Thunder Cloud
- This article is about an item in the Mario Kart series. For the enemy from Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3, see Pikkarikun. For the boss from Wario Blast: Featuring Bomberman!, see Thunder Cloud (Wario Blast: Featuring Bomberman!).
| Thunder Cloud | |
|---|---|
 A Thunder Cloud from Mario Kart Wii | |
| First appearance | Mario Kart Arcade GP (2005) |
| Latest appearance | Mario Kart Arcade GP DX (2013) |
| Effect | Speeds up the vehicle, and shrinks the vehicle if it strikes |
The Thunder Cloud (originally Thundercloud), also known as the Lightning Cloud, is an item from the Mario Kart series, appearing in Mario Kart Arcade GP, Mario Kart Arcade GP 2, Mario Kart Wii, and Mario Kart Arcade GP DX. This item works similarly to the Time Bomb in Mario Kart Arcade GP and Mario Kart Arcade GP 2. However, it shrinks opponents rather than exploding. In Mario Kart Wii, its console Mario Kart debut, unlike the rest of the items that appear in said game, it activates itself automatically when obtained from an Item Box, and it cannot be thrown, unlike in the arcade games. This item makes a buzzer sound when received from an Item Box, a sound that is not heard from any other item in the game. It can be obtained if the player is anywhere from third to seventh place, and in VS races, they can also obtain it in eighth place. The best chances of getting this item are in fourth and fifth place, with a 7.5 percent (three out of 40) chance of getting it in said positions. It is one of six items wherein only one can be in play at a time (the other five being the Blooper, Spiny Shell, Bullet Bill, POW Block, and Lightning). Once a Thunder Cloud is obtained, another Thunder Cloud cannot be obtained until the current one disappears.
When a Thunder Cloud is obtained, the player automatically receives a constant boost of speed. Also, drivers with a Thunder Cloud do not slow down when they go off-road. However, the Thunder Cloud eventually strikes and shrinks the player after they have it for exactly ten seconds, having the same effects of the Lightning. The Thunder Cloud, however, can be passed on to another kart or bike by bumping into any other racer before the lightning strikes. To use the item efficiently, racers have to bump another player and let them be shrunk instead. It can be destroyed when the character holding it drives into a cannon, falls off the track, or uses a Star, a Mega Mushroom, or a Bullet Bill.
Mario Kart Wii trading card information
Description: "The Lightning Cloud can be thought of as an unwanted gift, if you will. Unlike other items, you may not necessarily want this item to show up in your Item Window. When you pick it up it activates immediately and there's nothing you can do about it. Granted, it increases your speed and stability, but when its effects runs out you'll shrink down as you would when hit with Lightning."
Game Tip!: "If the Lightning Cloud appears overhead, quickly bump into the nearest Kart or Bike and the Lightning Cloud will be transferred to that vehicle!"
Gallery
Icon from Mario Kart Wii
Model from Mario Kart Wii
A Thunder Cloud in Mario Kart Arcade GP DX
Screenshot from Mario Kart Arcade GP
Luigi is shrunk by the Thunder Cloud.
See also
Names in other languages
| Language | Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese | カミナリくも Kaminari Kumo |
Lightning Cloud |
| German | Wolkenblitz |
Cloud lightning |
| Italian | Nuvola grigia |
Gray cloud |
| Spanish (NOA) | Nube de rayos |
Lightning cloud |
| Spanish (NOE) | Rayo Intra Nube |
Lightning inside Cloud |
Trivia
- Thunder Clouds and Triple Bananas are the only items from the Mario Kart Arcade GP series that appear in the main Mario Kart series.
References
- ^ Mario Kart Wii game manual, page 31
