Top Ten Mario Power-Ups from the 3D Games

It's an exciting day for gaming today with three huge releases all coming out at once. Along with a new Assassin's Creed and Wolfenstein, a huge gaming event in the form of a new 3D Mario releases today! In celebration of Super Mario Odyssey's launch, SuperPhillip Central looks back at past 3D Mario games to pick out the best power-ups featured inside. Speaking of Odyssey, SuperPhillip Central will have its own in-depth review in the coming week or so. Until then, check out SPC's top ten 3D Mario power-up picks and let me know which ones you agree with!

10) Boo Mushroom 

It's a great power-up to begin with as Halloween's approaching! Debuting in Super Mario Galaxy and then making a quick appearance in the sequel, the Boo Mushroom turns Mario into Boo Mario, having our hero take on the appearance of his ghastly foe from Super Mario Bros. 3 and on. With it, Mario can hover over the ground, pass through fences, and read signs posted in the Boo language. The first mission in Super Mario Galaxy featuring Boo Mario requires the red plumber to nab a Boo Mushroom to sneak into a prison where Luigi has been captured. While Boo Mario has very few elaborate uses in the context of the Galaxy games, you can't deny that Mario is just adorable in Boo form as he wears his hallmark red cap, sports his bushy mustache, and has his tongue wagging as he explores.

9) Bee Mushroom

Another Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 power-up, the Bee Mushroom first appears in the Honeyhive Galaxy, one of the few nonlinear areas in the first Galaxy game. As you might expect, this mushroom turns Mario into Bee Mario, granting him the power to fly around in the air for a limited amount of time, cling onto honeycombs, and gives him a light weight for crossing over clouds and flowers. Taking a dip into any body of water will instantly end Mario's time in bee form, and seeing as there are plenty of galaxies in both games featuring water, it takes some careful flying to remain as Bee Mario. One of my favorite Power Stars in Super Mario Galaxy is the Honeyclimb Galaxy, a miniature galaxy that is essentially an obstacle course. It requires Bee Mario to climb across honeycombs while avoiding various hazards.

8) Propeller Box

Going from the Galaxy games (but don't worry, we're not done with those just yet on this list) to the Super Mario 3D Land and World games, the Propeller Box is an orange box with two long white eyes sporting a yellow propeller on its top. When worn, the player's jumps are heightened greatly allowing them to reach platforms otherwise inaccessible or to assist in creating some second-saving shortcuts. As the player falls downward, they do so slowly while wearing the box over their head. There's a particular level in the first world of Super Mario 3D Land that takes place over multiple waterfalls where the goal is to descend downward on multiple platforms with the Propeller Box in mind. It's not only a terrific way of introducing the power-up to the player, but it's also an insanely impressive use of the Nintendo 3DS's built-in 3D effect as well.

7) Ice Flower

The Ice Flower has been seen in numerous 2D Mario games, notably the New Super Mario Bros. series. In Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2, it serves a different function. For one, the Ice Flower (like the Fire Flower) is a timed use power-up, only giving the player a limited amount of time before its powers go away (the faster the jingle plays, the sooner one's time is growing close to being over with the power-up). However, while that can feel limiting, what the Ice Flower in both Galaxy games makes up for is granting Mario the power to freeze both water and lava, allowing our portly plumber to skate across the newly formed ice like Scott Hamilton in his prime. One of the coolest ah-ha moments featuring Ice Mario was when a Power Star could be seen high in the air over two waterfalls. When the solution presented itself in players' minds, Ice Mario could perform wall jumps up both waterfall faces, freezing the spots where Mario leaped off of. Very cool. Literally!

6) Metal Cap

Our first of two Super Mario 64 power-ups, the Metal Cap is found in green exclamation point boxes found in various courses of the game. Of course, Mario has to discover the location of the green switch to make these boxes solid so he could open them instead of as they were, transparent. The Metal Cap turns Mario into Metal Mario, sporting heavy movements, able to sink and march underwater, become unaffected by bursts of wind or water, and finally, brave the harsh toxic terrain of the Hazy Maze Cave. Plus, when you have this rockin' remix of the Starman theme playing as you smash your way through enemies while exploring, how can you not like Metal Mario and the cap that transformed him into a metallic tank?

5) Boomerang Flower

Mario has been able to out-hammer Hammer Bros. and out-fire Fire Bros. with the Hammer Suit and Fire Flower respectively, but he hadn't yet discover a power-up that let him face Boomerang Bros. on equal footing. That changed with the introduction of the Boomerang Flower in Super Mario 3D Land. True to its name the Boomerang Flower allows Mario to unleash boomerangs at enemies of all types, having them come shooting forth before swooping back into Mario's glove. This feature is also important as various collectibles like coins, power-ups, and Star Medals can be nabbed with Mario's boomerangs. In a sense, the boomerangs used by Mario could be seen as a precursor to Cappy in Super Mario Odyssey in how Cappy can be thrown forward and comes back to Mario while being able to collect items out of his reach. Okay, it's a stretch, but that's why I love the Boomerang Suit. Who needs to stretch when you can just throw out a boomerang?

4) Cloud Flower

Here comes my favorite power-up from Super Mario Galaxy 2, the Cloud Flower. With this power-up, Mario turns into Cloud Mario, able to be light on his feet as he spins to create platforms crafted from clouds underneath him. Up to three of these cloud platforms can appear at once before Mario has to pick up another Cloud Flower. The power-up allows players to show off their platforming creativity, performing dazzling maneuvers, shortcuts, ways to bypass areas of level, and much more with how they smartly summon their clouds. Clouds can also be affected by wind, resulting in them blowing along with the breeze to create moving platforms to increase Mario's movement distance. With the Cloud Flower equipped, Mario is also able to leap higher and fall more slowly to the ground, making for a mobile and enjoyable form of Mario which is used in some of my most loved challenges within Super Mario Galaxy 2.

3) Super Leaf

Super Mario Bros. 3 saw the debut of a lot of power-ups and suits that have since been cast to the wayside. Heck, even the ones premiering in Super Mario Bros. 3 didn't get much chance to shine within the game itself. The Tanooki Suit was one of those, a rare find in World 4 and 5 of Super Mario Bros. 3, but Nintendo more than made up for its absence in that game and ever since with Super Mario 3D Land. The entire game was built with the Tanooki Suit in mind, hence all of the enemies with Tanooki tails and even that same tail in 3D Land's logo. While changing into the Tanooki Suit made many platforming parts of Super Mario 3D Land less challenging -- since you could flap you tail to mitigate danger from falling into a pit or completely bypass portions of level -- it didn't stop 3D Land from being a ton of fun. Once the second half of the game rolled in, the ability to transform into a stone statue revealed itself, a tip of the hat to Super Mario Bros. 3's original version of the Tanooki Suit.

2) Super Bell

Moving on from Super Mario 3D Land on Nintendo 3DS to Super Mario 3D World on the Wii U, the primary power-up featured this game was the Super Bell, turning any one of its collectors into a cat. The cat versions of Mario, Luigi, Peach, Toad, and the unlockable character could prowl around on all fours, pounce, crawl up walls, and perform some seriously cool platforming moves. In a professional's hands, the Cat Suit could result in some astounding level shortcuts and insane displays of speedrunning. Climbing up a wall and going into a dive meant the opportunities were potentially limitless. Outside of speedrun fare, the Super Bell is just the cat's meow in general, making for a modern Mario game power-up that felt truly worthwhile, genuinely creative, and fun to play as after some lackluster attempts in the past. (Seriously... Turning into a rock or worse yet, a spring?)

1) Wing Cap

Super Mario 64 meant the arrival of a lot of things, but most importantly it was successfully taking gaming into a brave new world with infinite possibilities. The general reaction by anyone who played Super Mario 64 at the time of its release was being overwhelmed by a feeling of utter awe. Never before had there been such freedom in a Mario game before, and one part of Super Mario 64 that hammered that point home considerably was the Wing Cap found within red boxes within the game. That first time you take to the air and soar through the skies for red coins, and then the next when you take flight over the entirety of Bob-Omb Battlefield, it's just unbelievable. Games now have copious amounts of freedom now as open-world games are common, but back in the day, Super Mario 64 was mind-blowing, and Mario wearing the Wing Cap to explore the bright blue yonder in a full open 3D space will never leave my mind as one of my most cherished gaming memories.

Top Ten Mario Power-Ups/Suits (2013 Edition)

This past Tuesday Nintendo unleashed a brand-new trailer for the newest Mario title, Super Mario 3D World. Many who had been on the fence or even upset over the game after E3's less than impressive debut trailer changed their tune once they saw all of the wondrous gameplay this new Wii U exclusive Mario game had to offer.

Back in November of 2011, SuperPhillip Central celebrated the launch of Super Mario 3D Land on Nintendo 3DS with a list of my favorite Mario power-ups and suits. It's nearly two years later, and we would like to return to that idea, in anticipation for Super Mario 3D World. The latest power-up in the series will turn Mario into Meow-rio with the Cat Suit. Who knows-- maybe that suit will be on a future version of this list! As for now, here is SuperPhillip Central's top ten Mario series suits and power-ups. There's been so many excellent transformations for the portly plumber. We've compiled our picks for the cream of the power-up and suit crop.

10) Cape Mario

Super Mario World might not have had a multitude of new power-ups (in fact it just had this one), but the one it did have was pretty incredible. With the Cape Feather, Mario and Luigi could wear flowing yellow capes that when they dashed off the ground, they could fly high in the air. The cape could be used as a parachute, allowing skilled players to stay airborne for the entirety of a level-- essentially zooming high above dangers! Of course, why would you want to do that when the levels of Super Mario World are so fun to play normally?

9) Cloud Mario

Super Mario Galaxy 2 is one of SuperPhillip Central's favorite games of all time. The power-up we're using the represent this game is exclusive to Galaxy 2. It's the Cloud Flower, allowing Mario to transform into Cloud Mario. With this suit, Mario can summon a total of three clouds (with a shake of the Wii Remote by the player), which serve as platforms. These cloud platforms can be blown by gusts of wind and disappear after a few moments. It's an absolute blast making death-defying long jumps, summoning clouds to save yourself from your demise.

8) Frog Mario

Super Mario Bros. 3 is one of Mario fans' all time favorite Mario titles, and the power-ups introduced to the series via the game is but one reason why. Number eight on our list is the Frog Suit, turning an otherwise awkward swimming plumber into an amphibious swimming champion. Mario or Luigi's mobility underwater is greatly improved, allowing for more accurate swimming and better movement. On land, however, the Frog Suit isn't as useful, slowing down the plumbers significantly. Still, they look so adorable clad in green!

7) Boomerang Mario

With a Boomerang Flower, Mario can transform into Boomerang Mario. This suit from Super Mario 3D Land, which will also be making an appearance in Super Mario 3D World, allows Mario to act like a Boomerang Brother, chucking boomerangs at foes. Expert players can toss a boomerang, and leap over it each time it passes to have the weapon continually swing behind and in front of Mario. This is great for picking up easy 1-ups. Plus, Mario just looks absolutely awesome decked out in this blue suit.

6) Penguin Mario

New Super Mario Bros. Wii introduced the Penguin Suit into the Mario series. Penguin Mario has two different abilities to it. Mario can launch ice balls from his fist, which will freeze most enemies solid, allowing him to pick them up and chuck them at other foes. Penguin Mario can also slide on his belly, speeding through levels, rushing through enemies, and making players like us totally giddy. This latter ability allows Mario to slide under low-hanging ceilings, granting him access to otherwise unreachable areas. With two times the usefulness, the Penguin Suit is an invaluable addition to Mario's arsenal, especially on ice.

5) Propeller Mario

The other suit introduced in New Super Mario Bros. Wii is Propeller Suit, transforming Mario through picking up a Propeller Cap. This unique suit allows the player to send Mario soaring high into the air through a shake of the Wii Remote. This is perfect for reaching high platforms or Star Coins that are otherwise out of reach for normal Mario. After the propeller on his cap launches Mario into the sky, it slowly spins around, moving Mario slowly down to the ground.

4) Squirrel Mario

New Super Mario Bros. U, a Wii U launch title, gave players a new suit to be entertained by, and if you're like us, then yes, you were very entertained by the one and only Squirrel Suit. Picking up a special acorn turned Mario and friends into squirrel versions of themselves, able to glide across large distances, have a burst of upwards mobility (once per flight), and perch upon walls. It doesn't hurt that Mario and the gang look absolutely suave in their new squirrel digs. The Squirrel Suit is a suit that doesn't break the game it is featured in, but allows players a stylish and incredibly enjoyable way to traverse levels.

3) Hammer Mario

Super Mario Bros. 3 had a bounty of awesome suits, and the Hammer Suit was no exception, giving Mario the power to chuck hammers like he was giving them away to enemies like candy. Unfortunately for enemies, though, unlike candy, hammers actually hurt when they're tossed at you. Hammer Mario could even use the shell on his back to block attacks from foes by entering a ducking pose. It's just a shame that the Hammer Suit was so rare in Super Mario Bros. 3 and has only appeared in that game and its remakes.

2) Tanooki Mario

The final suit representing Super Mario Bros. 3, the Tanooki Suit was prominently featured in Super Mario 3D Land, having enemies even donning Tanooki tails. In both Super Mario Bros. 3 and in the latter half of worlds in Super Mario 3D Land, the suit could turn Mario into a statue, making him completely invulnerable to enemy attacks. Besides that usefulness, in Super Mario Bros. 3 the suit gave Mario the power of flight and some extra control when landing through flapping the suit's tail to slowly float to the ground. If you thought Super Mario 3D Land was a breeze, perhaps try a no-Tanooki-Suit run. You will definitely feel the challenge!

1) Wing Cap Mario

Our favorite Mario power-up is one that floored us way back in 1996. It's Wing Cap Mario from Super Mario 64 and its Nintendo DS launch remake, Super Mario 64 DS. It was gratifying and gave us an immense sense of freedom to soar above levels in a 3D space, throwing caution to the wind, zooming up and down through the glorious blue skies. Even though there was a limit to how long you could wear Mario's special cap, the absolute joy we received through our times of flight gives Wing Cap Mario the number one spot on our countdown this time around.

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There's so many other interesting power-ups and suits throughout Mario's illustrious career in gaming. There's Bee Mario, Fire Mario, Shell Mario, Metal Mario, Mini Mario, and so much more. Which ones are your favorites? Let the SPC community know in the comments section below.

Top Ten Mario Power-ups/Suits

Super Mario 3D Land launched in North America on Sunday (yesterday), so why not celebrate with a list of my favorite Mario suits? This plumber has more costume changes than a Kardashian. At least one of Mario's games will last you longer than one of their marriages. How's that for topical humor? I think I should stick to writing reviews, editorials, and lists perhaps...

10) Bee Suit


Originally appearing in Super Mario Galaxy, the Bee Suit allows its wearer to temporarily hover up into the air. A circular air gauge pops up on the screen which slowly loses wedges. When all of the wedges disappear, Mario must land. Just don't be crossing a chasm while this happening happens! Bees apparently don't like water as coming in contact with the substance takes away the suit's powers.

9) Cape Mario


The power-up representing Super Mario World, my personal favorite 2D Mario, the Cape power-up was symbolized by a brown and white feather. When collected, Mario would sprout a cape on his back. With enough of a run, he could soar into the sky and use the cape as a parachute, zipping through the air. Advanced players could abuse this feature, utilizing the parachute's power to bypass entire levels. But you wouldn't do something like that, would you?

8) Cloud Suit


Super Mario Galaxy 2 is one of my favorite games of this generation, and it won SuperPhillip Central's Best of 2010 Game of the Year award. Accolades aside, the Cloud Suit bestows its wearer with the option to conjure up cloud platforms to walk safely upon. Only three clouds can be summoned at a time. Each time a new platform is made after three have already been manufactured, the oldest cloud disappears. Cloud platforms can be blown by fierce winds and carried to far away locations. How does one make clouds? Just shake the Wii remote and bam! There it is.

7) Fire Mario


The quintessential power-up originally appeared in Mario's first full-fledged adventure. Mario's shirt would turn white, his overalls would transform into a burning red, and his hands could launch a heated array of fireballs. These aforementioned balls could bounce off walls, and they'd put a thorn in Bowser's side as five fireballs would be enough to do the koopa king in. In Super Mario World when Mario performed a spin jump, two fireballs would propel themselves from his hands, one going left, one going right. The latest Mario platformer, Super Mario 3D Land, utilizes the fire flower, and it works just as well in 3D as it did in 2D. Now that's progress!

6) Frog Suit


The ultimate in underwater acrobatics, the Frog Suit allows its wearer to effortlessly swim through oceans, flooded passageways, and channels like some amazing amphibian. Pipes that shoot out a heavy current of water are no problem for Frog Mario! The suit has enough strength to fight the current, swimming into these pipes like they were nothing. The pinpoint precision offered by this suit underwater is immeasurable in its usefulness. Levels where accuracy is required (Bloopers all over the place, Cheep-Cheeps swimming in perilous patterns, Big Bubba ready to smash into Mario, etc.) the Frog Suit is paramount. It's a waterlogged plumber's best friend.

5) Boomerang Suit


The newest suit in Mario's many adventures, Super Mario 3D Land's Boomerang Suit gives Boomerang Bros. a dose of their own medicine. Players can only launch one boomerang out at a time, but one is plenty. Mario can jump over the boomerang as it wafts back and forth, killing enemies. Defeat five enemies with a single boomerang, and you earn a 1up. Every consecutive enemy defeated afterward adds more 1ups to Mario's tally of lives.

4) Penguin Suit


One of two suits that debuted in New Super Mario Bros. Wii, the Penguin Suit lets the wearer shoot balls of ice from their hand. These balls freeze foes upon contact. The frozen enemies can then be used as a makeshift platform or picked up and tossed. As a penguin, players can slide on their bellies under low ceilings to otherwise inaccessible areas. Whether freezing or sliding the Penguin Suit is a force to be reckoned with.

3) Propeller Suit


The other of two suits introduced and featured prominently in New Super Mario Bros. Wii, the Propeller Suit gives those who don its goofy helmet and costume the ability to shoot up into the air and slowly descend to the ground. This action is performed by the player with a flick of the Wii remote. There is nothing like gaining big air, leaping on the heads of unknowable prey, and racking up some serious points.

2) Hammer Suit


Those darned Hammer Bros. are going to be the death of me! Well, not if Mario can get to them first! Use their own weapons against them. Why not? Fair is fair after all. The Hammer Suit allows Mario to chuck an endless supply of hammers and mallets at foes. This suit isn't just for offense either. By crouching Mario can curl up under the suit's shell, blocking most attacks by enemies such as fireballs. Now that is some ingenuity! Not only is the suit wonderfully useful and rare, but it is just supremely cool to gawk at.

1) Tanooki Suit


In its original game, Super Mario Bros. 3, the Tanooki Suit could let Mario fly for a limited amount of time. It could also turn Mario into a statue, letting baddies pass by him unharmed. In Super Mario 3D Land, the option to soar is gone, but its use is immeasurable when it comes to precision platforming. It gives the player leeway to be less than perfect in their jumping as holding the jump button flutters the Tanooki Suit's tail, allowing Mario to slowly descend to the ground. The portly plumber can also twirl his tail to attack susceptible bad guys. Perhaps the ability to transform into a statue is also available in 3D Land...

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Through Mario's many adventures he has gathered plenty of power-ups and worn many suits. There are a vast amount that did not even make the list. How could I not mention Metal Mario with his infectious theme? Was bouncing high into the sky as Spring Mario not good enough for this list? Apparently not. Regardless of your opinion toward the matter, as long as there are koopas to thwart and Bowser's plans to mettle with, there will be power-ups to collect and suits to don.

What about you? What are your favorite power-ups/suits? Have you picked up a copy of Super Mario 3D Land? If so, what are your initial impressions regarding the game?