Pokey

A desert dwelling cactus-like creature, Pokey is most often seen in the Mario series. However, Pokey is not unique to the Mushroom Kingdom, and was first seen in the Japanese title Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic, later released in the US and Europe as Super Mario Bros. 2, featuring freshly added Mario characters. Pokey also makes in appearance in several games in the Legend of Zelda series.

Pre-Mario

Pokey first appeared in the Japan only title Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic. While not a Mario title in it's original form, Doki Doki Panic was later adapted and exported to the rest of the world as Super Mario Bros. 2, marking Pokey's first entry into the Mario universe.

Appearance in Mario titles

Pokey is best known for appearing as an enemy in various games in the Mario series. Most often found in desert levels, Pokey can be defeated once each segment of his body is destroyed. Although most often associated with platform games, Pokey has appeared in Mario Kart games, Mario Party games, Mario Golf: Advance Tour and other titles reaching across the Mario universe.

Appearance in Legend of Zelda titles

Pokey has, to date, featured in three titles in the Legend of Zelda franchise. The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening, Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons all featured Pokey and his alias Fire Pokey. Fire Pokey can spit fireballs (a trait unique to the fire variant of Pokey) but can easily be destroyed by Link's sword. Interestingly, Pokey will regain segments of his body if hit with a Mystery Seed in the Zelda games.

Outside of Video Games

Pokey has appeared briefly outside of the video game market. Pokey appeared occasionally on the Super Mario Bros Super Show where, uniquely, they were capable of speech. They also appeared in two book in the Nintendo Adventure Books series. The books they featured in were Dinosaur Dilemma and Flown the Koopa.