Joystiq [Nintendo]

Klepto

You know him best as the low-flying vulture with a penchant for larceny and annoying the crap out of you. Whether it's a shiny power star or the famous red cap, this cumbersome buzzard seems most interested in jacking whatever Mario values most. Hence, klepto(maniac). You don't so much defeat as avoid Klepto, but if he manages to steal your cap in Super Mario 64 you're not going to see it again until you pry it loose from his Kung Foo talon grip.

We can't help but be reminded of the similar birds of SMB2, though we're pretty sure those were condors, not vultures, and they tended to be on the friendlier side. After all, carrying Mario across an immeasurable chasm on the breadth of its wing is a heck of a lot more helpful than tearing off his trademark headdress, baring his shameful hat head for the whole flippin' galaxy to see.

04/08/08