Goombas, initially called
Little Goombas, are one of the major species of the
Super Mario franchise. Since their first game appearance in
Super Mario Bros., they have become the most iconic and common enemies in the entire
Super Mario franchise followed by
Koopa Troopas, appearing in the vast majority of games. They are usually the first enemy the player encounters. They are small, brown, mushroom-like creatures with two feet, tan stem-like bodies, and no arms or legs. Goombas are weak and are not much of a threat to
Mario or
Luigi, since a single
stomp usually defeats them, although a number of different Goomba variants have emerged that are usually stronger in some way, and even regular Goombas occasionally drop hints of being much stronger and more competent than their appearances suggest, as in the case of
Captain Goomba. The Goombas, as a collective race, used to be allied with the
Mushroom Kingdom. However, most of the Goombas turned traitorous and joined
Bowser's Minions. Since
Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, however, Goombas not allied with
Bowser have appeared. Some non-hostile Goombas, such as the inhabitants of
Goomba Village, live in the Mushroom Kingdom, while others simply reside in other locations such as
Monstro Town and
Rogueport.
