Big Sphen

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Split-arrows.svg It has been suggested that this page be split into the following: Big Sphen, Big Sphen (Big Top Bop). (discuss)
Big Sphen
Big Sphen.png
First appearance Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Wii U) (2014)
Latest appearance Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Nintendo Switch) (2018)
Variant of Tucks
Comparable

Big Sphens are enemies that appear in Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze and its Nintendo Switch port. They are fat, blue penguins with a yellow mohawk, a pair of brown wristbands, and a belt bearing the Snowmad insignia. Big Sphens usually carry a blowing horn with them. Their name comes from Sphenisciformes or Spheniscidae, which is the order and family penguins belong to, respectively.

The Kongs first encounter Big Sphens during the boss level Big Top Bop, where they assist Pompy.[1] They do not have blowing horns in the battle, and their initial attack is to jump out the water and pound onto the arena. Later in the battle, Pompy and three Big Sphens slide around on the arena, performing stunts and attempting to hit the Kongs. The Kongs have the option to avoid Big Sphens, but they are required to hit Pompy.

In later levels, starting with Seashore War, Big Sphens attack by blowing their horn, releasing icy creatures resembling butterfly fish, which slide continuously until they crash into a wall or get stomped by a Kong. Big Sphens move slowly back and forth after each attack. The Kongs can defeat them by jumping on them three times, rolling into them three times, or by throwing a barrel or enemy at them.

Names in other languages

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese ホーンペンゴー
Hōn Pengō
ペンゴー[2] (Big Top Bop)
Pengō
Horn Pengor

Pengor; a variation of「ペンガー」(Pengā, Tucks) and likely the given name "Igor"
German Kaiserpeinguin[?] -
Italian Pinguingo punk[?] Punk tusks
Spanish (NOE) Vilgüino emperador[?] Emperor tucks

References

  1. ^ von Esmarch, Nick, and Cory van Grier. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze PRIMA Official Game Guide. Page 55. "While he’s in the water, Pompy still utilizes his minions. During this phase of the battle, he starts by summoning a group of Big Sphens. Rather than use their standard attacks, these bulky enemies leap out of the water and slam down on the floor. You can simply dodge the enemies as they appear, but if you bop each Big Sphen as it lands, you can earn extra items like bananas or hearts."
  2. ^ 「ドンキーコングトロピカルフリーズ任天堂公式ガイドブック」 (Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze Nintendo Kōshiki Guidebook). Template:Media link.