Phanto first appeared in a Japanese game, more on that in just a bit. However, in the Mario/Brothers franchise they first appeared in the second Super Mario Brothers Game. Since then they have made appearances in other Mario games. They have also appeared in other Nintendo Games that are not Mario Games. Anyway, lets learn about the Phantos


Phantos are mask enemies that first appeared in Doki Doki Panic. Doki Doki Panic was a Japanese game released for the Nintendo System in Japan. The sequel to Super Mario Bros I was going to be Super Mario Bros the lost levels. But that game was difficult and Nintendo thought the difficulty would turn off players. Instead Nintendo took Doki Doki Panic changed the story line and the characters to Mario characters. A lot of the enemies where kept in the game.

Phanto was one of the enemies that was carried over from the original game. They are mask enemies that work for the dictator Wart. Some versions of Super Mario Bros state they where created by Wart while other state they work for him.

Phantos are usually found in vases, under ground levels, or in castles. They guard the keys needed to unlock doors. When a key is pulled they shake violently and come to life. As long as the player is carrying the key Phanto will pursue them.

After Super Mario Brothers 2 they have appeared in other Mario games. They have made appearances in Bowser's Castle. This suggest that like some of the other Super Mario Brothers 2 enemies they became part of Bowser's Minions. Therefore, it is likely that Phantos now work for Bowser.

They have also made cameo appearances in other Nintendo games. They have appeared in Kirby Games. Some of my friends have said they have appeared in the Zelda series. I do not really play the Zelda games so I cannot confirm.

Appearances- Phantos are mask enemies. Some have described them as having a creepy face. In the original game they where red and white. In recent games they have white and orange. One side of their face is white while the other is orange. Their shape was originally sphere or circular shaped. In some games they have more of an oval shape.

Personality- Phantos will stay still and calm until the player takes the key. The Phanto will come after the player aggressively until they drop the key or unlock the door. They do not give up as long as the player has the key. I guess you could say they are aggressive and persistent.

Abilities- They guard the keys needed to unlock doors and will remain calm until the key is pulled. Once the Key is pulled they come to life. Like a ghost they can go through walls and other doors. Even if they are defeated they regenerate quickly or get another Phantom to pursue the player. It should be noted they are very fast.

Attacks- As stated they will pursue the player violently as long as the player has the key. They can go through walls, doors and etc to chase the player. In addition, once they get close to the player they will swarm them until the player looses health.

Weaknesses- They are weak to star power. If a player is under the influence of star power and a Phanto touched the player it will be knocked out. However, they can regenerate or another Phanto will take its place. If the player is fast they can be outrun. However, the Phanto main weakness is dropping the key. If the player drops the key the Phanto will end the pursuit and fly away. But once the player picks up the key the pursuit will resume until the door is unlocked.

Phantos have appeared in other games which I have mentioned. They have even appeared in Kirby Game. In Kirby's Superstar they originally did not appear in the originally game. I have the copy of the original game and can confirm. However, I like to watch other people play games that I own. In the remake of Kirby's Superstar named Superstar Ultra youtube gamer Pinkkittyrose pointed out that a Phanto appears in the Great Cave offensive. This is not uncommon for Nintendo to do. As Mario, Luigi, Koopa Troopas, and Boos have appeared as spectators in Kirby's Arenas.

In conclusion, Phanto is a haunted ghostly mask that chases the player when a key is pulled. Their name is likely a pun on the word phantom. They are also ghost like as they can go through walls and doors. It should be noted they always look like they are smiling. This adds to their creepy appearances. They are nearly undefeated as they can regenerate quickly or a new one can appear. They are very fast. As stated given how they appear in Bowser's Castle it is likely they work for Bowser. Their role in Bowser's castle is unclear. But given how they where guardians in the Bros 2 game it is likely they are guardians of Bowser's Castle. This concludes the Phanto biography.