Captain Goomba (Mario & Luigi series)

Captain Goomba is the main protagonist of the Minion Quest: The Search for Bowser story mode from Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions, and the Mario Bros' first enemy in the original game. The mode takes place concurrent with the main story of Superstar Saga, after the Koopa Cruiser crashes into Stardust Fields. His goal throughout the story is to travel around the Beanbean Kingdom to reunite and rally all members of Bowser's army, and ultimately, reunite with their leader, Bowser, and multiple times, this plays a direct role in the Mario Bros' adventure. While Captain Goomba serves as the main character of the story, other captains can be unlocked; this includes Captain Shy Guy, Captain Boo, and Captain Koopa Troopa. Just like almost all of the minions, Captain Goomba loathes the Mario Bros, being the first enemy they fought in the original game, but he still maintains a grudging respect towards them, as even he thinks that "Bowser's" order to destroy Mario was too much, and later on in the Mechawful factory, he has faith that the duo will defeat Bowletta so he and his squad can reunite with the true Bowser, as he knows from Fawful and Cackletta that the Mario Bros. are going to confront them soon.

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions
After the Mario Bros. defeat him and another Goomba in the first battle of the game, he starts out in a barrel, swearing with his Goomba comrade that they will have a bigger role. However, after Fawful's attack on the Koopa Cruiser, he was separated from his fellow minions and grew worried. He eventually heard a crash and Bowser being flung through the sky upon emerging from a cave on Hoohoo Mountain (presumably, this occurred after Mario and Luigi's fight against Tolstar due to the timing). He eventually ends up inadvertently picking a fight with a Beanie. After reuniting with his allies (leading to an "awkward hug" by pouncing on one of them), he is then promoted to captain of the unit (although it is heavily implied that they simply stuck him in the position because the others were unwilling to take up the mantle), which he accepts, although he humorously ends up not understanding the position or the flag. He then leads them to his first battle and recruiting more soldiers (and being told he had an aura) before charging off to save Bowser. However, he ends up running into a wall. Over the course of the adventure, however, he starts to prove himself a truly great and effective leader, with his fellow comrade Captain Shy Guy remarking at one point that he reminds him of Bowser, and his soldiers ultimately gain a lot of respect for the Goomba and look up to him.

After Cackletta possesses Bowser to form Bowletta, Captain Goomba grows suspicious at "Bowser's" unusually harsh order to destroy Mario, and his suspicions are confirmed by Lakitu spying on her. After defeating Fawful and his Mechawfuls, he and the minions follow Bowser, who is attached to Princess Peach's plane, back home. In the end, it is revealed that he landed on Bowser's head and inadvertently gave him amnesia in the first place. Bowser angrily chases him. Afterwards, the narration states that he was stripped of his title and flag, presumably as payback from Bowser for causing his memory loss, and resuming his old name, Goomba. However, the minions never forget his bravery and leadership.

On a side note, Captain Goomba did make one more appearance in the main game, running along a path while being seen by the Mario Bros. as they made their way to Beanbean Castle for the first time. This scripted event unlocks Minion Quest. According to Minion Quest itself, this scene occurred around the sixth level of the game where Captain Goomba was still searching for Bowser and not trying to save the Koopalings at that point.

Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey
By the time of Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey Captain Goomba has somehow regained his status as Captain of the Minions through unknown means. He is first seen near the beginning of the game with his Goomba Squad (although it is unclear if they are the ones he first met in Minion Quest) being forced to battle Bowser Jr. for around the tenth time. He quickly loses and is forced to fight again but is saved from a third battle when three unexpected visitors arrive and offer a solution to the Blorbs.

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions

 * Minion Quest: The Search for Bowser profile: The go-to soldiers among Bowser's Minions. They move fast and charge into foes!

Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey

 * Bowser Jr.'s Journey profile: One of the legendary original captains who saved Bowser and the Minions from catastrophe. Charges into action with gumption and stylish eyebrows.

Trivia

 * The scene where Captain Goomba meets Bowser after fighting Fawful for the final time creates a slight continuity error. He meets Bowser in his throne room in his normal form, meaning that he was no longer possessed by Cackletta, but Bowser did not wake up until moments before his castle was destroyed by Prince Peasley's bombs.