Super Mario Bros 2 gave us some interesting enemies such as Ninji, Shy Guys, Snifits, Tweeters, Bomb-Ombs, and Pansers. The others would later become staples in Mario Games as reoccurring enemies. While pansers have made cameo appearances in other games mainly Mario Kart. Their only active appearance appears to be in Super Mario Bros 2.


Pansers made their debut in the Japanese Nintendo Game Doki Doki Panic. Originally, Super Mario Bros the lost levels was going to be the sequel to Mario Bros. But the game was difficult and Nintendo thought the game might not sell well due to its high difficulty. Therefore, Nintendo took Doki Doki Panic changed the 4 family characters into Mario and his friends. Changed the plot of fit Mario and the new game was named Super Mario Bros 2. A lot of the enemies where transferred to Super Mario Bros 2 as well. Panser was one of those enemies.

Pansers are plants that shoot fireballs at the players. They can either be stationary or chase the player. In the instruction booklet it states that Wart the evil dictator whose 8 bit army took over Subcon breathed life into this plant. Therefore, Wart created Pansers. How he did this varies on the game. Originally he created Panser with the dream machine. In recent games it states that he created them with magic. This is different than some of the other enemies. Shy Guys, Bomb-Ombs, Pokeys, and Snifits are revealed to have been around since Yoshi's Island. Yoshi's Island in cannon takes place several years before the first Mario Game.

Basically, the other enemies have worked for the Koopas. But Panser works directly for Wart. This could be why they have not appeared in future Mario Games as an active enemy. Although, pictures of them do appear in Mario Kart.

It should be noted that Panser is similar to the fire plants in Mario Games. In Super Mario Bros 3 a stationary plant shoots fireballs similar to panser's fireballs. In Super Mario World a floating plant shoots fireballs similar to Panser's. Thus, it is highly speculated that Panser may have served as a template for common fire plants in Mario games.

Appearance- In the original game they had black stems and red or pink flowers. This was due to the limitations of sprites in the late 1980's. In future versions of the Super Mario Bros 2 they have green stems like a typical plant would have. However, their blooms can be in several different colors mainly pink, red, and white. There is also a blue version as well.

Personality- Not much is known about their personality. But it is hinted they are hotheads, no pun intended. When a player approaches one they will start shooting fireballs rapidly and in an aggressive way. For versions that chase they will speed up and chase the player in an aggressive matter. Therefore, it is likely that seeing Mario and his friends makes them angry and more violent.

Abilities- Pansers have the abilities to shoot large fireballs. They can shoot them straight upward or in multiple directions. As stated some versions can actually move, chase the player, and shoot lots of fireballs. They are also tough to defeat.

Attacks/moves- Their main attack is to shoot fireballs at their opponents. They can also chase their opponents. When a player gets close to them they will shoot more fireballs rapidly and also chase the player in a more aggressive manner.

Weaknesses- Pansers are weak to POW blocks, and star power. A well placed enemy, large veggie, or mushroom block can be thrown at them. However, to throw an object at them the player will have to get real close to them. This puts the player in danger of getting hit with fireballs.

Overall, Pansers have only appeared in Super Mario Bros 2 as active characters. Although, they likely served as a template for the future fire plants that appeared in Mario Games. They are formidable opponents due to their fireballs. This concludes their biography.