Lava Waves (sometimes called Lava Swells or Lava Hills) are boiling, traveling waves of lava that act as a major hazard in several games. They commonly travel along the lava (similar to beach waves) and pose the same danger-level as lava but their size makes them a much more lethal hazard forcing the heroes to seek higher ground to avoid the waves. Lava Waves are commonly found in lava caverns or underground volcanoes.
History[]
New Super Mario Bros. Wii[]
The Mario Crew navigating the Lava Cavern whilst avoiding the Lava Waves.
Giant Bowser making a Lava Wave as he chases the succeeding Mario Crew.
Lava Waves are first seen in New Super Mario Bros. Wii, in this game, they appear in World 8-3 as the primary hazard in the level, they are slightly more difficult to avoid than standard lava as they are triangular and travel across the level and as a result, have a larger hitbox. Just like regular lava, one touch of a lava wave will instantly kill the heroes so be careful, they are as high as the levels' main platforms forcing the plumbers to either seek higher ground, or jump over them, traveling in between Lava Waves and using maneuvers around them is often required to obtain certain Star Coins. During the final battle in Bowser's Castle, Bowser can create Lava Waves whenever he jumps whilst chasing the plumbers.
Super Mario Galaxy 2[]
Mario watching the Lava Waves from the high ground.
Lava Waves are seen again in Super Mario Galaxy 2. Here, they are found in the Melty Monster Galaxy and occur periodically in first part of the Underground Volcano planet emerging from the lava river up ahead (which correlates with the mission's name "The Magnificent Magma Sea"), touching the Lava Waves will scorch Mario/Luigi causing them to lose a Health Point, he must seek higher ground or hold onto the poles to avoid the Lava Waves. The Life Mushroom is really useful in this section.
New Super Mario Bros. U/New Super Luigi U/New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe[]
The Mario Crew investigates the Castle with the traveling Lava Waves.
Lava Waves also appear in New Super Mario Bros. U as well as New Super Luigi U and New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe. This time, they appear in Iggy's Volcanic Castle and Iggy's Swinging-Chains Castle and retain their role from New Super Mario Bros. Wii, this time, they appear in larger numbers and are slightly larger than before. They once again travel along the lava rivers and their larger hitbox makes avoiding them more challenging. Touching a Lava Wave will instantly kill the plumbers so avoid at all costs. This time, Podoboos are also seen jumping from the lava within the Lava Waves.
Trivia[]
- Lava Waves are among one of the few instant-kill hazards with varying sizes.