Bubbler the Octopus

Bubbler the Octopus is a large red octopus that appears in Diddy Kong Racing. He is known as one of the best racers on Timber's Island, and is located in Sherbet Island.

In the game, Bubbler was brainwashed by the evil alien Wizpig into becoming one of his lieutenants, and entrusted with a portion of the Wizpig Amulet. Bubbler only allows a player to race him if they manage to beat all the challenges in Sherbet Island. Bubbler plays dirty in this race, dropping aquatic mines to trip his opponent. The first time Bubbler is defeated, he can fight off Wizpig's control long enough to allow his opponent to participate in the Silver Coin challenges.

After beating the Silver Coin challenges, the player is given the chance to have a rematch against Bubbler. This race is more challenging, as Bubbler now moves faster and drops bubbles that encapsulate the player and prevent him or her from moving. Once again, Bubbler is defeated and this time he breaks free of Wizpig's control permanently. As thanks for freeing him, Bubbler gives his opponent the piece of Wizpig's Amulet he was guarding. Oddly, Bubbler is the only character in the game not to appear in the cinematic ending.

Bubbler is also a boss in Diddy Kong Racing DS, where his voice sounds more menacing. Although his appearance is relatively unchanged from the Nintendo 64 version, Bubbler is much harder to beat during the rematch than in the original game.