Bob-omb

Bob-ombs also known as Bomb-Ombs are living, moving mechanical-bombs. They are generic enemies who first appeared in Super Mario Bros. 2, and have appeared in nearly every Mario game since then. Their appearance, intelligence, and ally/enemy status differs widely from game to game. They are usually either blue or black colored, but some variations are pink/red. They will also flash red and sometimes make beeping sounds if about to explode.

They should not be confused with Bombs, non-living explosives that have been faded out of the Mario series in favor of Bob-ombs.

''Super Mario Bros. 2
Bob-ombs first appeared in the Mario series in the game Super Mario Bros. 2, where they were semi-common enemies that worked for the tyrannical frog Wart. They were often dropped from the sky by the vulture-like Albatosses. After landing they would walk around for a while before exploding, doing damage to anyone nearby. However, Mario, Luigi, Toad and Peach were able to also pick up, carry and throw the Bob-ombs (however the Bob-omb will explode after a short time of being held). Some Bob-ombs could be found (instead of Vegetables or Coins) when a red tuft of grass was pulled up. If this happens, the hero must throw the Bob-omb away before it explodes in his/her hands.

In the Japanese version, these Bob-ombs are known as "Bobs," meaning they are slightly different from the Bomhei (Bob-ombs) of later games. In the later remakes, they were replaced with Bob-ombs having arms.

''Super Mario Bros. 3
Bob-ombs appeared again in Super Mario Bros. 3. Here, if Mario stomped on one, it would become capable of being carried. However, it will explode in in a few seconds, even if Mario's still carrying it! If left alone, it will explode anyway.

However if the player bounces on it again it will bounce away, sometimes destroying other enemies or walls. Bob-ombs take 5 seconds to explode after being bounced on.

''Super Mario World
Bob-ombs can once again be seen working for Bowser in Super Mario World. In this game Bob-ombs walk quickly back and forth before they flash pink and then explode. Like Goombas and Green Koopas, they will fall off edges instead of changing direction before they fall off, like Red Koopas. If Mario or Luigi jump on the Bob-omb before it explodes, it will become stationary and lifeless, and can even be picked up with no danger until it explodes in the user's hands. The same thing also happens if one of them hits it with a Cape. Some Bob-ombs will also appear floating in bubbles. These bombs will resume their normal activities if the bubble is popped by a touch from the player. The bubble-encased Bob-ombs appear only in one level: Forest of Illusion 3.

When Yoshi eats a Bob-omb in this game, he will simply swallow it, like most enemies. If he stomps it, it will instantly be destroyed, and cannot be used as a weapon. Yoshi can also eat the bubble-covered Bob-ombs even when they are still in their bubble.

If Mario or Luigi enter a pipe while carrying a Bob-omb, that Bob-omb will not detonate for the remainder of the level.

''Super Mario 64
Bob-ombs are common enemies in Super Mario 64 (and Super Mario 64 DS). They first appeared in Bob-omb Battlefield, a level that is ruled by the Big Bob-omb.

Bob-ombs attack pattern in this game is different and more aggressive than before. When Mario, Luigi, Wario, or Yoshi is spotted by a Bob-omb, the Bob-omb will light their fuse and then rush towards the hero from behind, so that when it explodes it will damage the character. If the Bob-omb gives chase and the hero can run from it for a while, it will explode and no harm would be done. The Bob-ombs can be beaten simply by circling behind them, picking them up, and throwing them. Kicking the bombs are equally effective. When they hit the ground they will promptly explode, away from the hero. Then, they would leave behind a coin for the player to get. A pink sub-species of Bob-ombs called Bob-omb Buddies also appear in the game. In DS version only, Bob-ombs also appear when a plumber hits a ! Block without his cap on. They would also appear in a ! Block if the Power Flower would help him get the star (such as in Snowman's Land, where if Mario hits the ! Block closest to the snowman, a Bob-omb will fall). Explosions caused by the bombs can also damage enemies within its blast.

''Super Mario Sunshine
Bob-ombs also appear in Super Mario Sunshine, but much differently than in any other game. They are black orbs with a digital interface. After a certain amount of time, the "eyes" will start a countdown from three, exploding at zero. But, if Mario sprays them with F.L.U.D.D they will turn blue and freeze, and can then be picked up and thrown by Mario. They will, however, still explode in this form.

They appear in three areas: first in Pinna Park and later in Noki Bay. Both times, they are under the control of Monty Mole, who throws the bombs from his tank once Mario gets too close for the mole to shoot Bullet Bills. To defeat the Monty, the player must spray water on the Bob-ombs and then pick them up and throw them at the tank. The player must do this three times, and the Monty Mole will be defeated. They also appeared in Episode 5: King Boo Down Below of Sirena Beach. They would sometimes appear when King Boo spins the slots to the enemy pictures.

''New Super Mario Bros.
Bob-ombs reappear in New Super Mario Bros.. They act just like in Super Mario Bros. 3, by walking back and forth. If Mario stomps them, they will become stationary and explode after 5 seconds. Before they explode, Mario can pick them up and throw them. Their explosions could destroy almost all types of blocks. This could even be used to access Star Coins. They appear in World 4-5 and 7-5.

''Super Mario Galaxy
Bob-ombs later appear in Super Mario Galaxy. Here, they come out of the Bob-omb Dispensers in the ground, sometimes mobile, sometimes not. Mario can pick them up using a Spin. When picked up, the Bob-ombs will start to light up and flash, and must be thrown with another Spin before they explode. They can be used to destroy many things, including cages and Incoming Chomps. They appear in two different varieties: ones that have legs and can walk around, which are less common, and ones that do not have legs and don't move on their own. The Bob-ombs explode after 9-10 seconds of walking.

The Bob-ombs are used prominently in two "Bob-omb Blasting" minigames: one in the Battlerock Galaxy and one in the Dreadnought Galaxy. They are used when a Gearmo asks Mario to get rid of a bunch of trash piles for him. It must be done within a time limit of 30 seconds, however, and the prize for winning is a Power Star.

''New Super Mario Bros. Wii
Bob-ombs once again make an appearance as generic enemies in New Super Mario Bros. Wii. In this game, they usually endlessly spawn from warp pipes, and walk around aimlessly, until they explode. They make their first appearance in the World 3 castle. In this game, their fuse would be lit if they were hit by a fireball from either Fire Mario or a Venus Fire Trap, and instantly explode if they hit lava or a flame from a Rocket Engine.

Super Mario Galaxy 2
They appear in Super Mario Galaxy 2, they act the same way as they did in Super Mario Galaxy, but the ones with legs are more common. The Bob-omb Buddies also make an appearance, where they continued to be allies to Mario.

''Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
Bob-ombs also appeared in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, where they first appeared in Moleville Mines. Here, they were mere enemies roaming around Moleville's local mining mountain, although they were featured quite prominently in the battle with Punchinello. In said battle, Punchinello would summon three Bob-omb-type enemies (including the new subspecies Micro Bombs and Mezzo Bombs) for every three defeated, each getting larger and more powerful every "stage" or Punchinello's remaining health. Towards the end of his battle, a seemingly insane Punchinello tried his Bob-omb-summoning act one more time by creating a huge Bob-omb, although this piece of ammunition only ended up squishing him and allowing Mario and his party to collect the Star Piece he was guarding and save Dyna and Mite Mole. In battle, Bob-ombs had average stats and no special attacks, however, when threatened, they could explode in a kamikaze attempt to cause one ally a lot of damage. Later in Super Mario RPG, a stronger, purple shoe-clad variety of Bob-omb appeared in Booster Tower.

''Yoshi's Story
Bob-ombs first appearance chronologically was Yoshi's Story. Bob-ombs appear during level 5-4: Shy Guy's Ship where they are fired by Pirate Guy ships' cannons. They also appear during Yoshi's battle with Baby Bowser at the end of the game, where Baby Bowser would attack the hero by throwing Bob-ombs at him from the back of his large green "pet". Yoshi could actually use these Bob-ombs against him, by licking them up and throwing them at the ceiling of the room, causing large stalactites from the ceiling to fall onto Baby Bowser, eventually knocking him off the back of his pet so that Yoshi could battle him hand-to-hand.

In this game, Bob-ombs are treated more like items than actual enemies.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong
Bob-ombs appeared in Mario vs. Donkey Kong.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis
Mechanical versions of Bob-ombs, Mini Bob-ombs, made small appearances in Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis. They only appeared in the minigames.

Super Smash Bros. series
Bob-ombs are common items found in the Super Smash Bros. series, being a dangerous and destructive weapon, able to blow up everything on its reach. They can be picked up and thrown at other characters to create an explosion, thus, inflicting great damage on the player, or also knocking them out instantly. However, if they stay on the ground long enough, they will stand and walk around the stage by themselves and eventually stop and remain in their current spot to explode after. During Sudden Death, Bob-ombs will appear and fall on the stage, blowing anyone randomly in case the event takes a long time.

''Paper Mario
Bob-ombs appear both as allies and enemies in Paper Mario. A few can first be found in Koopa Village. These Bob-ombs explained to Mario and his partners that they had been kidnapped and enslaved by the Koopa Bros.. When Mario reaches the Koopa Bros. Fortress he finds (and is attacked by) several Bob-ombs employed by Bowser. These Bob-ombs have two basic attacks: the first is simply to ram themselves into Mario, and the other is to light themselves, walk up to Mario, and explode right next to him. It appears that Bob-ombs can explode at will and as many times as they want outside of battle.

Mario later falls into a prison full of Bob-omb rebels. Mario manages to free the remainder of the enslaved Bob-ombs, one of which is a pink female Bob-omb named Bombette who joins his party. Some Bob-ombs in this game are shown to be able to explode, and then simply regenerate themselves. Also notable, only Bob-ombs that are allies of Mario can do this.

It is also notable that during the credit roll, four Bob-ombs show out a hand, indicating that Bob-ombs do have arms, only visible when used. Also it shows that Bob-Ombs can be different colors other than the normal black(enemy) and pink(See Bob-omb Buddy). Such colors are the red and green bombs which are both friendly and can be talked to in Koopa Village. It also shows that only colored Bob-ombs are nice whereas black ones are all enemies.

''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
Bob-ombs were rare enemies in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. A group of them called the Bob-omb Squad (led by Master Crash) can first be encountered in Glitzville. Later on Bob-ombs may be fought in the Pit of 100 Trials. Their battle tactics in this game are completely unchanged from their Paper Mario strategies.

Although Bob-ombs, as enemies, are rare in this game, Bob-ombs are commonly found in Rogueport, most of them sailors. A large group of peaceful Bob-ombs live in the Fahr Outpost, where they are the main inhabitants of the region. Most of these Bob-ombs are actually allies of Mario. In fact, again, a Bob-omb becomes one of Mario's partners.

The Bob-omb sub-species Bulky Bob-omb and Bob-ulk is introduced in this game.

''Super Paper Mario
This is the only game in the Paper Mario series where Bob-ombs made little to no appearances. In fact, the only Bob-ombs that were featured in the game at all are Bombette and Bobbery from the previous titles, which appeared as Catch Cards. They also appeared very briefly at the beginning of the game, where they, along with all the others partners, were in a photograph at Mario's house. Also, the Pixl Boomer may be a reference to Bob-ombs.

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga
Bob-ombs were semi-common enemies in Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga. Their attack pattern here was similar to that of the Paper Mario Bob-ombs; however, they also had the power to defuse themselves at will. If a Bob-omb spots Mario or Luigi, it will light its fuse and begin to run around frantically, initiating battle if touched. When defeated, the Bob-ombs in this game sometimes dropped a Red Pepper.

''Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time
Bob-ombs next chronological appearance is in Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time. Here they are found in Gritzy Desert. They would do a simple ram to attack the Mario Bros. but may sometimes trick them by running toward one Bro. then looking the other way and attacking the opposite bro. After they got hit at least 23 damage, they would do a suicidal attack by either trying to ram a hero by exploding or one where it goes to both bros. and they have to be hammered away before it exploded on one of them. A new sub-species of Bob-omb is in this game, called Lethal Bob-omb. Also, a large Shroob version, called Shroob-omb, was used by Commander Shroob in the fight against him.

''Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story
Bob-ombs make a reappearance in the game Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story. Bowser first discovers Bob-ombs in his castle. They were rounded up in a cage by Fawful and were abandoned. When Bowser frees the Bob-omb, he gains a new attack called Bob-omb Blitz. Also, in Bowser's Castle, Bob-ombs are found inside of the Jailgoon suits aside from Goombas in others. Bob-ombs also make a second appearance when Mario and Luigi fight Junker. Bob-ombs are one of the enemies that may appear when Junker empties out a Junker Can. Three new species of Bob-ombs were introduced: Fawful Bob-ombs when fighting the Tower of Yikk in Blubble Lake as giant Bowser, Alarm Bob-omb fought in Fawful's castle, and Dark Fawful Bombs as rare enemies that are held by Dark Fawful Guys in Fawful's castle. Bob-ombs also appear out of the rocks that Mawful Moles throws at the player, only if they are smashed with the Hammer.

Super Princess Peach
Bob-ombs also appeared in Super Princess Peach. Here, they acted exactly as they're supposed to. If Peach jumped on one of them or grabbed one with Perry, it would start their fuse and explode after a period of time. Bob-ombs are needed to defeat Bowser in his giant form (by using Perry to pick them up and hit them in Bowser's face). Other species of the Bob-omb under the Vibe Scepter's spell are the Glad Bob-omb and Glad Parabomb.

Mario Baseball series
Bob-ombs appear in Mario Superstar Baseball. Where they only appear in the mini-games Bob-omb Derby, where the player must hit the bob-ombs into the air for various points, and in Piranha Panic, the player can throw one at a Piranha Plant to earn three points.

In Mario Super Sluggers, they are used as items on the outfields in the game. They also returns in the mini-games Bob-omb Derby and Piranha Panic as well as the new ones, Ghost K and Bowser Pinball. In an addition, Wario's Star Swing involves him pulling out a Bob-omb and hitting it towards the field. The ending movie, bob-ombs were blasted out of a batting cage in Mario Stadium where Mario and Donkey Kong would blast them into the air and explode into fireworks.

Mario Kart series
Bob-omb (or sometimes referred to as Bomb) is a special item used in Mario Kart: Double Dash!!. They belonged exclusively to Wario and Waluigi, as well as Petey Piranha and King Boo (the two having access to all special items). If this item is thrown backwards, it explodes after three seconds. When thrown forwards, the Bob-omb waits until another driver runs near it and explodes by then. This item later became the regular item in Mario Kart DS and Mario Kart Wii. Also in Mario Kart Wii. Bob-Omb Cars were much similar to bob-ombs. The Bob-omb Battle game also appeared in the Double Dash!! version.

The Legend of Zelda series
Bob-ombs have even appeared in various Legend of Zelda games, such as The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening and The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap. If Link strikes them with his sword once, they will run frantically around the room in a diagonal pattern, ricocheting off of walls and objects until they explode. If Link manages to strike them again, they will stop moving and explode.

Appearance
Bob-ombs have always resembled bombs with a few differences. The main difference is that they have white eyes, feet, and (usually unseen) arms. They are traditionally colored black, but they can also be seen in red, blue, or even green. In most games, they feature wind-up keys on their backs and fuses, though these are lacking in a few old games. Curiously, in Paper Mario's ending parade, Bob-ombs are shown to have arms. In some games Bob-ombs are seen to have yellowy-orange feet and legs but in others (super mario sunshine)have feet resembling that of a windup toy.

Allegiance and Culture
Bob-ombs are usually affiliated with the Koopa Troop and it is assumed that they take orders from Big Bob-omb, one of Bowser's high ranking minions. Whether Big Bob-omb is the true king of all Bob-ombs is never explained. In recent years, the games have introduced peaceful Bob-omb communities that have no affiliation with Bowser what-so-ever, and their homeland in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door is known as Fahr Outpost, an isolated town located in a far-off icy land. The town is ruled by a Mayor, and all Bob-ombs take orders from him or General White. These Bob-ombs are generally peaceful, but seem to dislike outsiders and prefer to keep to themselves. However, by the end of the game they become more welcoming. It is to be noted that the Fahr Outpost Bob-ombs's culture seems to resemble that of Russia, from the clothing right down to the accents.

Roles
Bob-ombs serve multiple roles in various games. In their most common appearances, they are enemies who explode upon being irritated, although they sometimes chase after Mario upon seeing him, exploding in a few seconds. Bob-ombs can also be used as weapons, particularly in Mario Kart series and Super Smash Bros. series. Bob-ombs are also involved in several Mini-games in the Mario Party series.

The first time a Bob-omb is friendly is in Super Mario 64 (DS), when Pink Bob-ombs help Mario open cannons. They later appear as friendly (though some are also enemies) in the Paper Mario series. Although they are not actually Bob-ombs but Bob-omb Buddies

Bob-ombs also have been used as items in several Mario sports titles. In Mario Kart: Double Dash!! they were Wario and Waluigi's signature item. When thrown, they would stand still for a moment before exploding, throwing any nearby drivers into the air. If the radius is fading, it is a spinout. In Mushroom City and Mushroom Bridge, Bob-omb cars could be seen and if a Player accidentally drives into it, it will explode like the Bob-ombs that Wario and Waluigi use as Special Items.

In Mario Kart DS, Bob-ombs return in a similar fashion as they did on Double Dash!!, but this time it can be used by any character, instead of beng a special one. Curiously, in the remake version of Mushroom Bridge, Bob-ombs cars don't appear. In Mario Smash Football and its sequel, Mario Strikers Charged Football, Bob-ombs are items, and they do almost the same as they did in the Mario Kart series. Here, Bob-ombs can be obtained alone or in a set of three. Also, a larger form of a Bob-omb, called Giant Bob-omb, sometimes appear, acting like a normal Bob-omb, but it explosion radius roughly four times larger, plus it sends out a shockwave, harming anyone near it. In Mario Power Tennis, the Bob-omb appear as an item in the minigame Chain-Chomp Challenge, and are also part of the audience in Wario Factory Court.

Sub-Species

 * Bulky Bob-omb: A much stronger Bob-Omb. After 4 turns it will explode. Appears in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door.
 * Bob-ulk: The strongest Bob-Omb. After 4 turns it will explode. Also appears in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door.
 * Bob-omb Buddy: A friendly type of bob-omb that will open cannons for Mario in Super Mario 64.
 * Kab-omb: A Bob-Omb that can be ignited, exploding into fireworks. Appears in New Super Mario Bros.
 * King Bomb: A large Bob-omb summoned by Punchinello and Magikoopa in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars.
 * Para-bomb: Parachuting Bob-ombs first appearing in Super Mario World.
 * Glad Parabomb: Very happy parachuting Bob-ombs appearing in Super Princess Peach.
 * Glad Bob-omb: Bob-ombs under the spell of the Vibe Scepter from Super Princess Peach.
 * Rob-omb A Bob-omb with purple shoes from Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars.
 * Lethal Bob-omb: A highly volatile and dangerous variety of Bob-omb from Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time.
 * Shroob-omb: A very large Bob-omb utilized by Commander Shroob in Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time.
 * Dark Fawful Bomb: A giant, dark star-influenced Bob-omb that appears in Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story.
 * Alarm Bob-omb: A Bob-omb in an armored suit that will explode if you breathe fire on it. Appears in Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story

Notable Bob-ombs

 * Admiral Bobbery – ''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
 * Big Bob-omb – ''Super Mario 64
 * Bombette – ''Paper Mario
 * Bomberto – ''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
 * Bruce –  ''Paper Mario
 * Fahr Outpost Mayor – ''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
 * General White – ''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
 * Goldbob – ''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
 * Jerry – ''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
 * Lucky – ''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
 * Master Crash – ''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
 * Pa-Patch – ''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

Gallery
For pictures, see this subject's gallery.