Koopa Troopa

"This shell was made to order. That's why it fits me so well. I mean, how cool do I look?"

- Koopa Troopa

Koopa Troopas (usually Koopas, occasionally Troopas, Japanese ノコノコ Nokonoko) are common enemies in the Mario Series, usually displayed as foot soldiers of the Koopa Troop, under the direct leadership of Bowser. Since Super Mario 64, however, many Koopas have appeared who do not work for Bowser (or any other villain), some of whom even act as allies to Mario during his adventures. Koopa Troopas are turtle-like humanoids with shells that come in many different colors. Koopas, along with Goombas, are some of Mario's most persistent foes.

Background
As mentioned below, an enemy that first appeared in Mario Bros.-Shellcreepers-are the "ancestors" of Koopas. When creating Super Mario Bros., a few changes were made to the enemies, including the ability to jump on them in order to damage them (it is likely that this was done to make the game easier).

The Koopa Troopas' name comes from King Bowser's Japanese name, クッパ　Kuppa, which is itself derived from the Korean dish of the same name. The last name Troopa, was taken from the word "troop" in reference to the Koopa's role as foot soldiers in Bowser's army, with the a likely added on to make the name rhyme. It could also be viewed as a corruption of the word "trooper", in the same way that Paratroopa could be analogous to "paratrooper". Their Japanese name, ノコノコ　Nokonoko, means "unconcernedly," although the latter use is usually written in hiragana.

''Mario Bros.
In the game Mario Bros, there are enemies called Shellcreepers, who bear a huge similarity to Koopa Troopas. Shellcreepers come in several different colors, and can not be jumped on.

''Super Mario Bros.
In Super Mario Bros., Koopas were the second enemy Mario or Luigi encountered, directly after Goombas. They served as foot-soldiers in the army Bowser uses to invade the Mushroom Kingdom. If jumped on, the Koopas would recede into their Shells, which could then be jumped on and used as projectiles with which to attack other enemies. If left alone for too long, however, the Koopas would right themselves. It should be noted that this arguably places Koopas among the most resilient enemies in the game, as they can not be defeated by merely jumping, they can only be truly defeated by fireballs, collision with other shells, or by getting sent over a cliff into a bottomless pit. The game featured two different types of Koopas: green-shelled ones (which walk in one direction until they are slain or they fall off of a cliff), and red-shelled ones (which patrol a set area without walking off any edges).

''Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels
Koopas serve an identical role in the Japanese Super Mario Bros. sequel Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels. They are, however, absent from Super Mario Bros. 2 due to its role as a remake of the game Doki Doki Panic (see Super Mario Bros. 2 article). Despite their absence, their shells appeared as usable items throughout the game, which could be used to hurl at enemies, just as they did in the previous game.

''Super Mario Bros. 3
Koopas make a reappearance in Super Mario Bros. 3. They are once again common foot soldiers in Bowser's army, although their reach is much wider in this game, as Koopas appear in almost every Land Mario and Luigi visit. Super Mario Bros. 3 also allowed the brothers to pick up a Koopa that had gone into its shell, and to then throw it at enemies. It should be noted that in all of these games, Koopas walked on all fours.

In the SNES version of Super Mario Bros. 3 (available in Super Mario All-Stars), Koopa Troopas also appeared in the Battle Game Mode. Unlike the Shellcreepers, the Mario Bros. can actually stomp on them. Therefore, Spinies fulfill the Shellcreepers' old role.

''Super Mario World
Super Mario World marked many changes to Koopa Troopas (although the changes were not as drastic as the ones to Goombas). It marked the first time Koopas were seen walking on two legs, and wearing shoes (which later became the standard look for them). In this game, when a Koopa is jumped on, it is actually knocked out of its shell, becoming a Beach Koopa. To reclaim its shell, a Koopa has to walk back to it before Mario grabs it. In this game, Koopa Troopas traveled with Bowser to Dinosaur Land in an attempt to take it over, though this plan was thwarted by the Mario Bros..

This also was the first game to introduce yellow-shelled and blue-shelled Koopas.

Blue-shelled Koopas acted like red-shelled Koopas, but moved faster. Additionally, when a blue-shelled Koopa loses its shell, instead of jumping into a new one, it'll kick any shells in its path.

Yellow-shelled Koopas tend to chase after Mario, but acted like faster green-shelled Koopas in movement. When yellow-shelled Koopas lose their shell, a coin pops out. Also, when a shell-less yellow-shelled Koopa finds a new shell, the shell will start chasing Mario, and will be invincible to most of Mario's moves. However, Yoshi can eat this shell and gain all three shell abilities for a limited time.

After the player completes the Special World (or find all exits in Super Mario Advance 2), all Koopa Troopas become Mask Koopas.

''Super Mario 64
Koopas made their 3-D debut in Super Mario 64, where they appeared as rare enemies found in two levels. They appeared as members of Bowser's army which invaded the portraits of Princess Peach's Castle. Unlike almost all of their other appearances, the Koopas in this game do not act aggressively towards Mario; in fact, they attempted to escape whenever they saw him coming. If jumped on or punched, the Koopas will be knocked out of their shells, which Mario can then ride on in a manner similar to surfing. One hit after they are transformed into Beach Koopas will destroy them. Only green-shelled Koopas appear in this game. If Beach Koopas are destroyed, a Blue Coin will pop out. Also, these Koopas were harmless and couldn't hurt Mario, but they can push him back if touched.

A more friendly Koopa called Koopa the Quick (due to his speed) also appeared in Super Mario 64. This marked the first time an individual Koopa was given a name and differentiated from the species, as well as the first appearance of a Koopa who seemed neutral to the battle between Mario and the Koopa Troop.

Koopa Troopas also appeared in the remake of this game, Super Mario 64 DS. Their shells could also be found in some blocks and could be ridden. However the unused red koopa shells could be punched or kicked and would fly forward.

New Super Mario Bros. and New Super Mario Bros. Wii
Once again, Koopa Troopas appear in New Super Mario Bros. Their role is exactly the same as in the other sidescrolling Mario platformers, however a ground pound can send them and into their shells and cause them to begin sliding. In New Super Mario Bros. there is a multi-player battlestage where a single Blue Koopa Troopa reappeared for the first time since Super Mario World. If Mario attacked him, he could take the Blue Shell and become Shell Mario. Koopas reappear in New Super Mario Bros. Wii acting like they did in their predecessor. In both games, Koopas dance to the electronic vocal riff "bah" in the background music by pausing and facing the screen in the former, or doing a bit of cha-cha in the latter.

''Super Mario Galaxy
Koopa Troopas reappear in Super Mario Galaxy where they are semi-common enemies found mostly on the airship levels. Strangely enough, they are shown walking on all fours, like in Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario Bros. 3, and always show an angry-looking expression. They did not flee from Mario like in Super Mario 64 and instead patrolled a set area; which was a straight line for Green Koopa Troopas and a small circle for Red Koopa Troopas.

Also, unlike in Super Mario 64, Koopa Troopas can actually hurt Mario in this game. As usual, jumping on a Koopa will cause it to retreat into its shell, but they can be defeated permanently by attacking with a ground pound. Attacking with a spin will defeat the Koopa and also spin the shell into Mario's hands so it can be used.

Koopa shells also appear as common items which can be thrown to defeat enemies and smash open chests or held onto underwater in order to swim faster; red shells travel faster than green shells, while Gold Shells, which only appear in Beach Bowl Galaxy and Bigmouth Galaxy, travel the fastest. Red Shells and Gold Shells home in on enemies.

''Super Mario Galaxy 2
Koopa Troopas reappear in the Super Mario Galaxy 2, and they act the same way as their predecessor. Giant Koopa Troopas also appear.

''Super Mario Land
Koopas did not appear in Super Mario Land, although a very similar species did. In Super Mario Land, Koopas were replaced by Nokobons, turtle-like creatures with bombs in place of shells. When jumped on, Nokobons simply exploded (this was due to the limitations of the system Super Mario Land was made for, the original Game Boy).

''Super Mario Land 2: Six Golden Coins
Actual Koopa Troopas appear in Super Mario Land 2: Six Golden Coins. These Koopas worked directly for Wario, and attempted (along with their boss) to take over Mario Land. These Koopas can be kicked at each other like in the Super Mario Bros. series, and they may right themselves after being jumped on. Koopas once again walk on all fours during these games. It is unknown what color of Koopas appeared in the Super Mario Land series, as both of the games were in black and white.

''Mario Clash
In Mario Clash Koopas have a very important role. In this game, the only way to defeat enemies such as Thornies is to hit them with a Koopa shell. There are always two Koopas, if one Koopa falls of a cliff another will appear.

''The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!
Koopa Troopas were the most frequently recurring minions in King Koopa's army on The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!. All of the Koopa Troopas were green, and were generally portrayed as being slightly slow and incompetent, although they were usually successful in carrying out simple jobs. The design used for Koopa Troopas on The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! was rather unusual, depicting them with green skin, green-rimmed shells, and beady eyes. It is possible that they were given green skin to better correlate with King Koopa's appearance. The Koopa Troopas on the show were depicted as bipeds, something that had yet to be seen in any game until Super Mario World. Also, as a joke, Koopa Troopas were usually seen wearing turtleneck sweaters.

In early episodes such as "King Mario of Cramalot" and "Rolling Down the River", Koopa Troopas spoke in very slow, deep voices. However, in all of their later appearances, their voices, while still somewhat slow, were notably lighter.

In many episodes, a single, unnamed Koopa Troopa was shown to be a member of King Koopa's "Koopa Pack", which also consisted of Mouser and Tryclyde. There was never any indication of how this particular Koopa Troopa earned his rank in the Koopa Pack, as there was nothing to differentiate him from any other generic Koopa Troopa. This Koopa Troopa went along with King Koopa's plots, and was usually dressed up in costume like King Koopa and many other minions to go along with the theme of the episode.

Despite the prominence of Koopa Troopas throughout the show, Paratroopas only made one brief appearance in the episode "King Mario of Cramalot", and essentially looked like red Koopa Troopas with (oddly enough) bee-like wings.

"Fire Sale"
While there were strangely no Koopa Troopas that ever appeared on The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3, a single red Koopa Troopa made an appearance in the Super Mario World episode "Fire Sale". This Koopa Troopa's design was truer to the games, and was based off of the Paratroopas that briefly appeared in The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3 episode "Do the Koopa".

The Koopa Troopa in "Fire Sale" never spoke, and served as Kootie Pie Koopa's lackey and personal punching bag throughout the episode. Near the beginning of the episode, Kootie Pie jumped on the Koopa Troopa repeatedly, knocking him out of his shell. When Kootie Pie threw the Koopa Troopa back into his shell, he wound up wearing the shell backwards, and was stuck like that for a good while. Despite the abuse he took, the Koopa Troopa had the last laugh towards Kootie Pie at the end, when she was frozen in a block of ice. Koopa just read a magazine and sipped ice tea, ignoring Kookie Pie's complaints.

''Super Mario Adventures
Several Koopas appear in the Super Mario Adventures comic book, which was based (loosely) on the Super Mario World video game. In this comic, Koopas first appear during Bowser's initial attack on Princess Peach's Castle. They are among the many enemies that come through Warp Pipes and attack the Mario Bros.

After the supposed rescue of Princess Peach from Wendy O. Koopa's castle, Toad is sent back to the Mushroom Kingdom (with the aid of a Cape) to get a rescue party for the Mario Bros. and the Princess. He is waylaid by Bowser and several Koopas (masquerading as Toads), who aid Bowser during Princess Peach's second abduction in that story.

Mario Kart series


A Koopa Troopa first appeared as a playable character in Super Mario Kart, where he was a lightweight whose special item was a Koopa Shell. He was not playable in Mario Kart 64, being replaced by Wario (in fact, the Mario Kart 64 instruction booklet claims that Wario stole the Koopa's kart). Koopa re-appeared in Mario Kart: Double Dash!! where he was partnered with a Paratroopa; their special items were the Triple Shells. Koopa Troopa made a cameo in Mario Kart Arcade GP 2 and was next playable in Mario Kart Wii, where he was given an outstanding Mini-Turbo bonus that was rivaled by Dry Bowser's, Dry Bones', and Wario's; he also was given a small handling bonus. Koopa Troopa was a lightweight ("small" in Mario Kart Wii) in all of these appearances.

''Mario is Missing!
Koopas accompanied Bowser and the Koopalings to the Real World during the events of Mario is Missing!. In this game, Bowser sends Koopa Troopas to different cities throughout Earth, where they wreak havoc by stealing precious artifacts from various museums and national monuments. Before Luigi can advance through Bowser's Castle, he must return every missing artifact to its place. The Koopas in this game do not resist Luigi's attacks, and it is impossible to be hurt by them. When jumped on, the Koopas without artifacts disappear, while the ones carrying artifacts disintegrate into dust. (This disintegration was a style commonly used in cartoons, where the body of a creature turns to dust until only its eyes remain. The eyes blink once, and then disappear.)

''Yoshi's Safari
A single Koopa Troopa enemy appeared in Yoshi's Safari, to aid Bowser in his invasion of Jewelry Land. This Koopa Troopa appears as the penultimate boss in the game, fighting in a giant robot made in the likeness of a Koopa. It had a gun turret manned by four Koopa Troopas. Several Koopa Shells appear as enemies throughout the game, however these may not have actually contained Koopas, as none were seen.

Mario Tennis series
A male Koopa Troopa has appeared in two games in the Mario Tennis series. His first appearance was in the game Mario's Tennis, which featured every playable character from Super Mario Kart with, the exception of Bowser. He did not appear in Mario Tennis for the Nintendo 64, despite the fact that Paratroopa did appear. Koopa Troopa reappears in Mario Power Tennis as a speedy character. His Offensive Power Shot was the Water Bomb, which Koopa performed a special drop shot that forced the characters to get closer to the net. His other special move, the Defensive Power Shot named Water Shell Dash, consisted of saving the loose ball by hiding into his shell and homing in to the ball to make the return. Paratroopa was also present in this game.

''Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island
Koopas also appeared (albeit less frequently) in Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island, a prequel to the entire Mario series. In this game Shy Guys largely replace Goombas and Koopas as the game's most persistent foes; while Shy Guys appear in almost every level, Koopa Troopas are much rarer. They first appear in the level Visit Koopa and Para-Koopa. In this game only red and green shelled Koopas appear, and neither walk off the side of cliffs. Like in Super Mario World, these Koopas can be knocked out of their shells.

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
Koopas were absent from Super Mario RPG: The Legend of the Seven Stars, seemingly replaced by Terrapins (which were basically armored Koopas, similar to Koopatrols). However, many four-legged Paratroopas were present in the game, including the Heavy Troopa and Tub-O-Troopa.

Mario Party series
Koopas appear in the original Mario Party to award the player with ten Coins each time the player passes the starting point (in a similar style to the game Monopoly). Beginning with Mario Party 2, Koopa's most frequent role in the Mario Party series has been the proprietor of the Koopa Bank or the Koopa Bank Capsule, a location which both takes and gives coins to and from the Player. A Koopa also appears as Mario's starting partner in Battle Mode in Mario Party 3. Throughout the series, they appear as background characters in boards and minigames.

Mario Party 4
Koopa Troopa is one of the hosts that organized the party with the Party Cube, along with Toad, Shy Guy, Boo and Goomba. He sports a hawaiian shirt and is the host of his board, Koopa's Seaside Soiree and the option room. The Koopa Troopa made this board because he always wanted to own his own resort. He always appears to be laid back as well. Koopa Troopas (and related species) also appear in the following mini-games: Paratrooper Plunge, where the characters have to avoid red Paratroopas, GOOOOOOOAL!!, as a member of the crowd Kareening Koopas, where in Story mode, he's the opponent you fight against and as an unlockable character in the Beach Volley Folley mini-game.

''Mario Party 8
In Mario Party 8, there is a rather notable Koopa Troopa called Holly Koopa who is quite minor in Shy Guy's Perplex Express, giving out money in exchange for candy when a player lands on her Green Space. In Duel Mode however, players must get 50 coins to her to win the match. Some other Koopa Troopas are found occupying the seats. There is also a green space that summons Kamek. Koopa Troopas also have their own board named after them in Koopa's Tycoon Town. Koopa Troopas are found nearly everywhere in this board from being bellboys to sitting on park benches. Some also act as taxis to get places. Another Magikoopa is found in Bowser's Warped Orbit. A Koopa Troopa is the main baker in Sugar Rush, a minigame. Other minigames they are in in Mario Party 8 include Picture Perfect where a flying Red Shell is one of the pictures, Blazing Lassos where they make a cameo, Breakneck Building in another cameo, Spector Inspector as an enemy to find, audiences in Fruit Picker, Pour to Score, Stampede, a biker in Moped Mayhem, and finally the proprietor in the Surprise Wagon and the music maker in the Carnival Calliope.

Mario Golf series
A Koopa Troopa appears as a playable character only in the GCN game Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour. Though not playable, Koopas do appear in the original Mario Golf for the Nintendo 64.

''Paper Mario
Several Koopas appeared in Paper Mario, both as enemies and allies. All of the enemy Koopas in this game have red shells; a pair of sunglasses; and spiked, black arm bands and collars, like Bowser. These Koopas aid Bowser in his plot to kidnap Princess Peach. In this game, Koopas are shown to be quite resilient, as they have a fair defense (full damage can only be dealt once they are flipped onto their backs) and have the ability to withdraw into their shells and shoot themselves at their opponents.

The "good" Koopas all live in Koopa Village, a place which is overrun by Fuzzies at one point in the game. After Mario and Goombario get rid of all the Fuzzies they become quite popular in the village (Mario even receives a Letter from the Koopas of the village at one point). One Koopa, Kooper, actually joined Mario's party to aid him in his fight against Bowser. There was also a baby Koopa Troopa by the name of Jr. Troopa, who would constantly stalk Mario and his allies to pick fights with them. He showed up and was fought six times in the game. He also made a very small cameo in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door.

''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
The red-shelled sunglasses-wearing style of Koopa was carried over to Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door as common enemies, despite Bowser not being the main antagonist of that game. In fact Bowser himself may encounter some Koopa Troopas during the parts of the game where he can be played as, though they all run away from Bowser when he approaches them. The "good" Koopas of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door live in Petalburg. Mario once again receives a Koopa partner, Koops. It is also mentioned that a heroic Koopa was one of the original four heroes who defeated the Shadow Queen; this Koopa's spirit is encountered at Keelhaul Key, as one of the four Black Chest Demons.

''Super Paper Mario
Red and Green Koopas reappeared in Super Paper Mario. In this game, they don't have as much HP or Defense as in Paper Mario 2. This time, defeating Koopas is almost impossible, although one can do it with Boomer, Cudge or certain items. Even though they only have 1 HP, they would duck inside their shells. One could easily be defeated by another's shell.

This game uses the Good/Bad Koopas system that was introduced in the earlier Paper Mario titles, but with a twist: in this game Koopas under Bowser's control weren't the "Bad" Koopas, and some even tried to save Princess Peach from Count Bleck. However, these "Good" Koopas still attacked Mario and his party (in fact, if the player revisits the earlier levels as Bowser, Koopas without glasses still attack him), as did the Koopas wearing sunglasses under Nastasia's spell. They appeared in Flipside Pit of 100 Trials in room 11, 14, 16, and 19.

''Super Smash Bros. Melee
Koopas appear in Super Smash Bros. Melee as enemies in the Mushroom Kingdom stage during adventure mode. They may also appear during a regular match by coming out of a Party Ball, though this is uncommon.

''Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Koopas appear as part of Bowser's army in Super Smash Bros. Brawl; Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong face many of them while attempting to get Donkey Kong's Banana Horde back, and a Koopa is actually the creature that stole the Bananas in the first place (under Bowser's order). Diddy Kong, Fox McCloud, and Falco Lombardi also fight some Koopas while searching for the kidnapped Donkey Kong. Bowser last uses Koopa Troopas to attack King Dedede's castle in order to steal the trophies that he had amassed. This was the last appearance of Koopas in the game. Koopas are not the most common enemies in this game (due to Bowser not being the main antagonist); Primids are actually the most frequently encountered enemies.

''Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga
In Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, Bowser takes many Koopas along with him, Mario, and Luigi inside his Koopa Cruiser when he flies to the Beanbean Kingdom. Bowser had planned to do battle with Cackletta, the witch who had stolen Princess Peach's voice, with his army of Koopas and Goombas (accompanied by the Mario Bros.); however, the Koopa Cruiser was attacked by Fawful, Cackletta's henchman, before it could reach the BeanBean Kingdom. The Koopa Cruiser, along with all of its Koopas, crashed just outside the Mushroom Kingdom/BeanBean Kingdom Border, the impact of which knocked all of the Koopas unconscious. The Koopas of this game are last seen lying on the ground, although some are already starting to regain consciousness by the time Mario awakens.

During Mario and Luigi's time on the Koopa Cruiser the Koopas taught them many things, including how to battle. While on the Koopa Cruiser some of Bowser's Goombas started running rampant, and the Koopas ask the Mario Bros. to help them control the situation.

''Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time
Standard Koopa Troopas do not appear in this game; however as in Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, Koopa Troopas are the crew of the Koopa Cruiser and look the same as their past appearance in the series. A reporter named Kylie Koopa also makes an appearance.

''Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story
As opposed to the past two games, standard Koopa Troopas make an appearance here. Bowser rescues a group of Koopas from a cage and is able to use them as a special attack, where he spins his shell and rebounds Koopas (which go into their shells) onto enemies. Koopa Troopas are also some of the characters that are seen inhabiting Bowser's Castle.

''Mario Kart: Double Dash!! Information

 * Partner: Paratroopa
 * Kart: Koopa Dasher
 * Special Item: Triple Shells
 * Bio: Make no mistake: this is one turtle with some zip. He may be small, but don't blink or you'll miss him.

Mario Power Tennis Information

 * Skill Type: Speedy
 * Offensive Power Shot: Water Bomb
 * Defensive Power Shot: Water Shell Dash

''Mario Superstar Baseball Information
Stats Mission
 * Type: Balanced
 * Starting Team Captain: Donkey Kong
 * Status: Player
 * Stats:
 * Green Koopa Troopa Stats:
 * Batting: 5/10
 * Pitching: 4/10
 * Fielding: 5/10
 * Running: 5/10
 * Red Koopa Troopa Stats:
 * Batting: 6/10
 * Pitching: 4/10
 * Fielding: 5/10
 * Running: 4/10
 * Player Profile:
 * Strong Point: Nothing Particular
 * Special Talents: Sliding Catch
 * Trajectory:
 * Field: Center
 * Height: Normal
 * Star Pitch: Curveball
 * Star Swing: Center
 * Default Batting Position: Left
 * Default Throwing Arm: Right
 * Sweet Spot: The shell on the bat
 * Compatiable Relationships: Bowser, Dry Bones, Paratroopa
 * Bio: "A familiar face of the Mario series, this member of the Koopa clan can pull his feet inside his shell to protect himself. Long ago, he didn't even walk upright, but now he's even playing baseball! Though he can do just about everything, he's slow because...well, you know."


 * 1) Drive in a run!
 * 2) Pitch a whole game and win!
 * 3) Crack a long hit!
 * 4) Smack more than 3 hits in a game!

''Mario Strikers Charged Football

 * Type: Balanced
 * Skillshot: Shell Smash
 * Deke: Normal

Stats

 * Movement: 6
 * Shooting: 6
 * Passing: 6
 * Defense: 6

''Mario Kart Wii

 * Size: Small
 * Actual Bonuses
 * Handling: +1
 * Mini-Turbo: +2

Artwork
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Screenshots
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Trivia

 * Despite popular opinion, Koopa Troopas bear more resemblance to real world tortoises than they do turtles. For example they seem to be land based, having no real affinity for water, they lack webbing and the rounder, less streamlined shape of their shells more closely resembles tortoises.
 * A Koopa Troopa makes a cameo in the NES game Zoda's Revenge: Startropics II when a man who is riding him delivers pizza to the protagonist, Mike Jones.
 * Though Koopa Troopas are absent from the 1993 live-action Super Mario Bros. film, early production artwork of the film version of Goombas had them labeled with the name "Koopa's Troopas".