Power-ups and enemy responses
Use growth and fireballs well, and choose an attack that suits each enemy.
Original 1985 NES/Famicom game. Luigi shares Mario's movement in alternating two-player play. Super Mario All-Stars, Super Mario Bros. Deluxe and The Lost Levels change features or courses and are outside these guides.
17 power-ups and enemies · one picture per entry · open a picture for full size.
Power-ups
Super Mushroom
Turns small Mario into Super Mario, who can break bricks and survive one hit.
Fire Flower
Turns Super Mario into Fire Mario, who throws bouncing fireballs. A hit returns him to small Mario.
Starman
Makes Mario invincible for a short time; touching enemies defeats them.
1-Up Mushroom
Gives an extra life; it slides along the ground like a Super Mushroom.
Enemies
Goomba
Walks into you; one stomp or a fireball defeats it.
Koopa Troopa
A stomp leaves its shell, which you can kick into other enemies.
Koopa Paratroopa
Hops or flies; a stomp removes its wings and turns it into a Koopa Troopa.
Piranha Plant
Rises from pipes; it stays hidden while Mario stands next to the pipe.
Buzzy Beetle
Its shell is immune to fireballs, so stomp it instead.
Lakitu
Follows you on a cloud and drops Spiny eggs.
Spiny
Its spiked shell hurts on contact; use fireballs or a kicked shell.
Hammer Bro
Throws arcs of hammers; time a pass underneath or hit it from below.
Blooper
Chases you underwater in short bursts.
Cheep Cheep
Swims underwater and leaps over some bridges.
Podoboo
A lava fireball that jumps up in castles.
Bullet Bill
Fired from cannons; a stomp knocks it down.
Bowser
Waits at the end of each castle; grab the axe behind him to drop the bridge.
Fireballs are useful, but some enemies demand a stomp or a safe detour.
Picture details
Game artwork belongs to its respective rights holders.