Goomba

Weakest of the weak

The weakest enemy character appearing in the Mario series. A mushroom that betrayed the Mushroom Kingdom and defected to the Koopa Troop, first appearing in 'Super Mario Bros.' Despite its weakness where it can be defeated by simply stepping on it, it appears in large numbers and is an iconic existence in the series.

Quotes

  • Weakest of the weak, but my spirit won't lose!
  • You've got some guts stomping on me!
  • Even a Goomba can do it if they try!
  • I'll get much stronger!
  • Don't flinch from me, Mario!

Trivia

  • First appeared in the 1985 Famicom game 'Super Mario Bros.'.
  • In the English version, the name is pronounced 'Goomba'.
  • Known as the weakest enemy that can be defeated in one hit by stomping.
  • Has no hands but can hold things by biting them with its mouth.
  • Variants include blue and gray Goombas.
  • In 'Mario Party 4', it was given a gambling-loving personality.

Alternate names

Goomba Kuricky Goomba Captain

Tags

Profile

Species
Mushroom-shaped fictional creature

Appearance

Overall appearance
It has a shape resembling a shiitake mushroom. It features a brown umbrella-shaped head with large eyes and a mouth, short limbs without hands. It moves sideways in a crab-like walk using its feet. Depending on the type, there are variations in color and patterns, including blue and gray ones.
Height
Approximately 15cm (varies by work)
Weight
Secret
Eye color
Brown
Distinguishing features
  • Umbrella-like round head
  • Large eyes
  • No hands
  • Crab-walk movement
Iconic items
  • None (though there are depictions of holding props in its mouth)

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Gutsy
Detailed personality
Extremely weak, but harbors strong hostility and fighting spirit toward Mario, boldly attacking with body slams and the like. It also has a fondness for gambling and a comical side. In some stories, it becomes an ally to Mario and his friends. Normally the lowest-ranking soldier, but it also shows diligent training and bravery.
Keywords
  • Weak
  • Guts
  • Hostile
  • Numerous
  • Traitor
  • Gambling enthusiast
  • Training enthusiast
  • Some variants become allies
Talents
  • Doesn't go down from being stepped on (including variants with higher durability)
  • Holds things in its mouth
  • Confronts enemies in large numbers
Skills
  • Body slam
  • Crab walk
  • Stealth action
  • Group tactics
Motivation
Primarily to defeat Mario. Sometimes for Bowser, or to protect comrades.
Habits
Often uses 'Oira' as its first-person pronoun, but there are also types that use 'Ore' or 'Boku'.

History

Backstory
Originally soldiers of the Mushroom Kingdom, but during Bowser's invasion, the majority defected to the Koopa Troop. Since then, they have appeared as Mario's enemies and become the representative mob enemy. In some works, there are individuals that become allies to Mario and his friends.
Debut date
1985-09
Work title
Super Mario Bros.
Media type
Game

Stage 1 Fake Bowser's True Identity

Significant event
Stage 1 Fake Bowser's True Identity
Description
In 'Super Mario Bros.', the stage 1 boss was a fake Bowser, but its true identity was a transformed Goomba.

Became an Iconic Enemy Role in the Mario Series

Significant event
Became an Iconic Enemy Role in the Mario Series
Description
It has appeared in numerous works throughout the series, and despite being the weakest mob, it has become a beloved enemy character by many fans.

Became a Playable Character

Significant event
Became a Playable Character
Description
Appeared as a solo playable character in the 'Super Mario Party' series.

Relationships

Bowser

Master

Many Goombas defected to the Koopa Troop and pledged their loyalty.

Mario

Enemy

Has been repeatedly stomped on and fought as an enemy.

Koopa Troop

Koopa Troop: soldier

Media appearances

Super Mario Bros.

Game

1985

Super Mario 64

Game

March 1996

Super Mario Party

Game / Protagonist

2023

Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story

Game / Supporting

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

Game / Enemy

Voice cast and creators

Megumi Hayashibara

Voice actor
Megumi Hayashibara
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Drama CD 'SUPER MARIO BROS. SPECIAL'

Nintendo

Creator name
Nintendo
Role
Original author

Shigeru Miyamoto

Creator name
Shigeru Miyamoto
Role
Character designer

Related goods

Goomba Figure

Item name
Goomba Figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Regular

Goomba Plush

Item name
Goomba Plush
Category
Plush or doll
Availability
Limited