View source for Boo

{{rewrite|needs present tense}}
{{Species infobox
|expand=expandable
|image=[[File:MPS Boo Artwork.png|200px]]<br>Boo, as depicted in artwork for ''Mario Party Superstars''
|first_appearance=''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'' ([[1988]])
|latest_appearance=''[[Mario & Luigi: Brothership]]'' ([[2024]])
|affiliation=[[Koopa Troop]], [[Bowser]], [[King Boo]], [[Lady Bow]], [[Mushroom Kingdom]]
|variants=[[Big_Boo|Atomic Boo]]<br>[[Balloon Boo]]<br>[[Big Boo]]<br>[[Big & Little Boo]]<br>[[Blindfold Boo]]<br>[[Boo Balloon]]<br>[[Boo Buddy]]<br>[[Boo Buddy Block]]<br>[[Boo Buddy Snake]]<br>[[Boo Guy]]<br>[[Boo Man Bluff]]<br>[[Broozer]]<br>[[Calm Fishin' Boo]]<br>[[Circling Boo Buddies]]<br>[[Dark Boo]]<br>[[Dark Dark Boo]]<br>[[Disappearing Boo Buddies]]<br>[[Fishin' Boo]]<br>[[Li'l Boo]]<br>[[Mad Big Boo]]<br>[[Mad Boo]]<br>[[Red Boo]]<br>[[Sleepy Boo]]<br>[[Stretch]]<br>[[Terekuribo]]<br>[[Bomb Boo]]<br>[[Mini Boos]]
|notable=[[Bigger Boo]]<br>[[Boolossus]]<br>[[Bootler]]<br>[[Lady Bow]]<br>[[Franky]]<br>[[Herbert]]<br>[[Igor]]<br>[[King Boo]]<br>[[Lahla]]<br>[[Luigi's Mansion Boos]]<br>[[Peeka]]<br>[[Big Boo]]<br>[[Stanley (Boo)|Stanley]]<br>[[The Creepy Steeple Boo]]<br>[[Spooky Speedster]]
}}
{{Quote|Ghosts... ...don't... ...DIE!  Heh, heh, heh!  Can you get out of here... ...alive?|Big Boo|Super Mario 64}}

The '''Boo''' (originally known as '''Boo Diddley''') is a common enemy in the [[Mario (franchise)|''Mario'' franchise]]. They first appear in ''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]''. Boos are a type of white spherical ghost with menacing and constantly open mouths and also small "arms" of some sort. [[Goombario]]'s [[tattle]] for the Boo, [[Igor]] in ''[[Paper Mario]]'' states: ''"He probably was a merchant before he became a Boo,"'' implying that current Boos may have once been living beings.  
 
==History==
===''Super Mario'' series===
====''Super Mario Bros. 3''====
[[File:SMB3Boo.jpg|thumb|left|A Boo from ''Super Mario Bros. 3'']]
In ''[[Super Mario Bros. 3]]'', Boos appeared for the first time and were referred to as Boo Diddleys, a pun off the late former rock star Bo Diddley. However, future games referred to them only as Boos. The Boo would shield his face if [[Mario]] or [[Luigi]] looked at it, but would start chasing if Mario or Luigi looked away. Boos are unable to be defeated, unless the two were equipped with a Hammer Bro. Suit, Koopa shell, or [[Starman]] (Fireballs didn't affect Boos). The game also had [[Stretch]]es, which were Boos with very long bodies that lived in the Fortresses throughout the kingdom.

====''Super Mario World''====
{{multiple image|image1=SMWBoo.png|image2=SMWBoo2.png|image3=SMWBoo3.png|width=48|footer=Three different faces made by Boo Buddies in ''Super Mario World''}}
In ''[[Super Mario World]]'', there were [[Ghost House]]s, which contained many Boo Buddies, as they were called. They retained their usual pattern of attack from ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' and sometimes made faces at Mario or Luigi. The game also introduced a variant named [[Boo Buddy Block]], which turns into a block while stared at. It also introduced a giant version of the Boo, the [[Big Boo]], and a ghost-like [[Lakitu]] called a [[Fishin' Boo]].
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====''Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins''====
[[File:Boo SML2 sprite.png|frame|left]]
Boos were once again featured in ''[[Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins]]''. These Boos are relatively unchanged from the previous Boos. Boos in this game were found in the [[Pumpkin Zone]]. A thrown [[Green Shell]] is enough to finish it off for good. A new sub-species named [[Terekuribo]]s, which are a cross-breed between Boos and Goombas, also appeared in this game. These boos walk like normal Goombas, but their weaknesses are those of Boos.

====''Super Mario 64''====
[[File:Sm64boo.png|thumb|A Boo in ''Super Mario 64'']]
Boos make a starring appearance in the level, [[Big Boo's Haunt]], in ''[[Super Mario 64]]''. A bunch of Boos can be found in the Castle Gardens (holding [[Red Coin]]s in the ''DS'' version). After collecting twelve Power Stars, Mario is able to enter Big Boo's Haunt by going into the little cage a certain Boo drops. A portal to this course is hidden inside a Big Boo. After Mario attacks it once, a small cage falls out of the Boo, and Mario can jump inside of it. He also battles Big Boo many times here. Additionally, when the Boos look at Mario, they attempt to hide by becoming partially invisible. In the invisible Boo; the player can see a [[Coin]] or a [[Blue Coin]] as this was an add-on to the Boos' physics. To defeat them, a punch or kick from behind is needed. Unfortunately for them, Mario can also easily defeat them with a ground pound. They can also be defeated by an explosion.

====''Super Mario Bros. Deluxe''====
{{multiple image|image1=Boo SMBDX.png|image2=Green Boo SMBDX.png|image3=Red Boo SMBDX.png|image4=Black Boo SMBDX.png|width=48|align=left|footer=Sprites of the four Boos, from slowest to fastest, in ''Super Mario Bros. Deluxe''}}
While Boos did not appear in the original ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'', Boos do appear as the main enemy of the [[You vs. Boo]] mode in ''[[Super Mario Bros. Deluxe]]''. The goal was to reach the flagpole before the Boo. After defeating Boo a certain amount of times, he flies away and a ''[[Green Boo]]'' replaces him; after that Boo is defeated, a ''[[Red Boo]]'' takes its place, and finally, a Black Boo with a yellow outline appears. Each new Boo is faster than the one before it, meaning the plain White Boo is the slowest while the so-called "Legendary Black Boo" is the fastest and hardest to defeat.
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====''Super Mario Sunshine''====
[[File:Booshine.jpg|thumb|A Boo from ''Super Mario Sunshine'']]
Boos return in ''[[Super Mario Sunshine]]'' terrorizing the residents of [[Hotel Delfino]]. In this game, they could be stunned by [[F.L.U.D.D.]], and defeated by jumping on them. They also disguise themselves as [[coins]], but can be told apart from the fact they aren't spinning, while real coins do spin. It turns out that Hotel Delfino has numerous mysteries, including flipping floor tiles, a magic painting, and a flipping bookcase. Mario has a tough time trekking the mysterious hotel, and solving its many mysteries. Eventually, he finds King Boo in the basement of the Casino, and has to battle him. He can defeat him by throwing a Chili at him, which appears randomly, and then throwing another piece of fruit at him. Mario has to do this three times before he finally falls. Boos can also disguise themselves as [[Shadow Mario]], while the real [[Shadow Mario]] runs from Mario. They can be told apart because the fake [[Shadow Mario]]s are very pale compared to the original. Their appearance had just one change, blue circles surrounding their black pupils. (Possibly due to the heat). Pink Boos also appear and can be turned into a platform if sprayed by [[F.L.U.D.D.|FLUDD]].

====''Super Mario 64 DS''====
{{quote2|You...can't...EAT...ghosts! Eee hee hee!|Boo|Super Mario 64 DS}}
In ''[[Super Mario 64 DS]]'', Boos kept the same role they did in ''Super Mario 64''. However, Mario can find a Luigi Painting, which will take him to the [[Big Boo Battle]] level on the Balcony. After reaching the end, by following the cackle of [[King Boo]], he makes it to a room with a mirror at the end of it. He then has to battle King Boo. However, King Boo is invisible and the only way for Mario to see him is by looking in the mirror, making it harder to hit him. After hitting him three times, Mario gains the key to the room in which Luigi is trapped in, and procceds to free Luigi. In the English version of the game, King Boo is erroneously referred to as "Big Boo."  Yoshi cannot defeat them in this game. Ground Pounding yields no results, and eating them simply causes Yoshi to spit them back out.

====''New Super Mario Bros.''====
[[File:Boo NSMB sprite.png|frame|left]]
Boos also appeared in ''[[New Super Mario Bros.]]''. They were found mainly in Ghost Houses, scattered throughout the game as well as World 8-1. They appeared like they usually do, shy. The game also introduced the [[Balloon Boo]], which were normal Boos who could suck up the air, and become much bigger (4-5 times their size). [[Broozer]] the boxing ghost appeared in the game as well. An icon of a Boo covers the lower screen in Ghost Houses.

====''Super Mario Galaxy''==== 
[[File:Spooky Speedster race SMG.png|thumb|Mario racing the Spooky Speedster in ''Super Mario Galaxy'']]
Boos make an appearance in ''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]'' and are found in the [[Ghostly Galaxy]], the [[Bigmouth Galaxy]], the [[Deep Dark Galaxy]], and the [[Sand Spiral Galaxy]]. Boos act the same way that they did in previous games. Such as hiding by turning transparent when Mario looks at them and then following Mario when he looks away. Boos can only be defeated when they are brought under a ray of light (including the Toad Brigade captain's helmet and the light emitted from shells while in the water), and they cannot be defeated by Mario's spin or jump attack. However the spin attack can throw a Boo around Mario, knocking it off course temporarily or into a light. Strangely, if a Boo catches sight of Mario while he is in the [[Boo Suit]], it appears to develop an attraction toward Mario, meaning that it is likely female. If a Boo hits Mario while he is in the Boo Suit, Mario loses the suit, but does not lose any health. Also, a Boo called "The [[Spooky Speedster]]" is found in two areas of the game. Mario must race him to win a [[Power Star]]. This game also introduces a new kind of Boo, called the [[Bomb Boo]],it is similar to a normal Boo, but is black with yellow eyes and can be grabbed by its tongue if Mario uses his spin attack on it. Spinning again will hammer-toss it into statues and enemies upon which it will blow up on impact destroying the statues and damaging enemies. However, if Mario holds onto the Bomb Boo too long, it will blow up and Mario will take damage.

====''New Super Mario Bros. Wii''====
Boos reappear in ''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]'' in various ghost houses throughout the game. They behave the same way as they did in ''New Super Mario Bros'' and, just like before, they are invincible in less you have a star powerup. [[Big Boo]]s also reappear along with [[Broozer]]s. [[Circling Boo Buddies]] can also be found in a small amount of Ghost Houses in the game. Despite their concept art, they appear with a blue glow as opposed to plain white in this game, giving off a more spectral appearance. It's unknown if this design change will be reflected in later games.

====''Super Mario Galaxy 2''====
Boos reappear in ''[[Super Mario Galaxy 2]]''. They behave the same way they did in its predecessor. They are found in haunted levels such as [[Haunty Halls Galaxy]] and [[Boo Moon Galaxy]]. Boos are also found in aquatic areas, such as the [[Battle Belt Galaxy]] and [[Slimy Spring Galaxy]].

===''The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3''===
[[File:CartoonBoo.jpg|thumb|left|A Boo in ''The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3'']]
Boos made infrequent appearances in ''[[The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3]]'', which depicted them as having a somewhat more menacing appearance. Like in the game the show was based on, Boos worked for Bowser and often aided him in causing trouble. An example of this is seen in the episode "[[Reign Storm]]", in which Bowser has several Boos terrorize the new Mushroom Shopping Mall. In this episode they were referred to as 'Boodidlies' which was their original name before it became Boo.
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===''Super Mario World'' television series===
[[File:Boo at Yoshi SMW TV series.jpg|thumb|A Boo approaching Yoshi in the ''Super Mario World'' television series]]
In ''[[Super Mario World (television series)|Super Mario World]]'', Boos, who were completely redesigned, appear only in the episodes "[[Ghosts 'R' Us]]", in which a gang of Boos, as well as a Big Boo, appear to chase [[Yoshi]] through [[Wizardheimer's Haunted House]], "[[The Night Before Cave Christmas]]", in which Yoshi sees one and runs off screaming, and "[[The Yoshi Shuffle]]" in which several boos appear in the audience during the episode.

===''Super Mario Adventures''===
In ''[[Super Mario Adventures]]'', a horde of Boos appear to attack Mario and Luigi when they are tricked into a haunted house by Bowser and the Koopalings. Mario and Luigi become trapped by the Boos and a Big Boo, who are held at bay by the bros staring at them in the face. Eventually, nearing exhaustion, Mario races to a nearby room, dragging Luigi while being chased by the Boos. Upon barging into this room, the Boos and Big Boo find Mario [[Dr. Mario (character)|dressed as a psychiatrist]] with Luigi as his nurse. After some talking, Mario and Luigi manage to reform the Boos and the Big Boo, while learning they were bullied in their youth and that is why they act so nasty to everyone. These Boos and their Big Boo leader were last seen happily waving goodbye to Mario, Luigi and Yoshi as they left the haunted house, which the Boos led them out of. Boos also make an apperance at Peach's wedding.

===''Mario Kart'' series===
In the ''[[Mario Kart (series)|Mario Kart]]'' series, the Boo is used as a very tactical item. When activated, the Boo selects a racer with the best item in reach, steals the item and gives it to the player. At the same time, the player turns invisible and therefore is completely invulnerable for a short period of time. While invisible, the player can pass the other racers more easily by simply going through them. If no other players have any items, the Boo will return empty handed. Additionally, in ''[[Mario Kart: Super Circuit]]'', Boo also slowed down the leading racer and in [[Mario Kart DS]], using the Boo wouldn't make the player lose any speed when driving off-road, so various shortcuts can be exploited. They do not appear as items in [[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]] and [[Mario Kart Wii]] because [[King Boo]] is playable in those installments.

Boo was [[Mario Kart Wii/Beta elements|set]] to be playable in ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'', but was taken out of the final game in favor of King Boo, who had already appeared as a playable character in ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]''.<ref>[http://www.unseen64.net/2008/05/04/mario-kart-wii-beta/ Unseen 64] (Accessed on 7-9-08)</ref>

===''Super Mario Bros.'' film===
In the live-action ''[[Super Mario Bros. (movie)|Super Mario Bros.]]'' film, several Boos are briefly seen surrounding the [[Valley of Bowser]] from ''Super Mario World'' on a television screen in the [[Boom Boom Bar]].

===''Hotel Mario''===
Boos also appeared in the game ''[[Hotel Mario]]'', though exclusively under the name of '''Boo Buddies'''. There are two types of Boos in this game. One type stays visible and doesnt hurt Mario until transparency is achieved, at which they can harm the heroic plumber. The other type of Boo sticks with the more traditional attack method and turns invisible when looked at, and attacks Mario when his back is turned.

===''Yoshi's Island'' series===
====''Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island''====
[[File:YIBoo.png|frame|left]]
Boos first appeared chronologically as antagonists to [[Yoshi]] in ''[[Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island]]''. They were first seen in World 2, which featured numerous ghastly creatures. They were underlings for [[Kamek]], the head of the [[Magikoopa]]s, who turned one Boo into [[Bigger Boo]], which grew in size every time he was hit by an egg and served as a minor boss. The main boss of World 2 was also a Boo-like creature, [[Roger the Potted Ghost]], who was a normal flower pot, until Kamek made him giant, and transformed it into a living creature. The game also featured the [[Boo Blah]], a spectacle Boo exclusive to this game.

It should also be pointed out that the larger Boos were misnamed "Big Boos" in the English translation. This may be because they were about three times bigger than a regular Boo, whereas in ''Super Mario World'', Big Boos were at least ten times bigger.  Regardless, Boos will hide behind their arms if [[Yoshi]] looks at them. Unfortunately, while hiding, Big Boos cannot be harmed. To defeat a Boo, Yoshi must look away from the ghost and bounce an egg off a wall, hitting the ghost in the face as it approaches from behind. Boos also reappear in the game's sequels, ''[[Yoshi's Story]]'' and ''[[Yoshi's Island DS]]''.

====''Yoshi's Island DS''====
Yoshi encounters Boos again in ''[[Yoshi's Island DS]]''. Here, they are commonly found in castles, along with other ghastly creatures. They are, yet again, working for Kamek. They attack the same as all Boos before, but like in ''Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island'', they can only be defeated if Yoshi looks away, so he must bounce an egg off of the wall into their face to deafeat them. A Boo-like mid-boss, named [[Hector the Reflector]] appears as well. The Boos' laugh used in many games before is also used for the boss [[Six-Face Sal]], and even [[Baby Bowser]].

===''Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars''===
Boos return during the events of ''[[Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars]]''. However, once again, the English translation erroneously calls them "The Big Boo" (Always "Teresa" rather than "Atomic Teresa" in Japan). These Boos, like other Boos before them, hide behind their arms when stared at. However, some of The Big Boos teleport around the room, attempting to scare Mario and his friends. The Big Boos live in [[Kero Sewers]] along with many other ghouls, including [[Hobgoblins]] and [[Shadows]]. Often, these three undead monsters will assist each other in battle. Strangely enough, Big Boos have no physical defense, making them extremely weak enemies (even a [[Goomba]] has three defense points). However, The Big Boos make up for their lack of defense with high evasion, meaning that most attacks against a The Big Boo will miss. In battle, The Big Boos command powerful lighting magic, including the attacks [[Lightning Orb]] and [[Bolt]]. The Big Boos also know the special attack [[Scream]], which cuts a party member's attack and defense in half. When not using magic, a The Big Boo will approach one of Mario's party members and make a face, damaging that character. In this game there is also a stronger Boo variation called [[Li'l Boo]]s, which are the same size as normal Boos but have blue tongues, similar to the first appearance of [[King Boo]]. The only true appearance of a Big Boo in this game is the one used in [[Bowser]]'s [[Terrorize]] attack.<ref>As named in the ''Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars'' manual.</ref>

===''Yoshi's Story''===
[[File:Yoshis Story Boo.png|frame|A Boo in ''Yoshi's Story''.]]
Boos reappear in ''[[Yoshi's Story]]'' in Stage 6-3: [[Ghost Castle]]. They do not act differently, although they are slightly bigger. In this game, the normal Boo was called a '''Big Boo''', despite not being an actual Big Boo. The Ghost Castle was also home to other Boo species: namely, the [[Boo Block]], [[Blindfold Boo]], and others. The stage, Yoshi Sewers, also had ghost platforms, along with a blue boo variant called a [[Boo Buddy]].

===''Mario Party'' series===
Boos also regularly appear in the ''[[Mario Party (series)|Mario Party]]'' series. Boo started off as a non-playable character who helped to steal coins and stars from players when they passed by him. However, in ''[[Mario Party 5]]'', Boo was a playable character in Party Mode. ''[[Mario Party 8]]'' even featured [[King Boo's Haunted Hideaway]] as one of the boards; this was King Boo's first appearance in ''Mario Party''. Boo's partner for ''[[Mario Party 3]]'' was Yoshi, [[Koopa Kid]] in ''Mario Party 5'' and ''[[Mario Party 6]]'' and [[Dry Bones]] in ''[[Mario Party 7]]'' and ''[[Mario Party 8]]''. Boo was not a playable character in ''[[Mario Party DS]]'' and played no part in board play, but appeared as an unlockable figure, also appearing in mini-games like [[Boo Tag]]. Boo might be [[Donkey Kong]]'s replacement in the Mario Party Series.

==== ''Mario Party 4'' ====
{{main|Boo (Mario Party 4)}}
[[File:Booparty4.jpg|thumb|left|The Boo host from ''Mario Party 4'']]
In ''Mario Party 4'', there is a [[Boo (Mario Party 4)|Boo]] who plays a major role as one of the hosts of the [[Party Cube]]. Dressed in a magician's hat and vest, he controls the board [[Boo's Haunted Bash]]. Like the other hosts, he's the one who gives you the [[star]]s when playing on his board. Numerous other Boos play roles in the board too. One Boo controls the item shop. Another one owns the [[Mystery Train]], but will only give a ride to the Boneyard if the [[Red Boo]] isn't there. This Boo doesn't actually get on it, but rather it runs on it's own. Two more Boos own the Boo House, which allows players to order a Boo to steal coins or a Star from another player by paying a certain amount of coins. [[Boo's Crystal Ball]] has the same effect as the Boo house. Two side-games involving Boos requires a Mini Mushroom. One of them has the player pressing one of the keys of the Horn of Penalty to get one of three randomly chosen items. The second one has the character on a piano. They have to press the correct key at the right time until the end of the sidegame to get a certain amount of coins. A question mark space activates a Boo clock. If three people land on them, Big Boo will appear. Big Boo is basically an upgraded version of the Boo House; he targets all players instead of one. Boo is also the fourth host of the Reversal of Fortune, who oversees what is given. The stage [[Beach Volley Folley]] also has an unlockable Boo as a character.

===''Mario Tennis'' series===
Boo appeared in ''[[Mario Power Tennis]]'' where he was a playable character. When he won a championship, Mario and Luigi would come out with the trophy and Boo would be missing. They'd look around and then the trophy would start floating. Boo would then appear under it and Mario and Luigi would be relieved. Then they would start floating and the air would be full of Boos who start flying around. Then the main Boo flies up to the screen and holds the trophy. Boo's taunt is to wave his racket while laughing.

===''Paper Mario'' series===
====''Paper Mario''====
[[File:PMBoo.png|frame]]
The [[Boo's Mansion]] in ''[[Paper Mario]]'' was a bigger version of the ''Super Mario World'' Ghost Houses, which had many puzzles involving Boos in it. The only difference, is that these Boos were kind Boos (yet, still a bit tricky). After solving these puzzles, [[Lady Bow]], the princess of the Boos, joined Mario's party, in order to destroy [[Tubba Blubba]], who had been terrorizing the native Boos, by having them as a snack. One certain Boo he ate was [[Stanley (Boo)]]. Mario helped Lady Bow in order to get the [[Star Spirit]] she had in her possession. In ''[[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]'', Bow and [[Bootler]] are seen on vacation in [[Poshley Heights]] after Mario and his teammates defeat the [[Shadow Queen]].

====''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door''====
In ''[[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]'', the Boos live in a tower called [[Creepy Steeple]]. When Mario first enters the steeple there is only one Boo in the room who says that he misses his friends. He will let Mario through one door (Blocking him from using any other doors), where he finds a chest. When he opens it, 200 Boos fly out. The last Boo asks Mario "How many Boos came out of that chest?" If Mario answers correctly the Boo will give him an [[Ultra Shroom]]. If Mario is wrong the Boo will give him one [[Coin]]. Upon returning the main room, the first Boo is still there. He asks if Mario is going to be mean to him. If Mario answers "No", a bunch of Boos (The same ones from the treasure chest) will start flying around the main room, attempting to swarm Mario. If successful, they will throw Mario out of the Steeple, exactly like the [[Sentinel]]s in [[Tubba Blubba's Castle]] If Mario Spin Attacks them several times, they merge into the [[Big_Boo#Paper_Mario:_The_Thousand-Year_Door|Atomic Boo]]. Once the Atomic Boo is defeated, Mario can fight Boos in other parts of the Steeple. Strangely enough, the original Creepy Steeple Boo sends a letter to Mario that thanks him for freeing his friends, despite the fact that he and his friends attacked him. He signs the letter "[[Creepy Steeple Boo|The Creepy Steeple Boo]]". More Boos can be found in the Pit of 100 Trials. The game also introduced a more powerful sub-species, the [[Dark Boo]] which can be found in [[Poshley Sanctum]].

These shy specters can become invisible, making it impossible to attack them for one turn. Mario should try to defeat the Boo with all haste before it can use this attack. Boos don't have much Attack power, but their ability to make themselves transparent and their fairly solid HP ensure that the Boo is no pushover.

Boos in battle also have the ability to make themselves float high in the air (preventing ground attacks such as hammers) and sometimes are found holding [[Mini Mr. Mini]]s. When seen in the audience, they may throw [[Boo's Sheet]]s for Mario, or they may float on-stage, choose any character in the battle at random, and make that character invisible for one turn.

====''Super Paper Mario''====
Boos return as enemies in ''[[Super Paper Mario]]''. Additionally, the Arcade in Flipside houses a Boo themed shooting game. This game has the player shooting Boos (Both Normal, Dark and occasionally Big Boos) to score points. A [[Toad]] frequently appears to give power ups, as long as the player saves him from his Boo captor.

===''Luigi's Mansion''===
[[File:LMBoo.jpg|thumb|A Boo in ''Luigi's Mansion''.]]
In ''[[Luigi's Mansion]]'', the Boos were the main antagonists. King Boo sent a letter to Luigi, stating that he had won a Mansion in a contest. However, Luigi did not enter any contest, but paid no attention, and headed off. Mario went on ahead, but got captured by the King of the Boos, [[King Boo]]. Luigi had to rescue his brother from the Boos, using [[E. Gadd]]'s [[Poltergust 3000]]. Luigi managed to find his brother, stuck in a painting. He ended up having to battle King Boo in order to rescue Mario. King Boo sent them to the roof of the Mansion, and used a Bowser suit to battle him. However, the suit's head could come off once a spikeball was thrown at him, and King Boo would float out, leaving him open for Luigi's Poltergust. After taking away all of his 500 HP, King Boo was turned into a painting, and Mario was restored back to his normal self. However, King Boo managed to escape by unknown means and reappears in several Mario games.

There are 51 Boos which Luigi must suck up in the Poltergust 3000. There are 50 regular Boos, 15 of them making up the portrait ghost [[Boolossus]], with King Boo as the final Boo. When Luigi attacks them they usually run away, but occasionally twirl into him to cause damage. See [[Luigi's Mansion#The Boos|this section]] for more information about the individual Boos. It should also be noted that all of the 36 Boos, excluding King Boo and counting Boolossus as one Boo, have puns in their names.

===''Mario & Luigi'' series===
====''Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga''====
In ''[[Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga]]'', Boos were enemies that only appeared in [[Bowser's Castle]]. Outside battle, they would hover around, attacking Mario and Luigi when they are not looking. However, they would look away if Mario or Luigi made eye contact. The Boos also showed the ability to teleport outside battle. In battle, they would fly up into the air, and fall back down into the Mario Bros, and even prohibit the use of certain moves. These Boos were unknowingly aiding [[Bowletta]], thinking she was the actual Bowser.

====''Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time''====
During the events of ''[[Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time]]'', Boos appeared in [[Bowser's Castle]] of the past. Mario, Luigi, [[Baby Mario]], and [[Baby Luigi]] met a lot of them while trying to reach the end of Baby Bowser's Castle. In the field, Boos attacked the same way as they did in ''Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga'', but in-battle they fought differently, and had significantly decreased defense. They would cover their faces, but when they start to attack, the Boo would take one of its hands off one of its eyes, showing who it is about to attack. If it shows its right eye, it will attack Mario, but if it shows its left eye, it is attacking Luigi. Then it would appear from behind, and charge towards one of the Mario Bros. However, this could easily be countered with a jump. They also appeared during the battle with [[Sunnycide]]. After the Mario Bros flip the egg monster over, Sunnycide could summon a Boo to attack Mario or Luigi. [[Dark Boo]]s also return in the game, and were found in the [[Gritzy Caves]].

====''Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story''====
Boos make a reappearance in ''[[Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story]]''. They appear in Bowser's Castle, after being brainwashed by Fawful, and they also help many of the former minions of Bowser push the Fawful statue against the power-upped Bowser. In addition, a Boo appears whenever Bowser gets a level up. The Boo (just like the Lakitu in Mario's or Luigi's level up screen) holds the circle for getting a bonus upgrade for the stat of the players choice.

[[Yikk]], a ghost who appears in the same game at the [[Tower of Yikk]], explains that he researches Boos. He even built a [[Boo-ray Machine|machine]] to visualize Boo transparency waves before he passed away.

An odd thing shown in the game is a Boo and [[Koopa Troopa]] in love with each other in Bowser's Castle. They not only love each other, but love Fawful, due to the brainwashing that was put on the minions.

===''Mario vs. Donkey Kong''===
A Boo appeared once in ''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong]]'' at the [[Spooky House]]. It acted just like its former battle strategy, with it hiding when Mario looks at it and only attacking when his back is turned. It will spit its tongue out at [[Mario]] if he is about to lose a life.

===''Mario Pinball Land''===
In ''[[Mario Pinball Land]]'', Boos appear in certain areas in the game. [[Mario]] cannot hit them at the front because they will become transparent as Mario passes through them. If Mario hits one of the Boos on its back, the Boo disappears and it is worth 2000 points. They occasionally will disappear and reappear to another spot in the area.

====''Yoshi Topsy-Turvy''====
Very few Boos appear in ''[[Yoshi Topsy-Turvy]]''. In fact, there are only four missions they exist in. They follow the same tactics as normal, they are in 3-D, and they retain their normal laugh.

===''Super Princess Peach''===
Boos appear in ''[[Super Princess Peach]]''. They acted as normal Boos, hiding their face when Peach looked, and attacking when Peach had her back turned. However, there was an angry variety called the [[Mad Boo]], which attacked the opposite way. They attacked when Peach looked at them ("losing their shyness"), and gander around for her when she looks away.

===''Super Smash Bros. Brawl''===
As well as appearing as a [[trophy]] in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', Boos appear in the [[Luigi's Mansion (stage)|Luigi's Mansion stage]]. When a part of the mansion is knocked down, Boos are seen flying out.

=== ''Mario Super Sluggers''===
Boo made an appearance in ''[[Mario Super Sluggers]]''. In Challenge Mode, he is on [[Wario]]'s team and can be unlocked in [[Wario City]] by finding him in between boxes and completing it's challenge. Boo has the highest ranked pitch in the game along with Peach (9/10) and averages other moves.

==General information==
===Physical appearance===
Though their specifics change from game to game, Boos are usually bashful, cowardly, spherical ghosts. Although they are typically white in color there are sub-species of the Boo race which appear in different colors, such as [[Pink Boo|pink]]. From ''[[Luigi's Mansion]]'' onward, it became common to picture Boos sticking out their tongues. Since ''[[Super Mario 64]]'', Boos have been portrayed with a unique, high-pitched laugh. In actuality, this laugh is the same as [[Bowser]]'s, sped up several times.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crx21K5uMIk Video comparison of Boo and Bowser's laughs]</ref>. However, Boos got a new laugh starting in the [[Hide and Boo Seek]] mini game, being more of a haunting laugh than before. Although most species of Boo will cover their faces and become intangible when looked at, they will often sneak behind their victim and strike when their back is turned. Due to their ghostly abilities, Boos are generally invulnerable, and cannot be harmed by ordinary means of attack. While this is true, they are not invincible, and are especially vulnerable to the light. If they are exposed to a source of light, Boos are usually weakened, and in some cases they may even perish. Usually, they can also have other weaknesses. Because of their intolerance to the light, Boos will often hide if they are trapped in lit rooms. While the ghosts generally appear to be more afraid of their victims than their victim is of them, this is not always the case. Some Boos have absolutely no problem meeting their victim's gaze, and will even try to attack. Boos tend to have a taste for the fine arts, as seen in ''[[Paper Mario]]'' and ''[[Mario Party 4]]''. The best way to defeat a Boo is to sneak behind it so it cannot see the player and disappear, or to set a trap for the Boo while the player's back is turned (ie: using an item, or in ''[[Super Paper Mario]]'', a Pixl).

Boos are often characterized by their sub-species; despite their similarities in appearance and attack manner. Boo species tend to wildly differ in size, with some such as [[Boo Buddy|Boo Buddies]] being miniature, while others such as the [[Big Boo]]s boast gigantic size.   

In ''[[Luigi's Mansion]]'', [[Professor E. Gadd]] notes that Boos have mysterious powers that increase when they gather together in large groups. While it is difficult to stop them, they can be weakened if one is able to defeat members of the group.

Boos have few predators, their only known threat being a [[Clubba]] named [[Tubba Blubba]]. This is first seen in ''Paper Mario'', when he began devouring Boos; this, however, may have been his revenge for the countless times the ghosts scared him.   

In ''Paper Mario'' Goombario states that Boos must have strong facial muscles because of the way they surprise Toads.

===Home===
Boos typically make their homes in dark forests, such as the [[Forever Forest]] and [[Boo Woods]], and tend to be most commonly found in older buildings such as mansions, castles, and [[Ghost House|Ghost Houses]]. Although most of them live in such dwellings, they also seem to enjoy wastelands. One of the only known Boo villages lies in [[Gusty Gulch]].
 
They are typically found in groups because their fears make them find strength in big numbers.

===Allegiance===
Though most Boos tend to side with [[King Boo]], they seem to, for the most part, actually stand as neutral.  For example, Boos are by now a common enemy in most side-scrolling games; however, in the ''Paper Mario'' series and now increasingly in the multiplayer games, Boos have been seen to take the side of the [[Mushroom Kingdom]].  Lady Bow, in fact, helped Mario save the kingdom in ''[[Paper Mario]]''.  In another example, the Boos in the [[Creepy Steeple]] from ''[[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]'' attack Mario initially, but later in the game Mario is sent a friendly letter from one of them.  King Boo, on the other hand, has several times been shown to wish nothing but terrible things for [[Luigi]] (but this could be accredited to Luigi being easily scared, making him a prime target for most Boo antics).

==Tools==
*[[Boo's Sheet]] &ndash; ''[[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]
*[[Fright Bomb]] &ndash; ''[[Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars]]
*[[Boo Bell]] &ndash; ''[[Mario Party 2]]
*[[Boo's Crystal Ball]] &ndash; ''[[Mario Party 4]]

==Stats and bios==
===''Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars''===
{{SMRPGLotSS enemy box
|image=[[File:Bigboo SMRPG.png|150px]]
|name=The Big Boo (Teresa)
|location=[[Kero Sewers]]
|hp=43
|attack=18
|defense=0
|magic_attack=18
|magic_defense=24
|attacks=[[Scream]], [[Lightning Orb]], [[Bolt]]
|strong=[[Fire (element)|Fire]], [[Jump]]
|weaknesses=None
|item=[[Pure Water]], [[Honey Syrup]]
|coins=0
|exp=2
|psychopath=Stop staring at me!
}}

===''Mario & Luigi'' series===
====''Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga''====
{{M&LSS enemy box
|image=[[File:Boo SSS.png]]
|name=Boo
|hp=10
|speed=110
|defense=1000
|location=[[Bowser's Castle]]
|item=[[1-Up Mushroom]], Random Slacks
|exp=40
|coins=10
}}

====''Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time''====
{{M&LPIT enemy box
|image=[[File:Boo PiT sprite.png]]
|location=[[Baby Bowser's Castle]]
|hp=15 (18)
|power=25 (24)
|defense=25 (20)
|speed=22 (23)
|experience=5
|coins=4
|items=
|related=[[Dark Boo]]
|notice=Stats in parentheses are from the Japanese and European versions of the game if they differ from the original American stats.<ref>[http://themushroomkingdom.net/mlpit_guide.shtml TMK Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time Enemy Guide]. Some stats were changed from the original American version of the game to the Japanese and European versions.</ref>
}}

===''Paper Mario'' series===
====''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door''====
{{PM enemy box
|PM2=yes
|image=[[File:Boo TTYD sprite.png]]
|hp=7
|attack=3
|defense=0
|location=Creepy Steeple, Pit of 100 Trials (Levels 31-40)
|log=A somewhat shy ghost that can make itself or its allies invisible. It may be a ghost, but its pretty cute.
|items=Mini Mr. Mini
|moves=Scare (3), Hide (Invisible), Power Transfer (Invisible), Air Boos (causes all Boos in battle to move high in the air)
|tattle=That's a Boo. It's everyone's favorite ghost. ...Well, most everyone... It's nothing to write home about on the Attack side, but it can turn invisible. If it turns invisible, we won't be able to hit it, so beat it while you can see it. Boos are kinda cute, but I sure wouldn't want to meet one in a dark alley. If I ran into one in the bathroom in the middle of the night, I'd... Well, never you mind what I'd do.
|before=[[Poison Puff|70]]
|#=71
|after=[[Big Boo|72]]
}}

====''Super Paper Mario''====
{{SPM enemy box
|image=[[File:SPM Catch Card Boo.png|100px]]
|hp=4
|attack=1
|defense=0
|card_type=Common
|tattle=These spooks only approach when your back is turned. They'd be awesome at "Red light, green light"! Too bad they bite you if they win.
|tippi=That bashful specter is a Boo. It's very fond of dark places... It will disappear if you stare at it too long... But it will reappear and chase after you the moment you turn your back on it... To outfox it, let it approach with your back turned, then attack or use an item...
|before=[[Dark Cherbil|91]]
|#=92
|after=[[Dark Boo|93]]
}}

===''Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars'' stats===
====Lil' Boo====
*'''HP''' 66
*'''Attack''' 120 
*'''Defense''' 20 
*'''Magic Attack''' 74
*'''Magic Defense''' 120 

====The Big Boo====
*'''HP''' 43
*'''Attack''' 18 
*'''Defense''' 0  
*'''Magic Attack''' 18 
*'''Magic Defense''' 24

===''Super Smash Bros. Melee'' trophy===
{|class="table" style="width:100%"
!width=100px|Name
!width=100px|Image
!width=150px|Game
!Description
|-
!Boo
|[[File:SSBM Trophy Boo.png|100px]]
|align=center|''Super Mario Bros. 3''<br>02/90
|''These shy spirits inhabit Mario's world and have been known to vanish or freeze when met face-to-face. In recent years, they seem to have overcome their fears in order to pursue tennis and other social activities. They usually appear in groups and fly in formation. From time to time, giant Boos make surprise appearances.''
|}

===''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'' trophy===
{|class="table" style="width:100%"
!width=100px|Name
!width=100px|Image
!width=200px|Game
!Description
|-
!Boo
|[[File:SSBB Trophy Boo.png|100px]]
|align=center|'''NES''' ''Super Mario Bros. 3''<br>'''DS''' ''Yoshi's Island DS''
|''A bashful ghost who draws near when your back is turned but shyly stops and disappears when you face it. Boos have been seen recently in activities like baseball and tennis, so it's thought that they may have conquered their fear of humans. Boos are also characterized by having a variety of different weaknesses between forms.''
|}

===''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'' sticker===
{|class="table" style="width:100%;text-align:center"
!width=120px|Image!!|Game!!|Effect
|-
|[[File:SSBB Sticker Boo.png|x100px]]
|''Mario Tennis''
|[Throwing] Attack +14
|-
|}

===''Mario Superstar Baseball''===
*'''Type:''' Technique
*'''Starting Team Captain:''' [[Wario]]
*'''Status:''' Player
*'''Stats:'''
**'''Batting:''' 3/10
**'''Pitching:''' 8/10
**'''Fielding:''' 2/10
**'''Running:''' 4/10
*'''Player Profile:'''
**'''Strength:''' Pitching
**'''Special Talents:''' Super Jump
**'''Trajectory:'''
***'''Field:''' Center
***'''Height:''' Normal
*'''Star Pitch:''' Curveball
*'''Star Swing:''' Center
*'''Sweet Spot:''' The Boo face on the bat
*'''Compatible Relationships:''' [[Wario]], [[Magikoopa]], [[King Boo]]
*'''Bio:''' ''"Bowser's underling ghost. Behind the scary face lies a very shy soul. Look most Boos in the eyes and they'll cover their faces...but turn around and they'll attack you! Boos confuse their enemies by flickering in and out of the visible realm, appearing at inconvenient times."''

====''Mario Hoops 3-on-3''====
*'''Type:''' Tricky
*'''Special Shot:''' [[Thriller Dunk]]
*'''Letter to Tap:''' B

===''Mario Party DS''===
*Trophy: This ghostly creature is a common sight. Do you think he's a nice guy? Ask him. He's right behind you.

===''Mario Party 7''===
[[File:Dry Bones and Boo MP7 artwork.png|thumb|Boo and [[Dry Bones]] in ''Mario Party 7''.]]
*'''Partner:''' [[Dry Bones]]
*'''Special Orb:''' [[Magic Orb|Magic/Surprise]]

==Quotes==
*''Check those bubbles coming out of his nose!'' &ndash; ''[[Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars]]''
*''Time for the six o' clock Boos!'' &ndash; ''[[Luigi's Mansion]]''
*''Do you want me to give you a [[Mushroom]], Toad?'' &ndash; ''[[Mario Party 5]]''
*''Let's battle it out, [[Waluigi]]!'' &ndash; ''[[Mario Party 8]]''
*''Ahhh! [[Bowser]]'s got ME!!!'' &ndash; ''[[Mario Party DS]]''
*''Dry Bones, don't push me on the ground. I said CUT IT OUT!'' &ndash; ''[[Mario Party 7]]''
*''Whoooooooooo! I ruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuule!!!'' &ndash; ''[[Mario Party 6]]''

==Names in other languages==
{|class="table"
!Language!!Name!!Translation
|-
|Chinese
|鬼 (''Guǐ'')
|Ghost
|-
|French
|Boo
| -
|-
|German
|Buu Huu
|Boo Hoo
|-
|Korean
|부끄부끄 (''Bukkeubukkeu'')
| -
|-
|Spanish
|Boo
| -
|}

==References==
<references/>

==Trivia==
*Boo's ''[[Mario Strikers Charged]]'' outfits resembles the [[Spooky Speedster]]'s outfit.
*In ''[[Mario Kart Wii]]'', an image of Boo and [[Dry Bones]] can be seen on a billboard on the [[Bowser Castle (Mario Kart Wii)|Bowser's Castle]] track.
*In ''[[wikipedia:Sonic Adventure 2|Sonic Adventure 2]]'', there are enemies called Boom Boos and a boss called King Boom Boo which has a Boom Boo guarding an hourglass.
*In the manual for ''Mario Kart DS'', the item is called 'Boo Hoo'.
*Creator [[Shigeru Miyamoto]] got the idea for Boo from the wife of his co-worker and close friend [[Takashi Tezuka]], as she is shy but one day got very angry at him for coming home late from work.
*Boo's name came from a word that is used when someone pops out of somewhere unexpected and scares another person, as well as from [[Wikipedia:Bo Didley|Bo Didley]], a musician.
*A very notable and interesting fact is that Boo's laugh is just a sped up version of [[Bowser]]'s laugh with echoes added. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crx21K5uMIk] for more detailed info.

==Disclaimer==
{{Attribution-SMWiki|Boo}}

{{SM64}}
[[Category:Boos|*]]
[[Category:Undead]]
[[Category:Racers]]
[[Category:Hosts]]
[[Category:Playable characters]]
[[Category:Unlockable characters]]
[[Category:Major species]]
[[Category:Mario Kart DS items]]
[[Category:Mario Party characters]]
[[Category:Mario Superstar Baseball characters]]
[[Category:Super Smash Bros. Melee trophies]]
[[Category:Super Smash Bros. Brawl trophies]]
[[Category:Super Smash Bros. Brawl stickers]]
[[Category:Mario Hoops 3-on-3 characters]]
[[Category:Mario Golf (Nintendo 64) characters]]
[[Category:Mario Super Sluggers characters]]
[[Category:Super Mario Bros. 3 enemies]]
[[Category:Super Mario Bros. Deluxe enemies]]
[[Category:Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door enemies]]
[[Category:Super Paper Mario enemies]]
[[Category:Mario Party Advance species]]
[[Category:Mario Party DS species]]
[[Category:Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga enemies]]
[[Category:Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins enemies]]
[[Category:Super Mario Galaxy 2 enemies]]
[[Category:Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island enemies]]