The popular Super Mario video game franchise features many iconic elements, from the heroic plumber Mario to the villainous Bowser.
One of the most ubiquitous enemies in Mario games is the simple brown mushroom creature that players jump over or stomp on. These creatures have an official name – Goombas.
Goombas were first introduced in the original 1985 Super Mario Bros game. Resembling shiitake mushrooms in appearance, they were designed as a basic easy-to-defeat enemy that even novice players could overcome.
Over the years, Goombas have appeared in nearly every Mario game, establishing themselves as a staple part of Bowser’s army.
While Goombas pose little threat individually, they often attack in large groups and can overwhelm careless players through sheer numbers. Their Japanese name “Kuribō” hints at this mob-like nature.
Goombas also come in many sizes and varieties, from tiny Baby Goombas to huge Goomboss. Some even have wings or can shoot projectiles.
So next time you play a Mario game and encounter those ubiquitous brown mushroom creatures, you can confidently call them by their proper name – Goombas.
They may seem weak, but underestimate them at your peril! With decades of history behind them, Goombas have cemented their legacy as one of the most iconic video game enemies ever created.