Shy Guy

"Shy Guy Takes The Lead!"

The Shy Guy is a recurring species found in the Super Mario franchise, making their series debut in Super Mario Bros. 2 in 1988. However, due to the game being a reskin of the previous year's Famicom title Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic, Shy Guy technically originates from that franchise as opposed to Mario.

A Shy Guy appears as a playable character in Nexed, driving a Standard SG kart from Mario Kart DS and acting as a representative of the Mario Kart series as a whole.

Real-World History
The Shy Guy species was originally designed for Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic ("Dream Factory: Heart-Pounding Panic"), a 1987 Famicom title developed by Nintendo with the cooperation of Fuji Television in order to promote the latter's Yume Kōjō '87 ("Dream Factory '87") event. The following year, the game was reworked into Super Mario Bros. 2 for an international release, as the Famicom's version of Super Mario Bros. 2 (retroactively known as Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels) was deemed to be too difficult for overseas audience. This would make Shy Guy, as well as many other characters found in Doki Doki Panic part of the overall Mario franchise.

Despite debuting in a mainline Mario entry, the Shy Guy's role has mainly been in the series' many spinoff titles, most notably the Yoshi franchise as a common enemy. Shy Guys have also appeared in several Mario RPGs, the Mario Party series, and many sports entries.

Shy Guy would make his playable debut in the Mario Kart series with the release of Mario Kart DS in 2005 via DS Download Play. If someone who did not own a copy of Mario Kart DS attempted to connect to a game, they would only be allowed to play as a randomly colored Shy Guy piloting the Standard SG kart. Shy Guy would play a similar role in Mario Kart 7, while also being a standard playable character in 7, Mario Kart 8, and Mario Kart Tour.

Gameplay Information
"Shy Guys are found throughout the Mushroom World. Some manage parties, some find their passion in baking, so on and so forth. However, it seems this Shy Guy was born to race! With his trusty Standard Kart and a plethora of items at his side, he’s got more than enough to take home the gold!

With these race-centric tools at his disposal, one might wonder why he’s entering a fighting tournament. Rightfully so, too; He hasn’t exactly been vocal about it. Regardless, whether it be on the battlefield or on the racetrack, the opposition better be ready to eat Shy Guy’s dust!"

Unusually for a heavyweight fighter, Shy Guy puts an emphasis on grounded mobility and speed, being able to cancel his dash into a boost which serves as a surprise attack option. Aside from this, Shy Guy's speed and mechanics make him a formidible force in battle, using his bulk and mobility to overwhelm opponents alongside his special attacks, which make use of his status to devastating effect.

However, Shy Guy's attacks tend to be on the laggier side, leaving him easy to punish if they whiff. In addition, Shy Guy's aerial game is rather weak, having a relatively low jump height and predictable recovery. As such, it is vital for Shy Guy mains to remain on the ground as much as possible, as that is where he excels (although he isn't completely helpless in the air).

Moveset

 * Crawling: Shy Guy can crawl. However, due to the Standard SG's inability to properly crouch, the “crawl” is more akin to a slower form of Shy Guy’s walk.
 * Standard SG: Shy Guy pilots a Standard SG from Mario Kart DS, which has various different properties than a standard fighter.
 * The Standard SG is able to drift by using Shy Guy’s dash attack, after which the kart boosts backwards while acting as a hitbox. The sparks emitted by the Standard SG while drifting are usually red, but briefly turn blue. If the player inputs a dash in the opposite direction when the sparks turn blue, Shy Guy will perform a boost in the opposite direction, allowing him to attack opponents the dash attack may have missed.
 * The Standard SG's initial jump is very low. However, its mid-air jump has it enter an anti-gravity mode reminiscent of those found in Mario Kart 8, giving it a floaty jump. In addition, performing a single jump without doing anything other than moving forward will not cause Shy Guy to experience landing lag upon returning to the ground, allowing him to keep his momentum.
 * The Standard SG cannot crouch.
 * In cinematic Nexus Attacks, only Shy Guy appears.

Grounded Attacks

 * Jab: Shy Guy honks the horn of the Standard SG, emitting a weak soundwave. This can combo into itself at early percents.
 * Dash Attack: Shy Guy drifts. While usually a laggy attack for dash attack standards, it can be canceled into a boost in the direction opposite of Shy Guy. Unlike most dash attacks, this can go off-stage.
 * Forward Light: A Blooper appears at the front of the Standard SG and shoots ink forward.
 * Up Light: The Standard SG hops a short distance into the air.
 * Down Light: The Standard SG drives forwards a short distance before reversing to its original position.
 * Forward Strong: A Potted Piranha Plant from Mario Kart 8 appears at the front of the Standard SG and bites forward.
 * Up Strong: A Lightning Cloud from Mario Kart Wii appears above the Standard SG and emits electricity. This is his best kill move.
 * Down Strong: Shy Guy uses a Super Horn from Mario Kart 8 to create a shockwave around the Standard SG.
 * Counter: The Standard SG grows a Tanooki Tail, which it spins around itself to whack the opponent.

Aerial Attacks

 * Neutral Air: The Standard SG spins in the air.
 * Forward Air: Shy Guy throws a headbutt while leaning out of the Standard SG.
 * Back Air: The Standard SG shoots fire out of its thrusters.
 * Up Air: Shy Guy performs a handstand while hanging off the steering wheel.
 * Down Air: Shy Guy uses a POW Block, creating a shockwave beneath the Standard SG. This move can spike opponents.

Grabs / Throws

 * Grab: A Boo appears in front of the Standard SG and grabs the opponent, referencing the Boo item first found in Super Mario Kart.
 * Pummel: Shy Guy leans out of the Standard SG and jabs the opponent.
 * Forward Throw: Shy Guy rams into the opponent with the Standard SG as the Boo vanishes. This is his best kill throw.
 * Back Throw: Boo and the opponent teleport behind the Standard SG before its thrusters blast fire into the opponent, launching them backwards as the Boo vanishes.
 * Up Throw: Shy Guy whacks the opponent into the air with the Quack Hammer from Mario Kart Arcade GP 2.
 * Down Throw: Shy Guy holds up a Bob-Omb which launches the opponent forward while pushing the Standard Kart backwards.

Stage Intro
The Standard Kart glides onto the stage. Lakitu then appears with the starting light, with the countdown sound effect from Mario Kart 8 accompanying the announcer’s countdown.

Taunts

 * A Coin briefly appears above Shy Guy, referencing the Coin item found throughout the Mario Kart series.
 * Shy Guy honks the Standard Kart’s horn.
 * The Standard Kart revs its engine.
 * The Standard Kart spins out.

Victory Animations
Shy Guy's victory theme is a remix of the 1st Place victory jingle from Mario Kart DS. This is followed by the game's victory results theme, which overrides the normal results music.
 * Shy Guy hops out of the Standard Kart to accept a trophy.
 * Shy Guy celebrates in the Standard Kart as Lakitu throws confetti around him.
 * Shy Guy drifts into view before standing up in the Standard Kart and posing.

Colors / Costumes


Gameplay-Related

 * When guarding, the Standard Kart gains a slight rainbow aura, referencing the Super Star from the Mario Kart games (specifically DS).

Credits

 * Ghostabo: Creator of a Rivals of Aether mod which inspired Shy Guy's design.