Koopa the Quick
It has been requested that this article be rewritten and expanded to include more information.
- “Well, if it isn't Mario! Long time no see. You've put on a few pounds since I last saw you. Too much pasta and lounging, huh?”
- —Koopa the Quick, Super Mario 64 DS
Koopa the Quick is a giant Koopa Troopa that Mario can race twice for Power Stars in Super Mario 64 and Super Mario 64 DS. According to what he says, his home, which fits his size, is Tiny-Huge Island.
The secret to his speed in Tiny-Huge Island is his Koopa Mach 1 Sprint shoes, and in Super Mario 64 DS, they are Supa Troopa Koopa sneakers (from the Shells Inc. co.), which he spent all his cash on.
Il Piantissimo, a foot-racer in Super Mario Sunshine, later plays a similar role to Koopa the Quick. Later still in Super Mario Galaxy, the Spooky Speedster, and Cosmic Mario both act as racers like Koopa the Quick and Il Piantissimo.
History
Super Mario 64
In Super Mario 64, Mario first meets Koopa the Quick in the Bob-omb Battlefield after defeating the Big Bob-Omb. He is seen at the entrance of the stage and will challenge Mario to a race from there to the top of the mountain where the Big Bob-Omb originally resided. Once Mario accepts his challenge the race will start. If Mario makes it to the top of the mountain first and hears the victory jingle, he will have to wait until Koopa the Quick makes it to the top as well to give him a Power Star. However, if Mario loses to Koopa the Quick he will have to return to the castle (via the Start Menu), re-enter the stage, and try again. Also, Mario cannot take the warp area or use the Wing Cap to get to the top of the mountain faster as Koopa the Quick will consider it as cheating and will not give him the Power Star.
Koopa the Quick is next seen on the "huge" side of Tiny-Huge Island near Windswept Valley where he will challenge Mario to a rematch for another Power Star. This time Koopa the Quick is much faster and more difficult to beat. The best way for Mario to beat him is to use the Long Jump in order to move faster. Mario must also be careful not to get blown off the Windswept Valley Bridge on his way to the flag. Once he beats Koopa the Quick he will receive another Power Star.
Koopa the Quick also appears in the remake, Super Mario 64 DS, where (due to the enhanced graphics of the game) he is redesigned to look like the other "modern" Koopa Troopas. Nothing about his races have changed and he will only race Mario.
Game Appearances
| Title | Description | Release Date | System/Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super Mario 64 | Non-playable Character | 1996 | Nintendo 64 |
| Super Mario 64 DS | Non-playable Character | 2004 | Nintendo DS |
Stages Where He Can Be Raced
Trivia
- In Bob-omb Battlefield, if Mario uses a cannon and/or flies to the goal, Koopa the Quick tells him to not be cheating. As a result, Mario automatically loses the race. In Super Mario 64 DS, Mario can use the flying cap if he gets it before starting the race. Also, in Bob-omb Battlefield, he can use the warp spots.
- Because Koopa the Quick is enthusiastic to race Mario in Super Mario 64 DS, he does not accept challenges from Yoshi, Luigi, or Wario, unless they disguise themselves first. If one of the aforementioned characters drop their hats and finish the race, Koopa the Quick claims he is the winner, even though they beat him.
- Out of the three main races in the platformer games (these three being Koopa the Quick, Il Piantissimo, and Cosmic Mario), the Koopa the Quick race is the only one that does not force Mario to lose a life if he loses.
- In Tiny-Huge Island, the player can squish Koopa the Quick if they are on the tiny side. He gives a Blue Coin.
