Power-Up #14: Super Mushroom (Super Mario Bros.)

You know what makes Mario super? It's his bravery and the fact that he did the right thing by saving the Princess. However, most people think it's the mushroom that gives Mario his super powers. In this episode of 29 Questionable Power-Ups of Christmas we try to figure out what kind of mushroom would actively run away. It's a good question.



Purpose: This super mushroom has an immediate effect on Mario. The first thing you'll notice is that he literally doubles in size. His clothing grows as well. This allows the plumber to break rocks with his head and obtain an even more powerful fire flower. Obviously.

Legacy: As one of the most iconic power-ups of all time, the super mushroom has appeared in nearly all of Mario's adventures. In fact, it's easier to count the games that haven't featured the super mushroom. You won't find it in Super Mario Bros. 2, although nearly every other kind of vegetable is represented. It's also absent from Super Mario Sunshine and the Galaxy series. On the other hand, the super mushroom has appeared in Mario spin-offs, like Hotel Mario, Mario Party and Super Smash Bros.

In Real Life: Even if it was created with the best of intentions, the super mushroom would be the poster vegetable for what's wrong with GMO products. Not only does it have dramatic health side effects, but it seems able to move on its own. If nothing else, this is tampering with nature. It's a slippery slope and you never know where it will lead.