Line #29 Main/SpikeBallsOfDoom


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5	%% This list of examples has been alphabetized. Please add your example in the proper place. Thanks!
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11	[[quoteright:238:[[VideoGame/TheSpaceAdventure https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/deathball_769.PNG]]]]
12	[[caption-width-right:238:'''It's Deathball!!'''[[labelnote:*]][[WebVideo/{{Retsupurae}} ...Deathball, what are you doing here?!]]]][[/labelnote]]
13	->''"...and just to ensure there's not one speck of your blue hide remaining? My extra-large, super-nasty swinging spike ball WILL OBLITERATE YOU!"''
14	-->-- '''Dr. Robotnik''' (to a captured Sonic) ''WesternAnimation/AdventuresOfSonicTheHedgehog''
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16
17	A variation of SpikesOfDoom. Take a sphere and cover it with spikes and you got yourself a very typical obstacle. Common in video games but also occasionally present in other media. They come in many forms:
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19	* They can be located on surfaces and fill the role of SpikesOfDoom.
20	* They can hang in mid-air and even move independently. Sometimes they're even [[SpectacularSpinning spinning]].
21	* In some cases, they are alive (see TheSpiny, PainfulPointyPufferfish and SeaHurtchin for some common examples).
22	* In other cases, they're on chains, but not as a wieldable weapon since it's [[EpicFlail another trope]].
23	** When on chains, they will often swing back and forth or even in a 360-degree motion, [[PerpetualMotionMachine perpetually]].
24	* They might be projectiles shot by enemy cannons
25
26	In video games, those objects started making more widespread appearances from third-generation consoles afterward and can sometimes still be present in seventh-generation platform games.
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28	See also SavageSpikedWeapons. Not to be confused with the SeaMine.
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30	----
31	!!Examples:
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33	[[foldercontrol]]
34
35	[[folder:Fan Works]]
36	* In ''Fanfic/MegaManReawakened'', Needle Man's super attack has him curl up into one of these, firing his needles out everywhere.
37	[[/folder]]
38
39	[[folder:Film -- Live-Action]]
40	* In ''Film/EvenLambsHaveTeeth'', Sloane and Katie create these by shoving roofing nails through tennis balls. They then throw these balls into Boris's face. (And possibly other body parts, as the subsequent hits occur off-screen.)
41	* Pinhead from ''Franchise/{{Hellraiser}}'' uses flying spiked balls at one point (according to an ad for one of the films).
42	* ''WesternAnimation/TheThiefAndTheCobbler'' includes these in a chain reaction.
43	[[/folder]]
44
45	[[folder:Literature]]
46	* ''Rollerball'', one of the Literature/CommanderShaw spy thrillers by Philip [=McCutchan=], has a flanged sphere twelve feet in diameter rolling on an unstoppable course towards a Soviet base.
47	[[/folder]]
48
49	[[folder:Live-Action TV]]
50	* ''Series/AceLightning'': [[MonsterClown Googler]] can turn into a bouncing spiked ball.
51	* ''Series/DoctorWho'': The Toclafane become spiky balls when they have decided to kill you.
52	* ''Series/RobotWars'' featured these on long chains -- known as The Pendulum -- in [[EarlyInstallmentWeirdness the early classic era]]. A smaller round one with long and thin spikes was used in Series 1 while a much bigger square one with thick and short spikes appeared in Series 2, but both more-or-less served the same purpose as hazards to avoid in the [[DeathCourse Gauntlet]] and [[DuelToTheDeath Arena]] stages. The Pendulums were eventually phased out from Series 3 onward, but would continue to feature in the iconic [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpONfIC-_x4 original intro sequence]] up until Series 5/Extreme Series 1.
53	[[/folder]]
54
55	[[folder:Toys]]
56	* Thornax fruits from ''Toys/{{Bionicle}}''. They can be used as projectile weapons, and are highly explosive. [[ArsonMurderAndJaywalking They also taste terrible]].
57	[[/folder]]
58
59	[[folder:Video Games]]
60	* ''VideoGame/{{Abuse}}'': Combines this trope with AsteroidsMonster -- huge spiky balls are inclined to drop on the player without warning, and when destroyed they split into smaller spiky balls.
61	* ''VideoGame/AdventureIsland IV'': Spiky balls are present in underwater sections.
62	* ''[[VideoGame/BatmanSunsoft Batman: Return of the Joker]]'' (NES): Spiked balls hanging from the chains is one of the first hazards you encounter. Another bunch of them hover up and down in the first UnexpectedShmupLevel.
63	* ''VideoGame/{{Battletoads}}'': These are located in many stages like 4 and 6, and mean instant death for the 'toads. Unlike other spikeballs, they are in a slightly irregular shape. More regular spike balls appear in the final level, orbiting around the tower.
64	* ''Battletoads and VideoGame/DoubleDragon'': The Stage 6 boss can turn into an invulnerable spikeball.
65	* The ''VideoGame/BloonsTowerDefense'' series has the Spike-o-pult. Originally a tower of its own, and later integrated into the Dart Monkey tower as an upgrade, it launches spiked balls which roll down the track, boasting the ability to [[OneHitPolykill damage multiple bloons]] with each shot.
66	* ''VideoGame/BluesBrothers'': This NES game has stationary versions, mobile versions and larger spikeballs on chains.
67	* ''VideoGame/BonzeAdventure'' has indestructible blue spike balls that sway back and forth.
68	%%* ''VideoGame/BrutalLegend''
69	* ''VideoGame/CJsElephantAntics'': Sometimes these cover floors and skies.
70	* ''VideoGame/DanceDanceRevolution'': Some songs on MAX, [=MAX2,=] and EXTREME prominently features these in their background videos, especially up-tempo songs. SubvertedTrope in that you don't have to dodge them.
71	* The ''VideoGame/{{Deception}}'' series puts these at your disposal once you've upgraded from ''regular'' balls.
72	* ''VideoGame/DragonQuestHeroesRocketSlime'': These are one of the (many) weapons for tanks.
73	* ''VideoGame/DwarfFortress'' has these as one of variant [[http://dwarffortresswiki.org/index.php/Trap_component trap components.]] Due to the way damage works, they're not too good on fleshy foes, as the spikes don't penetrate much, but the small contact area makes them excellent against hardened enemies and anything armored, often shattering bones. The fact they hit thrice per ball helps a lot, too.
74	* ''VideoGame/{{Evolve}}'': The Behemoth can roll up into a giant spiked ball that can damage hunters just by colliding with them.
75	* ''Gokujyo VideoGame/{{Parodius}}'' has a giant powerup boss which shoots powerups and spiky balls out in higher difficulties.
76	* ''Gremlins 2'' has two types of spiky balls. One goes round and the other one goes from wall to wall.
77	* ''VideoGame/HammerinHarry'' has at-the-end-of-chain variations of these.
78	* ''Videogame/HarmoKnight'': Do you remember the meteorites that dropped in the second cutscene? Some did not hatch, and now they are rolling, spiked obstacles, [[AttackOfthe50FootWhatever big]] and small. Oh, and don't try jumping over the big ones. They only deal damage.
79	* ''VideoGame/JackieChansActionKungFu'': Some green spiked balls can be seen moving back and forth.
80	* ''VideoGame/{{Jetpack}}'' has small spikeball enemies that move diagonally and bounce off walls, though they are sometimes trapped within bricks instead.
81	* ''VideoGame/{{Jumper}}'' series: A common trap.
82	* ''VideoGame/KabukiQuantumFighter'' has those kinds of obstacles and these move around too.
83	* ''VideoGame/KickleCubicle'': One enemy is an invincible spinning spike ball that likes to hug walls.
84	* ''VideoGame/KingdomHearts3DDreamDropDistance'': The Drill Sye and Cera Terror Dream Eaters can transform into one and roll into their foes. They're also completely immune to most physical attacks in this state, even unblockable ones.
85	* The ''Franchise/{{Kirby}}'' series has Gordo which is a living and [[InvincibleMinorMinion invincible]] version of a spikeball.
86	* ''VideoGame/LastAlert'': Occasionally, there are spikeballs found.
87	* ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaOcarinaOfTime'': These appear as enemies in the Water Temple.
88	* ''VideoGame/{{Liero}}'': Features spike balls as a weapon - a very tricky, but also potentially very destructive weapon. Players who use them are known as "spikeballers".
89	* ''VideoGame/LocoRoco'' series has Togeh which is a black ball of spikes commonly found on surfaces. There is also an alive version of it.
90	* ''VideoGame/MegaMan2'': The series' notorious SpikesOfDoom take this form in the underwater areas. In ''9'', one type of spikeball is even an enemy.
91	* ''VideoGame/TheMessenger2018'': There are spiky balls in many places: Shot by blue demons, swinging back and forth, or dropped down from trees.
92	* ''VideoGame/MetroidIIReturnOfSamus'': Subverted with Needlers, which look big spiked spheres but are non aggressive.
93	* ''Franchise/{{Pokemon}}'':
94	** The Grass/Steel Pokemon [[https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/597-598_6982.png Ferroseed and its evolution Ferrothorn]] from ''[[VideoGame/PokemonBlackAndWhite Black and White]]''. Both are spiky ''metal plants'', and Ferrothorn pretty much fits ''all'' the criteria at the top of the page (alive, hanging, spins, on [[strike: chains]]vines). Obviously, using a contact move on either of them will result in the attacker taking damage thanks to their Iron Barbs ability.
95	** Togedemaru from ''VideoGame/PokemonSunAndMoon'' is an Electric/Steel type hedgehog with the Iron Barbs ability too. In fact, its name ''literally'' translates to "spike-protruding ball".
96	* ''VideoGame/ProfessorLaytonAndTheCuriousVillage'': Don Paulo uses some on his flying machine to [[spoiler:wreck the tower]].
97	* ''VideoGame/ProfessorLaytonAndTheUnwoundFuture'': The sliding puzzle before confronting the future professor has one.
98	* In ''VideoGame/{{Qwak}}'', black spiked balls are fixed hazards in some stages, but they also may fall randomly from the ceiling in some circumstances.
99	* ''VideoGame/ResidentEvil5'' features a puzzle involving a bunch of giant [[IncendiaryExponent flaming]] spike balls rolling around.
100	* In ''VideoGame/Revolution1986'', this is one of the hazards you'll encounter in the game.
101	* ''VideoGame/RogueLegacy'' has spikeballs as possible enemies that can be spawned in rooms. They always move in straight lines - horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, bouncing off walls and slopes. Unlike most other examples, these ones will self-destruct if they bounce too many times in quick succession (like if they spawn trapped in a small hallway).
102	* ''VideoGame/SeriousSam II'' has a spikeball vehicle you can ride in. One of the enemies is also a spikeball.
103	* ''VideoGame/{{Shantae}}'': Pike Balls, spiky balls that revolve around Shantae to damage any enemy that comes near her, are one of the buyable items. They return in the sequels with Super and Mega variants that summon multiple Pike Balls at once.
104	* ''Franchise/SonicTheHedgehog'':
105	** Uses spikeballs extensively, starting from the Spring Yard Zone in the first game. They are a rather common attack of many of the bosses in the series. Some of the spikeballs can be seen in environment spinning or mid-air. Also, some enemies, like Orbinaut, have spikeballs.
106	%% ** ''VideoGame/SonicColors'' introduces Pink wisps that allows Sonic to turn into one of these that can climb walls and ceilings.
107	** On a more Meta level, Sonic himself is one of these most the time, being a hedgehog and all. He's covered in spikes, and all his attacks require him to roll into a ball, often causing the doom of Dr Eggman's machinery.
108	* ''Franchise/SuperMarioBros'':
109	** In a number of games, such as ''VideoGame/SuperMarioGalaxy'' and ''VideoGame/MarioAndLuigiBowsersInsideStory''. Bowser can form himself into a spiked ball by curling up and leaving on his spiked shell exposed, and afterwards roll around and attempt to crush enemies.
110	** [[TheSpiny Spiny eggs]], which are thrown by [[MookMaker Lakitus]], are spiked orbs that will either turn in Spinies (red), bounce on the ground (green), or explode (yellow) when they hit the ground.
111	** Spikes are enemies that spit up spiked balls (or spiked bars in 3D games) and throw them at the player.
112	** ''VideoGame/NewSuperMarioBros'':
113	*** In the first game and ''VideoGame/NewSuperMarioBrosWii'', there are spike balls that act like enemies and destroy anything they touch.
114	*** ''VideoGame/NewSuperMarioBrosU'': Grrols and their bigger Dai Gorō relatives are circular stone enemies lined with spikes that try to roll into and crush the player.
115	** ''VideoGame/PaperMario'':
116	*** Spiny Tromps, enemies seen in the first and third games, are living balls of stone covered in spikes. They usually roll back and forth along platforms to impede Mario's progress or come rolling downhill along narrow slops to try to crush the plumber.
117	*** ''VideoGame/PaperMarioTheOrigamiKing'': When trying to climb out of Chestnut Valley, Mario's progress is hampered by giant, spherical and very spiky chestnut shells that come rolling down the slopes he needs to ascend.
118	** ''VideoGame/SuperMarioBros3'' introduces certain species of [[ManEatingPlant Piranha Plant]], referred to as "Ptooies", that keep a spiky ball suspended above them by blowing upwards. Naturally, they cause contact damage if Mario touches them. When brought in as a fighter in ''VideoGame/SuperSmashBrosUltimate'', the Piranha Plant is shown to be able to spit them out as part of its neutral special move.
119	** ''Videogame/SuperMarioRPGLegendOfTheSevenStars'': Bowser can wield a variety of weapons, one of them being a spiked ball on a chain that he hurls at enemies.
120	** ''VideoGame/SuperMarioWorld'': There are spiked balls spinning around in a few stages.
121	** ''VideoGame/YoshisIsland'' has blue spike balls called Thorns that kill Yoshi in one hit and can be destroyed by eggs.
122	** ''VideoGame/WarioLand4'' and ''VideoGame/WarioLandShakeIt'' have spiky mines and mine-like stationary enemies that look and act like this trope as well.
123	* ''VideoGame/{{Terraria}}'' has these as a throwable weapon. As well as perpetually rotating ball-n-chain's spawning in dungeons.
124	* ''VideoGame/{{Trine}}'' loves spiked balls. Rolling, hanging from chains, falling out of trap doors, floating like naval mines, I don't think there was a single level that didn't have one.
125	* ''VideoGame/{{Valis}} II'' has spiked balls that mostly move back and forth along straight lines. They can be temporarily stopped, but not destroyed.
126	* ''VideoGame/{{Vectorman}}'': The first boss has spikes attached to its wings. Level 3 also features spikeballs, although they may be {{sea mine}}s.
127	[[/folder]]
128
129	[[folder:Web Comics]]
130	* ''Webcomic/GirlGenius''. The Castle Heterodyne inventory [[http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20090720 includes]] "The HappyFunBall of Death." Large, self-propelled and on a [[BigLabyrinthineBuilding week-long patrol route through the Castle's corridors]]. Agatha Heterodyne is not impressed.
131	-->'''Agatha:''' Why do I even ''have'' one of those?\
132	'''Tiktoffen:''' Huh. I'd ''wondered'' where that went on Tuesdays.
133	[[/folder]]
134
135	[[folder:Web Original]]
136	* ''Website/{{Neopets}}'' has a flash game called Darigan Dodgeball. Yes, [[EndlessGame dodgeball, but with spiked balls]].
137	[[/folder]]
138
139	[[folder:Western Animation]]
140	* ''WesternAnimation/AdventuresOfSonicTheHedgehog'': A particularly fancily described one (see the above quote) appears in the episode "[[Recap/AdventuresOfSonicTheHedgehogS01E06SonicBreakout Sonic Breakout]]", as one of the traps Robotnik has for Sonic's own wing in his [[HellholePrison Rot-Your-Life-Away Dungeon]], set to swing on the sight of anything the eponymous hedgehog's shade of blue. A captured Sonic takes advantage of it using a poster of himself (that [[ChekhovsGun he earlier got free]] in his issue of ''Crack-Ups'') that he sticks to Grounder's back, [[GuileHero causing the giant spikeball to demolish both his cell and guards]].
141	* ''WesternAnimation/LooneyTunes'': In ''WesternAnimation/ThereTheyGoGoGo'', Wile E. Coyote sets up a cluster of spike balls tethered to a pole, set spinning like a top, in the road -- they break loose and fly up a short distance and land right where he's hiding.
142	* ''WesternAnimation/StevenUniverse'': Steven is able to cover his standard bubble barrier with spikes, surrounding himself with one of these.
143	[[/folder]]

Context Main / SpikeBallsOfDoom