Face block (platform)

Platform Blocks are objects that first appear in New Super Mario Bros. They first start out as a single block with a face on it. Each time Mario hits the block, another Platform Block will pop out above the previous one, creating up to four Platform Blocks piled on one another. This can help Mario reach higher platforms, enter horizontal pipes, or block enemies. However, if Mario takes too long, the blocks will collapse back into a single Platform Block.

New Super Mario Bros.
Platform Blocks are introduced in New Super Mario Bros., starting as a face. When hit, another block with a face stacks on top of it. Up to four blocks can be stacked. After a while, they will revert back into a single block.

Super Mario 3D Land
The blocks return in Super Mario 3D Land, where the main block is an ! Block. It can conjure more or less than four blocks. The blocks do not always go straight up, they go in some paths as well. The face blocks even have the same design, and the ! Block is sometimes the size of regular blocks or sometimes bigger.

Super Mario 3D World
There are certain ? Blocks in Super Mario 3D World that act as Platform Blocks. In Bowser's Bob-omb Brigade and Super Block Land, there are larger versions of them. They can also be activated by tapping on the Wii U GamePad.

Super Mario Maker 2
In Super Mario Maker 2, giant, yellow ! Blocks that act as Platform Blocks appear as course elements. When hit multiple times, they produce giant Empty Blocks.