Polterguy

Polterguy
Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis graphic
Chronological information
First game	Mario vs. Donkey Kong (2004)
Latest game	Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem! (2010)
Biological information
Species	Boo Guy Shy Guy (toy)

Polterguys, alternatively named Phantom Guys, are a recurring enemy in the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series. They first appear in Mario vs. Donkey Kong.

Profile

Physical description

Polterguys are a variant of both Boo Guys and the Shy Guy minis. They appear in red, blue, and yellow colors. Polterguys look like Shy Guys, aside from possessing a spectral tail. In Mario vs. Donkey Kong, the Polterguys in Level 4-DK are surrounded by a flame-like aura.

In Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again, Polterguys were given a wind-up key on their back. They were also made less transparent and have a spectral, vaguely fiery aura reminiscent of the ones in Mario vs. Donkey Kong's Level 4-DK.

Behavior

A Polterguy wanders around in midair, moving in a set pattern. If a Color Switch of the same color as it is activated, the Polterguy turns into a harmless block that can be stood on, but activating a differently colored Color Switch turns to the Polterguy back into its regular form. In Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again!, Polterguys remain in the same spot, but they still turn to face any nearby Minis.

In Mario vs. Donkey Kong series

Mario vs. Donkey Kong

The screen shown when completing Spooky House in Mario vs. Donkey Kong, depicting a yellow and red Polterguy are floating near Mario as he throws a blue Shy Guy at Donkey Kong

Polterguys are encountered in Spooky House. Like other enemies, if Mario touches a Polterguy while it is in its standard form, he loses a life. Polterguys are one of the enemies that cannot be defeated.

Polterguys also appear in Spooky House's boss stage, Level 4-DK. These Polterguys have flame-like auras, similarly to Pyro Guys, although this is only a visual effect, and the usual animation plays if Mario loses a life from touching a Polterguy. As the Polterguys float around in a set pattern, Donkey Kong hits one of three Color Switches, transforming the Polterguy of that color into a regular Shy Guy, which Mario can pick up and throw at Donkey Kong to attack him.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis

Both Phantom Guy forms in Room 7-5 of Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis

Here, they are named Phantom Guys and are encountered in Spooky Attic. Polterguys mostly retain their appearance and movement patterns from Mario vs. Donkey Kong, serving as enemies that can be turned into platforms for Minis to walk on. In the Construction Zone, Phantom Guys can be used in the Spooky Attic construction kit and Special Kit 3.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again!

Polterguys, named Phantom Guys in the British English version, are first encountered in Room 4-5.

Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem!

Blue Polterguys appear as enemies in Area 4-DK, being the second appearance that Polterguys appear in a Donkey Kong boss stage. Here, whenever Donkey Kong summons a Polterguy from a Shy Guy portrait, the Polterguy falls down until it hits the ground or girders before disappearing. A Mini Mario breaks if it touches a Polterguy.

Behind the scenes

Etymology

"Polterguy" is a play on the word "poltergeist" and Shy Guy, specifically from the "-geist" suffix being replaced with "-guy."