User:Nintendo101

Casual Nintendo historian. Otherwise an artist and a professional zoologist. Bio degree. I've had an account here since 2012.

I wrote the character sections for Super Mario 64, Super Mario Galaxy 2, and Super Mario Odyssey. I contributed much of the article for Super Mario Sunshine and am currently working on Super Mario Galaxy.

I have been a fan of Nintendo since a very young age. My first Mario games (and three of the first video games I ever owned) were Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2, Super Mario 64 DS, and Mario Kart DS. These games were good company for a young kid who moved around a lot and had difficulty keeping long-lasting friends.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I sequentially played some of my favorite games in the Super Mario series to 100% completion. This includes, in order, Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 2, Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World, Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island, Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, Super Mario Galaxy, Super Mario Galaxy 2, and Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker. I will complete this marathon with Super Mario Odyssey. It's been really fun so far! These are great games, and I always wanted to marathon a series like this before but never had the time. It has been interesting to see where the series began and where it has ended up. The design philosophies, the characters, the art directions, world building, level design, narrative, etc. All good stuff. It might be fun to write something about it some day.

My favorite video game character is Yoshi.

Sandbox for current project

Setting

Prerelease screenshot of Mario long jumping across a flowery planet in Supermassive Galaxy.

Screenshot of Upside Dizzy, a galaxy staged on a two-dimensional plane.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 is set in outer space. With the exception of the prologue staged in the Mushroom Kingdom, all levels – referred to as "galaxies" in this game – occur on distant, offworld lands. A galaxy is a cluster of planetary objects and other celestial bodies that can be traveled between. Most of these objects have their own gravitational pull. This prevents Mario from falling off their edge and mitigates the chances of the player getting lost. There are few walls or ceilings on the planets to obstruct Mario's path, and if he keeps moving forward in one direction, he will return to his starting position. Most planets are spherical or at least have rounded edges to compliment this concept. Not all planets are structured like this: some are structured like traditional Super Mario courses and have their center of gravity below their mass.

Many galaxies take place on two-dimensional planes and Mario's movement options are restricted accordingly (i.e. when Mario is on a 2D side-scrolling plane, the player cannot tilt towards the z-axis to make him fall off the side). There are galaxies entirely on 2D planes, but also ones that feature both 2D and traditional 3D segments. Which one is usually restricted to specific planets and conveyed through environmental context. Many galaxies feature switches mounted into the landscape that change the entire level when interacted with. Some shift which direction gravity is pulled from the floor to the ceiling. Others slow down time, or shift placement when Mario spins.

The theme of space is more subdued in Super Mario Galaxy 2 than it is in its predecessor. While there are galaxies that feature skyboxes with nebulas and stars, the most recurring backdrop is a blue sky with fluffy clouds. However, the game does convey the outer space setting in ways distinctive from the first Super Mario Galaxy. As Starship Mario, the game's hub, travels through space, it passes asteroid belts, falling stars, and black holes. Lumas, star children introduced in its predecessor, appear in nearly all galaxies and on the hub. The game's thematic core is surreal and whimsical. Rather than resemble a spacecraft, the hub is a grassy planetoid shaped like Mario's head and has a wooden bow like a seafaring vessel. Gulls fly alongside the ship, as if it on the open ocean. The whole game is framed from the perspective of an unseen narrator reading a storybook to the player, and many locations have Carrollian elements. A pair of robots have tea together in a garden on Starship Mario. Several galaxies resemble topiaries and dollhouses. There are planets that look like wooden blocks, candies, clouds, and musical intrsuments.

According to producer Shigeru Miyamoto, the integration of 2D levels derived from a desire to make Super Mario Galaxy 2 more accessible and less daunting to players inexperienced with 3D platformers. Integration of elaborate switch elements bore from the desire to differentiate Super Mario Galaxy 2 from its predecessor similarly to how The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (2000) was differentiated from Ocarina of Time (1998). Many elements not present in the first Super Mario Galaxy informed the setting of the courses that feature them. For example, the first galaxy to feature the Spin Drill item, Spin-Dig Galaxy, visually alludes to construction sites and has enemies that tunnel through soil.

Galaxies

Main article: Galaxy

Artwork of World 1 (top) and World 5 (bottom). The former offers more unilateral progression, with the completion of a mission in one galaxy only grants the player access to one or two new galaxies. In World 5, completing Space Storm Galaxy immediately allows one access to four new galaxies in any order they choose.

In Super Mario Galaxy 2, levels are accessed linearly within worlds. This is a departure from the proceeding 3D Super Mario games and is comparable to the 2D ones. The player accesses worlds from the Starship Mario, a small planetoid that serves as the game's hub. When Mario steps on a panel on the starship's bow, the perspective rapidly pans out to a view of the current world. Starship Mario – itself shaped like the protagonist's head – is a stand-in for Mario himself that can be moved between galaxies like a cursor. Galaxies are unlocked unilaterally – collecting a Power Star within one opens up paths to the nearest galaxies. With the exception of World S, the final galaxy of each world is a boss galaxy that features a fight against Bowser Jr. or Bowser. Defeating them unlocks the following world. The earliest worlds have the simplest, most straightforward paths between galaxies, but the paths become more divergent with each world, enabling the player to visit galaxies in whatever order they want (see right).

Unlike proceeding games that feature worlds – like Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988) and New Super Mario Bros. (2006) – the galaxies within the worlds of Super Mario Galaxy 2 are not thematically unified. For example, World 3 contains galaxies themed around forests, snow, and haunted houses. While not all galaxies need to be completed, no numbered worlds can be skipped over to reach the end credits.

Each galaxy contains objectives called missions. Completing a mission has Mario obtaining one the galaxy's Power Stars. One mission correlates with one Power Star. The structure of missions is closely derived from the first Super Mario Galaxy (2007). However, there are fewer dedicated missions in individual galaxies, with none having more than three. By contrast, the most robust galaxies in Super Mario Galaxy had as many as six missions. Some missions have one or more hidden Green Stars that begin to appear once the player has collected 120 normal Power Stars. Like regular Power Stars, collecting one is considered as the end of the mission. Grandmaster Galaxy is the only course in the game to lack any Green Stars. Combined, there are 240 collectible Stars in the game, the same number in its predecessor.

There are galaxies that can only be unlocked by feeding Hungry Lumas a requested number of Star Bits. The appear on the world map and will transport to the Starship Mario when touched. There is one in every world. Hungry Lumas appear within galaxies too, but these individuals eat coins instead of Star Bits. Feeding one the requested amount causes it to transform into a planet that contains a Secret Star. Secret Star missions are otherwise unlocked by completing certain criteria. Doing so causes non-playable characters to write letters to Mario requesting his help or to challenge him in specific galaxies he has already visited at least once. The most recurring writer is The Chimp, a monkey from Fluffy Bluff Galaxy who considers Mario to be his rival.

After Mario has collected 30 Power Stars and completed "Bowser's Big Lava Power Party", his brother Luigi will begin to appear in some galaxies and offer to collect the Power Star for him. Selecting "yes" allows the player to control Luigi for the mission until it is completed or exited. Completing the mission as Luigi unlocks a staff ghost for the galaxy. When followed, it will lead the player towards hidden items or Secret Stars. Once "Bowser's Fortified Fortress" is completed, Luigi becomes permanently accessible via a room on Starship Mario's stern and can be played as in any level.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 is the first 3D Super Mario game to include a dedicated secret world accessible only after completing the main story, similar to the Special Zone of Super Mario World (1990) or World 9 of New Super Mario Bros. Wii (2009). Called World S, this world contains several galaxies based around planets from the first Super Mario Galaxy that have been modified in ways that make them more challenging.

There are 49 galaxies in the game. There are 50 if Starship Mario is included. The chart below lists the galaxies in the order that they appear on the Star List. The galaxies are seperated and color-coded according to the world they occur in. Each galaxy is given a brief description, an in-game screenshot, and a list of their missions. The descriptions come from the official Prima Guide for Super Mario Galaxy 2. There is a legend at the bottom of the chart that details what the symbols used in it represent.

Galaxies
World 1: The Great Space Journey Begins
01. Sky Station Galaxy ×6 ×9 ×2				Missions		02. Yoshi Star Galaxy ×6 ×8 ×2 ×1				Missions
				Peewee Piranha's Temper Tantrum ( ∙ )						Saddle Up with Yoshi ( ∙ ∙ )
				Storming the Sky Fleet ()						Spiny Control
				Peewee Piranha's Speed Run						Spiny Rainbow Romp
Sky Station Galaxy is composed of several small planetoids and a massive battle station. Most planets are host to some nasty little characters. It's also a great place to get used to using Launch Stars and learning how gravity holds you to planetoids in some situations but not in others. Unlock criterion: complete the prologue						The Yoshi Star Galaxy is where Mario first meets Yoshi on his travels across the cosmos. With this faithful buddy at Mario's side, Bowser doesn't stand a chance. Yoshi loves to nosh on berries, baddies, and power-ups, so indulge Yoshi's rumbly tummy and reap the benefits. Unlock criterion: complete "Peewee Piranha's Temper Tantrum"
03. Spin-Dig Galaxy ×6 ×7 ×2				Missions		04. Fluffy Bluff Galaxy ×6 ×4				Missions
				Digga-Leg's Planet ( ∙ )						Search for the Toad Brigade Captain ( ∙ ∙ )
				Silver Stars Down Deep ()						Every Planet Has Its Price
				Digga-Leg's Daredevil Run						The Chimp's Stomp Challenge
Spin-Dig Galaxy is the first place Mario discovers the Spin Drill, which lets him burrow through soft soil and discover buried treasure. The Spin Drill is also good for defeating tough-skinned enemies, which abound in this galaxy. Unlock criteria: collect 3 Power Stars and complete "Saddle Up with Yoshi"						The Fluffy Bluff Galaxy introduces the Cloud Flower, which turns you into Cloud Mario. Now you can spin to create cloud platforms and reach great heights! But be careful. The higher you go, the farther you can fall… Unlock criterion: complete "Digga-Leg's Planet"
05. Flip-Swap Galaxy () ×4 ×1				Missions		06. Rightside Down Galaxy ×4 ×2				Missions
				Think Before You Shake ( ∙ )						Breaking the Laws of Gravity ( ∙ )
				Purple Coin Flip 'n' Sprint						The Great Crate Incinerator
After you feed the Hungry Luma 300 Star Bits on the World Map, it flies off and transforms into the Flip-Swap Galaxy. Here, each spin flips platforms back and forth, eliminating old paths while creating new ones. You will be kept on your toes. Unlock criteria: collect 3 Power Stars, complete "Saddle Up with Yoshi", and feed the Luma 300 Star Bits						Rightside Down Galaxy introduces flipping gravity fields. One second your feet are on the ground, the next you're pulled to the ceiling. Watch the arrows in the background to see the current direction of the gravity and see if you cannot use the sudden switches to your advantage. Unlock criterion: complete "Digga-Leg's Planet"
07. Bowser Jr.'s Fiery Flotilla ×4 ×2 ×2				Missions
				Gobblegut's Aching Belly ( ∙ )
				Fiery Flotilla Speed Run
The first Grand Star is held by Bowser Jr. He uses it to power Gobblegut, a massive dragon that coils around the final planet in this galaxy. Gobblegut is the toughest enemy you have battled yet, but the fight is as fun as it is challenging. Unlock criteria: collect 7 Power Stars and complete a mission in Fluffy Bluff
World 2: Shooting Through the Stars
08. Puzzle Plank Galaxy ×6 ×6 ×2				Missions		09. Hightail Falls Galaxy ×6 ×7 ×3				Missions
				The Puzzling Picture Block ( ∙ ∙ )						Hot-Stepping Dash Pepper ( ∙ ∙ )
				Purple Coin Shadow Vault						Hightail Falls Speed Run
				Bugaboom's Back						Silver Stars in Hightail Falls
The Puzzle Plank Galaxy is a system of wooden blocks and boards. Buzz saws and bugs infest this galaxy, but if you are fleet-footed, you can keep one step ahead of danger and solve the riddles. Unlock criterion: complete "Gobblegut's Aching Belly"						Hightail Falls shoots into the sky, promising incredible rewards to heroes without fear of heights. With Yoshi's help, you can scale the falls and recover the lost Power Stars needed to unlock new worlds. Unlock criterion: complete a mission in Puzzle Plank
10. Boulder Bowl Galaxy ×6 ×6 ×1				Missions		11. Cosmic Cove Galaxy ×6 ×4				Missions
				Rock and Rollodillo ( ∙ ∙ )						Twin Falls Hideaway ()
				Rolling Crabber Romp						Exploring the Cosmic Cavern ( ∙ )
				C'mere, Goomba						Catch That Star Bunny
This galactic quarry is where you first discover the Rock Mushroom, which turns you into Rock Mario. With this new power, you can roll into a boulder and smash through objects and enemies. And there are plenty of enemies in this galaxy, too, just waiting for you to roll through. Unlock criterion: complete a mission in Puzzle Plank						Splash down in the Cosmic Cove Galaxy to swim with the penguins and discover a series of Power Stars, including a hidden star (unlocked by feeding a Hungry Luma 15 coins that sends you chasing a Star Bunny across an icy planetoid high above the cove). Unlock criterion: complete a mission in Hightail Falls or Boulder Bowl
12. Wild Glide Galaxy ×4 ×1				Missions		13. Honeybloom Galaxy () ×4 ×2				Missions
				Fluzzard's First Flight ( ∙ )						Bumble Beginnings ( ∙ )
				Jungle Fluzzard Race						The Secret Wall Jump
The Wild Glide Galaxy is home to Fluzzard, a shy but speedy bird. You must soar with Fluzzard to the finish line of this galaxy to secure the Power Stars. At first, you can only race against time, but after beating "Step to the Beep" in Beat Block Galaxy, you get an invitation to a competitive race for a second Power Star. Unlock criterion: complete a mission in Hightail Falls or Boulder Bowl						The Honeybloom Galaxy is the first place you find the Bee Mushroom, which gives you the power of flight. Buzzing is limited, but with Bee Mario, you can flutter to great heights and reach the Power Star high above this lush, flowery galaxy. Unlock criteria: complete a mission in Hightail Falls or Boulder Bowl and feed the Luma 700 Star Bits
14. Bowser's Lava Lair ×4 ×7 ×1				Missions
				Bowser's Big Lava Power Party ( ∙ )
				Lava Lair Speed Run
The Koopa King has set up his front line of defenses at the edge of this galaxy. Beyond lakes of lava, Bowser plots his next move. You must hurry through his trap-filled kingdom and challenge him for the second Grand Star. Without it, you cannot explore deeper into the cosmos and discover new worlds. Unlock criteria: collect 14 Power Stars and complete a mission in Cosmic Cove, Wild Glide, or Honeybloom
World 3: The Far Reaches of the Universe
15. Tall Trunk Galaxy ×6 ×5 ×1				Missions		16. Cloudy Court Galaxy ×6 ×5				Missions
				The Flotacious Blimp Fruit ( ∙ )						Head in the Clouds ( ∙ ∙ )
				Tall Trunk's Big Slide ()						The Shadow Lining
				Tall Trunk's Purple Coin Slide						Silver Stars in the Purple Pond
Tall Trunk Galaxy grows a fun fruit: the Blimp Fruit. This blue bite gives Yoshi the power of flight, which is essential for reaching the lofty heights in this galaxy, where the Power Stars dangle. Unlock criterion: complete "Bowser's Big Lava Power Party"						Dance to the beat among the clouds, jumping across cymbal-shaped planetoids and riding wind currents across empty space. Be sure to collect coins as you explore, because there's a Luma in this galaxy that needs a little encouragement to transform into a new planet. Unlock criterion: complete "Bowser's Big Lava Power Party"
17. Haunty Halls Galaxy ×6 ×4 ×1				Missions		18. Freezy Flake Galaxy ×6 ×6 ×1				Missions
				A Glimmer of Bulb Berry ( ∙ )						Bowser on Ice ( ∙ )
				Sneaking Down the Creepy Corridor ()						Sorbetti's Chilly Reception ()
				Spooky Cosmic Clone Chase						The Chimp's Skating Challenge
Dare you explore the Haunty Halls, home to the Boos? This creepy galaxy is where you first harvest the Bulb Berry, which lets Yoshi see otherwise invisible platforms. Without it, you'll never be able to find the Power Stars. Unlock criteria: complete a mission in Tall Trunk or Freezy Flake						Shivers and chills abound in the Freezy Flake Galaxy. You must use the Fire Flowers and Rock Mushrooms to locate the Power Stars in this frozen corner of space. The Chimp from Fluffy Bluff is here too, just waiting to challenge you to another game. Can you prove to The Chimp that you're the best skater in the galaxy? Unlock criterion: complete a mission in Cloudy Court or Haunty Halls
19. Rolling Masterpiece Galaxy ×4 ×9				Missions		20. Beat Block Galaxy () ×4 ×3 ×1				Missions
				Silver Chomp Grudge Match ( ∙ )						Step to the Beep ( ∙ )
				Masterpiece Speed Run						Silver Stars in Double Time
When you land in this artful galaxy, you are immediately given the Power Star. But it's locked inside a sphere. You must race to the finish line to unlock the Power Star. Unlock criterion: complete a mission in Freezy Flake						No wallflowers allowed! Jump to the beat in this musical galaxy. Platforms blink with the rhythm; you cannot stand still or else this galaxy will dance you out from under you feet, leaving you hanging over empty space. Unlock criterion: complete "A Glimmer of Bulb Berry" and feed the Luma 1000 Star Bits
21. Bowser Jr.'s Fearsome Fleet ×4 ×5 ×2 ×2				Missions
				Bowser Jr.'s Mighty Megahammer ( ∙ )
				Megahammer's Daredevil Bash
Bowser Jr. holds the next Grand Star. The Koopa King's offspring has a mighty pirate fleet he unleashes to slow you down, but with Yoshi at your side, you'll survive the ships. The massive robot Bowser Jr. is powering with the Grand Star is the toughest challenge yet, so be sure to seek out a Life Mushroom so you meet Megahammer prepared for battle. Unlock criteria: collect 28 Power Stars and complete "Bowser's Big Lava Power Party"
World 4: The Many Mysteries of the Cosmos
22. Supermassive Galaxy ×6 ×5				Missions		23. Flipsville Galaxy ×6 ×8 ×1				Missions
				Huge Trouble with Big Wigglers ( ∙ ∙ )						Flip-Flopping in Flipsville ( ∙ ∙ )
				Big Wigglers Speed Run						Flipsville's New Digs
				In Full Bloom						Purple Coin Spin Speed Run
Supermassive is composed of planets and enemies from previous adventures, but everything has been gigantic-sized. Though larger than you, these enemies are still vulnerable to your attacks so do not let their size scare you from questing for the Power Stars. Unlock criterion: complete "Bowser Jr.'s Mighty Megahammer"						Flipsville Galaxy has fun with the pull of gravity. You are usually pulled toward the floor, no matter which side of the planet you stand on. Use grates to flip back and forth between sides of the planets as you pursue the Power Stars. Unlock criterion: complete a mission in Supermassive or Sweet Mystery
24. Starshine Beach Galaxy ×6 ×2 ×2				Missions		25. Chompworks Galaxy ×6 ×5				Missions
				Surf, Sand, and Silver Stars ( ∙ )						Where the Chomps Are Made of Gold ( ∙ )
				Climbing the Cloudy Tower ()						Spring into the Chompworks ()
				Purple Coin Beach Dash						Cosmic Clones in the Chompworks
Starshine Beach looks like a wonderful place to vacation, but with Peach in peril and Bowser plotting, you have no time to catch a few rays. With Yoshi at your side, you must find the Power Stars of Starshine Beach to keep pushing deeper into the cosmos. Unlock criterion: complete a mission in Flipsville or Honeyhop						Ever wonder where all those giant Chomps come from? It turns out there's a planet out in deep space where Chomps just roll off an assembly line. Can you survive this fearsome factory and bring home some Power Stars? Unlock criterion: complete a mission in Flipsville or Honeyhop
26. Sweet Mystery Galaxy () ×4 ×2 ×2				Missions		27. Honeyhop Galaxy ×4 ×2				Missions
				Bulb Berry's Mysterious Glow ( ∙ )						The Sweetest Silver Stars ( ∙ )
				Bulb Berry's Purple Coin Glow						The Chimp's Score Challenge
Indulge your sweet tooth in this galaxy made of cookies and cakes. But not every delicious delight is out in the open. Yoshi must snack on Bulb Berries to make every platform visible. Without revealing a safe route through this galaxy, you'll never enjoy a dessert of Power Stars. Unlock criteria: complete "Bowser Jr.'s Mighty Megahammer" and feed the Luma 1200 Star Bits						The Queen Bee holds high court above Honeyhop Galaxy. If you can please her majesty, perhaps she will reward you handsomely with some Power Stars. And what's this about The Chimp hanging about, challenging galactic travelers to Octoomba-stomping contests? Unlock criterion: complete a mission in Supermassive
28. Bowser's Gravity Gauntlet ×4 ×4 ×1				Missions
				Breaking into Bowser's Castle ( ∙ )
				Gravity Star Speed Run
You've finally made it to the edge of World 4. Bowser lurks here, perfecting his schemes at the heart of his flying castle. Survive his gauntlet of tricks and traps, outsmarting ever-changing gravity fields. If you make it through Bowser's defenses, the Koopa King has no choice but to battle you for possession of a Grand Star. Unlock criteria: collect 40 Power Stars and complete a mission in Starshine Beach or Chompworks
World 5: Trial of the Galaxies
29. Space Storm Galaxy ×6 ×5				Missions		30. Slipsand Galaxy ×6 ×5 ×2				Missions
				Follow Me, Bob-omb ()						Squizzard's Sandy Sinkhole ( ∙ ∙ )
				To the Top of Topman's Tower ( ∙ )						Sailing the Sandy Seas
				C'mere, Topman						Squizzard's Daredevil Run
The Space Storm Galaxy is a collection of derelict battle stations and Pull Stars. You spend a lot of time hanging out over nothing but a great void, so keep a steady hand on those Pull Stars! Unlock criterion: complete "Breaking into Bowser's Castle"						The parched Slipsand Galaxy is a dangerous desert loaded with challenges like a giant sand slide and rolling Rhomps. Things get even trickier when you travel to a great expanse of the desert and must ride on the back of a bird that can disappear when it hits hazards… too bad you don't have the same skill. Unlock criterion: complete a mission in Space Storm
31. Shiverburn Galaxy ×6 ×4 ×1				Missions		32. Boo Moon Galaxy ×6 ×5				Missions
				Prince Pikante's Peppery Mood ( ∙ ∙ )						Silver Stars Pop-Up ( ∙ ∙ )
				Octo-Army Icy Rainbow Romp						Haunting the Howling Tower
				The Chimp's Ultimate Skating Challenge						The Star in the Sinking Swamp
Shiverburn Galaxy is a system of polar opposites. One second you are trying to keep your feet out of a lava lake, the next you are figure skating over a glassy sheet of ice. But one thing remains constant here: every enemy wants to deny you those Power Stars. Unlock criterion: complete a mission in Space Storm						Once in a Boo Moon… this haunted galaxy is home to a whole host of Boos, so get ready to play a little hide-and-seek with these spectral foes. You also discover the Boo Mushroom here, though, so at least you can turn the tables when wearing the Boo Mushroom. Unlock criterion: complete a mission in Space Storm
33. Upside Dizzy Galaxy ×4 ×2				Missions		34. Fleet Glide Galaxy () ×4 ×1				Missions
				A Walk on the Weird Side ( ∙ )						Fluzzard's Wild Battlefield Glide ( ∙ )
				Burning Upside Dizzy						Fastest Feathers in the Galaxy
Upside Dizzy Galaxy is a funhouse of gravity, where down is up and up is down. Unless gravity reverses itself. And then everything is normal again. But that usually only lasts for a few seconds in this topsy-turvy galaxy. Unlock criterion: complete a mission in Space Storm						The Fleet Glide Galaxy is a giant battle station. While clutching Fluzzard's talons, you must soar above the station and dive through some tight tunnels to win the Power Stars and escape with your hide. Unlock criteria: complete a mission in Space Storm and feed the Luma 1500 Star Bits
35. Bowser Jr.'s Boom Bunker ×4 ×6 ×2				Missions
				Bowser Jr.'s Boomsday Machine ( ∙ )
				Boomsday Machine Daredevil Run
While Bowser licks his wounds from your last battle, Bowser Jr. resumes the quest to keep you from scoring Grand Stars. You must fight your way to Bowser Jr.'s last stand and defeat his latest invention, the Boomsday Machine, to earn the Grand Star that opens up the next world. Unlock criteria: collect 55 Power Stars and complete a mission in Space Storm
World 6: Bowser in Your Sights
36. Melty Monster Galaxy ×6 ×9 ×2				Missions		37. Clockwork Ruins Galaxy ×6 ×8 ×2 ×1				Missions
				The Magnificent Magma Sea ( ∙ )						Time for Adventure ( ∙ ∙ )
				A Stroll Down Rolling Lane ()						The Adventure of the Purple Coins
				The Chimp's Bowling Challenge						The Ledge Hammer Trap
Magmaws and Magmaarghs erupt from the lava-soaked worlds of this galaxy, splashing the skies with molten earth in hopes of keeping you from collecting the Power Stars. Unlock criterion: complete "Bowser Jr.'s Boomsday Machine"						Can you survive the cogs and wheels built into these ancient ruins? Drive into empty holes to avoid getting smashed by rolling wheels. And be sure to collect coins as you explore because there's a little Luma in this galaxy that would gladly accept your spare change in exchange for revealing the hidden Power Star. Unlock criterion: complete a mission in Melty Monster
38. Throwback Galaxy ×6 ×7 ×2				Missions		39. Battle Belt Galaxy ×6 ×4				Missions
				Return of the Whomp King ( ∙ )						Mini-Planet Mega-Run ( ∙ ∙ )
				Silver Stars in the Whomp Fortress ()						Mini-Planet Daredevil Run
				Whomp Silver Star Speed Run						Snacktime for Gobblegut
Longtime fans will recognize this galaxy -- it's the pyramid from Super Mario 64. And just as before, the Whomp King is waiting for you somewhere on this planet. Unlock criteria: collect 60 Power Stars and complete a mission in Clockwork Ruins						The Battle Belt Galaxy is a series of planets, all infested with infested with enemies from previous galaxies. As you bounce from planetoid to planetoid, you must defeat Crabbers, Jack O' Goombas, Li'l Cinders, and more to unlock the Launch Stars that propel you toward the Power Star. Unlock criteria: collect 65 Power Stars and complete "Return of the Whomp King"
40. Flash Black Galaxy () ×4 ×1				Missions		41. Slimy Spring Galaxy ×4 ×2				Missions
				Jumping Around in the Dark ( ∙ )						The Deep Shell Well ( ∙ )
				Dark Octo-Army Romp						The Chimp's Coin Challenge
Darkness reigns in this spooky galaxy. Every few seconds, lightning crackles across the sky and reveals the architecture of a haunted mansion and a maze of platforms out over empty space. Use those flashes so you aren't stumbling around in the dark. Unlock criteria: complete a mission in Melty Monster and feed the Luma 1800 Star Bits						Grab a shell and dive into Slimy Spring Galaxy. This underwater course leads you through a garden of Snoodle, chambers full of Boos, and a pair of writhing [Gringill]]s. Don't worry. A beautiful sunrise awaits on the far side side of this watery world. Unlock criterion: complete "Jumping Around in the Dark"
42. Bowser's Galaxy Generator ×4 ×2 ×2				Missions
				Bowser's Fortified Fortress ( ∙ )
				Bowser's Big Bad Speed Run
This is it -- Bowser's last stand in the cosmos. If you can survive his trap-loaded defenses and Magmaargh minions, Bowser will challenge you to a final showdown for the sixth Grand Star. Bowser will not go quietly, though. You must muster all your strength to bring down the Koopa King and free the universe from his evil plans. Unlock criteria: collect 70 Power Stars and complete a mission in Battle Belt or Slimy Spring
World S: Here We Go!
43. Mario Squared Galaxy ×4 ×1				Missions		44. Rolling Coaster Galaxy ×4 ×1				Missions
				Make Mario a Star ( ∙ )						The Rainbow Road Roll ( ∙ )
				Luigi's Purple Coin Chaos						Purple Coins on the Rainbow Road
Mario Squared Galaxy is shaped like classic Mario from his 8-bit adventures. The red in Mario's overalls is actually colored in by lava, so be careful you don't singe your behind on your own duds. Unlock criterion: complete "Bowser's Fortified Fortress"						The Rolling Coaster Galaxy is modeled after one of Mario's favorite karting tracks. However, there are no wheels to be found here. Instead, you must roll through this colorful cosmic challenge on a sphere. The Power Star you seek is actually right under your toes. Unlock criteria: collect 75 Power Stars and complete a mission in Mario Squared
45. Twisty Trials Galaxy ×4 ×4 ×1				Missions		46. Stone Cyclone Galaxy ×4 ×1				Missions
				Spinning and Spinning and Spinning ( ∙ )						Silver Stars on the Cyclone ( ∙ )
				Turning Turning Double Time						Tox Box Speed Run
The planets in this galaxy are spinning blocks that never slow down. You must jump from block to block, carefully stepping over the edges so you constantly stay on flat surfaces and are not dumped out into the void. Unlock criteria: collect 80 Power Stars and complete a mission in Rolling Coaster						Remember this planet from Super Mario Galaxy? It's back and tougher than ever. The Tox Box menace on this planet has gone critical, with these rolling giants dominating every square inch of solid ground. Seek refuge in the gaping maws of the Tox Boxes as they roll by so you aren't squashed. Unlock criteria: collect 90 Power Stars and complete a mission in Twisty Trials
47. Boss Blitz Galaxy ×4 ×6 ×10				Missions		48. Flip-Out Galaxy () ×4 ×2				Missions
				Throwback Throwdown ( ∙ )						Wicked Wall Jumps ( ∙ )
				Throwback Throwdown Speed Run						Cosmic Clone Wall Jumpers
This galaxy is a rogue's gallery of bosses from the first Super Mario Galaxy. Dino Piranha, King Kaliente, Major Burrows, and Bouldergeist have all booked return tickets to the cosmos for this challenge. But none of them is as tough as Fiery Dino Piranha. That fired-up Piranha Plant is back and madder than ever! Unlock criteria: collect 100 Power Stars and complete a mission in Stone Cyclone						This is one of the galaxies in the cosmos. You must spin to swap colorful blocks in the galaxy, creating a series of walls to jump up. The catch? Most of the planets in this galaxy have limited or no floors, so you better be at the top of your game if you want to nab the Power Stars here. Unlock criteria: collect 110 Power Stars, complete a mission in Boss Blitz, and feed the Luma 2000 Star Bits
49. Grandmaster Galaxy ×2 ×7 ×2				Missions
				The Ultimate Test
				The Perfect Run
Welcome to the final challenge of the cosmos, where your skills will be put to incredible test. Precise jumping, perfect landings, and smart use of power-ups are required to locate the Power Star in this galaxy. And if you think this contest is tough on your first visit, wait until you attempt it when the prankster comet is overhead… Unlock criterion: collect 240 Power Stars
Level chart information and legend: Galaxies accessed from inside a dome are designated with a unique number. This number correlates with the galaxy's listing on the in-game Star List. Galaxies accessed by feeding Hungry Lumas are appendixed with (). Four symbols convey attributes about each galaxy: denotes the total number of obtainable Power Stars; denotes the total number of reachable areas; denotes the number of missions that feature Yoshi; and denotes the number of boss battles. The name of each mission is accompanied by a symbol that indicates what type of mission it is and the type of Power Star obtained. denotes a normal mission; denotes a Grand Star mission; denotes a Prankster Comet mission; and denotes an intramissionary Secret Star. Missions that contain hidden Green Stars are appendixed with one or more , depending on how many there are.

Prankster Comets

No galaxy has more than one non-green Prankster Comet

Starship Mario

Hub terraformed to look like Mario's head by Lubba

Rouge group of Lumas live on it, inc. Lubba and Baby Luma

As Mario progresses, power-ups are added to the engine room. Cloud Flower and Yoshi Egg become usable. Visual mark of progress.

Stowaways

Another mark of progress - NPCs permently board the ship once specific criteria are met (what are they? Just finishing certain missions or are they tied to Power Stars?)

The NPCs share tricks on level progression and actions: some allude to late-game secrets, or are marks of progress for the player

As the Starship becomes more lively, the music becomes more flourished and complex

(include mini list for NPCs, unlock criteria, and their quotes - no pictures. The pictures for characters are in the following section)

No Piantas :< mw-collapsible mw-collapsed navbox mario border-collapse:collapse

No.	Name	Unlock criterion	Placement	Dialogue
01	Yoshi	Complete "Saddle Up with Yoshi".	tip of nose	none
02	Yellow Toad	Complete "Digga-Leg's Planet".	below right ear	"Hey--everyone's waiting for you on the Starshroom! We found a , so we're keeping it there for you."
03	Banktoad	Accumulate 7 Power Stars.	small patch of white flowers on the deck	"Hello from your friendly Banktoad! I can help share your stash of Star Bits with other adventurers!"
04	Mailtoad	Accumulate 13 Power Stars.	patch of red flowers on the deck	"Hello! I've held on to every I've recieved! Here--look…"
05	Star Bunny	Complete "Think Before You Shake".	under right ear lobe	"Shake when you're in midjump! Spinning will give you just a little more OOMPH! How do you think I jump so high, boiyoing? Try it with me!"
06	Honeybee	Complete "The Secret Wall Jump".	left of the middle engine	"Bet you'd like to know our secret… When we get coins in the air, we can fly farther!"
07	Penguin	Complete "Exploring the Cosmic Cavern".	back of the head, near the tea set	"Shake when you're in the water for a burst of speed! A lot of penguins don't know that…"
08	Jibberjay	Complete "Jungle Fluzzard Race".	near the path above the left sideburn	"Listen up! Listen up! There's a trick to going fast with Fluzzard! Point down to dive! Keep diving to go fast! Dive! Dive whenever you can! Fast! Fast!"
09	First Lumalee	Collect one Power Star in World 3.	Pipe Room in the left ear	"Lumalee! ♪ Lumalop! ♪ Welcome to the Luma Shop! Care to spin a Chance Cube for only 30 Star Bits?"
10	Whittle	Complete "Tall Trunk's Big Slide".	behind the left ear	"Collect many ? Comet arrive! First time in galaxy… Always one somewhere! Look hard."
11	Gold Gearmo	Complete "C'mere, Goomba".	at tea set	"I kinda dig those guys!"
12	Silver Gearmo	Complete "C'mere, Topman".	at tea set	"I just love the way those li'l red guys spin!"
13	Second Lumalee	Complete "The Magnificent Magma Sea".	Pipe Room in the left ear	"Care to spin 5 Chance Cubes for only 100 coins?"
14	Bob-omb Buddy	Complete "Return of the Whomp King".	near bridge, north of tea set	"Have you heard of this mythical, legendary world? It sounds like an amazing place, but I wonder how you get there…"
15	First Green Luma	Complete "Throwback Throwdown".	left of the stern, by the tree	"Seeking the cosmic jewels…it's been our lifelong pursuit… There is a saying that 'they can be found when all the stars have been collected…'"
16	Second Green Luma	Accumulate 120 Power Stars.	left of the stern, by the tree	"The universe is so full of joy… Have you ever seen a cosmic jewel? They have such a happy shine! And if you listen closely, you can hear the wonderful tinkling sound when one is nearby! Seriously!"
17	Rosalina	Complete "The Perfect Run".	big patch of white flowers on the deck	"I want to give you my thanks."