A look at some of Mario’s best moves

Video game icon Super Mario turns 30 on Sunday, and over the past three decades he has learned how to use an armada of interesting super powers. Here’s a look at five favourites:

Super Mushroom — First appeared as a power-up in Super Mario Bros. (1985)

This is the bedrock of Mario’s super powers. When Mario ingests the super mushroom, he doubles in size, allowing him to break blocks and take extra damage. Originally, Mario had to be super-sized before he could use other powers like the fire flower. This changed in some later titles. Super Leaf — First appeared as a power-up in Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988)

This would turn Mario into the ears and tail of a raccoon. Rather than root through people’s garbage, Mario would inexplicably use his tail to fly and glide around the screen. Metal Cap — First appeared as a power-up in Super Mario 64 (1996)

By putting on this cap, Mario would emulate the X-Man Colossus and turn into Metal Mario. This steely form would make the famous plumber impervious from harm for a time, and would make him immune to noxious fumes. Blue Shell — First appeared as a power-up in New Super Mario Bros. (2006)

In “New Super Mario Bros.,” this power-up gave Mario a wearable shell he could use to block attacks or slide into enemies. But it is far better known for its role in the Mario Kart series, as the hated homing missile that targets the race leader. Super Bell — First appeared as a power-up in Super Mario 3D World (2013)

The Super Bell turned Mario into a cat, allowing him to climb up walls and attack enemies, all the while exuding an aloof, disaffected attitude.