Bloop: The mischievous squid from the Mario universe

708 mots | Temps de lecture : 3 minute(s)

Bloops , called Blooper in English, is a recurring enemy in the Super Mario series. This sea creature with large eyes and floating tentacles is best known for its appearances in aquatic levels , where it chases Mario unpredictably . Although it seems harmless, Bloops is capable of significantly hindering the player's progress. Over time, this squid has become a cult figure in the Nintendo universe, both feared and adored.

Origin and first appearance

Bloops made his first appearance in the legendary Super Mario Bros. ( 1985 ) on NES, in the aquatic levels. Unlike Goombas or Koopas who obey fixed trajectories, Bloops follows a semi-random movement logic: he rises and falls slowly while heading towards Mario, which makes him a difficult enemy to anticipate underwater.

The name “Blooper” plays on bloopers (comic filming errors), reflecting its unpredictable nature. In French, “ Bloops ” evokes the sound of an underwater bubble, emphasizing its aquatic nature.

Bloups Features

• Species : Squid
• Color : White, with variations (pink, black, giant, baby)
• Movement : Sinuous movement, oblique pursuit
• Territory : Mainly underwater, but not exclusively

Its conical shape and expressive eyes make it immediately identifiable. In recent games, its animations become more fluid and mischievous , accentuating its mischievous character.

Bloups Variants

• Mini-Bloups – small specimens often appearing in groups
• Giant Bloops – colossal form serving as a mini-boss
• Winged Bloops – float in the air (e.g. Paper Mario )
• Bloups Family – in Super Mario Galaxy , surrounded by babies

Notable appearances in games

• Super Mario Bros. – Aquatic Debut
• Super Mario Sunshine – Fight against a giant Bloops at Port Ricco
• Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door – Optional boss with ink attacks
• Super Mario Galaxy – Space Water Levels
• New Super Mario Bros. U – often accompanied by baby Bloops

Bloops in Mario Kart

In Mario Kart , Bloops is a defensive/offensive item:

• Projects ink onto competitors' visors
• Reduces visibility , especially in split screen
• Can be dodged via boost or mushroom

Introduced in Mario Kart DS , it has become one of the most annoying… and therefore memorable objects in the franchise.

Bloops in spin-off games

• Mario Party – often featured in mini-games
• Mario Super Sluggers – playable character
• Mario Sports Mix – Referee or Supporter
• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – Spirit Appearance

Bloups in culture and derivative products

• Stuffed animals – very popular, especially in Japan
• Goodies – keychains, figurines, t-shirts
• Super Nintendo World – animatronics in the water areas

Personality and symbolism

• Dodger – often avoids direct attacks
• Prankster – prefers to annoy rather than hit
• Ambiguous – sometimes neutral or ally in RPGs

It represents the passive-aggressive obstacle: neither fast nor strong, but painful by surprise.

Why is Bloups a cult classic?

• Present since the origins of Mario
• Unique aquatic gameplay
• Strong visual symbol
• Iconic item in Mario Kart
• Chameleon : enemy, boss, item, playable character

Conclusion

Bloop embodies Nintendo's ingenuity: a simple squid, transformed into a formidable underwater creature, playful on the racetrack, a prankster in mini-games... and endearing in spite of himself. With his timeless design and varied uses, he remains a centerpiece of the Mario universe, always appearing where you least expect him.