What happens when you 100% Mario Galaxy?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

As a veteran Mario expert with over 300 combined hours across the 3D entries, I‘m all too familiar with the ups and downs of striving for total completion. And when it comes to ambitious undertakings in Nintendo‘s masterful library, few compare to maxing out Super Mario Galaxy at 100%.

Just How Much Content Are We Talking?

Spanning a vibrant interconnected network of over 40 dazzling galaxies, SMG contains a staggering 242 stars for completionists to collect. Fortunately, the core requirement for the special unlocks is snagging 120 as Mario first. But consider the scale of that alone:

  • 19 regular galaxies x 7 stars = 133 stars
  • 2 Trial galaxies x 2 stars = 4 stars
  • 30 hidden stars scattered about (comets/hungry luma purchases)
  • Final Bowser x 2 battles = 2 stars

Expanding on that last bullet point, beating the game opens up platforms holding secret stars. And discovering hungry comets lets you re-challenge galaxies under special conditions – timed runs, daredevil no-damage clears, coin collections and more. Just look at Battlerock Galaxy‘s imposing lineup requiring an additional six more victories:

So even navigating what constitutes a "normal" run entails exploring every nook and cranny thoroughly. Now let‘s see what the true 100% completionists are up against!

The True Finale: The Grand Finale Galaxy

Meeting the 120 stars as Mario reveal‘s SMG‘s biggest secret in the form of the Grand Finale Galaxy. This mysterious planet serves as the gateway to a new batch of six previous galaxies. But now they‘re colorfully remixed featuring overpowered bosses, fluorescent aesthetics and the catch:

All previous silver stars are replaced with tricky-to-reach hidden ones!

It transforms and elevates galaxies you mastered into refreshing, alien-like mirrored dimension challenges. And conquering Dino Piranha as a literally electrifying gigantic Fiery variant proves immensely satisfying. Just getting to these planets alone requires skill too – say hello to flipping gravity mechanics as you daringly navigate the visually stunning Grand Finale.

The Ultimate Victory Lap: Purple Coins on the Grand Finale

Collecting all re-hidden silver stars across the galaxies unlock one last epic test in the form of the aptly named mission "Purple Coins on the Grand Finale." And it‘s just as terrifying as it sounds – scour the various planets for 100 vanishing purple coins with barely 4 minutes to spare. Missing even a few necessitates starting completely over!

It pushes your mastery of FLUDD hovering, long jumps, utilization of launch stars and lightning fast mental mapping to their absolute limits. The sensation of snatching that last coin in the nick of time proves euphoric. And your reward? One extra 121st star just because Nintendo felt like toying with our emotions a bit longer!

Luigi‘s Turn: The Super Luigi Galaxy

Ah Luigi. Ever the underdog. With Mario doing the heavy star collecting, his lanky brother can finally join in on the action afterwards in Super Luigi Galaxy mode. And he plays noticeably differently thanks to higher floating jumps and slippery traction true to his trademark awkwardness.

Racing daredevil comets as Luigi ratchets up the difficulty too. But now new star bunnies and question-marked SOS signs populate the galaxies as well. Locate five special stars and one of the cosmos‘ deepest secrets emerges…

The Planet of Trials

So about that last secret alluded too – the Planet of Trials galaxy. With both bros. saving their damsel and princess (yes Rosalina counts too!), this utlimate challenge gauntlet manifests. And it consists of five punishing galaxies re-using assets to craft diabolical obstacle courses. We‘re talking barely navigable rotating planets, Wing Cap & Rainbow Star timed runs, and a creeping darkness eliminating safe footing.

The Path of Trials earn its name by testing players‘ platforming abilities past the breaking point. But emerging victorious grants one final 121st star to a playable hero worthy of the glorious moniker Grand Star Champion!

Estimated Game Length Comparison

As one may expect, pursuing 100% completion tacks on significant additional playtime. According to HowLongToBeat, a normal playthrough runs players about 14 1/2 hours. But the completionist averages shoot up drastically in comparison:

So in total, be prepared to invest around 36 hours for full mastery! Having conquered both versions multiple times however, I can assure the rewards outweigh the long journey. Just make sure you stretch those fingers and give your eyes the occasional break!

Changes & Updates in Super Mario 3D All-Stars

While the Nintendo Wii original provides most of that classic experience, the recent Super Mario 3D All-Stars September 2020 compilation for Nintendo Switch does integrate some adjustments:

  • The photo rewards now save directly to your screenshot gallery rather than sending messages to friends
  • Smoother 60 FPS performance and 1080p graphics
  • Joycon motion controls tailored to each game‘s mechanics
  • Subtly reorchestrated soundtrack
  • Luigi controls even slipperier than before!

So while largely faithful, the 3D All-Stars version enhances and modernizes SMG‘s magical adventure just enough. Plus having portable local co-op with a friend makes nailing certain tough stars far more manageable!

In Conclusion

Reviewing the many stars that await on this special Super Mario journey fills me with gleeful nostalgia. 100%-ing Galaxy demands sharp platforming prowess, navigation mastery and serious persistence through punishing Power Star tasks – easily over 300 individual objectives.

But clearing that final Fateful Star on the Planet of Trials grants a powerful rush of adrenaline and joy. Plus basking in the special ending‘s quiet poignancy after so much struggle feels appropriate. So if you‘re seeking a formidable but immensely rewarding challenge as a 3D Mario vet, claim your own Super Star Summit! Just don‘t let your family or employers see how many hours go into the glorious ordeal…

What favorite Galaxy stars or moments stuck out during your playthroughs? And have you joined the 100% Star Club? Let me know in the comments below!

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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