Metal Mario (form)

Metal Mario is a powered up form of Mario that first appeared in the game Super Mario 64. Metal Mario is tougher, stronger, virtually invincible, and can only be hurt by long falls. This form is acquired by picking up the Metal Cap from green ! Blocks or Metal Boxes.

The Metal form would later be granted to other characters through use of different items, though the form itself would act the same.

Super Mario 64 and Super Mario 64 DS
When Mario uses a Metal Cap in Super Mario 64, he becomes Metal Mario, a living embodiment of metal. In this form, Mario is invincible and can destroy enemies just by running into them. Metal Mario is also very heavy, and as such, can withstand strong winds, underwater currents, and can walk on the bottom of bodies of water. In addition, he doesn't need to breathe, meaning he can stay underwater without worrying about air until the metal power runs out. However, Metal Mario is slower than the regular Mario and sinks in quicksand faster.

Metal Mario can combine his Metal Cap with the Vanish Cap to become Vanish Metal Mario, which will enable him to go through certain walls while maintaining his metal form's strengths and weaknesses.

In the Super Mario 64 DS version of the game, only Wario could turn metallic and become Metal Wario by using a Power Flower.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl
The Metal Box item returns in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, and thus, allows Mario (or anyone else) to turn into a Metal form when the item is collected. This can also be used as a setting in the Special Brawl.

Metal Mario did not reprise his role as a boss.

Mario Party 7
Metal Mario also appears in Mario Party 7 when Mario uses a Metal Shroom Orb on himself to avoid traps. As a matter of fact, all the partiers could use the Metal Shroom Orb to make themselves metallic.

Mario Strikers Charged Football
It appears that Mario can become Metal Mario in Mario Strikers Charged Football when he performs his Mega Strike.

Trivia

 * In Super Smash Bros. Melee, near the place where the "M" logo would appear on his trophy is a view of the Yoshi's Island stage.
 * In an interview published in 1991 (in Nintendo Power's Mario Mania Player's Guide), Shigeru Miyamoto reportedly said: "Who knows what Mario will look like in the future? Maybe he'll wear metallic clothes!" Metal Mario then appeared in 1996.
 * In Mario Golf, Metal Mario's blue color change bears resemblance to Shadow Mario.
 * In the Super Smash Bros. series, Metal Mario appears unable to speak. Likewise, anyone else who turns into metal will lose their voice.