Clam

Revision as of 23:56, January 10, 2019 by Doc von Schmeltwick (talk | contribs) (Also this is a generic clam and a gameplay element.)
Split-arrows.svg It has been suggested that this page be split into the following: Clam, Clam (Yoshi's Story). (discuss)

Template:Species-infobox

Clams are giant bivalves that appear as rare enemies and obstacles throughout the Mario and Yoshi franchises. Their appearance changes slightly from title to title, but they retain their behavior of opening and closing their valves. A number of fictional species, including Clampies from New Super Mario Bros. Wii and Clambos from Donkey Kong Country, are derived from generic clams.

History

Super Mario series

Super Mario 64 / Super Mario 64 DS

 
A Clam from Super Mario 64.

Clams are present in Super Mario 64 and its remake Super Mario 64 DS, appearing in Jolly Roger Bay and Dire, Dire Docks. Most clams in Jolly Roger Bay contain Red Coins, whilst the lone clam in Dire Dire Docks contains a Koopa Shell. If a clam is touched when it is opening or closing, Mario gets knocked away and takes two points of damage. Clams open up for a small period of time when Mario approaches them.

Super Mario Sunshine

Normal, organic clams themselves do not appear as a meaningful gameplay element in Super Mario Sunshine. However, plastic representations of them make up the Clam Cup ride in Pinna Park, which is advertised by some Nokis in a few missions. This attraction features six fake clams of different colors spinning around on a playground merry-go-round-like plate. They are normally closed, but spraying one enough causes it to open, revealing a coin, Blue Coin, or 1-Up Mushroom, if it contains anything at all.

Yoshi's Story

In Yoshi's Story, Clams[1] are generally harmless, but act much like underwater Warp Pipes from Super Mario Bros. 3, by blowing air up (nonetheless, these actually stop after a certain amount of time). Clams are usually found around Sea Cactus. They are rare, and even then they only appear in Stage 5-2: Lots O'Fish.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

 
Donkey Kong near a Giant Clam

In Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, Giant Clams[2] appear as a type of container found underwater. Like other containers, attacking near them causes them to open and release treasure.

Paper Mario: Color Splash

In Paper Mario: Color Splash, Wendy O. Koopa the fourth boss waits for Mario inside a Clam before the battle with her. In battle, she attacks by summoning coins from the Clams and dunking them on Mario. She also summons Gold Shy Guys, Silver Shy Guys, and Ice Bros from them to aid her in battle if Mario fails to block the attack.

Names in other languages

Language Name Meaning
Japanese [3]
Kai
ポコポコ[4]
Pokopoko

Shellfish

Japanese onomatopoeia for a burbling or hollow sound.

References

  1. ^ Yoshi's Story official website (Wayback Archive). Retrieved April 22, 2015.
  2. ^ von Esmarch, Nick, and Cory van Grier. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze Prima Official Game Guide. Page 22.
  3. ^ Shogakukan. 2015. Super Mario Bros. Hyakka: Nintendo Kōshiki Guidebook, Super Mario 64 section, page 91.
  4. ^ 「ヨッシーストーリー 任天堂公式ガイドブック」 (Yoshi's Story Nintendo Kōshiki Guidebook), page 6.