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#REDIRECT [[List of Mario franchise characters#Enemy characters]]
{{short description|Super Mario character}}
{{Redirect category shell|
{{Infobox character
{{R with history}}
| name = Lakitu
{{R to section}}
| image = Lakitu.png
{{R printworthy}}
| caption = Artwork from ''[[Mario Kart Tour]]''
| series = [[Mario (franchise)|Mario]]
| first = ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' (1985)
| creator = [[Shigeru Miyamoto]]
| voice = [[Dex Manley]] (2005–2011, 2012–2013)<br/>Tadd Morgan (2011, 2013–present)<br/>Junko Hori (''[[Super Mario Bros.: The Great Mission to Rescue Princess Peach!]]'')
| species = [[Koopa]]
}}
}}
'''Lakitu''' ({{IPAc-en|l|ə|ˈ|k|iː|t|uː}} {{respell|lə|KEE|too}} or {{IPAc-en|ˈ|l|æ|k|I|t|uː}} {{respell|LAK|it|oo}}), known in Japan as {{nihongo foot|'''Jugemu''',|ジュゲム|[[Jugemu]]|{{IPA-ja|dʑɯɡemɯ|IPA}}.|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a fictional flying [[Koopa]] in the [[Mario (franchise)|''Mario'' franchise]]. Created by [[Shigeru Miyamoto]], he first appeared in the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] [[video game]] ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'', where he dropped enemies called {{nihongo foot|Spinies|トゲゾー|Togezō|{{IPA-ja|toɡezoː|IPA}}.|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} on the stage. He has a striped green shell, wears aviator goggles, and rides around in a smiling cloud. He has since appeared in several main Mario titles since, as well as Mario spin-off titles, notably the ''[[Mario Kart]]'' series where he acts as the referee and a playable character in ''[[Mario Kart 7]]'', ''[[Mario Kart 8]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart Tour]]''. He has appeared in non-''Mario'' titles, including the ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' series as an assist trophy.

Since appearing in ''Super Mario Bros.'', Lakitu has received somewhat positive reception. It has appeared in the form of several kinds of merchandise, including on [[t-shirt]]s, [[sticker]]s, and a [[dry erase board]]. While he has been regarded as one of the best ''Mario'' villains by [[GameDaily]], he has been decried by several editors for being a troublesome enemy, including [[1UP.com]] editor Jeremy Parish and [[G4 (U.S. TV channel)|G4TV]] editor Andrew Pfister.

==Concept and description==
Lakitu is a [[Koopa Troopa|Koopa]] who rides in a cloud and drops creatures called Spinies on the ground. It has a green [[turtle shell]] and yellow skin like most Koopas, but is differentiated by a thick pair of glasses (or goggles) and a different shell design. Its [[cloud]] "vehicle" has a smiling face on it. Lakitus come in several varieties as well. Some Lakitus can be seen coming out of pipes, while others use a [[fishing pole]] for a variety of things, such as holding a [[1-Up Mushroom]] or a [[traffic light]] (in ''[[Mario Kart]]'' games). An early variation of the Lakitu features Lakitu riding a plane. Lakitus frequently also utilize the ability to produce electricity. A variation of the Lakitu is the {{nihongo foot|Fishin' Boo|スプーク|Supūku|{{IPA-ja|sɯ̥pɯːkɯ|IPA}}.|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha|post=,}} a ghost that rides a cloud. ''Mario'' series creator [[Shigeru Miyamoto]] commented that Lakitu was the game character who represented him best. He described Lakitu as "very free, floating in the air, going anywhere. And that's me, that is."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.n-sider.com/contentview.php?contentid=223 |title=Profile: Shigeru Miyamoto |publisher=N-Sider.com |date=1952-11-16 |access-date=2010-09-08}}</ref> The Spinies that it drops are typically red turtles with spikes on their backs that hatch from "{{nihongo foot|Spiny Eggs|パイポ|Paipo|{{IPA-ja|pa.ipo|IPA}}.|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha|post=".}}

==Appearances==
[[File:Lakitu in Super Mario Bros. (1985).png|thumb|Lakitu's first appearance in ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'', throwing Spinies at Mario.]]

Lakitu first appeared in ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]], where it appears as an enemy that drops Spiny Eggs, which hatch into Spinies when they hit the ground or players.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/what-made-super-mario-bros-level-8-3-so-good-1833135706|title=What Made Super Mario Bros. Level 8-3 So Good|website=Kotaku}}</ref> While Lakitu did not make an appearance in the western ''[[Super Mario Bros. 2]]'', he did appear in the third game ''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'';<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/super-mario-princess-peach-relationship-trivia/|title=Super Mario: 25 Wild Revelations About Mario And Peach's Relationship Fans Didn't Realize|date=February 16, 2019|website=ScreenRant}}</ref> besides being an enemy, its [[cloud]] appears as an item called "Lakitu's Cloud" that the player-character can use to skip levels. An enemy bearing a resemblance to Lakitu called Roketon appears in ''[[Super Mario Land]]'' for the [[Game Boy]], where it uses a plane. In ''[[Super Mario World]]'' for the [[Super NES]], its cloud can be stolen by the player-character and used as a flying vehicle for a period of time. Lakitu made an appearance in ''[[Yoshi's Island]]'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/09/yoshis_island_on_switch_fixes_the_glitch_found_in_the_snes_classic_version|title=Yoshi's Island On Switch Fixes The Glitch Found In The SNES Classic Version|date=September 6, 2019|website=Nintendo Life}}</ref> where it had several variations, including the first occurrence of an electricity-producing Lakitu. ''[[Super Mario 64]]'' and its [[Super Mario 64 DS|DS remake]] features two characters called the "Lakitu Bros." in a friendly capacity, where they act as the [[cameramen]] for the player to control during Mario's adventure.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gamerant.com/10-things-mario-galaxy-2-did-better-wii-sequel/|title=10 Things Super Mario Galaxy 2 Improved Over Its Predecessor|date=December 15, 2019|website=Game Rant}}</ref> However, Lakitus appear as enemies as well. It would not appear in a primary ''Mario'' title afterward until ''[[New Super Mario Bros.]]'', which featured a [[video game boss|boss]] encounter with a Lakitu called "Lakithunder". Lakitu also appeared in his very own minigame called "Lakitu Launch", where players throw Spiny Shells at the baskets Lakitu is holding within thirty seconds. It appeared in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]'' in roughly the same capacity as in ''New Super Mario Bros.'' Most recently, it appeared in ''[[Super Mario Galaxy 2]]'', with a boss encounter called "King Lakitu." He also appeared in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. U]]'' and its [[Downloadable content|DLC]] ''[[New Super Luigi U]]'' as well as ''[[Yoshi's New Island]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/new-super-mario-bros-u-deluxe-star-coins/2019/2/18/18217208/layer-cake-desert|title=New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe guide: Layer-Cake Desert Star Coins|first=Kelly Hudson|last=Sundberg|date=February 18, 2019|website=Polygon}}</ref> In ''[[Super Mario Odyssey]]'', Lakitus with fishing rods can be found in various kingdoms, and can be captured by Mario in order to fish in ponds.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/super-mario-odyssey-guide-walkthrough/2017/10/30/16553680/sand-kingdom-all-power-moon-locations|title=Super Mario Odyssey guide: Sand Kingdom all power moon locations|first=Jeff|last=Ramos|date=October 30, 2017|website=Polygon}}</ref>

Lakitu has a prominent role in the ''[[Mario Kart]]'' series since its debut in 1992 with ''[[Super Mario Kart]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendoenthusiast.com/mario-kart-tour-halloween/|title=Mario Kart Tour: Lakitu introduces Halloween Tour in new video|date=October 23, 2019|website=Nintendo Enthusiast}}</ref> In addition to his appearance in ''[[Mario Kart 7]]'', ''[[Mario Kart 8]]''<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/12/mario_kart_arcade_gp_dx_adds_lakitu_to_the_race_lineup,|title=Mario Kart Arcade GP DX Adds Lakitu to the Race Lineup|date=18 December 2018}}</ref> and ''[[Mario Kart Tour]]'' as a [[Player character|playable driver]], he is a prominent [[non-playable character]] as the referee, where he is holding a [[traffic light]] hanging on a fishing pole to signal when to start the race (except for ''[[Mario Kart DS]]'' and ''Mario Kart Tour''), tells them which lap or section they're on, alerting players to go the wrong way, and waving the [[checkered flag]] to finish the race. This is also true for other games, where it acts in various assistant roles, such as an [[Umpire (baseball)|umpire]] in the ''[[List of Mario sports games#Baseball titles|Mario Baseball]]'' games and an [[Official (tennis)|official]] in the ''[[List of Mario sports games#Mario Tennis series|Mario Tennis]]'' games. He also starts every match in ''[[Mario Hoops 3-on-3]]'' and ''[[Mario Sports Mix]]''. He also acts as the cameraman in ''[[Super Mario 64]]'' and [[Super Mario 64 DS|its DS remake]]. Each game in the [[List of Mario role-playing games|''Mario'' role-playing games]] has featured a Lakitu, starting with ''[[Super Mario RPG]]''. A playable Paper Lakitu appears in the first ''[[Paper Mario]]'' game called Lakilester. While he acts antagonistically towards Paper Mario, it eventually joins him after his girlfriend, Lakilulu, convinces him. The playable Lakitu in ''Mario Kart 7'', ''Mario Kart 8'', and ''Mario Kart Tour'' has a red shell, though the differences between red and green shelled Lakitus are unknown. Lakitu has also made appearances in the ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' series starting with the [[Super Smash Bros. (video game)|original ''Super Smash Bros.'']] as a cameo where he can be seen in the background of the stage ''Peach's Castle'', his design is taken from ''[[Super Mario 64]]''. Lakitu returns in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'' once again appearing in the background of a stage. this time being ''Yoshi's Island'' where his design is taken directly from ''[[Super Mario World]]'', and is featured as one of the 293 obtainable trophies in the game. Lakitu also appeared in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' and ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U]]'' as an assist trophy in the form of his 8-bit ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' design, while appearing as a common enemy in the ''Smash Run'' mode in the [[Nintendo 3DS]] version. He appears again in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/3-super-smash-bros-ultimate-spirits-only-available-during-mario-series-event/|title=3 Super Smash Bros Ultimate Spirits Only Available During Mario Series Event|date=December 27, 2018|website=Siliconera}}</ref> where he is a spirit that can be fought, along with his Spinies. It also appeared in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap]]'' as an enemy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2019/11/zavvi_launches_mario_kart_racing_merch_range|title=Zavvi Launches Mario Kart Racing Merch Range|date=November 24, 2019|website=Nintendo Life}}</ref> In the ''[[Mario Party]]'' series, he appears in various minigames and in ''[[Mario Party Advance]]'', he is the referee with his [[whistle]]-blowing cloud. In ''[[Super Mario Maker]]'' with its [[Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS|3DS remake]] and ''[[Super Mario Maker 2]]'', Lakitu can be customized to throw other objects, such as coins, power-ups and even other enemies; his cloud can be ridden on by the player after he has been defeated and by shaking the Lakitu in the level editor it will be tossed away leaving the cloud empty, that can be ridden or used to carry power-ups, cannons or certain enemies.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2019/02/super-mario-maker-2-coming-to-switch-in-june/|title=Super Mario Maker 2 Coming To Switch In June|date=February 14, 2019|website=Kotaku Australia}}</ref>

===In other media===
Lakitu has appeared several times in other media. The [[Nintendo DSi]] app "DSi Sound" featured a ''Mario'' theme that had Lakitu producing coins in it while playing a song.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=213467&site=cvg |title=Feature: 7 DSi Features You May Have Missed |publisher=ComputerAndVideoGames.com |date=2009-04-24 |access-date=2010-09-08}}</ref> It originally appeared in the anime movie ''[[Super Mario Bros.: The Great Mission to Rescue Princess Peach!]]'' as an enemy. It again appeared in the episode of ''[[The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!]]'' called "Mario and the Red Baron Koopa", where its appearance differs from its traditional appearance, featuring green skin and red sunglasses. It also appears in ''[[The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3]]'' in the episode "Life's Ruff". It has appeared in several comics, such as the [[Nintendo Comics System]] issue "Cloud Burst", the [[Club Nintendo#Europe|Club Nintendo]] issue "Mario will hoch hinaus", and in the ''[[Super Mario Adventures]]'' comic. Lakitu also appeared in ''[[Puzzle & Dragons Z + Super Mario Bros. Edition]]''.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2015/06/09/puzzles-dragons-z-super-mario-bros-edition-struggles-to-make-free-to-play-games-worth-a-higher-price-of-admission| title = ‘Puzzle & Dragons Z + Super Mario Bros. Edition’ struggles to make free-to-play games worth a higher price of admission - The Washington Post}}</ref>

==Reception==
Since appearing in ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'', Lakitu has received positive reception. It has appeared in the form of several kinds of merchandise, including on [[t-shirt]]s, [[sticker]]s, [[dry erase board]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://soranews24.com/2018/11/11/new-nintendo-merch-promises-awesome-mario-themed-party-cozy-mario-themed-living-room/|title=New Nintendo merch promises awesome Mario-themed party, cozy Mario-themed living room|date=November 11, 2018}}</ref> and a figurine.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2015-10-11/expand-your-super-mario-figure-collection-with-enemy-characters/.94021|title=Expand Your Super Mario Figure Collection with Enemy Characters|website=Anime News Network}}</ref> [[1UP.com]] described Lakitu as a "series mainstay."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3135350 |title=The Essential 50 Part 36: Super Mario 64 from |publisher=1UP.com |access-date=2010-09-08}}</ref> [[Official Nintendo Magazine]] editor Chris Scullion listed Lakitu as one of the unsung Nintendo heroes, commenting that while it, like [[Birdo]], does get some recognition, it is less so than other enemies such as the [[Goomba]] and the [[Koopa Troopa]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=10724 |title=Nintendo Feature: Unsung Mario Heroes |publisher=Official Nintendo Magazine |date=2009-08-15 |access-date=2010-09-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110107160202/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=10724 |archive-date=2011-01-07 }}</ref> [[GameDaily]] listed Lakitu as the sixth best ''Mario'' enemy, describing him as "cute" and "friendly," yet also "a pain" for players to beat.<ref>{{cite web|author=Chris Buffa |url=http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/galleries/top-25-mario-enemies/?page=20&cp=2 |title=Gallery and Images |publisher=GameDaily |date=2008-10-03 |access-date=2010-09-08}}</ref> In discussing an independent video game called ''[[Explodemon]]'', video game developer Jonathan Biddle called the "Bomber" enemy from ''Explodemon'' a rip-off of Lakitu.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/blogs/JonathanBiddle/20100303/4566/The_Explodemon_Saga__Part_Five.php |title=Jonathan Biddle's Blog - The Explodemon Saga - Part Five |publisher=Gamasutra |access-date=2010-09-08}}</ref> [[GameSpy]] editor Jonti Davies made a comparison between Telly Vision from ''[[Chibi-Robo!]]'', who acts as a flying companion to the protagonist.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cube.gamespy.com/gamecube/chibi-robo/631643p1.html |title=GameSpy: Chibi Robo - Page 1 |publisher=Cube.gamespy.com |access-date=2010-09-08}}</ref> In his review of the [[Virtual Console]] re-release of ''Super Mario Bros.'', [[GameSpot]] editor Jeff Gerstmann stated that Lakitus "are still awesome."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://reviews.cnet.com/wii-games/super-mario-bros-wii/4505-9993_7-32305691.html#reviewPage1 |title=Super Mario Bros. (Wii) Wii Game reviews - CNET Reviews |publisher=Reviews.cnet.com |access-date=2010-09-08}}</ref> [[G4 (U.S. TV channel)|G4TV]] editor Yodapollo listed Lakitu's first appearance as one of the "Epic Fail Videogame Levels," commenting that he "cannot come up with a single other videogame character who comes close to being half as annoying as Lakitu."<ref>{{cite web|author=- By Yodapollo |url=http://g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/683421/epic_fail_videogame_levels.html |title=Epic Fail: Videogame Levels |publisher=G4tv.com |date=2008-03-06 |access-date=2010-09-08}}</ref> G4TV editor Andrew Pfister called Lakitu's first appearance as one of the memorable moments of ''Super Mario Bros.''<ref>{{cite web|author=- By Andrew Pfister |url=http://g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/700728/mario--me-22-years-of-the-best-series-ever.html |title=Mario & Me: 22 Years of The Best Series Ever |publisher=G4tv.com |date=2009-11-13 |access-date=2010-09-08}}</ref> He also referenced its appearance in one of the later levels as being a difficult encounter.<ref>{{cite web|author=- By Andrew Pfister |url=http://g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/700438/five-favorite-2d-mario-levels.html |title=Five Favorite 2D Mario Levels |publisher=G4tv.com |date=2009-11-16 |access-date=2010-09-08}}</ref> In his retrospective of ''[[Super Mario Bros. 2]]'', 1UP.com editor Jeremy Parish commented that after "being harassed endlessly by that jackass Lakitu, it was a relief to be able to hop onto Pidgit's magic carpet and swipe it right out from under his feet."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=7039191 |title=More of Mario |publisher=1up.com |date=2006-05-15 |access-date=2010-09-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016050420/http://www.1up.com/do/blogEntry?bId=7039191 |archive-date=2012-10-16 }}</ref>

In discussing the challenges of ''Super Mario Bros.'', 1UP.com stated that the Spinies were never a "welcome sight", due to appearing in "infinite numbers courtesy of that rat bastard Lakitu, a cowardly bespectacled turtle who hovered on a cloud overhead tossing Spiny eggs at Mario."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3127691 |title=The Essential 50 Part 17 - Super Mario Bros. from |publisher=1UP.com |access-date=2010-09-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060614154522/http://www.1up.com/do/feature?cId=3127691 |archive-date=2006-06-14 }}</ref> It was also described by [[IGN]]'s Audrey Drake as one of the best Mario enemies, stating that "Are they evil, spiny-tossing fiends out to destroy the Mushroom Kingdom? Are they RTVF dropouts whose day job is following Mario around with a camera? Or are they racing fans, always around to lend a hand to a fallen kart racer? Whatever they are, they've certainly contributed a lot to the Mushroom Kingdom through their various jobs."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/10/27/marios-best-enemies|title=Mario's Best Enemies - IGN|date=November 2021|via=www.ign.com}}</ref> In criticizing some of the game design choices in ''[[Yoshi's Island DS]]'', [[NGamer]] criticized an appearance by Lakitu, where when it knocks Baby Mario off of [[Yoshi]], players have to jump into Lakitu to get him back, thereby losing Baby Mario again.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=152311&site=ngm |title=DS Review: Yoshi's Island DS Review - NGamer Magazine |publisher=Computerandvideogames.com |date=2006-12-18 |access-date=2010-09-08}}</ref> [[UGO Networks]] editor Chris Littler listed having to be rescued by Lakitu after falling off the track in ''[[Super Mario Kart]]'' as one of the top 50 worst ways to die in a video game.<ref>{{cite web |last=Littler |first=Chris |url=http://www.ugo.com/games/top-50-worst-ways-to-die-in-video-games?page=3 |title=Top 50 Worst Ways to Die In Video Games |publisher=UGO.com |date=2010-08-19 |access-date=2010-09-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100823071547/http://www.ugo.com/games/top-50-worst-ways-to-die-in-video-games?page=3 |archive-date=2010-08-23 }}</ref> [[Shacknews]] praised the pixel art used in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'' for Lakitu.<ref>{{cite web|last=Faylor |first=Chris |url=http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/49439 |title=New Super Smash Bros. Brawl Media and Details Soothe Delay Pains - Shacknews - PC Games, PlayStation, Xbox 360 and Wii video game news, previews and downloads |publisher=Shacknews |access-date=2010-09-08}}</ref> In discussing the quality of the [[Hammer Bros.]], [[CNET]] editor Nate Lanxon commented that "when preparing defenses for your forts of the future, you can take your grumpy little mushroom things and Lakitu's lame cloud," showing preference to Hammer Bros.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.cnet.com/2300-17938_105-10000348-6.html?tag=mncol |title=Hammer Bros. image - Photos: The 8 most underrated videogame characters ever - CNET News |publisher=News.cnet.com |date=2009-02-12 |access-date=2010-09-08}}</ref> Editor Scott Jones listed Lakitu and its cloud as an uncomfortable pairing, joking that "if that cloud ever gets free of Lakitu, it will need many years of therapy just to feel like a normal cloud again."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crispygamer.com/features/2009-09-15/uncomfortable-pairings.aspx |title=Uncomfortable Pairings |publisher=Crispy Gamer |access-date=2010-09-08}}</ref> The parody film ''There Will Be Brawl'' features an "[[Ira Glass]]-esque" Lakitu, resembling a human more than a turtle.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caoili |first=Eric |url=http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2009/07/photos_from_there_will_be_braw.php |title=Photos From There Will Be Brawl's Book Project |publisher=GameSetWatch |date=2009-07-02 |access-date=2010-09-08}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{notelist|2}}

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==

{{Mario franchise}}

[[Category:Anthropomorphic video game characters]]
[[Category:Animal characters in video games]]
[[Category:Fictional male sportspeople]]
[[Category:Fictional turtles]]
[[Category:Fictional henchmen in video games]]
[[Category:Mario (franchise) enemies]]
[[Category:Video game characters introduced in 1985]]
[[Category:Video game species and races]]
[[Category:Fictional fishers]]

Latest revision as of 04:09, 1 April 2024