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.

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.

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.

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 would occasionally fight alongside his brother, Metal Luigi. Additionally, players could pick up the Metal Box item and gain metal forms for a limited time, boasting the same attritbutes as Metal Mario.

Trivia

 * In an interview published in 1991 (in Nintendo Power's Mario Mania Player's Guide), Shigeru Miyamoto reportedly said: "Who knows what Mario will look like in the future? Maybe he'll wear metallic clothes!" Metal Mario then appeared in 1996.
 * In the Super Smash Bros. series, Metal Mario appears unable to speak. Likewise, anyone else who turns into metal will lose their voice.