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[[File:Question Block Artwork - Super Mario 3D World.png|thumb|The [[? Block]], a dispenser of power-ups, is one of the most common blocks.]]
[[File:Question Block Artwork - Super Mario 3D World.png|thumb|The [[? Block]], a dispenser of power-ups, is one of the most common blocks.]]
{{quote|Do you know why blocks exist? For smashing, that's why!|Wario|Wario Land: Shake It!}}
{{quote|Do you know why blocks exist? For smashing, that's why!|Wario|Wario Land: Shake It!}}
'''Blocks''' are a staple of many platformers and RPGs in the [[Super Mario (franchise)|''Super Mario'' franchise]]. In fact, they were so successful that blocks are now a great part of the platforming genre for other video game series. Blocks often release [[coin]]s and [[List of items|items]] (particularly power-ups) when [[jump|hit from below]], [[Ground Pound|ground-pounded]] from above, and hit from the side with a [[Koopa Shell]] or by other means. Blocks are also commonly used as a platform to get to places, but some, such as the [[Drop Block]], may have negative side effects when stepped on, making it difficult to traverse them. Blocks have many other uses: They can [[expansion Block|grow]], [[Marshmallow Block|shrink]], [[Recovery Block|recover health]], [[Message Block|give the player tips]], or change the [[level]] to benefit or harm the player in some way. Some blocks break when hit, but most simply become inactive [[Empty Block]]s.
'''Blocks''' appear in the [[Super Mario (franchise)|''Super Mario'' franchise]] as a staple of several of its platform and role-playing games. Blocks often release [[coin]]s and [[List of items|items]] (particularly power-ups) when [[jump|hit from below]], [[Ground Pound|ground-pounded]] from above, and hit from the side with a [[Koopa Shell]] or by other means. Blocks are also commonly used as a platform to get to places, but some, such as the [[Drop Block]], may have negative side effects when stepped on, making it difficult to traverse them. Blocks have many other uses: They can [[expansion Block|grow]], [[Marshmallow Block|shrink]], [[Recovery Block|recover health]], [[Message Block|give the player tips]], or change the [[level]] to benefit or harm the player in some way. Some blocks break when hit, but most simply become inactive [[Empty Block]]s.


==Platformers==
The first block that appeared was the [[POW Block]] in ''[[Mario Bros. (game)|Mario Bros.]]'' The POW Block damages all enemies on the screen, making it useful if the player gets swarmed with enemies. ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' introduces the two most common blocks in the ''Super Mario'' franchise: the [[Brick Block]] and [[? Block]]. Some Brick Blocks release coins or items when hit, and others are breakable only by [[Super Mario (form)|Super Mario]] or higher-tiered forms. ? Blocks usually release power-ups, such as [[Super Mushroom]]s or [[Fire Flower]]s. Brick Blocks and ? Blocks appear in almost every ''Super Mario'' platformer afterwards, and new blocks have usually been introduced in every new platformer, from the [[Note Block]] in ''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'' to the [[! Block]] in ''[[Super Mario World]]'' to the [[Egg Block]] in ''[[Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island|Yoshi's Island]]''.
The first block that appeared was the [[POW Block]] in ''[[Mario Bros. (game)|Mario Bros.]]'' The POW Block damages all enemies on the screen, making it useful if the player gets swarmed with enemies. ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' introduces the two most common blocks in the ''Super Mario'' franchise: the [[Brick Block]] and [[? Block]]. Some Brick Blocks release coins or items when hit, and others are breakable only by [[Super Mario (form)|Super Mario]] or higher-tiered forms. ? Blocks usually release power-ups, such as [[Super Mushroom]]s or [[Fire Flower]]s. Brick Blocks and ? Blocks appear in almost every ''Super Mario'' platformer afterwards, and new blocks have usually been introduced in every new platformer, from the [[Note Block]] in ''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'' to the [[! Block]] in ''[[Super Mario World]]'' to the [[Egg Block]] in ''[[Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island|Yoshi's Island]]''.


==RPGs==
[[File:The_Block_Room.png|thumb|left|A [[Woohoo Hooniversity]] room featuring different types of block materials throughout the games]]
[[File:The_Block_Room.png|thumb|left|A [[Woohoo Hooniversity]] room featuring different types of block materials throughout the games]]
In ''Super Mario'' RPGs, blocks release either items or coins when hit, similar to their platformer role. In most ''Super Mario'' RPGs, a [[Save Block]] must be hit so the player can save the game. Heart Blocks could also heal the player, sometimes for a fee. [[Super Block]]s and [[Shine Block]]s also play a role in upgrading the abilities of [[partner]]s. In the [[Paper Mario (series)|''Paper Mario'' series]], [[yellow block]]s and [[stone block]]s are obstacles that must be shattered by the [[Hammer]] and its upgrades. Yellow blocks can be destroyed by all hammers, but a [[Super Hammer]] is required to destroy a giant yellow block in ''[[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]''. In ''[[Paper Mario]]'', stone blocks are destroyed with the Super Hammer, but they are destroyed with the [[Ultra Hammer]] in ''The Thousand-Year Door''. [[Metal block]]s can be shattered by the Ultra Hammer only in ''Paper Mario''; in ''The Thousand-Year Door'', they usually serve as puzzle elements.
In role-playing games of the ''Super Mario'' franchise, blocks release either items or coins when hit, similar to their platformer role. In most ''Super Mario'' RPGs, a [[Save Block]] must be hit so the player can save the game. Heart Blocks could also heal the player, sometimes for a fee. [[Super Block]]s and [[Shine Block]]s also play a role in upgrading the abilities of [[partner]]s. In the [[Paper Mario (series)|''Paper Mario'' series]], [[Yellow Block]]s and [[Stone Block]]s are obstacles that must be shattered by the [[Hammer]] and its upgrades. Yellow Blocks can be destroyed by all hammers, but a [[Super Hammer]] is required to destroy a giant Yellow Block in ''[[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]''. In ''[[Paper Mario]]'', Stone Blocks are destroyed with the Super Hammer, but they are destroyed with the [[Ultra Hammer]] in ''The Thousand-Year Door''. [[Metal Block]]s can be shattered by the Ultra Hammer only in ''Paper Mario''; in ''The Thousand-Year Door'', they usually serve as puzzle elements.


In ''[[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga]]'', the battle system features [[Command Block|commands in the form of blocks]] that [[Mario]] and [[Luigi]] can hit to confirm. Additionally, the blocks from ''Super Mario Bros.'', ''Super Mario World'', ''[[Super Mario 64]]'', and ''Paper Mario'' appear together in a room in [[Woohoo Hooniversity]], being studied by the professors. The names of their respective games are mentioned in their descriptions when hit, but the blocks do not give any coins or items. The ''Paper Mario'' block is said to appear to be made of soft materials but is quite hard,<ref>"Appears to be made of soft materials but is actually quite hard. For professionals only" ''[[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga]]''</ref> the ''Super Mario 64'' block is said to be analyzed for its vanishing technology,<ref>"Currently analyzing the new technology that makes it vanish when struck..." ''[[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga]]''</ref> the ''Super Mario Bros.'' block is said to be made of secret materials with a metallic look,<ref>"Made of secret materials from the Mushroom Kingdom. Metallic appearance is quite popular." ''[[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga]]''</ref> and the ''Super Mario World'' block is made of light, shiny materials that are somewhat shock absorbent.<ref>"Made of light, shiny materials. Somewhat shock absorbent." ''[[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga]]''</ref>
In ''[[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga]]'', the battle system features [[Command Block|commands in the form of blocks]] that [[Mario]] and [[Luigi]] can hit to confirm. Additionally, the blocks from ''Super Mario Bros.'', ''Super Mario World'', ''[[Super Mario 64]]'', and ''Paper Mario'' appear together in a room in [[Woohoo Hooniversity]], being studied by the professors. The names of their respective games are mentioned in their descriptions when hit, but the blocks do not give any coins or items. The ''Paper Mario'' block is said to appear to be made of soft materials but is quite hard,<ref>{{cite|quote=Appears to be made of soft materials but is actually quite hard. For professionals only|title=''[[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga]]''}}</ref> the ''Super Mario 64'' block is said to be analyzed for its vanishing technology,<ref>{{cite|quote=Currently analyzing the new technology that makes it vanish when struck...|title=''[[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga]]''}}</ref> the ''Super Mario Bros.'' block is said to be made of secret materials with a metallic look,<ref>{{cite|quote=Made of secret materials from the Mushroom Kingdom. Metallic appearance is quite popular.|title=''[[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga]]''}}</ref> and the ''Super Mario World'' block is made of light, shiny materials that are somewhat shock absorbent.<ref>{{cite|quote=Made of light, shiny materials. Somewhat shock absorbent.|title=''[[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga]]''}}</ref>


''[[Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story]]'' introduces [[Emoglobin|living blocks]]. The game also introduces [[Brock|characters made out of blocks]] such as [[Broque Madame]], [[Broque Monsieur]], and [[Broggy]]. Broque Monsieur owns a shop where [[Bowser]] can buy gear and items for him, while Broque Madame lives in a house where Bowser can do Brawl attacks to get rare equipment. Also, when Bowser collects all the [[Blitty|Blitties]], he can use Broggy as a special attack.
''[[Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story]]'' introduces [[Emoglobin|living blocks]]. The game also introduces [[Brock|characters made out of blocks]] such as [[Broque Madame]], [[Broque Monsieur]], and [[Broggy]]. Broque Monsieur owns a shop where [[Bowser]] can buy gear and items for him, while Broque Madame lives in a house where Bowser can do Brawl attacks to get rare equipment. Also, when Bowser collects all the [[Blitty|Blitties]], he can use Broggy as a special attack.
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In the ''[[Mario & Luigi (series)|Mario & Luigi]]'' series, there are blocks with Mario's and Luigi's symbols on them, called [[M Block]]s and [[L Block]]s, respectively. There is also a [[P Block (Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam)|P Block]] for [[Paper Mario (character)|Paper Mario]] in ''[[Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam]]''. These blocks function like normal ? Blocks, but they can be hit only by the character who matches the symbol on the block.
In the ''[[Mario & Luigi (series)|Mario & Luigi]]'' series, there are blocks with Mario's and Luigi's symbols on them, called [[M Block]]s and [[L Block]]s, respectively. There is also a [[P Block (Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam)|P Block]] for [[Paper Mario (character)|Paper Mario]] in ''[[Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam]]''. These blocks function like normal ? Blocks, but they can be hit only by the character who matches the symbol on the block.


==''Mario Party'' series==
{{main|Dice Block}}
[[File:MarioParty6 Gameplay.png|thumb|[[Wario]] hitting a Dice Block in ''[[Mario Party 6]]'']]
[[File:MarioParty6 Gameplay.png|thumb|[[Wario]] hitting a Dice Block in ''[[Mario Party 6]]'']]
While normal blocks do appear in the [[Mario Party (series)|''Mario Party'' series]], the Dice Block is a special block. Characters can punch Dice Blocks (similar to how they interact with normal blocks in the platformers) to reveal a number that lets them move that number of [[space (Mario Party series)|space]]s. The Dice Blocks from ''[[Mario Party]]'' to ''[[Mario Party DS]]'' are numbered from one to ten, but subsequent games changed it from one to six to match the number of faces a cube has. ''Mario Party'' additionally features several different kinds of Dice Blocks.
While normal blocks do appear in the [[Mario Party (series)|''Mario Party'' series]], the [[Dice Block]] is a special block. Characters can punch Dice Blocks (similar to how they interact with normal blocks in the platformers) to reveal a number that lets them move that number of [[space (Mario Party series)|space]]s. The Dice Blocks from ''[[Mario Party]]'' to ''[[Mario Party DS]]'' are numbered from one to ten, but subsequent games changed it from one to six to match the number of faces a cube has. ''Mario Party'' additionally features several different kinds of Dice Blocks.
{{br}}
{{br}}


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SMM2_Hidden_Block_SM3DW_icon.png|[[Hidden Block]]
SMM2_Hidden_Block_SM3DW_icon.png|[[Hidden Block]]
SMM3DS_Art_-_Ice_Block.png|[[Ice Block]]
SMM3DS_Art_-_Ice_Block.png|[[Ice Block]]
JewelBlockSMBW.png|[[Jewel Block]]
JewelBlockSMBW.png|[[Jewel block]]
NSMBW Light Block Artwork.png|[[Light Block]]
NSMBW Light Block Artwork.png|[[Light-Up-Lift|Light Block]]
SMBW gimmick sound long.png|[[Marimba Block]]s
SMBW gimmick sound long.png|[[Marimba Block]]s
Metal Block PMTTYD.png|[[Metal block]]
Metal Block PMTTYD.png|[[Metal Block]]
YCW Message Block.png|[[Message Block]]
YCW Message Block.png|[[Message Block]]
Music-block.png|[[Note Block]]
Music-block.png|[[Note Block]]
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NSMBW POW Block Artwork.png|[[POW Block]]
NSMBW POW Block Artwork.png|[[POW Block]]
Propeller_Block.png|[[Propeller Block]]
Propeller_Block.png|[[Propeller Block]]
PMSSRecoveryBlock.png|[[Recovery Block]]
PMSSRecoveryBlock.png|[[Recovery Block|Recovery block]]
SMM SMW Rotating Block.png|[[Rotating Block]]
SMM SMW Rotating Block.png|[[Rotating Block]]
Roulette Block SM3DL.png|[[Roulette Block]]
Roulette Block SM3DL.png|[[Roulette Block]]
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==Names in other languages==
==Names in other languages==
{{foreign names
{{foreign names
|Jap=ブロック<ref>''Super Mario Bros.'' Japanese instruction booklet, page 9.</ref>
|Jap=ブロック<ref>{{cite|date=1985|title=スーパーマリオブラザーズ (''Sūpā Mario Burazāzu'') instruction booklet|page=9|publisher=Nintendo}}</ref>
|JapR=Burokku
|JapR=Burokku
|JapM=Block
|JapM=Block
|Cat=Bloc <small>(''The Super Mario Bros. Movie'')
|CatM=Block
|ChiS=砖块
|ChiS=砖块
|ChiSR=Zhuānkuài
|ChiSR=Zhuānkuài

Latest revision as of 04:27, November 9, 2024

This article is about the blocks found throughout the Mario franchise. For other uses of the term "Block", see Block (disambiguation).
Artwork of a ? Block, from Super Mario 3D World.
The ? Block, a dispenser of power-ups, is one of the most common blocks.
“Do you know why blocks exist? For smashing, that's why!”
Wario, Wario Land: Shake It!

Blocks appear in the Super Mario franchise as a staple of several of its platform and role-playing games. Blocks often release coins and items (particularly power-ups) when hit from below, ground-pounded from above, and hit from the side with a Koopa Shell or by other means. Blocks are also commonly used as a platform to get to places, but some, such as the Drop Block, may have negative side effects when stepped on, making it difficult to traverse them. Blocks have many other uses: They can grow, shrink, recover health, give the player tips, or change the level to benefit or harm the player in some way. Some blocks break when hit, but most simply become inactive Empty Blocks.

The first block that appeared was the POW Block in Mario Bros. The POW Block damages all enemies on the screen, making it useful if the player gets swarmed with enemies. Super Mario Bros. introduces the two most common blocks in the Super Mario franchise: the Brick Block and ? Block. Some Brick Blocks release coins or items when hit, and others are breakable only by Super Mario or higher-tiered forms. ? Blocks usually release power-ups, such as Super Mushrooms or Fire Flowers. Brick Blocks and ? Blocks appear in almost every Super Mario platformer afterwards, and new blocks have usually been introduced in every new platformer, from the Note Block in Super Mario Bros. 3 to the ! Block in Super Mario World to the Egg Block in Yoshi's Island.

A Woohoo Hooniversity room featuring different types of block materials throughout the games

In role-playing games of the Super Mario franchise, blocks release either items or coins when hit, similar to their platformer role. In most Super Mario RPGs, a Save Block must be hit so the player can save the game. Heart Blocks could also heal the player, sometimes for a fee. Super Blocks and Shine Blocks also play a role in upgrading the abilities of partners. In the Paper Mario series, Yellow Blocks and Stone Blocks are obstacles that must be shattered by the Hammer and its upgrades. Yellow Blocks can be destroyed by all hammers, but a Super Hammer is required to destroy a giant Yellow Block in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. In Paper Mario, Stone Blocks are destroyed with the Super Hammer, but they are destroyed with the Ultra Hammer in The Thousand-Year Door. Metal Blocks can be shattered by the Ultra Hammer only in Paper Mario; in The Thousand-Year Door, they usually serve as puzzle elements.

In Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, the battle system features commands in the form of blocks that Mario and Luigi can hit to confirm. Additionally, the blocks from Super Mario Bros., Super Mario World, Super Mario 64, and Paper Mario appear together in a room in Woohoo Hooniversity, being studied by the professors. The names of their respective games are mentioned in their descriptions when hit, but the blocks do not give any coins or items. The Paper Mario block is said to appear to be made of soft materials but is quite hard,[1] the Super Mario 64 block is said to be analyzed for its vanishing technology,[2] the Super Mario Bros. block is said to be made of secret materials with a metallic look,[3] and the Super Mario World block is made of light, shiny materials that are somewhat shock absorbent.[4]

Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story introduces living blocks. The game also introduces characters made out of blocks such as Broque Madame, Broque Monsieur, and Broggy. Broque Monsieur owns a shop where Bowser can buy gear and items for him, while Broque Madame lives in a house where Bowser can do Brawl attacks to get rare equipment. Also, when Bowser collects all the Blitties, he can use Broggy as a special attack.

In the Mario & Luigi series, there are blocks with Mario's and Luigi's symbols on them, called M Blocks and L Blocks, respectively. There is also a P Block for Paper Mario in Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam. These blocks function like normal ? Blocks, but they can be hit only by the character who matches the symbol on the block.

Gameplay of Mario Party 6
Wario hitting a Dice Block in Mario Party 6

While normal blocks do appear in the Mario Party series, the Dice Block is a special block. Characters can punch Dice Blocks (similar to how they interact with normal blocks in the platformers) to reveal a number that lets them move that number of spaces. The Dice Blocks from Mario Party to Mario Party DS are numbered from one to ten, but subsequent games changed it from one to six to match the number of faces a cube has. Mario Party additionally features several different kinds of Dice Blocks.

Gallery[edit]

Names in other languages[edit]

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese ブロック[5]
Burokku
Block
Catalan Bloc (The Super Mario Bros. Movie)[?] Block
Chinese (simplified) 砖块[?]
Zhuānkuài
Brick
Chinese (traditional) 磚塊[?]
Zhuānkuài
Brick

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Appears to be made of soft materials but is actually quite hard. For professionals only" – Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga.
  2. ^ "Currently analyzing the new technology that makes it vanish when struck..." – Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga.
  3. ^ "Made of secret materials from the Mushroom Kingdom. Metallic appearance is quite popular." – Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga.
  4. ^ "Made of light, shiny materials. Somewhat shock absorbent." – Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga.
  5. ^ 1985. スーパーマリオブラザーズ (Sūpā Mario Burazāzu) instruction booklet. Nintendo. Page 9.