Metal Mario (character)

Metal Mario is an independent character in the Mario universe, usually being one of the fiercer end-game opponents in the Mario sport games or Super Smash Bros. series. It was spun-off from Metal Mario, which was a form of Mario, rather than a distinct character.

Super Smash Bros.
In Super Smash Bros., Metal Mario is a stubborn mid-boss before the game's final boss. He is far less powerful, and is susceptible to much more damage than in Super Mario 64. Nevertheless, he is a much more durable character than the regular Mario. Heavier and more resistant to knockback in general than any other character in the game, he's very difficult to beat. In fact, only when Metal Mario's damage exceeds 180% can he be knocked down.

On a side note, Kirby can't copy Metal Mario's powers, which was later possible to do in Super Smash Bros. Melee.

Super Smash Bros. Melee
He returned as a mid-boss in Super Smash Bros. Melee, and as one of the game's many trophies.

In this game, Metal Mario will fight alone by default, but if the player unlocks Luigi, Metal Luigi will join the fray as well. Additionally, players could pick up the Metal Box item, turning into metal forms, boasting the same attributes as Metal Mario and Metal Luigi.

KOing Metal Mario and Metal Luigi in Adventure Mode will award the player 8000 points.

Mario Golf 64
Metal Mario is an unlockable playable character in Mario Golf 64. He boasts the strongest drives from his set of clubs and is the last character to be unlocked.

Dr. Mario 64
He is also the final boss of Wario's storyline in Dr. Mario 64. In this game, Metal Mario can be unlocked as a playable character by beating the entire game without losing once.

Trivia

 * 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. However, this is typical for everyone in Metal Form, except for Mr. Game & Watch, and in the games Super Mario 64 and  Super Mario 64 DS.