September 25, 2007
Koopa Troopas (Nokonoko (ノコノコ?) in Japan) are turtle-like creatures. These are the oldest organic regular enemies in the series, debuting in Mario Bros. for the arcade (previously, all non-
enemies were merely barrels). They come in multiple colors, including green, red, blue, and yellow. In more recent Mario games such as the New Super Mario Bros. series, green Koopa Troopas will walk in a straight line from wherever they are placed on the map, whereas Red Koopa Troopas will pace a certain area of land. They first walked on four legs, but in later games they have both hands and feet. Koopa Troopas, unlike real turtles, can not only be separated from their shells, but re-enter any empty shell if they choose to. The shell-less Koopas, called Beach Koopas, are depicted wearing either an undershirt, boxers, or both under their shells, and can walk upright even without the shell. The empty shells may be used as projectiles, which have become a fixture in all Mario Kart games. Most Koopas are members of the Koopa Troop (Bowser's army), but both Super Mario 64 and the Paper Mario (series) include friendly Koopas, such as Koopa the Quick (Super Mario 64) and Kooper (Paper Mario). Flying versions with wings, first introduced in Super Mario Bros., are called Koopa Paratroopas. Both Koopa Troopas and Koopa Paratroopas make cameo appearances in Super Smash Bros. Melee and Super Smash Bros. Brawl as enemies. Giant Koopa Troopas called Gargantua Koopa Troopas were introduced in Super Mario Bros. 3 and reappeared in Super Mario Galaxy 2 only in Supermassive Galaxy.