Slime


 * This article is for the Slime from Dragon Quest. For the Slime from Minecraft, see . For the Smasher, see Smasher:Slime.

The Slime (, Slime) is a common enemy in the Dragon Quest series, also serving as the series' mascot.

Origin
In the Dragon Quest games, Slimes are often the first monster that players come across. They are typically the weakest monster, and can be taken down with ease, as they lack any real offensive abilities. Owing to their simplistic nature, there are many variants of Slime, to the point that they even have their own monster family. Other variations include the She-Slime (which, despite its name, is not necessarily female), the enormous King Slime, and the elusive Metal Slime (which, along with its relatives, is famous for the amount of experience points it gives if one is able to defeat it). In later games, such as Dragon Quest IX, there are special Slimes that—though often unassuming—can merge with or stack onto other Slimes, creating a new type of Slime, such as a King Slime or a Slime Stack. Friendly Slimes also sometimes appear in the series, and often greet the Hero with the phrase "I'm not a bad Slime".

As the series progressed, Slimes grew popular among fans, becoming an icon of the franchise and starring in spin-off titles such as Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime. They are also often used as the emblem to represent the series as a whole, such as in the Itadaki Street series. They even sometimes make playable appearances, including in the aforementioned Fortune Street series as well as in crossover games like Mario Sports Mix. Certain games include Slimes as companions with their own personality and dialogue. In localized titles, they often use slime-related puns or phrases: for example, "gooman" instead of "human", "slime" instead of "time", "accrooze" instead of "accrue", and saying "slurp" or "goo" as a verbal tic.

In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
According to Masahiro Sakurai, while his first choice for a Dragon Quest fighter was the Hero, he would not have opposed a Slime being playable on Square Enix's request. Ultimately, the two parties agreed on the Hero, but Slimes still feature prominently in the series' representation.

As a background character
Multiple Slimes appear on the Dragon Quest stage, Yggdrasil's Altar. This also includes a Liquid Metal Slime, which are rare like in their respective games.

As a moveset element
Slime appears in one of 's taunts, and three Slimes also appear in one of the Hero's victory poses. Solo, the Hero from Dragon Quest IV, has a Slime-themed earring on his left ear, which turns into a Metal Slime in his orange alternate costume.

As a costume
Slime appears as a paid DLC Mii Costume in the form of a hat. Uniquely, it wobbles and jiggles when in motion. The headgear was revealed during the  presentation on July 30, 2019. It was released alongside the other Round 2 Mii Fighter costumes and Challenger Pack 2, Hero, on the same day.

In the trailer for the Dragon Quest Mii Fighter costumes, a metal Mii Fighter wearing a Slime hat can be seen running away from Luminary, referencing the Metal Slime enemy and its tendency to run away. Additionally, the Luminary is seen trying to use Hatchet Man on the Mii Fighter; this references a common strategy for hunting Metal Slimes and their relatives in the Dragon Quest games, as Hatchet Man has a chance to deal a critical hit, which will always kill Metal Slimes instantly. Later to the same trailer, Captain Falcon thrusts his arm out and gestures for Slime to follow him; this is a reference to , where monsters may join the Hero's party after defeating them. The Mii Gunner wearing the Slime hat may reference the spin-off series , known as Slime MoriMori Dragon Quest in Japan, where guns are a common feature for tanks.

Spirits
Various Slimes also appear as spirits.

The Slime uses an army of puppet fighters and is fought on the Gaur Plain stage's Battlefield form. During the battle, the Kirby puppet fighters use neutral aerial attacks, referencing the Slime's ability to attack while jumping. Also, the Giant Kirby puppet fighter appears after the Kirby Team is KO'd, referencing how the Slimes combine into King Slime, this spirit's enhanced form.

The Liquid Metal Slime uses a Metal Kirby puppet fighter and is fought on The Great Cave Offensive stage's Battlefield form. During the battle, the player's fighter must defeat the Metal Kirby puppet fighter in thirty seconds, referencing how a Liquid Metal Slime often flees after one turn in the Dragon Quest series. Also, the Metal Kirby puppet fighter has decreased attack power and increased move speed and defense, referencing the Liquid Metal Slime's low attack power and high defense stats, while it starts off with a Franklin Badge, referencing the Liquid Metal Slime's immunity to magic spells.

Other
The Hero's reveal trailer features Slime all throughout.

Trivia

 * Slime is the third non-playable character to appear in the panoramic banner, following Mr. Saturn and Morgana.