Video games owe a lot to the Super Mario series. As well as it having played a hugely significant role in defining both 2D and 3D platforming, the series has blazed the trail in a number of key areas. One of the things that the series doesn’t always get enough credit for though is its popularization of the use of power-ups in video games.
The series features a wide array of power-ups, from the iconic Super Mushroom to the somewhat bizarre Statue Leaf. There are nearly 100 different power-ups used throughout the series, which is a staggering amount considering where it all started. At this point, it really is difficult to see what else Miyamoto and his team could add.
Some power-ups are more popular than others though, with many only appearing in a handful of games. It’s only the very best that appear consistently throughout Mario’s adventures in the Mushroom Kingdom. In this respect, common is generally a whole lot better than rare.
10 Cape Feather
Although it made a return in the Mario Maker games, the Cape Feather was phased out of the series in favor of the much more popular Super Leaf. Functionally, the Cape Feather was very similar to its successor, granting Mario the ability to fly, glide, and destroy enemies and obstacles with a spin attack.
One thing that made the Cape unique though was its ground-pound style attack that could be used upon landing after flight. The move works a bit like a POW block, decimating any enemies unlucky enough to be in the blast radius.
9 Mega Mushroom
The Mega Mushroom first made its appearance in New Super Mario Bros. and is one of the most satisfying power-ups to date. Anybody who thought the Super Mushroom was useful will be blown away by the Mega Mushroom – as will anything in Mario’s way.
Upon collecting one of these rather poisonous looking mushrooms, Mario becomes a giant version of himself and can wipe out anything he touches. Watching him demolish everything in his path is somewhat reminiscent of watching King Kong rampage through New York or Godzilla flatten Tokyo. It really is a spectacle.
8 Ice Flower
While most players will be familiar with the Fire Flower, those who have skipped some of the more recent Mario titles might not have encountered the Ice Flower before.
It first appeared in the somewhat divisive Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time on the Nintendo DS and functions in much the same way as its fiery counterpart. One big difference however is that rather than just killing enemies, the balls of ice that Mario throws are able to freeze them in place. It’s an interesting mechanic, although despite what the name may suggest, it isn’t quite as cool as hurling balls of fire.
7 Super Leaf
The Super Leaf transforms Mario into a tanooki. In doing so, it grants players the ability to fly, glide, and tail spin – making this one of the most useful items in the Mushroom Kingdom. It also happens to be incredibly cute, which is a nice bonus.
To balance out this cuteness, some iterations allow Mario to turn into a creepy looking statue by pressing down and B together. Thankfully, the transformation only lasts for around five seconds though.
6 Stop Watch
First appearing in Super Mario Bros. 2, the Stop Watch has featured in six Mario games and is certainly one of the more interesting power-ups in the series.
Collecting one of these watches will slow down or freeze time allowing Mario to safely navigate obstacles or seize the perfect moment to kill an enemy.
5 + Clock
The Plus Clock has appeared in 12 different Mario games. That might make it common, but unfortunately it doesn’t make it interesting.
Collecting the Plus Clock will grant players additional time to complete the stage. Admittedly this can at times be useful, but more often than not time is rarely an issue. For this reason, the Plus Clock is seen as a bit of a dud when it comes to Mario power-ups.
4 Super Star
The Star has been around since the very beginning and is as useful as it is common. After collecting it, Mario becomes invulnerable for around 15 seconds allowing him to charge through the level without having to worry about any of the enemies blocking their path.
Throw in some high tempo music and some flashing lights – and finding a Super Star really does provide a reason to celebrate.
3 Fire Flower
Like the Super Mushroom, the Fire Flower is one of the series’ ever-presents. It’s also one of the most satisfying power-ups that can be found across the mushroom kingdom.
Once picked up, the fire flower allows player to throw fire-balls at annoying enemies and in some iterations, even use these fire-balls to collect hard to reach coins. It also lets Mario take an additional hit (although he’ll lose the ability to throw fire after doing so). Unfortunately, in most Mario games the Fire Flower only appears when Mario is in his ‘big’ form and so it’s not always easy to come by.
2 1-Up Mushroom
The 1-Up Mushroom is a staple of the Mario series and has been around since the red plumber’s very first solo outing. Unlike other power-ups found in the series, the 1-Up Mushroom doesn’t grant any immediate benefits. That doesn’t mean it isn’t useful though.
Each 1-Up Mushroom grants Mario an extra life, effectively allowing him to return from the grave and try again. Many a player has been spared the daunting sight of the ‘Game Over’ screen thanks to this power-up over the past 35 years.
1 Super Mushroom
The mighty Mushroom appears as a power up in just about every Mario game ever made. First making an appearance in Super Mario Bros. back in 1985, the mushroom increases Mario’s size. While in his enlarged form, he’s able to destroy blocks as well as take a hit of damage without dying.
Mushroom’s also make an appearance in some of the Mario spinoff titles like Mario Kart and Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games. Here however, they grant a speed boost which propels the player towards the finish line. Mushrooms aren’t just Mario’s most common power up, they are also the series’ most iconic.
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