Spike (hazard)

Spikes are hazards that appear in certain Mario games. They are usually found on ceilings which most actually come down and attempt to crush Mario. Some Spikes can actually instanly defeat Mario on contact. Spikes are very common in Castle-releated levels more famously Bowser's Castle. Spikes are also as weapons and defensive object by enemies such as Spike Tops and Spiked Goombas.

Super Mario Bros. 3
Spikes are usually seen in Castle levels in this game. They a much longer design which they attempt to skewer Mario on contact.

Super Mario World
Spikes are mostly seen on the ceiling in this game. In some castle levels, some Spikes actually fall from the ceiling themselves while others attempt to crush Mario instanly defeating him.

Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island
Spikes are very common in this game mainly appearing in castle levels and near the end of the game. Whenever Yoshi touches one, he loses Baby Mario and at most times can be very difficult to regain.

Paper Mario series
Spikes are mainly used as a trap in the Paper Mario games. Whenever Mario touches one, he gets send back to before he crossed the spikes and takes one point of damage. Spikes are greatly used in Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door where the most infamous one is the crushing ceiling in Hooktail's Castle. In the Pirate Grotto, Mario can avoid spikes using the Paper Thiness or Paper Tube abilities. Spikes also appear in the Palace of Shadow. There is also a room full of spikes which Mario must use Vivian's Veil move in order to avoid them. His award is the Spike Shield badge.

New Super Mario Bros. series
Spikes only appear in Castle levels in the New Super Mario Bros. games. There are also new obstacles known as Spiked Balls which they can stay around and attempt to ram into Mario.