Template:Item-infobox Kick Bombs[1] are bombs introduced in Super Mario 3D World. They are patterned after soccer balls to indicate that they cannot be grabbed, but are instead kicked forward. Kick Bombs are only found in Bowser's Highway Showdown and Bowser's Lava Lake Keep, where they are either idly resting, shot out of Cannons, or thrown by Bowser while he rides his Koopa Chase. When shot or thrown, they will roll in the direction they came from, eventually flashing red before exploding.
If a character walks or runs into a Kick Bomb, they will kick it in the direction they were moving, and it will explode upon contact with a wall, enemy, or block. Normal Kick Bombs can also be swiped at or rolled into, making them fly faster, higher, and farther than if they were ran into. These explosions are capable of breaking Rock Blocks and defeating enemies. However, a character cannot touch a Kick Bomb that is flashing red, as it will explode and hurt them.
During the two Bowser boss battles in these levels, the Kick Bombs he tosses are the only way to defeat him without a power-up. If these Kick Bombs are swiped at or rolled into and hit Bowser, they will do triple the damage, potentially allowing for Bowser to be defeated in three hits instead of nine.
In the Bowser's Fury campaign of Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury, gigantic Kick Bombs are summoned by Fury Bowser during his final battle. Giga Cat Mario can kick or claw them to send them back at Fury Bowser, damaging him and leaving him vulnerable.
Names in other languages
| Language | Name | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese | キックボム[2] Kikku Bomu |
Kick Bomb | |
| German | Kick-Bombe[?] | Kick Bomb | |
| Italian | Pallone Bomba[?] | Bomb Ball |