Screaming Pillar: Difference between revisions

From the Super Mario Wiki, the Mario encyclopedia
Jump to navigationJump to search
No edit summary
m (Text replacement - "Fra([AE]?M? *)=" to "Fre$1=")
 
(96 intermediate revisions by 30 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
[[File:DKCR Sceamingpillars.png|thumb|200px|right|'''Screaming Pillars'''.]]
{{species infobox
'''Screaming Pillars''' are tall, sleeping pillar-like [[Tiki]]s in ''[[Donkey Kong Country Returns]]'' and ''[[Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D]]''. They appear in the [[Jungle (Donkey Kong)|Jungle]], [[Ruins]], and [[Volcano]] areas, and are usually asleep in the section they are placed in. If [[Donkey Kong]] or [[Diddy Kong]] approach these pillars, they awake with a scream and collapse onto the ground, attempting to crush the [[Kong]]s underneath, with their feathers falling off. Should the heroes receive the shocking treatment, they lose one heart from their health counter. The Kongs can destroy the Screaming Pillars by [[Ground Pound|pounding]] their feeble heads after they have fallen. [[Giant Pillar]]s appear in the level [[Canopy Cannons]]. Their scream is not high-pitched and they take out the Kongs by just touching them.
|title=Screaming Pillar
|image=[[File:ScreamingPillar.png|250px]]<br>Concept artwork of a Screaming Pillar's falling animation
|first_appearance=''[[Donkey Kong Country Returns]]'' ([[List of games by date#2010|2010]])
|latest_appearance=''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP DX]]'' (December 12, 2018 update) ([[List of games by date#2018|2018]])
|variants=[[Screaming Pillar (big)]]
}}
'''Screaming Pillars''' are sentient and tall pillar-like structures that are members of the [[Tiki Tak Tribe]], usually acting as obstacles. In most games, they are found asleep or overall inactive, until a certain action within their vicinity alerts them. Screaming Pillars startle very suddenly and might fall on the ground, crushing any creature lying underneath them and remaining completely inert afterwards.


Screaming Pillars return in ''[[Mario Kart 7]]''. In this game, they scream every once in a while, blowing air to push hanggliding players back. They appear in [[DK Jungle (Mario Kart)|DK Jungle]] only and reappear in the retro track version of the course in ''[[Mario Kart 8]]''. In ''Mario Kart 8'', the Screaming Pillars are seen as Giant Pillar's appearance and seem to exhale smoke when they are making noises.
Screaming Pillars resemble narrow stone totems, which display carved symbols. They are erected on semi-pyramidal stands and feature cracks towards their bottom, pointing out their precarious state of standing upright. Their serrated mouths, placed underneath a pair of empty sockets serving as eyes, are part of their facial features. A Screaming Pillar is adorned with tufts of feathers on both sides of their heads, which detach after the enemy has made a sudden movement.


Exceptionally close relatives of Screaming Pillars, the '''Flaming Falling Totem Poles'''<ref>von Esmarch, Nick, and Cory van Grier. ''Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze'' [[Prima Games|Prima]] Official Game Guide</ref>, appear in ''[[Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze]]''. Having an otherwise unchanged behavior from that of Screaming Pillars, the more recently introduced species sustain an inner fiery core, which spawns a stream of flames out their hollow eyes and mouths whenever the pillars scream and prepare to fall. Additionally, their heads are always on fire before falling on the ground; the fire intensifies whenever the stone creature notices the Kongs, and it is seemingly used as primary object of defense against the primates, despite not damaging them more than a regular Screaming Pillar could. In effect, these are all aesthetic additions, and, as stated above, they do not change the enemies' method of attack. What is more, Flaming Falling Totem Poles cool down after crashing into the ground, ultimately granting the possibility to be destroyed the same way as Screaming Pillars. They can only be seen lounging around in [[Scorch 'n' Torch]], a level that features a savannah affected by a wildfire, which the enemies allude to.
==History==
===''Donkey Kong Country'' series===
====''Donkey Kong Country Returns'' / ''Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D''====
In ''[[Donkey Kong Country Returns]]'' and [[Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D|its enhanced port]], Screaming Pillars can be encountered throughout the [[Jungle (Donkey Kong Country Returns)|Jungle]], [[Ruins]] and [[Volcano]] areas and are initially seen idle. If the [[Kong]]s approach these pillars, they awake with a scream and collapse onto the ground, potentially crushing any creature standing beneath them, including the Kongs; their feathers also detach during their sudden awakening. Should a pillar fall onto the Kongs, they lose one heart from their health counter. The Kongs can destroy a Screaming Pillar by [[Hand Slap|ground pound]]ing its body after it has fallen. Sometimes, Screaming Pillars might give out precious items, such as [[Banana Coin]]s or even [[Puzzle Piece (Donkey Kong Country series)|Puzzle Piece]]s, after getting destroyed.


In the E3 2013 trailer for ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U]]'', Screaming Pillars can be seen very briefly in the background when Donkey Kong first appears. They also appear in the [[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U|Wii U version of the game]] itself as stage hazards in the [[Jungle Hijinxs (stage)|Jungle Hijinxs]] stage.
Noteworthy is that Screaming Pillars react to the Kongs at different ranges. Some of them only topple if the Kongs are within very close range, such as in [[Wonky Waterway]], while others are able to locate the primates further and then fall, as seen in [[Damp Dungeon]]. A level called [[Five Monkey Trial]] contains several Screaming Pillars which collapse regardless of the Kongs' close presence, and also instantly break upon hitting the ground without the heroes' intervention.
{{br}}
 
A [[Screaming Pillar (big)|larger variant]] is present in the levels [[Canopy Cannons]] and the [[Nintendo 3DS]]-exclusive [[Crushin' Columns]]. Their scream is much louder and more intense, and they take out the Kongs completely when falling onto them.
 
====''Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze''====
[[File:Flaming_falling_totem_poles.png|thumb|left|Two awakened Flaming Falling Totem Poles]]
Screaming Pillars, now referred to as '''Flaming Falling Totem Poles''' in the [[Prima Games|Prima]] guide,<ref>von Esmarch, Nick, and Cory van Grier. ''Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze'' PRIMA Official Game Guide. Page 26.</ref> return in ''[[Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze]]'' and its Nintendo Switch [[Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Nintendo Switch)|port]]. When awakened, they expel flames out of their eyes and mouth before falling to the ground. Like in the previous game, they are able to crush the [[Kong]]s as they fall, but can be destroyed with three [[Hand Slap|Ground Pound]]s once they have fallen. They only appear in [[Scorch 'n' Torch]], where at one point a Flaming Falling Totem Pole crushes a stationary [[Archy (fire)|fire Archy]], showing a capability to damage enemies as well as the Kongs.
 
===''Mario Kart 7''===
[[File:MK7 Screaming Pillars.png|thumb|250px|Screaming Pillars, as seen in ''Mario Kart 7'']]
Screaming Pillars make a return in ''[[Mario Kart 7]]''. However, they do not attack the player by collapsing on the ground, instead appearing as obstacles on the [[DK Jungle (3DS)|DK Jungle]] racetrack. While usually dormant, they scream every once in a while, powerfully blowing air to push hanggliding players back. Their appearance has been slightly updated with the addition of stone eyebrows.
 
Regular Screaming Pillars have been replaced with the larger variants in the ''[[Mario Kart 8]]'' and ''[[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'' rendition of DK Jungle. They exhale smoke while making noises.
 
===''Mario Golf: World Tour''===
Screaming Pillars appear on the [[DK Jungle (golf course)|DK Jungle]] golf course in ''[[Mario Golf: World Tour]]''. Much like in ''Mario Kart 7'', they occasionally pop strong air currents out of their mouths, which can push the golf ball in a direction. Screaming Pillars are present near Hole 1 and Hole 9. Big Screaming Pillars can also be seen near Hole 8.
 
===''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U''===
In the E3 2013 trailer for ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]'' / ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U|Wii U]]'', Screaming Pillars can be seen very briefly in the background when Donkey Kong is first seen. ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U'' includes them as stage hazards on the [[Jungle Hijinxs (stage)|Jungle Hijinxs]] stage, where the playable characters can topple them over to potentially fall over rival fighters.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:ScreamingPillar.png|Concept artwork of the Screaming Pillars.
Diorama1-DKCR.png|Screaming Pillars in the Jungle diorama in ''[[Donkey Kong Country Returns]]''
File:MK7 Screaming Pillars.png|Screaming Pillars as seen in ''Mario Kart 7''.
Pole_preparing_to_fall.png|A Flaming Falling Totem Pole about to crush a fire [[Archy (fire)|Archy]]
File:MK8 Screaming Pillar.PNG|Screaming Pillar from ''Mario Kart 8''.
DKJungle9.jpg|Several Screaming Pillars flank the eastern side of the fairway, next to some [[TNT Barrel]]s in ''[[Mario Golf: World Tour]]''.
</gallery>
</gallery>
==Names in other languages==
{{foreign names
|Jap=さけぶ柱
|JapR=Sakebu Hashira
|JapM=Screaming Pillar
|Ger=Schreisäulen
|GerM=Screaming Columns
|Ita=Pilastro urlante
|ItaM=Screaming pillar
|FreE=Pilier Hurlant
|FreEM=Howling Pillar
|SpaE=Pilar aullante
|SpaEM=Howling Pillar
}}


==References==
==References==
<references/>
<references/>
{{BoxTop}}
 
{{NIWA|DKWiki=1}}
{{BoxTop}}
{{DKCR}}
{{DKCR}}
{{DKCTF}}
{{MK7}}
{{MK7}}
{{MGWT}}
{{MK8}}
{{MK8}}
{{SSB4}}
{{MKAGPDX}}
[[Category:Animate objects]]
[[Category:Tiki Tak Tribe]]
[[Category:Tiki Tak Tribe]]
[[Category:Animate Objects]]
[[Category:Fire creatures]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze enemies]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong Country Returns Species]]
[[Category:Mario Golf: World Tour characters]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong Country Returns Enemies]]
[[Category:Mario Kart 7 species]]
[[Category:Mario Kart 7]]
[[Category:Mario Kart 8]]

Latest revision as of 10:10, January 8, 2024

Screaming Pillar
ScreamingPillar.png
Concept artwork of a Screaming Pillar's falling animation
First appearance Donkey Kong Country Returns (2010)
Latest appearance Mario Kart Arcade GP DX (December 12, 2018 update) (2018)
Variants

Screaming Pillars are sentient and tall pillar-like structures that are members of the Tiki Tak Tribe, usually acting as obstacles. In most games, they are found asleep or overall inactive, until a certain action within their vicinity alerts them. Screaming Pillars startle very suddenly and might fall on the ground, crushing any creature lying underneath them and remaining completely inert afterwards.

Screaming Pillars resemble narrow stone totems, which display carved symbols. They are erected on semi-pyramidal stands and feature cracks towards their bottom, pointing out their precarious state of standing upright. Their serrated mouths, placed underneath a pair of empty sockets serving as eyes, are part of their facial features. A Screaming Pillar is adorned with tufts of feathers on both sides of their heads, which detach after the enemy has made a sudden movement.

History[edit]

Donkey Kong Country series[edit]

Donkey Kong Country Returns / Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D[edit]

In Donkey Kong Country Returns and its enhanced port, Screaming Pillars can be encountered throughout the Jungle, Ruins and Volcano areas and are initially seen idle. If the Kongs approach these pillars, they awake with a scream and collapse onto the ground, potentially crushing any creature standing beneath them, including the Kongs; their feathers also detach during their sudden awakening. Should a pillar fall onto the Kongs, they lose one heart from their health counter. The Kongs can destroy a Screaming Pillar by ground pounding its body after it has fallen. Sometimes, Screaming Pillars might give out precious items, such as Banana Coins or even Puzzle Pieces, after getting destroyed.

Noteworthy is that Screaming Pillars react to the Kongs at different ranges. Some of them only topple if the Kongs are within very close range, such as in Wonky Waterway, while others are able to locate the primates further and then fall, as seen in Damp Dungeon. A level called Five Monkey Trial contains several Screaming Pillars which collapse regardless of the Kongs' close presence, and also instantly break upon hitting the ground without the heroes' intervention.

A larger variant is present in the levels Canopy Cannons and the Nintendo 3DS-exclusive Crushin' Columns. Their scream is much louder and more intense, and they take out the Kongs completely when falling onto them.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze[edit]

Flaming Falling Totem Poles
Two awakened Flaming Falling Totem Poles

Screaming Pillars, now referred to as Flaming Falling Totem Poles in the Prima guide,[1] return in Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze and its Nintendo Switch port. When awakened, they expel flames out of their eyes and mouth before falling to the ground. Like in the previous game, they are able to crush the Kongs as they fall, but can be destroyed with three Ground Pounds once they have fallen. They only appear in Scorch 'n' Torch, where at one point a Flaming Falling Totem Pole crushes a stationary fire Archy, showing a capability to damage enemies as well as the Kongs.

Mario Kart 7[edit]

A few Screaming Pillars from Mario Kart 7
Screaming Pillars, as seen in Mario Kart 7

Screaming Pillars make a return in Mario Kart 7. However, they do not attack the player by collapsing on the ground, instead appearing as obstacles on the DK Jungle racetrack. While usually dormant, they scream every once in a while, powerfully blowing air to push hanggliding players back. Their appearance has been slightly updated with the addition of stone eyebrows.

Regular Screaming Pillars have been replaced with the larger variants in the Mario Kart 8 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe rendition of DK Jungle. They exhale smoke while making noises.

Mario Golf: World Tour[edit]

Screaming Pillars appear on the DK Jungle golf course in Mario Golf: World Tour. Much like in Mario Kart 7, they occasionally pop strong air currents out of their mouths, which can push the golf ball in a direction. Screaming Pillars are present near Hole 1 and Hole 9. Big Screaming Pillars can also be seen near Hole 8.

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U[edit]

In the E3 2013 trailer for Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U, Screaming Pillars can be seen very briefly in the background when Donkey Kong is first seen. Super Smash Bros. for Wii U includes them as stage hazards on the Jungle Hijinxs stage, where the playable characters can topple them over to potentially fall over rival fighters.

Gallery[edit]

Names in other languages[edit]

Language Name Meaning
Japanese さけぶ柱
Sakebu Hashira
Screaming Pillar

French (NOE) Pilier Hurlant
Howling Pillar
German Schreisäulen
Screaming Columns
Italian Pilastro urlante
Screaming pillar
Spanish (NOE) Pilar aullante
Howling Pillar

References[edit]

  1. ^ von Esmarch, Nick, and Cory van Grier. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze PRIMA Official Game Guide. Page 26.