Paratroopas

Paratroopas are a fictional type of enemy found in the Super Mario video game series. They are depicted as anthropomorphic turtles, characterized by their distinctive red shells and blue wings. Paratroopas are typically encountered by Mario and Luigi as they fly through the air, often in predictable patterns. Their primary attack consists of swooping down towards the player.

The appearance of Paratroopas has remained largely consistent throughout the series, though their color variations can sometimes signify different behaviors or strengths in certain games. The most common way to defeat a Paratroopa is by jumping on its head, which can cause it to fall to the ground and become a regular Koopa Troopa, which can then be defeated by kicking its shell. Alternatively, some power-ups, such as the Super Star, can also eliminate them.

Paratroopas are considered one of the foundational enemy types in the Mario universe, first appearing in Super Mario Bros. for the Nintendo Entertainment System. Their airborne nature introduced an early challenge for players, requiring them to time their jumps and movements carefully. They have since appeared in numerous subsequent Mario titles, solidifying their status as a recurring and recognizable foe. Their simple design and predictable movement make them a staple obstacle for players of all skill levels.