A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. Trajectory can be affected by numerous objects, such as wind, whirlwinds, Waterspouts and rising air.
Baby Spin Baby Spin 2005 A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable.
Baboon Balloon Baboon Balloon in the game Donkey Kong 64. 1999 A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable. Is temporary. Can be ended early. Bounces off walls.
Remote-Controlled Clown Car Propeller Mario in a Remote-Controlled Clown Car 2009 ∞ ∞ A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable.
Rocketbarrel Boost Rocketbarrel Boost in the game Donkey Kong 64. 1999
Bee Mario Artwork of Bee Mario for Super Mario Galaxy (Reused in Super Mario Galaxy 2 and Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2) 2007 A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable.
Boo Mario Artwork of Boo Mario from Super Mario Galaxy (Reused in Super Mario Galaxy 2 and Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2) 2007 A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A green check mark, used to indicate when something is true or applicable. A red "X" mark, used to indicate when something is false or not applicable.
Joy Princess Peach from Super Princess Peach. 2005
Wicked Wario Artwork of Wicked Wario from Wario: Master of Disguise 2007
Jet Wario