Super Mario Galaxy: Difference between revisions

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|align=center style="background:#FFFFFF"|[[File:SMG Purple Star Bit Artwork.png|x65px]]<br>[[Star Bit]]s
|align=center style="background:#FFFFFF"|[[File:SMG Purple Star Bit Artwork.png|x65px]]<br>[[Star Bit]]s
|Colorful celestial objects that are eaten by Lumas. They are found floating in space or raining from the sky. They are collected when Mario makes physical contact or when they are touched with the [[Star Cursor]]. The Star Cursor works like a {{wp|reticle}}: pressing {{button|wii|B}} shoots a Star Bit at its on-screen positioning. Most enemies are stunned when struck by Star Bits. Holding {{button|wii|B}} makes Star Bits fire continuously. Fired Star Bits cannot be recovered. [[Hungry Luma]]s transform into planets and galaxies when fed a requested number of Star Bits. Mario does not lose accumulated Star Bits if he loses a life during a mission, and they are added to total when he returns to the observatory. Collecting fifty Star Bits gives Mario an extra life.
|Colorful celestial objects that are eaten by Lumas. They are found floating in space or raining from the sky. They are collected when Mario makes physical contact or when they are touched with the [[Star Cursor]]. The Star Cursor works like a {{wp|reticle}}: pressing {{button|wii|B}} shoots a Star Bit at its on-screen positioning. Most enemies are stunned when struck by Star Bits. Holding {{button|wii|B}} makes Star Bits fire continuously. Fired Star Bits can be recovered by spinning, but only while using a Red Star or while underwater. [[Hungry Luma]]s transform into planets and galaxies when fed a requested number of Star Bits. Mario does not lose accumulated Star Bits if he loses a life during a mission, and they are added to total when he returns to the observatory. Collecting fifty Star Bits gives Mario an extra life.
|align=center style="background:#FFFFFF"|[[File:SMG Asset Model Star Chip (Yellow).png|x65px]]<br>Yellow [[Star Chip]]s
|align=center style="background:#FFFFFF"|[[File:SMG Asset Model Star Chip (Yellow).png|x65px]]<br>Yellow [[Star Chip]]s
|Star fragments that each represent one-fifth of a [[Launch Star]] or [[Sling Star]]. Collecting five causes them to merge into either depending on the environmental context.
|Star fragments that each represent one-fifth of a [[Launch Star]] or [[Sling Star]]. Collecting five causes them to merge into either depending on the environmental context.

Revision as of 14:00, August 10, 2022

"Mario Galaxy" redirects here. For the stage in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, see Mario Galaxy (stage).
This article is about the game known as "Super Mario Wii" in Korean. For the game commonly referred to as "Super Mario Wii" in other languages, see New Super Mario Bros. Wii.
Not to be confused with Super Galaxy.
Super Mario Galaxy
Boxart for Super Mario Galaxy.
For alternate box art, see the game's gallery.
Developer Nintendo EAD Tokyo
Publisher Nintendo
Platform(s) Wii, Wii U, Nvidia Shield (Mainland China only)[1]
Release date Original release:
Template:Release Nintendo Selects:
Template:Release Wii U (digital download):
Template:ReleaseNvidia Shield:
Template:Release[?]
Language(s) English (United Kingdom)
English (United States)
French (France)
French (Canada)
German
Spanish (Spain)
Spanish (Latin America)
Italian
Japanese
Simplified Chinese1
Korean

1 - Exclusive to the Nvidia Shield version.
Genre Platformer, Action-adventure
Rating(s) Original release:
ESRB:E - Everyone
PEGI:3 - Three years and older
CERO:A - All ages
ACB:G - General
USK:6 - Six years and older
RARS:0+ - All ages
GRAC:All - All ages
Nintendo Selects:
Wii U (digital download):
ACB:PG - Parental Guidance
Mode(s) Single-player
Two-player co-op
Input
Wii:
Wii U:

Super Mario Galaxy is a 3D action-adventure platformer game for the Wii console, first released in Japan on November 1, 2007. It is the third main Mario 3D platformer, and the follow-up to Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine. However, unlike the previous two 3D adventure installments for the Mario franchise, this game takes place in deep space. Most of the game's levels consist of many small planets and planetoids, while others have bigger planets. Upon its release, Super Mario Galaxy received some of the highest review scores and appraisals of any Wii game to date, and of any game overall. Since its release, the game has sold nearly 13 million copies, making it the ninth best-selling Wii game, and earning a Nintendo Selects re-release.[2] The save data description for the game is "Launch into a cosmic adventure!"

A sequel to this game, Super Mario Galaxy 2, was released three years later on May 22, 2010. A port of the game is bundled in with Super Mario 3D All-Stars, alongside Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine, for the Nintendo Switch, released on September 18, 2020, featuring the original game with upscaled graphics.[3]

Story

From the instruction booklet

Every hundred years, a huge comet flies by in the skies above the Mushroom Kingdom. One year, that comet filled the entire sky, and from it fell a stream of shooting stars. The Toads scooped up the Star Bits and brought them to the castle, where they were reborn as a great Power Star. It was a happy time in the Mushroom Kingdom. Then one night Mario received a letter...

Dear Mario, I'll be waiting for you at the castle on the night of the Star Festival. There's something I'd like to give you. From Peach

With invitation in hand, Mario headed off to the castle just as the Star Festival was getting into full swing. Surrounded by Toads gleefully trying to catch falling Star Bits, Mario was looking forward to the night's festivities.

But then, something happened...

Castle Gardens
Castle Gardens, the beginning area.

Every hundred years, on the eve of the Star Festival, a comet passes over the Mushroom Kingdom and causes magical stars and stardust to fall to the planet below. Peach invites Mario to her castle to join in the festivities and receive a special gift. As Mario arrives in the Castle Gardens, Bowser suddenly attacks the Toads with his airships and encases them in crystals. He "invites" Peach to the creation of his brand new galaxy and lifts the castle off the ground with a UFO to carry it to the center of the universe. Before Mario can reach Peach, Kamek casts a spell at him, sending him into space. An apricot-colored Luma, whom Peach was carrying before her abduction, flees to look for Mario before Kamek warps the castle away with another spell.

Peach's Castle in Super Mario Galaxy
Peach's castle being lifted into space.

Mario is awoken by the apricot-colored Luma on a small grassy planet. Here, he meets other Lumas and Rosalina, a mysterious woman who acts as the protector of the galaxies and the mother of the Lumas. She tells Mario that her ship, the Comet Observatory, had its Power Stars stolen by Bowser. Without them, the Comet Observatory is unable to move through space. Rosalina asks him to reclaim her Power Stars. In exchange, she offers to help rescue Peach and defeat Bowser. Rosalina gives him the apricot-colored Luma to help him on his quest. He grants Mario the ability to spin and travel through space. Together, they travel to various galaxies in opened domes to obtain Power Stars. Once a mission is completed in one galaxy, Mario collects a Power Star and unlocks the next mission. Most domes contain five galaxies. Once Mario has collected enough Power Stars, the next galaxy in the current dome is an enemy base where either Bowser or Bowser Jr. would be using the power of one of the Grand Stars, large varieties of Power Stars. Rescuing the Grand Star unlocks the next dome. When enough Power Stars are collected, the Comet Observatory takes Mario to the center of the universe.

Mario flying with Peach after rescuing her.

Once there, Mario defeats Bowser in his brand new galaxy, retrieves the last Grand Star, and rescues Peach. Just then, a large sun in Bowser's near-complete galaxy undergoes a supernova and becomes a supermassive black hole which begins pulling in everything. The Lumas from the Comet Observatory, including the apricot-colored Luma, throw themselves into the black hole in order to neutralize it, and it soon evaporates in a massive explosion. Mario appears in front of Rosalina, who saves him from the cataclysm and tells him that this is not the end, but a new beginning for the universe, which repeats its cycle indefinitely, each time a little differently.

Mario later awakens in the Mushroom Kingdom near Peach's Castle. He sees characters and enemies he met throughout his adventure celebrating together. Bowser and Peach lie next to him and begin to stir. When he looks into the air, he notices a newborn galaxy as Rosalina's words echo in his mind, and exclaims, "Welcome! Welcome new galaxy!" The camera pans out into space, revealing the reconstructed universe. After 120 Power Stars have been collected, a special cutscene plays after the staff roll: Rosalina thanks the player and says, "I will watch over you from beyond the stars." before flying off with the Comet Observatory. Alone in the rubble left by the supermassive black hole, an apricot-colored Luma appears behind a decrepit starship. This alludes to the idea of how the universe repeats itself. The events of the past will carry out anew, with the lost apricot Luma searching for its mother.

Gameplay

Basic gameplay

Gameplay is somewhat different from the previous Mario titles, as rather than being played strictly in 2D or 3D, the game occasionally shifts from 3D to 2D and vice versa (although the core gameplay is largely in 3D); the game also utilizes sphere walking. Even with these changes, however, the gameplay heavily resembles Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine, with a similar camera system and similar gameplay mechanics.

Basic controls

Pull Stars are used by pointing the Star Cursor at them and pressing A Button.

The game has several innovations and additions to the basic 3D Mario game concept. Mario is controlled with the analog stick and can jump with the A Button. The Nunchuk Z Button works just as the Z Button trigger did in Super Mario 64. The player uses it to make Mario crouch, do Backwards Somersaults, Side Somersaults, and Long Jumps. Mario can also Triple Jump by jumping with precise timing three times, each time jumping higher than before. The Nunchuk C Button centers the camera behind Mario, while the +Control Pad can adjust the camera angle manually. By pressing +Control Pad up, the player can enter a first-person perspective.

The game also uses the motion sensors of the Wii Remote. The pointer of the Remote appears as the Star Cursor on the screen. The Star Cursor is used to perform a variety of actions, such as using Pull Stars, manipulating Sling Pods, and collecting Star Bits. Shaking the Wii Remote or Nunchuk makes Mario perform a spin.

Artwork of Mario performing a Spin in Super Mario Galaxy
Mario's spin move can defeat enemies or activate machines.

By pressing B Button, players can fire a Star Bit. When enemies are hit by a Star Bit, they are stunned and can be defeated with a touch, releasing Star Bits. Mario can also defeat most enemies by jumping on them, which creates a coin Mario can use to heal HP. Using the spin to defeat enemies is also possible. Spinning may also stop an enemy from attacking; if Bowser and Mario both spin at the same time, both moves get canceled. Also, if Mario or Luigi Long Jumps then lands on the ground and quickly does a spin, they will do a small pirouette. The player can use any of these tactics to defeat regular enemies, though special enemies such as the Big Goomba in the Gateway Galaxy might require a spin. Several enemies are, however, much easier to defeat by shooting them than by jumping on them. As in Super Mario Sunshine, Mario can jump on NPCs to gain extra height or annoy them.

Swimming is fairly simple. Mario can change his direction by using the analog stick and can dive by pressing Z. Breaststrokes are possible by pressing A Button repeatedly while swimming forward. Mario must return to the surface or collect air bubbles periodically in order to refill his air supply. Failure to do so could result in losing a life.

Skating is a technique used when on ice. Mario merely needs to spin while walking, and he starts to skate.

There is also a move that is not explained in the instruction booklet. If the player, while airborne, both shakes the controller and presses Nunchuk Z Button (to spin and Ground Pound at the same time), they perform a special ground pound that homes in on nearby enemies. If there is no enemy nearby, Mario does a fancier ground pound. This move returns in the game's sequel, also unexplained in the packaged materials.

Co-Star Mode

Featured in Super Mario Galaxy is a multiplayer mode called Co-Star Mode. By simply connecting a second Wii Remote, another player can join in and assist the first player by controlling a second Star Cursor, and in doing so can accomplish a variety of different things, some of which the first player can do, but many of which the first player cannot do. When Co-Star Mode is active, "1P" appears below Player 1's Star Cursor, and "2P" appears below Player 2's Star Cursor to help differentiate between them. When Co-Star Mode is not in use, these indicators no longer appear beneath either player's Star Cursors, until such time as Co-Star Mode becomes active again. The second player can collect Star Bits and fire them at enemies to briefly stun them. When the second Star Cursor is pointed at Mario and A Button is pressed, the second player can make Mario perform a Co-Star Super Jump. Combining both jump techniques can make Mario jump higher than when only controlled with one controller. This works in midair, but can only be done once before touching a horizontal surface.[4]

Mario's life meter

Mario's life meter has been decreased to three total. Originally, Mario had a life meter with eight units, similar to Super Mario 64, its DS remake, and Super Mario Sunshine, but it was reduced to three in the final game, with the ability to extend it to a maximum of six via a Life Mushroom. There is no longer a separate, slowly-decreasing life meter for when Mario is underwater; instead, Mario has an air meter which decreases and starts to deplete Mario's main life meter when it hits zero. The Life Mushroom replenishes any lost health and adds a second health meter, making Mario's max health six. When Mario's health drops down to three again, the second health meter smashes and the effect of the Life Mushroom is lost.

New elements

Mario explores a new 3D world with planets that have their own gravity. Several levels have arrows that Mario can turn around with a spin, changing the direction of the gravity. The Launch Star allows Mario to launch off of a planet and go flying to the next. There is little or no warning that a boss might be located on the next planet, and there is also little indication that Mario may be facing something terrible or something peaceful on where he is headed next, and there are also no loading times and screens. The game also contains side-scrolling levels reminiscent of New Super Mario Bros. with classic enemies such as Goombas and Piranha Plants. These side-scrolling levels may also contain directional gravity, allowing Mario to walk on the walls and ceiling.

"Super Luigi Galaxy"

Cosmic Luigi
Luigi about to race against Cosmic Luigi in the Freezeflame Galaxy in "Super Luigi Galaxy" mode.

Collecting all 120 Power Stars and defeating Bowser once more unlocks "Super Luigi Galaxy" mode, which replaces Mario with a playable version of Luigi and presents a few gameplay differences to reflect this change. Like in a number of previous Mario games, Luigi boasts higher jumps, but lower traction compared to Mario. Luigi is also faster than Mario but takes longer to reach top speed. Luigi loses air faster while underwater and loses a chunk of air every time he spins underwater. Cosmic Luigi is more challenging than Cosmic Mario, and Luigi receives 20 1-Up Mushrooms from Peach's letter (although if Luigi's 1-Up counter grows too high, he only receives five). Outside of these changes, the storyline is almost completely unchanged and even includes the original NPC Luigi. When players collect 120 Power Stars and defeat Bowser again in this mode, Grand Finale Galaxy becomes available for both Mario and Luigi, allowing the 121st Power Star to be collected.

This mode is referenced by Rosalina as "another world" players can access once they have defeated Bowser after collecting 120 Power Stars. In the Japanese version, she describes it as the world where Mario (or Luigi) may come across his alternate self who is not him.[5]

Controls

  • A Button: Jump/swim
  • B Button: Fire Star Bit
  • Wii Remote (shake): Spin
  • Nunchuk Control Stick: Move
  • Nunchuk Z Button (grounded): Crouch
  • Nunchuk Z Button (midair): Ground Pound
  • Nunchuk C Button: Center camera
  • +Control Pad: Move camera
  • +Control Pad up: First-person view
  • Wii Remote (shake midair) + Nunchuk Z Button: Homing Ground Pound

Note: Since the Nvidia Shield controller does not have motion controls, the spin is performed by pressing the X button, while the right analog stick is used to move the Star Cursor. In the case of Player 2, both analog sticks can be used to control the Star Cursor.[6] The original tilt controls in the game is also replaced by the regular left analog stick control.[7][8]

Locations

Setting

Official artwork of outer space from Super Mario Galaxy. This piece appears on the boxart for the game and in various promotional materials. It is comparable to this artwork of Gelato Beach from Super Mario Sunshine that is also incorporated into promotional wallpaper.
Key artwork of outer space as presented on the game's boxart.
Rosalina's Story Chapter 2, page 5
Rosalina netting Star Bits as she rides in a starship.

Super Mario Galaxy is set in outer space. With the exception of Grand Finale Galaxy, which is Princess Peach's Castle Gardens in the Mushroom Kingdom, all levels – referred to as "galaxies" in this game – are staged on worlds far removed from Mario's home planet. This is the first entry in the series to explicitly include an outer space setting since Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins (1992), and the first time it has been realized by the core Super Mario team at Nintendo EAD Tokyo.[9] A galaxy is an isolated cluster of small planets and other planetary bodies. Some are shaped like spheres, but many are not. Most planets have their own gravitational pull, which prevents Mario from falling down bottomless pits and enables him to return to his starting position if he just keeps moving forward. Mario's movement, physics, and trajectory bend organically around the planet's shape.[10][11] Because they have their own pull, most planets can be directly traveled between just by jumping. Otherwise, they can be reached via objects called Launch Stars and Pull Stars. Not all planets have their own unique gravity: some are shaped like the more traditional courses of Super Mario 64 (1996) and Super Mario Sunshine (2002) and the gravitational pull is below their mass, but this is conveyed through context.[11]

The theme of space is communicated in various ways throughout Super Mario Galaxy. Many galaxies include distant asteroid belts or views of massive, unreachable planets orbiting suns that peak over their horizons. Depending on the distance from the game's camera, the light from a visible sun retracts, mimicking the behavior of real sunlight. The skyboxes of the galaxies feature nebulas, auroras, and starry skies. Three-dimensional objects – including Mario himself – exhibit a soft glow in certain positions as if struck by the light from distant stars. Black holes occur in place of bottomless pits in many galaxies. Super Mario Galaxy includes some motifs derivative of science fiction, such as humanoid robots, fortified battle facilities, UFOs, and starships. Much of the game's setting includes whimsical, tranquil, and surreal elements comparable to those found in children's books.[12][13][14] Locations are reached via a palace-like starship called the Comet Observatory, the game's hub world. It is overseen by a princess named Rosalina and is a nursery for spacefaring star children called Lumas. In lieu of aliens, the people found living in the galaxies include Star Bunnies, Honeybees, and penguins. Star Bits, small collectibles that fall from the sky like shooting stars, resemble konpeitō candies and are eaten by the Lumas. There are planets and entire galaxies that look like dessert.

According to director Yoshiaki Koizumi, the inception for Super Mario Galaxy was to create a Super Mario game with spherical worlds. It was thought that these worlds would make it less likely for players to get disoriented or have to reposition the camera. These were issues he observed during the development of Super Mario 64, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998), and Super Mario Sunshine that prevented complete immersion and intimidated inexperienced players.[10][11] The decision to stage the game in outer space was made because the development team thought that the spherical worlds would most intuitively make sense as planets.[9] In 2017, a figure was released by Nintendo that conveys that Super Mario Galaxy is structurally viewed as a different type of 3D Mario game from its immediate predecessors – the "sandbox-style" games Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine. Nintendo aligns it with the succeeding games Super Mario Galaxy 2 (2010), Super Mario 3D Land (2011), and Super Mario 3D World (2013) as a linear "course clear-style" game.[15] However, many of the levels in Super Mario Galaxy are structured similarly to the ones in its predecessors, particularly in the robust six-mission galaxies and the large planets that do not have their own centers of gravity.[11] The principals of the "sandbox-style" games derive from hakoniwa, or "garden-in-box", and Koizumi cites it directly as an influence behind the worlds in Super Mario Galaxy as well.[10][12][16]

Galaxies

Main article: Galaxy
SMG Terrace Exterior.pngTerrace dome galaxies. "Super Mario Galaxy World Map," so to say.
Figure. Visual representation of the galaxies accessed from inside the Terrace in Super Mario Galaxy. This was created to serve as visual aide to help explain: (a) levels orbit around an origin; (b) the distance from the origin positively correlates with how many Power Stars are necessary to unlock them; (c) negatively correlates with the number of missions within each galaxy; (d) there are three different types of galaxies within a dome; and (e) levels do not need to be completed in the unilateral way one may expect from a 2D Super Mario game. Though this figure represents the Terrace, these attributes are reflective of all domes. The way levels are accessed in Super Mario Galaxy is intuitive in execution, but is difficult to explain in exclusively in writing. It is highly distinctive from previous and subsequent Super Mario platformers.
Top row: the exterior of the Terrace dome on the Comet Observatory (left) and a display of the galaxy selection screen map within it (right).
Bottom row: a figure of the Terrace's galaxies conveying their positioning from the Pull Star; how they are accessed; the correlations involving their distance from the Pull Star; and the three different types of galaxies within domes. These attributes generally are representative of all domes in the game.

In Super Mario Galaxy, levels are accessed inside of domes on the Comet Observatory. They are spatially distributed across the hub, similar to the access points for levels in Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine. However, with the exception of the Garden, each dome contains a set of five different galaxies instead of just one dedicated course. Domes are unlocked unilaterally as the player completes certain criteria. These make the domes analogous to the worlds of the 2D Super Mario games like Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988). However, as in its 3D predecessors, the player is not restricted to linear course progression in Super Mario Galaxy.

Each galaxy contains objectives referred to as missions. Completing a mission has Mario acquire one of the galaxy's Power Stars, the same tokens used in Super Mario 64 for unlocking levels. One mission correlates with one Power Star. The start of each mission has a brief cinematic preview of the galaxy that hints at the location of the Power Star, as was similarly done in Super Mario Sunshine. Once a specified number of Power Stars has been accumulated, a new galaxy becomes unlockable at the player's discretion. Only half of the Power Stars in the game are required for progression. The minimum number of Power Stars needed to access the game's final level is 60 in a game that contains 120 total. Consequently, a player who completes as many missions as possible within one dome may unlock all the galaxies within the next all at once when they enter it for the first time.

Every dome has a Pull Star at its center. Entering the Pull Star brings Mario to an interactive selection screen of all the dome's galaxies. The galaxies orbit around the Pull Star (the origin; see right). The display is directly comparable to models of solar systems, with each galaxy following a circular trajectory around the Pull Star. The distance of these orbital lines from the Pull Star has a positive correlation with the number of Power Stars required to unlock the galaxies and a negative correlation with the number of missions available within them. (i.e. The galaxies closest to the origin typically have the greatest number of missions and require the lowest number of Power Stars to unlock. The farthest ones contain the fewest and require the highest number of Power Stars to unlock.) Using the Terrace as an example, a dome contains three different types of galaxies:

  • "Robust galaxies" that contain at least six missions. They either feature a high number of visitable planets or a small selection of large ones to explore. The missions build off of each other environmentally or narratively. (i.e. The events that occur in one mission foreshadow the events of the subsequent mission.) Two or more of the six missions typically involve a boss battle. Most domes contain two or three of these galaxies, and they are all listed together on the first page of the in-game Star List. They are the only galaxies orbited by Prankster Comets. The robust galaxies of the Terrace are Good Egg Galaxy and Honeyhive Galaxy.
  • "Mystery galaxies" that each contain one mission. Before being unlocked, they are represented by course preview models shaped like ? Blocks. These galaxies are highly distinctive in theme and mission. Some of them entail minigames like ray surfing or Star Ball. Others are athletic obstacle courses. Mystery galaxies usually require completing a certain mission in another galaxy in addition to accumulating a specific number of Power Stars to unlock. Each dome contains one or two mystery galaxies. In the Terrace, they are Loopdeeloop Galaxy and Flipswitch Galaxy.
  • "Boss galaxies" that each contain one mission. They feature linear obstacle courses that lead to a boss battle. Half of them involve Bowser Jr., either directly or as the inciter for another boss to go after Mario. The other half feature Bowser himself. With the exception of the Garden, each dome contains one boss galaxy and it is always on the outermost ring in the dome. Completing the mission in these galaxies is a criterion needed to unlock a subsequent dome and is required for game progression. They have the highest or second-highest Power Star threshold. The preview model in orbit resembles a bust of Bowser's head with glowing eyes. The boss galaxy in the Terrace is Bowser Jr.'s Robot Reactor.
File:SMG Screenshot Hungry Luma on the Comet Observatory.jpg
A Hungry Luma outside the Terrace, almost completely stuffed with Star Bits. Feeding it the requested number of Star Bits makes the Luma transform into a wholly new galaxy.

There are galaxies accessible outside of the domes. With the exception of Gateway Galaxy, these ones can also be categorized as mystery or boss galaxies. Most of them are unlocked by feeding Hungry Lumas a requested number of Star Bits. These Lumas appear on the Comet Observatory once certain criteria are met within the dome galaxies (see chart below). There is a Hungry Luma associated with every dome, essentially functioning as an extra level for each one. A tiny house called the Gate rests on a grassy platform orbiting the observatory. It grants Mario access to Gateway Galaxy. This galaxy is the first level of the game, but it can only be revisited via the Gate once "King Kaliente's Spicy Return" is completed. Though it is not a dome, there is a Hungry Luma associated with it as well. A planetoid called the Planet of Trials orbits the observatory and has three galaxies of its own. It becomes reachable once all three of the secret Green Power Stars have been collected. A Launch Star leading to Grand Finale Galaxy appears here after the player has collected 120 Power Stars as Mario and Luigi. Bowser's Galaxy Reactor is only reachable by speaking to Rosalina after 60 Power Stars have been collected.

Mario encounters his brother in four galaxies: Good Egg Galaxy, Honeyhive Galaxy, Battlerock Galaxy, and Ghostly Galaxy. In Ghostly Galaxy, Luigi is at the end of the "Luigi and the Haunted Mansion" mission and gives Mario a Power Star when reached. After Luigi is rescued, he appears in the observatory and offers to help Mario collect Power Stars. When Luigi visits a galaxy, he gets stuck and sends a letter to Mario asking for help. A picture that hints at his location is included with each letter. Finding him within a galaxy awards Mario with a secret Power Star.

There are 42 dedicated galaxies in the game. Of this total 15 are robust galaxies, 20 are mystery galaxies, and 6 are boss galaxies. If the Comet Observatory, its library, and its domes are considered individual levels, then the true total number is 50. Some galaxies have tiny otherworldly subareas reached via pipes that contain an interactive side objective. If each of these areas were to be considered levels as well, then the true number is even higher. The chart below lists the galaxies of the game roughly as they are listed on the Star List. Each galaxy is given a brief description, an in-game screenshot, and a list of their missions. There is a legend at the bottom of the chart detailing what the symbols used in it represent.

Galaxies
Terrace (Super Mario Galaxy) The Terrace
01. Good Egg Galaxy
Total number of obtainable Power Stars.×6 Total number of reachable areas.×19 Total number of boss battles.×3
Missions 02. Honeyhive Galaxy
Total number of obtainable Power Stars.×6 Total number of reachable areas.×7 Total number of boss battles.×2
Missions
Good Egg Galaxy Starting Planet.png Power Star Dino Piranha Power Star A Snack of Cosmic Proportions SMG Honeyhive Starting Planet.png Power Star Bee Mario Takes Flight Power Star Trouble on the Tower
Power Star King Kaliente's Battle Fleet Prankster Comet Dino Piranha Speed Run Power Star Big Bad Bugaboom Prankster Comet Honeyhive Cosmic Mario Race
Prankster Comet Purple Coin Omelet Secret Star Luigi on the Roof Prankster Comet The Honeyhive's Purple Coins Secret Star Luigi in the Honeyhive Kingdom
A galaxy in low orbit of an earth-like planet. Each planet is highly distinctive, but most of them have grassy knolls and are shaped like food. It introduces the reoccurring Electrogoombas and King Kaliente.
Unlock criterion: complete "Grand Star Rescue"
The Honeyhive Kingdom – a forested land inhabited by Honeybees. Its planets have large deciduous trees and clear bodies of water. Some areas are covered in honey. The kingdom is invaded by Mandibugs.
Unlock criterion: collect 3 Power Stars
03. Loopdeeloop Galaxy
Total number of obtainable Power Stars.×1 Total number of reachable areas.×3
Mission 04. Flipswitch Galaxy
Total number of obtainable Power Stars.×1 Total number of reachable areas.×1
Mission
Overview of the Loopdeeloop Galaxy Power Star Surfing 101 SMG Flipswitch Galaxy Mission.png Power Star Painting the Planet Yellow
A looping stretch of water. Penguins surf on the backs of rays here. Coach explains the basics to Mario.
Unlock criterion: collect 5 Power Stars
Flipswitch Panels arranged like a cube around a black hole. Spike Traps move along suspended tracks over the panels.
Unlock criterion: collect 7 Power Stars
05. Bowser Jr.'s Robot Reactor
Total number of obtainable Power Stars.×1 Total number of reachable areas.×2 Total number of boss battles.×1
Mission Hungry Luma Sweet Sweet Galaxy
Total number of obtainable Power Stars.×1 Total number of reachable areas.×3
Mission
A screenshot of Bowser Jr.'s Robot Reactor during the "Megaleg's Moon" mission from Super Mario Galaxy. Grand Star Megaleg's Moon A screenshot of Sweet Sweet Galaxy during the "Rocky Road" mission from Super Mario Galaxy. Power Star Rocky Road
A metal sphere with Bill Blasters and an artificial moon orbiting an earth-like planet. Bowser Jr.'s towering robot, Megaleg, resides on the moon.
Unlock criterion: collect 8 Power Stars
An athletic, otherworldly course made of cakes, cookies, and other sweets. It has long stretches of continuously moving platforms with shapes cut out of them.
Unlock criteria: collect 7 Power Stars and feed the Luma 400 Star Bits
Fountain The Fountain
06. Space Junk Galaxy
Total number of obtainable Power Stars.×6 Total number of reachable areas.×16 Total number of boss battles.×2
Missions 07. Rolling Green Galaxy
Total number of obtainable Power Stars.×1 Total number of reachable areas.×4
Mission
A screenshot of Space Junk Galaxy during the "Pull Star Path" mission from Super Mario Galaxy. Power Star Pull Star Path Power Star Kamella's Airship Attack An overview of the Rolling Green Galaxy Power Star Rolling in the Clouds
Power Star Tarantox's Tangled Web Prankster Comet Pull Star Path Speed Run
Prankster Comet Purple Coin Spacewalk Secret Star Yoshi's Unexpected Appearance
A stretch of rocks and space debris. Large portions of the galaxy are navigated via Pull Stars and Sling Pods. Spoings and other spidery creatures occur here. A giant one traps members of the Toad Brigade.
Unlock criteria: collect 9 Power Stars and complete "Megaleg's Moon"
Flat, grassy planets arranged similarly to a golf course. They can only be navigated by riding the Rolling Ball. Most planets have flower beds and groups of Goombas.
Unlock criterion: collect 11 Power Stars
08. Battlerock Galaxy
Total number of obtainable Power Stars.×7 Total number of reachable areas.×11 Total number of boss battles.×2
Missions 09. Hurry-Scurry Galaxy
Total number of obtainable Power Stars.×1 Total number of reachable areas.×2
Mission
An overview of the Battlerock Galaxy Power Star Battlerock Barrage Power Star Breaking into the Battlerock A screenshot of Hurry-Scurry Galaxy during the "Shrinking Satellite" mission from Super Mario Galaxy. (What a gorgeous skybox.) Power Star Shrinking Satellite
Power Star Topmaniac and the Topman Tribe Prankster Comet Topmaniac's Daredevil Run
Prankster Comet Purple Coins on the Battlerock Secret Star Battlerock's Garbage Dump
Green Star Luigi under the Saucer
Battle facilities equipped with electric traps and artilleries. Cannons and Bill Blasters line the titular Battlerock and start firing when Mario is in close proximity. The galaxy is affiliated with the Topman Tribe.
Unlock criterion: collect 12 Power Stars
Shrinking platforms arranged into a planet shaped like a rhombicuboctahedron. A black hole is at the center of the planet. Notes cover the tiles. Collecting each one causes the black hole to collapse.
Unlock criterion: collect 18 Power Stars
10. Bowser's Star Reactor
Total number of obtainable Power Stars.×1 Total number of reachable areas.×4 Total number of boss battles.×1
Mission Hungry Luma Sling Pod Galaxy
Total number of obtainable Power Stars.×1 Total number of reachable areas.×2
Mission
A screenshot of Bowser's Star Reactor during "The Fiery Stronghold" mission from Super Mario Galaxy. Grand Star The Fiery Stronghold A screenshot of Sling Pod Galaxy during the "A Sticky Situation" mission from Super Mario Galaxy. Power Star A Very Sticky Situation
A stone fortress orbiting a giant sun. It features a twisting path and gravity fields. Fire Bars and Thwomps obstruct the path. It feeds into a big staircase leading to Bowser.
Unlock criterion: collect 15 Power Stars
A cluster of Fire Bars, mines, and cannons above a black hole. The galaxy is navigated via Sling Pods.
Unlock criteria: complete "Tarantox's Tangled Web" and feed the Luma 400 Star Bits
Kitchen (Super Mario Galaxy) The Kitchen
11. Beach Bowl Galaxy
Total number of obtainable Power Stars.×6 Total number of reachable areas.×3
Missions 12. Bubble Breeze Galaxy
Total number of obtainable Power Stars.×1 Total number of reachable areas.×1
Mission
Beach Bowl Galaxy Power Star Sunken Treasure Power Star Passing the Swim Test The first area of the Bubble Breeze Galaxy Power Star Through the Poison Swamp
Power Star The Secret Undersea Cavern Prankster Comet Fast Foes on the Cyclone Stone
Prankster Comet Beachcombing for Purple Coins Secret Star Wall Jumping up Waterfalls
A beach galaxy inhabited by penguins. Its largest planet is a hemisphere filled with water. The second is an obstacle course with Thwomps and Tox Boxes. A third, secret planet has waterfalls and Cataquacks.
Unlock criteria: collect 16 Power Stars and complete "The Fiery Stronghold"
One giant planet covered in a poisonous bog. Areas are separated by stone columns. It can only be navigated via bubble. Mines and rotating objects within the areas can pop the bubble.
Unlock criterion: collect 19 Power Stars
13. Ghostly Galaxy
Total number of obtainable Power Stars.×6 Total number of reachable areas.×12 Total number of boss battles.×2
Missions 14. Buoy Base Galaxy
Total number of obtainable Power Stars.×2 Total number of reachable areas.×2
Missions
A screenshot of Ghostly Galaxy during the "Beware of Bouldergeist" mission from Super Mario Galaxy. Power Star Luigi and the Haunted Mansion Power Star A Very Spooky Sprint A screenshot of Buoy Base Galaxy during "The Floating Fortress" mission from Super Mario Galaxy. Power Star The Floating Fortress Green Star The Secret of Buoy Base
Power Star Beware of Bouldergeist Prankster Comet Bouldergeist's Daredevil Run
Prankster Comet Purple Coins in the Bone Pen Secret Star Matter Splatter Mansion
Haunted wastelands that orbit a dimly-lit sun. Its largest planet is a Boo Mansion that holds Luigi captive. The monster that captured him, Bouldergeist, resides in this galaxy.[17]
Unlock criterion: collect 20 Power Stars
Two planets filled with water. Its largest planet is a hemisphere that has a fortress at its center. It is equipped with rotating platforms, Water Shooters, and other hazards. The second is a sphere equipped with Ball Beamers.
Unlock criteria: collect 30 Power Stars and complete "Sunken Treasure"
15. Bowser Jr.'s Airship Armada
Total number of obtainable Power Stars.×1 Total number of reachable areas.×4 Total number of boss battles.×1
Mission Hungry Luma Drip Drop Galaxy
Total number of obtainable Power Stars.×1 Total number of reachable areas.×1
Mission
A screenshot of Bowser Jr.'s Airship Armada during the "Sinking the Airships" mission from Super Mario Galaxy. Grand Star Sinking the Airships A screenshot of Drip Drop Galaxy during the "Giant Eel Outbreak" mission from Super Mario Galaxy. Power Star Giant Eel Outbreak
Bowser's airship fleet. Airships must be boarded to navigate the fleet, each one carrying enemies. A tracked platform brings Mario to Bowser Jr. A tiny planetoid can be visited that has a bouncy surface.
Unlock criterion: collect 23 Power Stars
An ocean planet where penguins swim. The birds are troubled by an outbreak of Gringills. A sunken airship and damaged Starshroom rest at the bottom of the ocean.
Unlock criteria: complete "Sunken Treasure" and feed the Luma 600 Star Bits
Bedroom (Super Mario Galaxy) The Bedroom
16. Gusty Garden Galaxy
Total number of obtainable Power Stars.×6 Total number of reachable areas.×20 Total number of boss battles.×2
Missions 17. Freezeflame Galaxy
Total number of obtainable Power Stars.×6 Total number of reachable areas.×5 Total number of boss battles.×1
Missions
A screenshot of Gusty Garden Galaxy during the "Bunnies in the Wind" mission from Super Mario Galaxy. Power Star Bunnies in the Wind Power Star The Dirty Tricks of Major Burrows A screenshot of Freezeflame Galaxy during "The Frozen Peak of Baron Brrr" mission from Super Mario Galaxy. Power Star The Frozen Peak of Baron Brrr Power Star Freezeflame's Blistering Core
Power Star Gusty Garden's Gravity Scramble Prankster Comet Major Burrows's Daredevil Run Power Star Hot and Cold Collide Prankster Comet Frosty Cosmic Mario Race
Prankster Comet Purple Coins on the Puzzle Cube Secret Star The Golden Chomp Prankster Comet Purple Coins on the Summit Secret Star Conquering the Summit
Grassy, flowery planets above a sea of clouds. Floaty Fluffs grow here: they can be used to travel on gusts of wind to reach other planets. Star Bunnies live in Gusty Garden and grow crops. They are chased by Undergrunts.
Unlock criteria: collect 24 Power Stars and complete "Sinking the Airships"
A galaxy of fire and ice. It features Freezy Peak, a snowy mountain with freezing water at its base, and a spherical molten planet in the midst of splitting in half. Stone platforms enable traversal between the hemispheres.
Unlock criterion: collect 26 Power Stars
18. Dusty Dune Galaxy
Total number of obtainable Power Stars.×7 Total number of reachable areas.×14
Missions 19. Honeyclimb Galaxy
Total number of obtainable Power Stars.×1 Total number of reachable areas.×3
Mission
A screenshot of Dusty Dune Galaxy during the "Soaring on the Desert Winds" mission from Super Mario Galaxy. Power Star Soaring on the Desert Winds Power Star Blasting through the Sand A screenshot of Honeyclimb Galaxy during the "Scaling the Sticky Wall" mission from Super Mario Galaxy. Power Star Scaling the Sticky Wall
Power Star Sunbaked Sand Castle Prankster Comet Sandblast Speed Run
Prankster Comet Purple Coins in the Desert Secret Star Bullet Bill on Your Back
Green Star Treasure of the Pyramid
Sandy planets under a desert sun. Shifting and rising sand makes platforms move rapidly or sink underground. One planet is a floating pyramid that can be entered, and some have quicksand.
Unlock criterion: collect 29 Power Stars
Three giant slabs of honeycombs. The Bee Mushroom appears here while meteors and wall-clinging Mandibugs appear as hazards.
Unlock criterion: collect 42 Power Stars
20. Bowser's Dark Matter Plant
Total number of obtainable Power Stars.×1 Total number of reachable areas.×5 Total number of boss battles.×1
Mission Hungry Luma Bigmouth Galaxy
Total number of obtainable Power Stars.×1 Total number of reachable areas.×1
Mission
A screenshot of Bowser's Dark Matter Plant during the "Darkness on the Horizon" mission from Super Mario Galaxy. Grand Star Darkness on the Horizon A screenshot of Bigmouth Galaxy during the "Bigmouth's Gold Bait" mission from Super Mario Galaxy. Power Star Bigmouth's Gold Bait
A dark world containing a trap-filled obstacle course. It features gravity fields and concentrations of dark matter. Most of the course is on a two-dimensional plane. The course leads to Bowser.
Unlock criterion: collect 33 Power Stars
A giant stone fish orbiting a massive ocean planet. The belly of the fish contains two lakes, whirlpools, beds of seaweed, and Boos. Penguru comes here when he wants to be alone.
Unlock criteria: complete "Soaring on the Desert Winds" and feed the Luma 800 Star Bits
Engine Room The Engine Room
21. Gold Leaf Galaxy
Total number of obtainable Power Stars.×6 Total number of reachable areas.×6 Total number of boss battles.×1
Missions 22. Sea Slide Galaxy
Total number of obtainable Power Stars.×6 Total number of reachable areas.×3
Missions
A screenshot of Gold Leaf Galaxy during the "Star Bunnies on the Hunt" mission from Super Mario Galaxy. Power Star Star Bunnies on the Hunt Power Star Cataquack to the Skies A screenshot of Sea Slide Galaxy during "The Silver Stars of Sea Slide" mission from Super Mario Galaxy. Power Star Going after Guppy Power Star Faster Than a Speeding Penguin
Power Star When It Rains, It Pours Prankster Comet Cosmic Mario Forest Race Power Star The Silver Stars of Sea Slide Prankster Comet Underwater Cosmic Mario Race
Prankster Comet Purple Coins in the Woods Secret Star The Bell on the Big Tree Prankster Comet Purple Coins by the Seaside Secret Star Hurry, He's Hungry
An autumnal land inhabited by Honeybees. Its largest planet mirrors the Honeyhive Kingdom. Cataquacks live on the surrounding wooden planets.
Unlock criteria: collect 34 Power Stars and complete "Darkness on the Horizon"
An ocean galaxy with penguins. Its largest planet is a cavernous sphere with a looping stretch of water feeding through it. There is a teardrop-shaped planet with tidal pools at the galaxy's center.
Unlock criterion: collect 36 Power Stars
23. Toy Time Galaxy
Total number of obtainable Power Stars.×6 Total number of reachable areas.×14 Total number of boss battles.×1
Missions 24. Bonefin Galaxy
Total number of obtainable Power Stars.×1 Total number of reachable areas.×2 Total number of boss battles.×1
Mission
A screenshot of Toy Time Galaxy during the "Mario Meets Mario" mission from Super Mario Galaxy. Power Star Heavy Metal Mecha-Bowser Power Star Mario Meets Mario SMG Kingfin Planet Overview.png Power Star Kingfin's Fearsome Waters
Power Star Bouncing Down Cake Lane Prankster Comet Fast Foes of Toy Time
Prankster Comet Luigi's Purple Coins Secret Star The Flipswitch Chain
A playroom galaxy. Its planets are shaped like wooden blocks, puzzle pieces, colored pencils, and model trains. Some areas resemble cakes and other sweets. The galaxy is maintained by Gearmos, some of which are trapped within a giant tin robot.
Unlock criterion: collect 40 Power Stars
A desolate planet with spike-like mountains. Beneath its surface is a cavernous ocean with active hydrothermal vents. The undead shark Kingfin swims in these waters. An empty Starshroom orbits the planet.
Unlock criteria: collect 55 Power Stars and complete "Giant Eel Outbreak"
25. Bowser Jr.'s Lava Reactor
Total number of obtainable Power Stars.×1 Total number of reachable areas.×3 Total number of boss battles.×1
Mission Hungry Luma Sand Spiral Galaxy
Total number of obtainable Power Stars.×1 Total number of reachable areas.×4
Mission
A screenshot of Bowser Jr.'s Lava Reactor during "King Kaliente's Spicy Return" mission from Super Mario Galaxy. Grand Star King Kaliente's Spicy Return A screenshot of Sand Spiral Galaxy during the "Choosing a Favorite Snack" mission from Super Mario Galaxy. Power Star Choosing a Favorite Snack
A lava planet that looks like a red giant. Green hexagonal platforms dot the planet's surface. They sink into the lava when stepped on. King Kaliente is in the northern pole of the planet. A rocky planetoid orbits the lava reactor.
Unlock criterion: collect 45 Power Stars
A haunted galaxy. Its primary fixture is a giant barrel filled with Boos and spiraling quicksand. A glowing moon orbited by floating, rocky paths lies at the back of the barrel. Its starting planet is a damaged airship.
Unlock criteria: complete "Luigi and the Haunted Mansion", "Faster Than a Speeding Penguin", and feed the Luma 1000 Star Bits
Garden (Super Mario Galaxy) The Garden
26. Deep Dark Galaxy
Total number of obtainable Power Stars.×6 Total number of reachable areas.×6 Total number of boss battles.×3
Missions 27. Dreadnought Galaxy
Total number of obtainable Power Stars.×6 Total number of reachable areas.×15 Total number of boss battles.×2
Missions
A screenshot of Deep Dark Galaxy during "The Underground Ghost Ship" mission from Super Mario Galaxy. Power Star The Underground Ghost Ship Power Star Bubble Blastoff A screenshot of Dreadnought Galaxy during the "Revenge of the Topman Tribe" mission from Super Mario Galaxy. Power Star Infiltrating the Dreadnought Power Star Dreadnought's Colossal Cannons
Power Star Guppy and the Underground Lake Prankster Comet Ghost Ship Daredevil Run Power Star Revenge of the Topman Tribe Prankster Comet Topman Tribe Speed Run
Prankster Comet Plunder the Purple Coins Secret Star Boo in a Box Prankster Comet Battlestation's Purple Coins Secret Star Dreadnought's Garbage Dump
A galaxy with uncanny planets. Its largest has a rocky beach with an underwater lake and a wrecked airship. Other planets include a deflatable replica of Gateway Galaxy and a hollow sphere containing a watermelon with billiard balls.
Unlock criteria: collect 46 Power Stars and complete "King Kaliente's Spicy Return"
Topman battle facilities. Its largest planet is a battleship equipped with cannons. Its interior contains gravity fields. A large landing strip mounted with Ring Beamers and smaller planetoids surround the dreadnought. Some areas are obstructed by Eye Beamers.
Unlock criterion: collect 48 Power Stars
28. Matter Splatter Galaxy
Total number of obtainable Power Stars.×1 Total number of reachable areas.×4
Mission 29. Melty Molten Galaxy
Total number of obtainable Power Stars.×6 Total number of reachable areas.×14 Total number of boss battles.×1
Missions
A screenshot of Matter Splatter Galaxy during the "Watch Your Step" mission from Super Mario Galaxy. Power Star Watch Your Step A screenshot of Melty Molten Galaxy during "The Sinking Lava Spire" mission from Super Mario Galaxy. Power Star The Sinking Lava Spire Power Star Through the Meteor Storm
Power Star Fiery Dino Piranha Prankster Comet Lava Spire Daredevil Run
Prankster Comet Red-Hot Purple Coins Secret Star Burning Tide
Stone ruins within a dark void. The ruins materialize and become tangible when struck by bouncing droplets of matter. Contact is accompanied by a flash of green light.
Unlock criteria: collect 50 Power Stars and complete "Heavy Metal Mecha-Bowser"
Several sun-like planets undergoing extreme geothermal activity. Its starting planet experiences a volcanic eruption. Volcanic debris travels between lava pools and suns at various sites. One planet has a sinking mountain called the Lava Spire, and another has a Rolling Ball path.
Unlock criterion: collect 52 Power Stars
Hungry Luma Snow Cap Galaxy
Total number of obtainable Power Stars.×1 Total number of reachable areas.×2
Mission
Snow Cap Galaxy Power Star Star Bunnies in the Snow
A capsule-shaped planet covered in fluffy snow. The snow can be displaced with the Star Cursor. Star Bunnies occur here. The starting area is a planetoid resembling a glass orb.
Unlock criterion: complete "The Sinking Lava Spire" and feed the Luma 1600 Star Bits
Comet Observatory The Comet Observatory and the Gate
30. Gateway Galaxy
Total number of obtainable Power Stars.×2 Total number of reachable areas.×4
Missions 31. Bowser's Galaxy Reactor
Total number of obtainable Power Stars.×1 Total number of reachable areas.×10 Total number of boss battles.×1
Mission
A screenshot of Gateway Galaxy during the "Grand Star Rescue" mission from Super Mario Galaxy. Grand Star Grand Star Rescue Red Star Gateway's Purple Coins A screenshot of Bowser's Galaxy Reactor during "The Fate of the Universe" mission from Super Mario Galaxy. Grand Star The Fate of the Universe
The first course of the game. Its starting planet is an ethereal sphere covered in flowers and small cottages. This sphere orbits Mario's homeworld and is frequented by Rosalina. A hollow planetoid and artificial planets covered with Goombas appear in "Grand Star Rescue".
Unlock criteria: complete the prologue (first visit); complete "King Kaliente's Spicy Return" (revisit)
Bowser's galaxy generator at the center of the universe. It contains a series of gravity-bending traps and a system of environmental planets: one covered in lava; one in ice; and one in quicksand. It orbits a great sun.
Unlock criteria: collect 60 Power Stars and complete "Darkness on the Horizon"
Hungry Luma Boo's Boneyard Galaxy
Total number of obtainable Power Stars.×1 Total number of reachable areas.×2
Mission
A screenshot of Boo's Boneyard Galaxy during the "Racing the Spooky Speedster" mission from Super Mario Galaxy. Power Star Racing the Spooky Speedster
A skull-shaped planet in a starless sky. Its interior is a network of interconnected caverns navigated by the Spooky Speedster. Bone-shaped objects orbit the planet.
Unlock criteria: complete "Luigi and the Haunted Mansion", "Gateway's Purple Coins", and feed the Luma 1200 Star Bits
Planet of Trials Planet of Trials
Rolling Gizmo Galaxy
Total number of obtainable Power Stars.×1 Total number of reachable areas.×4
Mission Bubble Blast Galaxy
Total number of obtainable Power Stars.×1 Total number of reachable areas.×2
Mission
A screenshot of Rolling Gizmo Galaxy during the "Gizmos, Gears, and Gadgets" mission from Super Mario Galaxy. Power Star Gizmos, Gears, and Gadgets A screenshot of Bubble Blast Galaxy during "The Electric Labyrinth" mission from Super Mario Galaxy. Power Star The Electric Labyrinth
One of the Trial Galaxies. It can only be navigated via Rolling Ball and is similar to Rolling Green Galaxy, but it resembles a Rube Goldberg machine with many shifting platforms.
Unlock criterion: collect all 3 Green Stars
Another Trial Galaxy, this one navigated via bubble. It is similar to Bubble Breeze Galaxy, but involves navigating a maze boardered by electric fields that destroy the bubble on impact.
Unlock criterion: collect all 3 Green Stars
Loopdeeswoop Galaxy
Total number of obtainable Power Stars.×1 Total number of reachable areas.×6
Mission Grand Finale Galaxy
Total number of obtainable Power Stars.×1 Total number of reachable areas.×1
Mission
A screenshot of Loopdeswoop Galaxy during "The Galaxy's Greatest Wave" mission from Super Mario Galaxy. Power Star The Galaxy's Greatest Wave A screenshot of Grand Finale Galaxy during "The Star Festival" mission from Super Mario Galaxy. Power Star The Star Festival
A Trial Galaxy similar to Loopdeeloop Galaxy, where Ray is surfed along a watery course. This course has sharper turns, spikes, and twists that makes it more challenging than its predecessor in the Terrace.
Unlock criterion: collect all 3 Green Stars
Princess Peach's Castle Gardens in the Mushroom Kingdom. A small village of Toads and a large lake flank the road to the castle. The locals are in the midst of celebrating the centennial Star Festival.
Unlock criteria: begin a new save file (first visit); collect 120 Power Stars as Luigi (revisit)
Level chart information and legend: Galaxies accessed from inside a dome are designated with a unique number. This number correlates with the galaxy's distance from its dome's origin, with smaller numbers being closer and larger numbers farther. It very roughly correlates with how galaxies are listed within the game's Star List. Galaxies accessed by feeding Hungry Lumas are not located within domes and are denoted by Sprite of a Hungry Luma from the user interface (UI) of Super Mario Galaxy.. Trial Galaxies lack numerical designation because they are unlocked concurrently and can be accessed in any order. Three symbols convey attributes about each galaxy: Sprite of a Power Star used on the UI for Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2. denotes the total number of obtainable Power Stars; Rendered model of the Dino Piranha planet in Good Egg Galaxy from Super Mario Galaxy. denotes the total number of reachable areas; and Sprite of Bowser from the user interface (UI) of Super Mario Galaxy 2. 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. Power Star icon from Super Mario Galaxy. denotes a normal mission; A Grand Star icon from Super Mario Galaxy. denotes a Grand Star mission; Smg icon greenstar.png denotes a Green Star mission; Red Power Star icon for use in infoboxes. denotes a Red Power Star mission; Smg icon speedycomet.png denotes a Speedy Comet mission; Smg icon daredevilcomet.png denotes a Daredevil Comet mission; Smg icon cosmiccomet.png denotes a Cosmic Comet mission; Smg icon fastfoecomet.png denotes a Fast-Foe Comet mission; Smg icon purplecomet.png denotes a Purple Comet mission; and Sprite of a Secret Star used on the level selection screen (abbreviated as "LS" in the filename) for Super Mario Galaxy 2. denotes an intramissionary Secret Star.

Prankster Comets

Main article: Prankster Comet

Prankster Comets are objects that interfere with a galaxy and give it an extra attribute. The 30 Comet Stars are obtained by completing special challenges in the robust galaxies, namely speed runs; "daredevil" runs (in which Mario is defeated if he takes a single hit); races against Cosmic Mario; and doubling the speed of enemies and obstacles. They only appear after the corresponding normal mission (e.g. Ghostly Galaxy's "Beware of Bouldergeist") is completed, sometimes immediately, and at other times, only after another galaxy's level is completed. Prankster Comets appear and disappear every other time a mission is completed. After a mission is completed while a Prankster Comet is active, all Prankster Comets disappear until a second mission is beaten. In some cases, such as in Space Junk Galaxy, all normal missions within a galaxy have to be beaten first before a comet can appear. There are two Prankster Comets in each of the 15 robust galaxies: one of the comet types just described, plus a Purple Comet where Mario must collect 100 Purple Coins. These comets only begin to appear after "The Fate of the Universe" is completed at least once. Which and where Prankster Comets appear can be manipulated by feeding Comet Tico 20 Star Bits.

The Comet Observatory

Main article: Comet Observatory
The Comet Observatory as viewed from a circular platform by the Bedroom.

The Comet Observatory is the hub world in the game. It is a bridge between domes and serves as a place for the player to rest in between missions.[13] It is a sprawling structure similar to a palace, with a tall central spire and ornamental architecture. These attributes visually make it reminiscent of Princess Peach's Castle, the hub of Super Mario 64. The core of the observatory is a comet called the beacon that is fueled by Power Stars. The beacon is what allows the Comet Observatory to travel through space, but it remains in orbit around Mario's home planet throughout most of the game. The observatory has two extraplanetary satellites: the Planet of Trials and a grassy platform that holds the Gate. The platform is directly anchored to the observatory via Warp Pads and can be considered a direct extension of it, unlike the Planet of Trials.

Including Gateway Galaxy, there are nine galaxies directly accessed from the Comet Observatory. Six of these galaxies come from the Hungry Lumas affiliated with each dome. Unlike the hub worlds of Super Mario Galaxy's predecessors, there are no hidden Power Stars directly found on the observatory, though accessing the Planet of Trials, entering the Gate, and the arrival of Hungry Lumas are framed similarly. Five 1-Up Mushrooms are hidden in the observatory. Most of the observatory is obscured by darkness when Mario first arrives due to the abduction of its Power Stars and only the Terrace can be accessed. As Mario collects Power Stars, energy is restored to the observatory and new areas become lit to convey that they are now accessible. Warp Pads dot the Comet Observatory. They can be used to quickly reach adjacent locations on the hub. A Red Star appears above the Bedroom once Mario completes "Gateway's Purple Coins". Touching it transforms him into Flying Mario and allows him to soar through the skies of the observatory. There is nothing on the observatory that can harm Mario, and he will safely be transported back to solid ground if he falls off its edge.

Frame from the introductory cutscene that plays when Mario enters the library after a new chapter has been unlocked.

The Comet Observatory is a nursery ground for Lumas. They are cared for by Rosalina, who treats them as if they were her children. As light is restored to the observatory, more and more Lumas appear. It was built by Rosalina when she was a child with an apricot-colored Luma. Over time, as more Lumas arrived and needed care, she expanded its size. The Comet Observatory visits Mario's home world once every hundred years, which is celebrated in the Mushroom Kingdom as the Star Festival. When the beacon is at its maximum size, Rosalina can make the observatory fold into the shape of a rocket ship and soar through the sky like a comet. The domes are framed as an extension of the observatory that provide a view of the cosmos. Each one is themed around rooms in a house, such as the bedroom, kitchen, and so on. There are two locations similar in concept that are not domes on the observatory: the garage and the library. The garage is framed as an intergalactic repair shop that starships can dock to. This is where the Toad Brigade and Luigi establish themselves once "Bee Mario Takes Flight" and "Luigi and the Haunted Mansion", respectively, are completed.

The library is a closed off space behind the beacon that becomes accessible once "The Fiery Stronghold" is completed. Though entered like a dome, there are no galaxies here. It contains no collectibles or anything related to the rescue of Princess Peach. The are no tangible incentives for coming to the library, and the player is never forced to enter it. This is where Rosalina reads a storybook to the Lumas. New chapters become available as Mario[note 1] accumulates Power Stars. The book details her personal backstory, the history of the Comet Observatory, Luma behavior, and provides insight into the past of the apricot-colored Luma that travels with Mario. This part of the game was created by Yoshiaki Koizumi and included at the discretion of Shigeru Miyamoto. Rosalina's Story is noted for its heartfelt and melancholy elements.[12][13] The illustrations on the pages have been likened to The Little Prince.[14]

Characters

Playable characters

Name Description
Rendered model of Mario in Super Mario Galaxy.
Mario
The hero of the Mushroom Kingdom and the game's protagonist. After being invited to celebrate the Star Festival at Peach's Castle, an abduction cuts the party short and leaves Mario isolated on another planet far from home. It is here that he meets an apricot-colored Luma and his caretaker - the mysterious Rosalina. With the Luma bestowing him with the power to travel through space, Mario strives to collect Power Stars, rescue Princess Peach, and stop Bowser from creating his galaxy at the center of the universe. His movement options and overall feel are more directly comparable to Super Mario 64 than they are to the previous 3D Super Mario game.
Rendered model of Luigi in Super Mario Galaxy. Luigi has two models in Super Mario Galaxy: one as an NPC, and one as a playable character derived from Mario's model.
Luigi
Mario's younger brother. He can be used to replay the game after collecting 120 Power Stars and completing "The Fate of the Universe" as Mario. He can jump higher and run faster than Mario, but at the cost of reduced traction and increased startup. This causes Luigi to skid as he moves, and increases the risk of him falling off of a platform or colliding with an obstacle. In addition, the Spin Jump's height difference between shaking the Wii Remote and Nunchuk is switched. He otherwise appears as a supporting character who goes on quests to collect Power Stars for his brother. He still fulfills this supporting role during Luigi's playthrough, leading to a situation where there are two of them. Luigi can be quite cowardly and is deathly afraid of ghosts.


Non-playable characters

With the exception of Princess Peach, Toads, and penguins, all of the characters encountered by the player are completely new to the Mario series. Most characters are met in various galaxies, though Rosalina, the Toad Brigade, and the Lumas are found on the Comet Observatory.

Name Description Locations
Super Mario Galaxy promotional artwork: A Luma
Apricot Luma
Mario's traveling companion - a young Luma who resides under his cap. He grants Mario[note 1] the ability to spin and travel through space. Before being kidnapped, Princess Peach was going to give this Luma to Mario as a gift during the Star Festival. It is implied that he is a reincarnation of the first Luma that Rosalina ever encountered. All galaxies
Rendered model of Princess Peach in Super Mario Galaxy.
Princess Peach
The ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom. She is kidnapped by Bowser on the night of the Star Festival and taken to the center of the universe. The game follows Mario's quest to save her. She periodically sends letters of encouragement to Mario that contain 1-Up Mushrooms. She does so even during Luigi's playthrough. Rosalina refers to Peach as Mario's "special one".
Castle Gardens
Bowser's Galaxy Reactor
Super Mario Galaxy promotional artwork: Rosalina with her wand held.
Rosalina
A mysterious woman who serves as the guardian of the cosmos. She travels through space via the Comet Observatory, a vessel she built for the Lumas. It is abruptly stopped and stripped of its power source, the Power Stars, by Bowser. Rosalina makes an arrangement with Mario where he collects Power Stars to restore power to the observatory. In return, she helps him stop Bowser and rescue Princess Peach. Her past is revealed to the player as they accumulate Power Stars via Rosalina's Story. The Lumas recognize Rosalina as their mother, who in return sees them as her family. Comet Observatory
Gateway Galaxy
Artwork of a yellow Luma from Super Mario Galaxy
Lumas
Star children that make their home in the Comet Observatory. Lumas appear in some galaxies to aid Mario, typically by transforming into Launch Stars. Lumas become celestial bodies when they grow up, and which ones they become is dependent on their color. Lumas eat Star Bits and squeal with delight when fed via the Star Cursor. Comet Observatory
Good Egg Galaxy
Battlerock Galaxy
Bowser's Star Reactor
Bowser Jr.'s Airship Armada
Bowser's Dark Matter Plant
Gateway Galaxy
Dreadnought Galaxy
Bowser's Galaxy Reactor
Super Mario Galaxy promotional artwork: The black Luma Polari
Polari
An elderly Luma who serves as Rosalina's advisor. He appears within each dome of the observatory and grants access to the map when prompted. He teaches the player how to use the Star Cursor. Comet Observatory
Hungry Luma
Hungry Lumas
Big, voracious Lumas. The ones on the Comet Observatory transform into galaxies when fed a specified number of Star Bits. When encountered in dome galaxies, they transform into planets. Visiting them triggers a hidden mission. Comet Observatory
Good Egg Galaxy
Space Junk Galaxy
Battlerock Galaxy
Dusty Dune Galaxy
Sea Slide Galaxy
Toy Time Galaxy
Melty Molten Galaxy
Lumalee's artwork for Super Mario Galaxy
Lumalee
A big Luma that runs the Luma Shop. He typically proceeds a boss encounter and transforms into a Mushroom of choice in exchange for thirty Star Bits. Battlerock Galaxy
Ghostly Galaxy
Bowser Jr.'s Airship Armada
Melty Molten Galaxy
Dreadnought Galaxy
SMG Comet Tico.png
Comet Tico
A big Luma that is knowledgeable about Prankster Comets. He provides details on these comets to the player when prompted. Alternatively, he can shift where a Prankster Comet appears in exchange for twenty Star Bits. Comet Observatory
This picture is sent to the Wii Message Board once Luigi gets all 121 Power Stars and talks to Mailtoad
The Toad Brigade
A five-member team of Toads on a quest to help find Princess Peach. They travel through space in search of Power Stars on a starship called a Starshroom. The Lumas built it for them. There are three Toads other than the red-capped leader and purple-capped postman that are part of the Brigade. There is a knowledgeable Blue Toad who typically provides information on an area of interest; a Green Toad who wields a pickaxe and constructs cannons for Mario; and a very sleepy Yellow Toad. Comet Observatory
Honeyhive Galaxy
Sweet Sweet Galaxy
Space Junk Galaxy
Hurry-Scurry Galaxy
Bubble Breeze Galaxy
Ghostly Galaxy
Bowser Jr.'s Airship Armada
Freezeflame Galaxy
Dusty Dune Galaxy
Bigmouth Galaxy
Sea Slide Galaxy
Toy Time Galaxy
Sand Spiral Galaxy
Deep Dark Galaxy
Grand Finale Galaxy
Rendered model of the Toad Brigade Captain from Super Mario Galaxy.
Toad Brigade Captain
The captain of the Toad Brigade. This Red Toad self-designated himself as the brigade captain and typically sends his teammates into dangerous situations without his direct involvement. According to the Blue Toad, the captain is the most cowardly member of the team. All galaxies that feature the Toad Brigade
Rendered model of Mailtoad in Super Mario Galaxy.
Mailtoad
A member of the Toad Brigade who runs a postal service for Mario on the Comet Observatory. He delivers mail from Princess Peach or Luigi. When out on missions with the brigade, he usually is equipped with a snorkel. All galaxies that feature the Toad Brigade
Star Bunny from Super Mario Galaxy / Super Mario Galaxy 2
Star Bunnies
Spacefaring rabbits that like to play. They award Mario a Power Star for catching them. The Star Bunnies of Gusty Garden Galaxy have a penchant for gardening and are hunted by Undergrunts. Some Star Bunnies are Lumas in disguise. Unlike them, the real rabbits often end their sentences with "boiyoing" or sport Toad-like vests. Gateway Galaxy
Bowser Jr.'s Airship Armada
Gusty Garden Galaxy
Gold Leaf Galaxy
Snow Cap Galaxy
Grand Finale Galaxy
Artwork of Bees from Super Mario Galaxy
Honeybees
Bee people that collect honey. They teach the player how to use their bee form. Most Honeybees are members of the Honeyhive Kingdom and are in the midst of a dispute with a society of stink bug-like Mandibugs. The bees of Gold Leaf Galaxy keep Cataquacks as pets. Honeyhive Galaxy
Sea Slide Galaxy
Gold Leaf Galaxy
Grand Finale Galaxy
QueenBee.png
Queen Bee
The ruler of the Honeyhive Kingdom. Her body can be clung to by the player. Queen Bee's gentle and calm disposition contrasts with her large size. Honeyhive Galaxy
Rendered model of a Board from Super Mario Galaxy.
Boards
Talking boards that call out to Mario and teach him unique mechanics. Different individuals teach different things: Gil Board teaches Mario how to Wall Jump; Bill Board teaches him how to use the Rolling Ball; Phil Board teaches him how to use the Bubble; and Jill Board reminds him how to use his Boo form. Honeyhive Galaxy
Rolling Green Galaxy
Bubble Breeze Galaxy
Gusty Garden Galaxy
Melty Molten Galaxy
Boo's Boneyard Galaxy
Rolling Gizmo Galaxy
Bubble Blast Galaxy
Grand Finale Galaxy
RaySMG.png
Ray
The ray that Mario surfs on during the ray surfing minigame. Safely reaching the finish line within a specified time limit awards Mario with a Power Star. Loopdeeloop Galaxy
Loopdeeswoop Galaxy
Penguin
Penguins
Carefree, flightless birds who love swimming. Some individuals share swimming techniques with Mario when prompted, while others try to play with him. Most penguins are young birds that are a little shorter than Mario, but the two adults in the game – Coach and Penguru – tower over him. Loopdeeloop Galaxy
Beach Bowl Galaxy
Buoy Base Galaxy
Drip Drop Galaxy
Freezeflame Galaxy
Sea Slide Galaxy
Loopdeeswoop Galaxy
Grand Finale Galaxy
Coach
Coach
A big penguin that teaches young birds how to swim. He has a kind and paternal disposition. Coach is the host of the ray surfing minigame and gives Mario a tutorial on how to move Ray. Loopdeeloop Galaxy
Beach Bowl Galaxy
Loopdeeswoop Galaxy
Grand Finale Galaxy
Penguru from Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2.
Penguru
A knowledgeable, elderly penguin who likes to fish. While he oversees young penguins, he prefers spending time by himself. Drip Drop Galaxy
Bigmouth Galaxy
Sea Slide Galaxy
Grand Finale Galaxy
Rendered model of Coach from Super Mario Galaxy. The yellow feathers above his eyes make him resemble a rockhopper penguin.
Penguin Racers
A competitive, four-member swimming team of young penguins. While most penguins have blue plumage, each member of this team is a different color. They challenge Mario to a race when prompted. The team captain – a red penguin with yellow, brow-like feathers – awards Mario a Power Star for outswimming them. Sea Slide Galaxy
Grand Finale Galaxy
Artwork of a Gearmo from Super Mario Galaxy 2
Gearmos
Maintenance robots with an obsession for orderliness. Many Gearmos can be found upkeeping battle stations affiliated with the malicious Topman Tribe, but they themselves are benevolent robots. The Gearmos of Toy Time Galaxy teach the player how to make the most out of their spring form. An overworked individual hosts the Bob-omb Blasting minigame. Another helps maintain the Comet Observatory's Engine Room. Comet Observatory
Battlerock Galaxy
Buoy Base Galaxy
Toy Time Galaxy
Dreadnought Galaxy
Grand Finale Galaxy
Spooky Speedster
Spooky Speedster
An Atomic Boo in a helmet. He challenges Mario to race through open space when prompted. He begrudgingly gives Mario a Power Star if he reaches the finish line before him. Ghostly Galaxy
Boo's Boneyard Galaxy
GuppySMG.png
Guppy
A fearsome orca whale who bullies the penguin racers. He only relents if Mario can pass through his eight-ring swim challenge, as well as award him a Power Star. Unlike most other characters, Guppy cannot be jumped on and – while not damaging – knockbacks Mario if approached. Sea Slide Galaxy
Deep Dark Galaxy
Cosmic Mario from Super Mario Galaxy.
Cosmic Mario
An entity that takes on the form of Mario and has all of the same abilities. It challenges him to a footrace to a Power Star. It only appears when a Cosmic Comet is in orbit during Mario's playthrough. Making contact with Cosmic Mario during the race makes it release Star Bits. Honeyhive Galaxy
Freezeflame Galaxy
Gold Leaf Galaxy
Sea Slide Galaxy
Cosmic Luigi
Cosmic Luigi
An entity that takes on the form of Luigi and has all of the same abilities. Mirroring Cosmic Mario, it only appears when a Cosmic Comet is in orbit during Luigi's playthrough. It is a more challenging opponent than Cosmic Mario. Honeyhive Galaxy
Freezeflame Galaxy
Gold Leaf Galaxy
Sea Slide Galaxy

Enemies and obstacles

Thumbnail of the Unagi enemy from Super Mario 64.Thumbnail of the Moneybag enemy from Super Mario 64.Thumbnail of the boss Eyerok from Super Mario 64.
Thumbnail of the enemy Gringill from Super Mario Galaxy.Thumbnail of the enemy Tracks from Super Mario Galaxy.Thumbnail of the boss Bouldergeist from Super Mario Galaxy.
Comparison between similar enemy designs in Super Mario 64 (1996; top row) and Super Mario Galaxy (2007; bottom row). In addition to like designs, enemies in the same column have similar purposes and behaviors within their respective games. They are, from left-to-right:
Top row: Unagi, Moneybags, and Eyerok.
Bottom row: Gringill, Petapeta, and Bouldergeist.

Roughly ninety enemies are in Super Mario Galaxy. Including bosses and obstacles, there are over one-hundred. Most enemies that can be defeated by Mario[note 1] drop different spoils depending on how they are attacked: enemies drop coins if stomped on and Star Bits if spun into. Most enemies that actively attack Mario briefly stop after successfully causing damage. This gives the player a chance to get their bearings before responding. Some enemies, such as Piranha Plants, laugh at Mario when they successfully land a hit.

Roughly fifty of the enemies and varieties in Super Mario Galaxy are wholly new to the series. Some of them are incorporated into subsequent Mario games or inspire staple elements. Notable groups include: octopus creatures called Electrogoombas, of which several varieties fire rocks from their siphons; a faction of mechanical, spinning enemies called Topmen; and stationary robots that discharge circular electrical waves called Beamers. Though some enemies look like robots, there are no enemies visually comparable to the typical alien designs found in science fiction. Some of the new enemies are derivative of creatures that appeared in earlier Super Mario games in both design and behavior, with a particular focus on Super Mario 64 (see right). Some of them resemble recurring enemies in The Legend of Zelda series. Specifically, the bats resemble Keeses and the Electrogoombas resemble Octoroks, with a variant even baring a similar name – the Ota Rocks.

Super Mario Galaxy makes use of the Super Mario series' back catalog of enemies. This game represents the first instance that some of these enemies were ever integrated into a 3D platformer. There are enemies in Super Mario Galaxy that, with the exception of re-releases or remakes, never appeared outside of their debut titles. Many of these enemies debuted in Super Mario 64, such as Bomps, Amps, Boulders, and Tox Boxes. The enemies that were incorporated contrast greatly with the ones in the previous 3D Super Mario game, a title that made a conservative use of the series' back catalog and introduced enemies that largely never appeared again.

Nearly all of the enemies and bosses in Super Mario Galaxy are incorporated into its sequel.

New enemies

Name List of enemies Description List of enemies Locations Possible spoils
Rendered model of a bolted Ball Beamer from Super Mario Galaxy.
Ball Beamer (bolt)
A stationary enemy that discharges wide-ranging shockwaves on the surface of a spherical planet. The shockwaves damage Mario on contact. They are discharged in consistent three-part intervals that can be timed. The bolt can be unscrewed by spinning on top of it, which halts the discharge. This opens up the inside of the planet it sits on. Buoy Base Galaxy None
Model of a boltless Ball Beamer from Super Mario Galaxy.
Ball Beamer (nut)
Ball Beamers with nuts. One sits opposite of a bolted Ball Beamer on a spherical planet. These variants lack interactive components. Buoy Base Galaxy
Deep Dark Galaxy
Indestructible
Rendered model of the spring enemy in Super Mario Galaxy.
Banekiti
Mechanical spring enemies. They knockback Boo Mario on contact but do not cause damage. Boo's Boneyard Galaxy Indestructible
SMG Bat Artwork.png
Bat
Winged creatures that roost in caves and swoop down to attack Mario. They fly-in-place and cackle when they make successful strikes. Bats can be defeated with a spin or stomp. Beach Bowl Galaxy
Ghostly Galaxy
Toy Time Galaxy
Coin×1
Star Bit×3
Bomb Boo
Bomb Boo
Explosive Boos. Unlike normal Boos, Bomb Boos do not cower when faced by Mario. They charge directly towards him on sight. Spinning near a Bomb Boo causes Mario to grab onto its tongue and swing it in circles, like a lasso. It detonates if it is swung into an object or wall. If Mario does not release the Bomb Boo, it is pulled in closer and explodes in his face. Bomb Boos are conjured by Bouldergeist and can be used to destroy the boss's stone armor. Ghostly Galaxy None
Rendered model of a Clampy from Super Mario Galaxy.
Clam
A giant clam that periodically opens and shuts its valves. Either Star Chips or coins can be found within them. Snapping shut with Mario inside damages him. Beach Bowl Galaxy Indestructible
Rendered model of a Cluckboom from Super Mario Galaxy.
Cluckboom
Red Coo Coos that lay explosive eggs. They fly in a continuous set path, fluttering back-and-forth. They fall to the ground if shot at with Star Bits, which leaves them dazed and open to attack. Dusty Dune Galaxy Coin×1
Star Bit×3
Rendered model of a red Crabber from Super Mario Galaxy.
Crabber (red)
Aggressive, sidestepping crabs. Crabbers have hard shells that protect them from jumps and spins head-on, but their fleshy rears are exposed and can be struck. Red Crabbers directly move in to attack Mario, but move slowly. Dusty Dune Galaxy
Sea Slide Galaxy
Deep Dark Galaxy
Bigmouth Galaxy
Star Bit×3
Rendered model of a blue Crabber from Super Mario Galaxy.
Crabber (turquoise)
Evasive, cowardly Crabbers that frantically scuttle away from Mario. They bury themselves underground in an attempt to escape and resurface shortly after. Dusty Dune Galaxy
Sea Slide Galaxy
Deep Dark Galaxy
Bigmouth Galaxy
1-Up Mushroom×1
Electrogoomba
Electrogoomba
Goomba-like octopus creatures. They sidestep back-and-forth along a set back and keep their eyes locked onto Mario when he is nearby. If in close proximity, they attempt to strike him with the hair-like protrusion on their heads. Electrogoombas can be defeated by spinning them once or jumping on their heads. Good Egg Galaxy
Battlerock Galaxy
Bowser Jr.'s Airship Armada
Toy Time Galaxy
Coin×1
Star Bit×3
A model of an Eye Beamer from Super Mario Galaxy.
Eye Beamer
Mechanical eyes that are suspended in the air. They emit electrical beams from their pupils that damage Mario on impact. Some Eye Beamers move while others are stationary. The back of the Eye Beamer is undamaging and flat: they can be used as platforms to traverse obstacles. Dusty Dune Galaxy
Dreadnought Galaxy
Indestructible
Rendered model of a Fire Shooter from Super Mario Galaxy.
Fire Pressure
Mounted flamethrowers that periodically shoot streams of fire. The flames receed in set intervals that can be timed. Bowser's Star Reactor
Toy Time Galaxy
Deep Dark Galaxy
Bubble Blast Galaxy
Indestructible
Flipbug.png
Flipbug
Skittish beetles. When Mario is in close proximity, they cowardly try to fly away before tiring out and falling to the ground, flailing helplessly. If spotted in his bee form, they aggressively pursue him. Honeyhive Galaxy
Gusty Garden Galaxy
Gold Leaf Galaxy
Coin×1
Star Bit×3
Rendered model of a Gold Chomp from Super Mario Galaxy.
Golden Chomp
A rolling Chomp made of gold. It can only be destroyed by Mario if he collides with it while in his rainbow form. Gusty Garden Galaxy Power Star×1
Goombeetle
Goombeetle
Robotic-looking Goombas that wear metallic helmets. The helmets protect them from being stomped. Spinning them makes them fall upside down. They can be defeated in this state. Bowser Jr.'s Robot Reactor
Battlerock Galaxy
Buoy Base Galaxy
Bowser's Dark Matter Plant
Dreadnought Galaxy
Coin×1
Rendered model of a Gringill from Super Mario Galaxy.
Gringill
Giant eels that prey on penguins. They are found nestled in caves and swimming in open waters with snapping jaws. The nesting individuals snap at Mario if he approaches the mouth of their caves. They can only be defeated by projectile shells. Beach Bowl Galaxy
Sea Slide Galaxy
Drip Drop Galaxy
Deep Dark Galaxy
Bigmouth Galaxy
Star Bit×7
Rendered model of a Giant Gringill from Super Mario Galaxy.
Gringill (big)
Enormous Gringills found in underwater caves. They bite Mario if he approaches the mouth of their caves. Beach Bowl Galaxy
Sea Slide Galaxy
Deep Dark Galaxy
1-Up Mushroom×1
An ice bat
Ice bat
White bats shrouded in an icy vapor. Making direct contact encases Mario in ice. They can only be damaged by fire. Freezeflame Galaxy Star Bit×3
An Ice Bubble from Super Mario Galaxy.
Ice Bubble
Floating ice enemies that freeze Mario on contact. Spinning near them neutralizes their icy cloud and forces them to the ground. This leaves them vulnerable to being kicked. Neutralized Ice Bubbles propel themselves towards the nearest pool of freezing water to regenerate their cold aura. Freezeflame Galaxy
Toy Time Galaxy
Coin×1
Jammyfish Bigmouth SMG.png
Jammyfish
Jellyfish-like creatures that idly swim in schools along a set path. They damage Mario on contact, but do not actively pursue him. Deep Dark Galaxy
Bigmouth Galaxy
Coin×1
Model of a Jam-o'-War (without its cap) from Super Mario Galaxy.
Jellyfish
Great underwater medusae that electrocute Mario on contact. They idly pulsate in-place and emit a low, otherworldly sound. Jellyfish can be defeated by throwing two shells at them. The first strike turns them green, but their behavior is unchanged. Deep Dark Galaxy
Bigmouth Galaxy
Coin×1
Spring Vault from Super Mario Galaxy
Jump Beamer
Spring-like Topmen that discharge circular shockwaves. They can be used as springs after jumping on their head, allowing Mario to reach great heights. Flipswitch Galaxy
Battlerock Galaxy
Dreadnought Galaxy
None
A Sentry Garage's model from Super Mario Galaxy
Jump Guarder
A large Topman that releases four Topminis out of its sides. After jumping on its head, it can be used as a spring to reach higher areas. Buoy Base Galaxy None
A Li'l Cinder from Super Mario Galaxy
Li'l Cinder
Floating fire enemies that burn Mario on contact. Spinning near them extinguishes their flame and leave them vulnerable to being kicked. Extinguished Li'l Cinders hop towards the nearest pool of lava to reignite. Freezeflame Galaxy
Melty Molten Galaxy
Coin×1
Mandibug
Mandibug
Large stink bug-like enemies that prey on Honeybees. They quickly charge towards Mario in a straight line after making visual contact, snapping at him with their mandibles. They can be defeated by Ground Pounding them on their backs, as indicated by the symbol on their abdomen. Mandibugs cower in fear if Mario stands on their back but eventually shake him off. Honeyhive Galaxy
Bowser Jr.'s Airship Armada
Honeyclimb Galaxy
Gold Leaf Galaxy
Star Bit×3
Rendered model of the meteor obstacle in Super Mario Galaxy.
Meteor
Fiery space rocks. Bowser shoots them out of his mouth to destroy the big staircase in Bowser's Star Reactor. They otherwise typically appear raining from the sky in volcanic galaxies. Bowser's Star Reactor
Honeyclimb Galaxy
Bowser Jr.'s Lava Reactor
Melty Molten Galaxy
Gateway Galaxy
None
Mikey Mine
Mine (underwater)
Naval mines that have eyes and bob up-and-down on chains. They keep their eyes shut unless Mario is in close proximity. They regenerate after detonating. Deep Dark Galaxy None
Rendered model of the Mini Chomp enemy in Super Mario Galaxy.
Mini Wanwan
Small Chomps that roll out of doghouses. Mini Wanwans cannot be damaged directly: they are only destroyed once all nearby Flipswitch Panels are activated. Dreadnought Galaxy Star Bit×3
Rendered model of the Monty enemy in Super Mario Galaxy.
Monty
Bandana-wearing moles that reside in hatches and throw wrenches at Mario. They close and hide in the hatch if he approaches them. Montys can be stunned by Ground Pounding the earth near them or shooting them with a Star Bit. This leaves them vulnerable to attack. Battlerock Galaxy
Gusty Garden Galaxy
Dreadnought Galaxy
Coin×1
Star Bit×3
Octoguysmg.png
Octoguy
Small Electrogoombas that shuffle backwards from Mario when approached. They periodically stop to shoot a rock at him from their siphon. Octoguys are defeated with a spin or jump. They often appear in large groups. Honeyhive Galaxy
Buoy Base Galaxy
Bowser Jr.'s Airship Armada
Gold Leaf Galaxy
Deep Dark Galaxy
Coin×1
Star Bit×3
Rendered model of the Rocto enemy in Super Mario Galaxy.
Ota Rock
Large, stationary Electrogoombas that hide in barrels. They shoot coconuts[note 2] and flaming rocks at Mario from their siphon. The coconuts can be deflected back at them if spun against. Ota Rocks are always found in pairs. Good Egg Galaxy
Space Junk Galaxy
Bowser Jr.'s Lava Reactor
Dreadnought Galaxy
None
Rendered model of the Tracks enemy in Super Mario Galaxy.
Petapeta
Sandal-wearing sack creatures that turn invisible when moving. Petapetas are harmless, but can be defeated to recover a large number of Star Bits. Their movement can be tracked by following their footsteps. Good Egg Galaxy
Gusty Garden Galaxy
Sea Slide Galaxy
Deep Dark Galaxy
Gateway Galaxy
Star Bit×20
Rendered model of the prickly plant in Super Mario Galaxy.
Prickly plant
Idle plants with sharp, needle-like flowers. They damage Mario on contact. Destroying them without a power-up usually requires striking them with another object, such as a coconut or rubbery bulb. Good Egg Galaxy
Gusty Garden Galaxy
Dusty Dune Galaxy
Toy Time Galaxy
Gateway Galaxy
Bowser's Galaxy Reactor
Coin×1
Star Bit×3
Sling Star×1
Floating prickly plant in Super Mario Galaxy.
Prickly plant (airborne)
Giant prickly plants suspended in space. They have rotating, propeller-like leaves underneath their flowers. Gusty Garden Galaxy Star Bit×7
A giant prickly plant from Super Mario Galaxy
Prickly plant (giant)
Massive prickly plants. Their behavior is shared with the normal-sized prickly plants. Good Egg Galaxy
Dusty Dune Galaxy
Star Bit×7
Sling Star×1
Pumpkinhead Goomba
Pumpkinhead Goomba
Slow-moving Goombas with jack o'lanterns covering their heads. They periodically leave blue flames that damage Mario on contact. Pumpkinhead Goombas can be defeated in one hit with a Ground Pound, or spinning them to destroy their pumpkin, turning them into a regular Goomba. Ghostly Galaxy Coin×1
Goomba×1
A Pulse Beam's model from Super Mario Galaxy
Ring Beamer
Domed machines covered in spikes that emit circular shockwaves. The shockwaves cause electrical damage. They cannot be damaged or halted by any means. Unlike Ball Beamers, attempting to jump on Ring Beamers damages him. Toy Time Galaxy
Dreadnought Galaxy
Indestructible
Rendered model of a Sentry Beam from Super Mario Galaxy.
Sentry Beam
Stationary robots suspended above ground via a propeller. They shoot electric lasers from their maw. Sentry Beams are completely invincible, although standing on top of them temporarily prevent it from firing. They follow Mario's position when he is close. Battlerock Galaxy
Bowser Jr.'s Airship Armada
Toy Time Galaxy
Indestructible
Rendered model of a Bonefin from Super Mario Galaxy.
Skeletal Fish Guard
Undead sharks. They appear during the boss fight with Kingfin, who summons them from a hydrothermal vent as he accumulates damage. They home-in and charge at Mario when he comes in close proximity to them. They otherwise swim alongside Kingfin like remoras. They can be defeated by leading them to the water's surface or by striking them with a shell. The entire guard disappears once Kingfin is defeated. Bonefin Galaxy Star Bit×7
Offical artwork of Slurple
Slurple
Leech-like enemies which latch onto Mario and gradually depletes his life meter. Slurples are easily disposed of with a spin. Good Egg Galaxy
Honeyhive Galaxy
Gusty Garden Galaxy
Gold Leaf Galaxy
Sea Slide Galaxy
Star Bit×1
Spiky Topman
Spiky Topman
Top enemies that spin into Mario. Spiky Topmen do not directly harm him, but they can push him into hazards or off of a platform. The spike on their heads protects them from being stomped on and damage him on contact. Spiky Topmen can only be defeated if into an electric rail or off the side of a platform. Battlerock Galaxy
Dreadnought Galaxy
Coin×1
Spiny Piranha Plant
Spiny Piranha Plant
Giant Piranha Plants that forcefully slam their heads into the ground. They can be defeated by jumping on their heads, or stunned by spinning into them. Good Egg Galaxy
Beach Bowl Galaxy
Gusty Garden Galaxy
Star Bit×7
Sproutle Vine×1
Closeup of a Spoing in Super Mario Galaxy
Spoing
Spiders that hop up-and-down in-place. To defeat Spoings, they can be stunned with a Star Bit and kicked, or simply jumped on. They gleefully laugh if they successfully strike Mario. Space Junk Galaxy
Ghostly Galaxy
Coin×1
Star Bit×3
A Spangler in the Sea Slide Galaxy
Sprangler
Spoings that hang from silk. They sway back-and-forth in an attempt to strike Mario. Spranglers become briefly incapacitated if spun into and can be kicked to defeat them. They otherwise can be jumped on. Ghostly Galaxy
Bowser Jr.'s Airship Armada
Sea Slide Galaxy
Coin×1
Star Bit×3
Rendered model of the Spring Topman enemy in Super Mario Galaxy.
Spring Topman
Green Topmen. Colliding with Mario causes him to spin out-of-control. Jumping on one's head leaves it stunned and exposes the spring underneath its head. It can be jumped on while in this state to reach great heights. Some Spring Topmen can produce single Topminis. Buoy Base Galaxy
Dreadnought Galaxy
None
Artwork of a Topmini from Super Mario Galaxy
Topmini
Tiny Topmen that can be defeated by spinning into them. Topminis are incapable of damaging Mario and can only push them around. There are dark voids continuously produce Topminis. They otherwise are produced by Spring Topmen and Jump Guarders. Buoy Base Galaxy
Dreadnought Galaxy
Star Bit×1
Rendered model of a Bone Twister from Super Mario Galaxy.
Tweester
Miniature dust tornadoes that travel along a set path. They catch Mario in their gusts when they make contact, but this does not harm him. Mario is propelled high into the air like a taketombo rotor toy if he tries to spin. Some Tweesters carry jagged, rocky debris that does harm Mario if he makes contact. Dusty Dune Galaxy Indestructible
Rendered model of the Undergrunt enemy in Super Mario Galaxy.
Undergrunt
Burrowing moles that prey on Star Bunnies. They leave trails of disturbed dirt as they burrow through the ground. They can be defeated by ground-pounding approximal earth. This forces them to the surface and dazed, leaving them vulnerable to being spun. Their spiked helmets damage Mario if he tries to jump on them. The helmets protrude from the ground as the Undergrunts burrow, enabling the player to track their movements. Gusty Garden Galaxy
Gold Leaf Galaxy
Star Bit×3
Ground Urchin in Freezeflame Galaxy
Urchin (land)
Red Urchins only found on land. One protracts its spines and rolls towards Mario if he approaches it. They are immune to spinning or being stomped. They can only be damaged by fire and lava. There is a box-like stone scultupre in Freezeflame Galaxy that continuously expels these Urchins. Freezeflame Galaxy
Deep Dark Galaxy
Star Bit×5
Water Shooter
Water Shooter
Mounted nozzles that shoot large drops of water over great distances. A drop traps Mario if within its trajectory and carries him with it. He is freed if he spins. Honeyhive Galaxy
Buoy Base Galaxy
Deep Dark Galaxy
Sand Spiral Galaxy
Indestructible

Returning enemies

Name List of enemies Description List of enemies Locations Possible spoils
An Amp
Amp
Suspended, magnetic orbs with smiling faces. They discharge electricity and shock Mario on contact. They move in a fixed direction, typically in a circular pattern. Buoy Base Galaxy
Dreadnought Galaxy
Bubble Blast Galaxy
Indestructible
In-game render of the Atomic Boo enemy in Super Mario Galaxy, found only in the "Boo in a Box" mission.
Atomic Boo
A gigantic Boo. It can only be defeated with a light source. A rival character called the Spooky Speedster is of this species. Deep Dark Galaxy Power Star×1
Rendered model of a Banzai Bill from Super Mario Galaxy.
Banzai Bill
Giant, slow-moving missiles with sharkmouths. Their line of trajectory is fixed in one direction, and they slowly rotate as they move. Bowser's Galaxy Reactor None
Rendered model of the Zap Ball enemy in Super Mario Galaxy.
Big Amp
Large Amps. They are typically in pairs. Unlike normal-sized Amps, the big ones lack faces. Space Junk Galaxy
Battlerock Galaxy
Buoy Base Galaxy
Gusty Garden Galaxy
Toy Time Galaxy
Indestructible
Rendered model of a Grand Goomba from Super Mario Galaxy.
Big Goomba
A gigantic Goomba. It can only be defeated with a spin and a kick. Gateway Galaxy Key×1
Rendered model of a Blooper from Super Mario Galaxy.
Blooper
White squids. They swim erratically when approached by Mario in an attempt to strike him. They can be defeated with a spin or a shell. Bloopers release a cloud of ink when defeated by the player. Buoy Base Galaxy
Deep Dark Galaxy
Star Bit×3
SMG Bob-Omb Artwork.png
Bob-omb
Walking bombs that look like wind-up toys. There are two varieties: Bob-ombs that actively pursue Mario until they explode and legless bombs than can be picked up and thrown. The legless variety can be used to destroy cages, enemies, and trash in the Bob-omb Blasting minigame. Jumping on a walking Bob-omb causes its legs to recede into its body and become this second variant. Battlerock Galaxy
Dreadnought Galaxy
Rolling Gizmo Galaxy
None
Rendered model Bomp from Super Mario Galaxy.
Bomp
Large, moving stones that shift in-and-out of crevices found on walls. They do not damage Mario directly, but they are positioned to push him off of platforms and solid ground. The tops of their bodies can be walked on. Buoy Base Galaxy
Freezeflame Galaxy
Indestructible
Rendered model of a Boo from Super Mario Galaxy.
Boo
Round ghosts with long tongues. They pursue Mario when his back is turned towards them. If Mario looks directly at Boos, they sheepishly shield their their eyes and stop moving. Spinning them causes them to shift their position and forces them to phase through nearby walls, but they cannot be damaged this way. Boos are only weak to beacons of light – including the headlamp of the Toad Brigade Captain. Some can be found underwater. Mario can transform into one via the Boo Mushroom. Normal Boos become infatuated with Mario if encountered in his Boo form. Ghostly Galaxy
Deep Dark Galaxy
Bigmouth Galaxy
Sand Spiral Galaxy
Coin×1
Rendered model of the boulder obstacle in Super Mario Galaxy.
Boulder
Giant, rolling rocks. They are composed of cragged stones with a red gem in their center. Boulders roll around in circles or off the sides of platforms, damaging Mario on contact. Striking them in their red gem with a spin destroys them. There are cliffside caves that continuously release Boulders indefinitely in several galaxies. Good Egg Galaxy
Honeyhive Galaxy
Gusty Garden Galaxy
Freezeflame Galaxy
Dusty Dune Galaxy
Gold Leaf Galaxy
Melty Molten Galaxy
Star Bit×7
SMG Bullet Bill.png
Bullet Bill
Angry-looking missiles that are fired from Bill Blasters. They normally fly in a straight line, but they change course and directly target Mario if he is within their proximity. Mario can lure Bullet Bills towards cages and fences in order to destroy them. Their eyes flash with red light and their bodies twirl when they lock onto Mario. Good Egg Galaxy
Bowser Jr.'s Robot Reactor
Battlerock Galaxy
Buoy Base Galaxy
Bowser Jr.'s Airship Armada
Bowser Jr.'s Lava Reactor
Dreadnought Galaxy
Melty Molten Galaxy
Bowser's Galaxy Reactor
Bubble Blast Galaxy
None
Rendered model of a Cannonball from Super Mario Galaxy.
Cannonball
Round ammunition shot from enemy cannons. They maintain a straight, horizontal trajectory and move relatively slowly. They burst when they make contact with Mario. A cannonball can be taken out by shooting it with a Star Bit. Battlerock Galaxy
Bowser Jr.'s Airship Armada
Gusty Garden Galaxy
Sling Pod Galaxy
Dreadnought Galaxy
Coin×1
Rendered model of a Cataquack from Super Mario Galaxy.
Cataquack
Vaguely duck-like creatures that toss Mario high into the air. This does not harm him. They immediately charge towards Mario after making visual contact. They otherwise idly pace in circles or sleep on the ground. Spinning them or performing a Ground Pound temporarily dazes them. They cannot swim and drown if led into water. Beach Bowl Galaxy
Gold Leaf Galaxy
None
SMG Cheep Cheep.png
Cheep Cheep
Pudgy red fish. Underwater, they passively swim in circles. On land or shallow water, they hopelessly bounce around in a set trajectory. They can be defeated with a spin or a jump. Deep Dark Galaxy Coin×1
Star Bit×3
Rendered model of a Chomp from Super Mario Galaxy.
Chomp
Toothy, metal monsters that roll in a set trajectory. The only way to defeat them is by running into them with a Rainbow Star. They bark like a dog when in close proximity. A cannon in Good Egg Galaxy expels smaller variants of Chomps. Good Egg Galaxy
Battlerock Galaxy
Ghostly Galaxy
Star Bit×7
A Dry Bones
Dry Bones
Undead Koopa Troopas. They chase down and tackle Mario on sight. If stomped on, spun, or hit with a shell, Dry Bones crumble into a pile of bones, but regenerate after a few seconds. There are three ways to truly defeat Dry Bones: by luring a Bullet Bill into them; by running into them as Rainbow Mario; or by luring them into quicksand. Dusty Dune Galaxy
Bowser's Dark Matter Plant
Bowser's Galaxy Reactor
Star Bit×3
Artwork of a Grand Goomba from Super Mario Galaxy.
Goomba
Squat mushroom beings that rushdown Mario when he is in their line of sight. Goombas can be defeated with a single jump. Spinning or shooting them with Star Bits causes them to flip over and spin like a top. They can be kicked or stomped on in this state. Pumpkinhead Goombas become these if not fully defeated. Good Egg Galaxy
Space Junk Galaxy
Rolling Green Galaxy
Battlerock Galaxy
Hurry-Scurry Galaxy
Beach Bowl Galaxy
Buoy Base Galaxy
Bowser Jr.'s Airship Armada
Gusty Garden Galaxy
Freezeflame Galaxy
Dusty Dune Galaxy
Bowser's Dark Matter Plant
Gold Leaf Galaxy
Bowser Jr.'s Lava Reactor
Gateway Galaxy
Deep Dark Galaxy
Dreadnought Galaxy
Rolling Gizmo Galaxy
Coin×1
Star Bit×3
Key×1
Model of a green Koopa Troopa from Super Mario Galaxy.
Koopa Troopa (green)
Green-shelled turtles. They walk back-and-forth in a straight line. When jumped on, they retreat into their shells, allowing Mario to pick it up and use it as a Green Shell. Space Junk Galaxy
Bowser Jr.'s Airship Armada
Dusty Dune Galaxy
Sea Slide Galaxy
Dreadnought Galaxy
Bigmouth Galaxy
Green Shell×1
Rendered model of a Red Koopa Troopa from Super Mario Galaxy.
Koopa Troopa (red)
A red-shelled Koopa Troopa that walks around in a circle. Jumping on it causes it to retract and gives Mario access to a Red Shell. Sea Slide Galaxy Red Shell×1
Rendered model of the Lava Bubble enemy in Super Mario Galaxy.
Lava Bubble
Floating drops of lava that propel themselves towards Mario. Lava Bubbles appear during the boss battle with King Kaliente. They can only be defeated by shooting them with a Star Bit and otherwise burnout on their own. Good Egg Galaxy
Bowser Jr.'s Lava Reactor
Melty Molten Galaxy
Coin×1
Super Mario Galaxy promotional artwork: A Magikoopa or Kamek holding his wand (reused for Mario Party DS as his artwork)
Magikoopa
Robed Koopas that can teleport. They conjure fireballs and toss them at Mario with their wand. Shooting one with a Star Bit does not leave it dazed, but it does stall to block the bit. A Magikoopa featured in one of the opening cutscenes is localized in English as "Kamek". Space Junk Galaxy
Bowser Jr.'s Airship Armada
Toy Time Galaxy
Deep Dark Galaxy
Matter Splatter Galaxy
Sand Spiral Galaxy
Coin×1
Mecha-Bowser from Super Mario Galaxy
Mecha-Bowser
Mechanical Koopas that breath fire. They can only be defeated with a Ground Pound. Spinning them causes their heads to swing back and briefly delays their fire breath attack. Toy Time Galaxy
Dreadnought Galaxy
Coin×1
Model of a Micro Goomba in Super Mario Galaxy
Micro Goomba
Diminutive and weak Goombas. Like normal-sized Goombas, they charge towards Mario if he is near. They can be defeated with a single spin. Rolling Green Galaxy
Battlerock Galaxy
Freezeflame Galaxy
Dusty Dune Galaxy
Bowser Jr.'s Lava Reactor
Gateway Galaxy
Dreadnought Galaxy
Rolling Gizmo Galaxy
Coin×1
A Space Mine from Super Mario Galaxy.
Mine
Spiked bombs that are suspended in mid-air. They are usually fixed in one spot, but some move in vertical and horizontal trajectories in a few galaxies. Making contact with a mine causes it to explode in Mario's face, causing damage. They can be destroyed by shooting them with a Star Bit. Battlerock Galaxy
Bubble Breeze Galaxy
Ghostly Galaxy
Bowser Jr.'s Airship Armada
Sling Pod Galaxy
Dreadnought Galaxy
Sand Spiral Galaxy
Bubble Blast Galaxy
None
Piranha Plant
Piranha Plant
Carnivorous plants that lunge out at Mario with snapping jaws if approached. They scoffingly laugh if they make a successful bite. Piranha Plants can be defeated with a spin or a stomp, and can be stunned by shooting a Star Bit at one. Sproutle Vines sometimes grow from where a Piranha Plant is defeated. They idly keep their heads raised skyward when unapproached. Good Egg Galaxy
Honeyhive Galaxy
Beach Bowl Galaxy
Gusty Garden Galaxy
Dusty Dune Galaxy
Gold Leaf Galaxy
Coin×1
Star Bit×3
Sproutle Vine×1
Pokeynut
Pokey (big)
Segmented cactus enemies. They slam their heads downward to strike Mario. Their bodies fall apart when struck by coconuts, causing their head to fall and be partially submerged in the surrounding sand. Stomping on their overturned heads defeats them. Good Egg Galaxy
Dusty Dune Galaxy
Launch Star×1
A Pokeyplant from Super Mario Galaxy
Pokey (small)
A red Pokey that can move. It shimmies back from Mario while attempting to slam its head into him. The Pokey can be defeated by destroying its body segments and then its head, or by stomping on its head from above. If reduced to just a head, it attempts to flee. Dusty Dune Galaxy Star Bit×7
Rendered model of the Pokey Head enemy in Super Mario Galaxy.
Pokey Head
Disembodied Pokeys. They are buried with only their flowers visible. When approached by Mario, they burst out of the ground and start hopping after them. A Pokey Head gleefully bounces in-place if it successfully strikes Mario. They can be defeated in a single hit with a spin or stomp. Gusty Garden Galaxy
Dusty Dune Galaxy
Coin×1
Star Bit×3
Rendered model of the Spiny Cheep-Cheep enemy in Super Mario Galaxy with its spines extended.
Model of a deflated Spiny Cheep-Cheep from Super Mario Galaxy
Spiny Cheep Cheep
Rare pufferfish enemies. They protract their spines and charge towards Mario on sight. They can only be found hidden within sunken treasure chests. Drip Drop Galaxy Star Bit×7
Thwomp
Thwomp
Giant, grimacing stones. They hang suspended in mid-air but periodically slam down towards the ground with violent force. Crushing Mario completely depletes his life meter. The tops and sides of their bodies can be used as platforms and walls, respectively. A slightly smaller variant appears in Dreadnought Galaxy. Bowser's Star Reactor
Beach Bowl Galaxy
Buoy Base Galaxy
Dusty Dune Galaxy
Dreadnought Galaxy
Melty Molten Galaxy
Bowser's Galaxy Reactor
Indestructible
A Tox Box
Tox Box
Giant, solemn-looking boxes made out of stone. They roll around in set trajectories. One of their sides is open and can be safely stood under. All other sides crush Mario. Tox Boxes are the same width of the paths they travel, making them difficult to avoid. Beach Bowl Galaxy
Toy Time Galaxy
Indestructible
Rendered model of the Torpedo Ted enemy in Super Mario Galaxy.
Torpedo Ted
Underwater missiles with smiley sharkmouths. Their eyes flash red and they home-in on Mario when he is in close proximity. They can be lured towards glass cages to break them. Buoy Base Galaxy
Drip Drop Galaxy
None
Urchin as seen in Super Mario Galaxy.
Urchin
Benthic creatures with protractible spines. They aggressively roll towards Mario when he is in close proximity. They can only be damaged by shells and fireballs. Beach Bowl Galaxy
Buoy Base Galaxy
Freezeflame Galaxy
Sea Slide Galaxy
Drip Drop Galaxy
Deep Dark Galaxy
Star Bit×5
SMG Wiggler Artwork.png
Wiggler
Caterpillars that amble around in circles. Performing a ground-pound on nearby earth or directly spinning one flips a Wiggler on its back. If the incapacitated Wiggler is not defeated within five seconds, it becomes angry and uprights itself. An enraged Wiggler is much faster and cannot be harmed. It returns to its original disposition after a few seconds. Wigglers can be defeated in a single hit by ground-pounding them. Honeyhive Galaxy
Beach Bowl Galaxy
Bowser Jr.'s Airship Armada
Gusty Garden Galaxy
Gold Leaf Galaxy
Star Bit×7

Traps and obstacles

Name List of enemies Description List of enemies Locations
The sprite (by technical definition, even if it is incredibly large) of the black hole obstacle in Super Mario Galaxy.
Black hole
Extremely dense voids with their own gravity. Mario will be pulled into black holes if he gets too close and will lose a life. They exist in the center of several planets and function similarly to bottomless pits. All galaxies except:
Loopdeeloop Galaxy
Rolling Green Galaxy
Bubble Breeze Galaxy
Buoy Base Galaxy
Dusty Dune Galaxy
Bonefin Galaxy
Matter Splatter Galaxy
Rolling Gizmo Galaxy
Loopdeeswoop Galaxy
Grand Finale Galaxy
Drip Drop Galaxy
Bigmouth Galaxy
Snow Cap Galaxy
Boulder Planet.png
Mud
Dirt mixed with water. Mario's movement speed and jump height is greatly reduced when he is in mud. This puts him at potential risk if dangerous enemies are nearby. Good Egg Galaxy
Honey.png
Honey
A sweet substance collected by Honeybees. Honey reduces Mario's movement the same way mud does. Honeyhive Galaxy
Lava Planet Steel Platform Area.png
Lava
Molten rock. Direct contact burns Mario and makes him bonce into the air with his hands on his rear. It is emitted by volcanos and makes up the surface of some celestial bodies, such as suns. Bowser's Star Reactor
Freezeflame Galaxy
Bowser's Dark Matter Plant
Bowser Jr.'s Lava Reactor
Melty Molten Galaxy
Bowser's Galaxy Reactor
Cold water
Freezing water
Ice water. It is too frigid to swim in: staying in the water for too long depletes Mario's life meter. Freezing water is readily differentiated from normal bodies of water when: the screen is briefly disrupted by a static-like visual effect when Mario enters it. Freezeflame Galaxy
The first area of Bubble Breeze Galaxy
Poison swamp
Bubbly, sludge-like poison mixed with water. Mario becomes trapped in the poison when he makes contact and will rapidly start to sink and lose a life. There is no way for the player to escape. Bubble Breeze Galaxy
Toy Time Galaxy
Dusty Dune Galaxy
Quicksand
Shifting sands. It functions identically to poison in that it will rapidly cause Mario to sink and he cannot escape its pull. Quicksand is usually denoted by signage that have skull-and-crossbones on them. Dusty Dune Galaxy
Sand Spiral Galaxy
Bowser's Galaxy Reactor
Darkmatterpools.png
Dark matter
A dangerous substance that with a swirling pattern on it. Mario's body visually disintegrates when he makes contact with dark matter and he loses a life. Bowser's Dark Matter Plant
SMG Dusty Dune Tornado.png
Tornadoes
A vortex of desert winds that moves back-and-forth along a set path. Making contact will trap Mario within its gusts, but this does not damage him. As with Tweesters, Mario is propelled high into the air if he tries to spin. Dusty Dune Galaxy
Mario swimming in Sea Slide Galaxy
Whirlpools
A swirling vortex of water. Contact pushes Mario and temporarily stuns him, but it does not cause damage. Sea Slide Galaxy
Deep Dark Galaxy
Bigmouth Galaxy
The starting planet on the Bubble Blast Galaxy
Electric rails
Electrical barriers which shock Mario on contact. They emit either green or red electricity and move horizontally in some galaxies. Spiky Topmen can be damaged by spinning them into an electric rail. Good Egg Galaxy
Flipswitch Galaxy
Battlerock Galaxy
Toy Time Galaxy
Dreadnought Galaxy
Sweet Sweet Galaxy
Bubble Blast Galaxy
Rendered model of the spike platform in Super Mario Galaxy.
Spike Traps
Spiked platforms that slide along a set path, damaging Mario if they touch its sharp edges. Good Egg Galaxy
Flipswitch Galaxy
Toy Time Galaxy
Mario in Battlerock Barrage
Electric Balls[18]
Metal orbs that move in a circle, causing Mario electrical damage if touched. Battlerock Galaxy
Dreadnought Galaxy
SMG Fire Bar screenshot.png
Fire Bars
Rotating bars of fireballs that burn Mario on contact. Battlerock Galaxy
Bowser's Star Reactor
Toy Time Galaxy
Deep Dark Galaxy
Melty Molten Galaxy
Bowser's Galaxy Reactor
Sling Pod Galaxy
SMG Star.png
Lava Mini Sun Planets[19]
Small red dwarves. Some suns can be found suspensed in space, while others can be found on the surface of planetoids. Making direct contact burns Mario. Bowser's Star Reactor
Freezeflame Galaxy
Melty Molten Galaxy
Bowser's Galaxy Reactor
SMG Hedge Ring Planet.png
Brambles
Thick vines covered in thorns. Making contact damages Mario. Gusty Garden Galaxy
A Steam Jet
Steam jets
Heated water vapor forced out of the ground. Making contact burns Mario. Space Junk Galaxy
Freezeflame Galaxy
Melty Molten Galaxy
Bowser's Galaxy Reactor
Melty Molten Galaxy
Fireball
Trailing clumps of molten rock that are shot out of lava. They move very slowly and burn Mario on contact. Freezeflame Galaxy
Melty Molten Galaxy
Bowser's Galaxy Reactor
Rendered model of the Lava Geyser obstacle in Super Mario Galaxy.
Lava Geysers
Projected columns of molten rock that rise from pools of lava. Direct contact burns Mario. Lava Geysers rise and fall in set intervals that can be timed. A rise is always proceeded by rapid bubbling on the lava's surface. Freezeflame Galaxy
Melty Molten Galaxy
Bowser's Galaxy Reactor
Ice Planet from Bowser's Galaxy Reactor.
Dry Ice Planet[20]
An ice planet. The surface is so cold that direct contact causes Mario to leap as if he was burned and reduces his life meter. Bowser's Galaxy Reactor
The top of Megaleg's head
Bill Blasters
The cannons that shoot Bullet Bills. Stand alone blasters are covered in military camouflage. A blaster will not shoot more than one Bill at a time. Bill Blasters are mounted onto the surface of planets, integrated into the walls of terrain, and attached to the sides of Bowser's airships. Many Bill Blasters are built into the body of Megaleg. There are identical-looking blasters found underwater that shoot Torpedo Teds. Good Egg Galaxy
Bowser Jr.'s Robot Reactor
Battlerock Galaxy
Buoy Base Galaxy
Bowser Jr.'s Airship Armada
Bowser Jr.'s Lava Reactor
Dreadnought Galaxy
Melty Molten Galaxy
Bowser's Galaxy Reactor
Bubble Blast Galaxy
A burner in Super Mario Galaxy
Burners
Rare Bill Blaster-like cannons. They charge up for a few seconds before creating a small explosion. Good Egg Galaxy
Cannon firing a Cannonball in the Dreadnought Galaxy
Cannons
Mounted enemy artillery that shoot cannonballs. They are built into the sides of terrain. They fire continuously in set intervals that can be timed. Battlerock Galaxy
Bowser Jr.'s Airship Armada
Gusty Garden Galaxy
Sling Pod Galaxy
Dreadnought Galaxy
A Banzai Bill Cannon in Bowser's Galaxy Reactor
Banzai Bill Cannons
Giant cannons that shoot Banzai Bills. Identical-looking cannons occur in Good Egg Galaxy that release Chomps. Bowser's Galaxy Reactor

Bosses

List of bosses Bosses List of bosses
white white white white white
Dino Piranha KingKalienteProfile.png Rendered model of the Mandibug Stack in Super Mario Galaxy. Bugaboom SMG Megaleg and Moon Model.png
A Piranha Plant monster with a clubbed tail. It charges down Mario when he is in its line of sight. Spinning into its club slingshots it towards its head, damaging it. Its charges more quickly after the first strike. A giant Ota Rock that dwells in lava. He shoots coconuts and flaming rocks at Mario from his siphon. Spinning into a coconut smacks it back towards him and damages him. He starts to parry these attacks as the fight progresses. A Mandibug that carries its child on its back. Both can be defeated by performing a Ground Pound. Defeating the child enrages the parent and makes it harder to strike. An enormous, winged Mandibug. It tries to bite Mario with its mandibles. Ground pounding its abdomen damages it. Bugaboom takes flight after being struck once and starts releasing explosive droppings as it flies. A giant robot. Its legs are covered with gravitational panels that enable Mario to walk on its body, but it fires Bullet Bills at him as he ascends. A Grand Star is caged on its head that can be freed with a lured Bill.
Missions Missions Missions Missions Missions
Dino Piranha
Dino Piranha Speed Run
King Kaliente's Battle Fleet Trouble on the Tower Big Bad Bugaboom Megaleg's Moon
white white white white white
Kamella from Super Mario Galaxy. TarantoxSMG.png Topmaniac Artwork of Bowser in Super Mario Galaxy Bouldergeist SMG.png
A Magikoopa boss. She conjures fireballs, Green Shells, and other Magikoopas. Striking her with shells is the only way to damage her. She starts to teleport erratically as the fight progresses. A giant spidery boss that cocoons itself in silk. The green orbs covering its body are its weak points: Mario can use Sling Pods to launch himself at them to damage it. It spews acid after being hit once. A large Topman with serrated edges. Jumping on his head makes the blades retract, enabling Mario to safely spin him into an electric rail. Mario's arch-nemesis: the fire-breathing king of Koopas. He launches himself skyward-and-back to produce seismic shockwaves and strike Mario. Luring him above a glass panel causes him to crash through and burn his tail on lava. This leaves him vulnerable to a spin attack. He can conjure stone armor and roll like a boulder. He otherwise uses attacks that mirror Mario's abilities, including the spin and Side Somersault. A large ghost covered in rocks. It launches rocks and erects stone spikes to damage Mario. Attacking it with Bomb Boos destroys its armor and leaves it vulnerable to attack. During the second phase, it constructs giant hands to attack Mario and protect its body.
Missions Missions Missions Missions Missions
Kamella's Airship Attack
The Underground Ghost Ship
Ghost Ship Daredevil Run
Tarantox's Tangled Web Topmaniac and the Topman Tribe
Topmaniac's Daredevil Run
Revenge of the Topman Tribe
Topman Tribe Speed Run
The Fiery Stronghold
Darkness on the Horizon
The Fate of the Universe
Beware of Bouldergeist
Bouldergeist's Daredevil Run
white white white Undergrunt Gunner
(Water Bazooka)
Mecha-Bowser
Super Mario Galaxy promotional artwork: Bowser Jr. Major Burrows Artwork.png Baron Brrr Undergrunt Gunner.png Rendered model of the boss Mecha-Bowser from Super Mario Galaxy.
Bowser's bratty son. He captains a miniature airship that fires Bullet Bills and enflamed cannonballs at Mario. Magikoopas aide Bowser Jr. during the fight. Throwing shells at the airship damages it and eventually makes it sink. Bowser Jr. otherwise has a recurring story presence throughout the game. A giant Undergrunt endangering a Star Bunny. He burrows towards Mario before bursting from the ground with swiping claws. Performing a Ground Pound on the earth when his head is exposed forces him to the surface and leaves him vulnerable to a spin attack. A large Ice Bubble. He fires ice balls that freeze Mario on contact. If close, he thrusts himself downward and generates a freezing shockwave. Being close to the ground leaves him vulnerable to being spun. Doing so extinguishes his icy aura. Cyan Undergrunts that operate a blue rotating cannon. The cannon fires drops of water which push Mario back. The glass-encased cockpit is the weak point. An enormous tin toy robot modeled after Bowser. Gearmos are trapped inside of its mouth. To free them and destroy the robot, the stack of stone discs on top of its head must be Ground Pounded.
Missions Missions Missions Missions Missions
Sinking the Airships The Dirty Tricks of Major Burrows
Major Burrows's Daredevil Run
The Frozen Peak of Baron Brrr When It Rains, It Pours
Bubble Blastoff
Heavy Metal Mecha-Bowser
Undergrunt Gunner
(Electric Bazooka)
white King Kaliente (black) white
An Undergrunt Gunner SMG Kingfin Alternate Artwork.png of King Kaliente Firey Dino Piranha from Super Mario Galaxy.
A cyan Undergrunt that operate a yellow rotating cannon. The cannon shoots homing balls of electricity that damage Mario. A massive, skeleton shark that is defended by a school of Skeletal Fish Guards. It is vulnerable to shells. As it swims, it destroys underwater pillars in its path. It does not actively pursue Mario, but it summons more Fish Guards as the battle progresses. A scorched variation of King Kaliente that becomes aggressive much faster and can summon meteors. A fast-moving Dino Piranha. Its clubbed tail periodically catches fire. The flames burn Mario and prevent him from spinning the club. After making a successful strike, Fiery Dino Piranha becomes faster; leaves walls of fire in its wake; and spews giant balls of fire. Defeating this boss without being damaged requires well-timed precision.
Missions Missions Missions Missions
Bouncing Down Cake Lane Kingfin's Fearsome Waters King Kaliente's Spicy Return Fiery Dino Piranha

Items and objects

Items

Name Description Name Description
Power Star
Power Stars
Objects that are a source of energy for the Comet Observatory. They are stolen by Bowser to create a galaxy of his own at the center of the universe. Collecting them completes missions and unlocks new levels. It is inferred that yellow Lumas can metamorphosize into Power Stars. Rendered model of a Green Shell in Super Mario Galaxy.
Green Shells
Shells of green Koopa Troopas. Mario grabs one when he makes contact or spins near it. Shaking Wii Remote makes Mario throw it. Green Koopa Shells travel in a continuous forward trajectory and defeats enemies on contact. Holding a Shell while underwater makes Mario automatically propel forward at a faster speed than if he were to swim. A light emits from the front of the shell when underwater that helps orient the player. This light can defeat Boos.
Greenstar.png
Green Power Stars
Hidden, intermissionary Power Stars. Collecting one attracts a green-colored Luma to the observatory. Collecting all three grants Mario[note 1] access to the Planet of Trials and its Trial Galaxies. The green Lumas become these Power Stars at the end of their lifespans. Rendered model of a Red Shell in Super Mario Galaxy.
Red Shells
Shells of red Koopa Troopas. They home-in on nearby targets when thrown. They give Mario a greater speed boost underwater than Green Shells.
Render of a red Power Star in Super Mario Galaxy.
Red Power Star
A Power Star affiliated with the Red Star power-up. Only one mission involves this Power Star, and collecting it makes the Red Star available in the Comet Observatory. Red Lumas can become these at the end of their lifespans. Rendered model of a Gold Shell in Super Mario Galaxy.
Gold Shells
Golden Koopa Shells. They give Mario the greatest speed boost underwater than the other shells. One behaves identically to a Green Shell when thrown by Mario.
Render of a Silver Star in Super Mario Galaxy.
Silver Stars
Small Stars that represent one-fifth of a Power Star and are contained in bubbles. Silver Stars squeal like Lumas and trail after Mario when he pops their bubbles. When five are collected, the merge to form a full Power Star. Rendered model of a 1-Up Mushroom in Super Mario Galaxy.
1-Up Mushrooms
Green mushrooms that give Mario an extra life when obtained. They are sold at the Luma Shop.
Grand Star
Grand Stars
Giant Power Stars of considerable energy. They are usually in the possession of bosses. Collecting them makes the beacon expand in size, restores light to the observatory, and unlocks new domes. Life Mushroom
Life Mushrooms
Red mushrooms that doubles the amount of bars in Mario's health meter from three to six. If Mario loses three bars, they cannot be restored. The life meter returns to just three bars when Mario completes the mission, even if at full health. This mushroom is sold at the Luma Shop.
Artwork of a purple Star Bit from Super Mario Galaxy
Star Bits
Colorful celestial objects that are eaten by Lumas. They are found floating in space or raining from the sky. They are collected when Mario makes physical contact or when they are touched with the Star Cursor. The Star Cursor works like a reticle: pressing B Button shoots a Star Bit at its on-screen positioning. Most enemies are stunned when struck by Star Bits. Holding B Button makes Star Bits fire continuously. Fired Star Bits can be recovered by spinning, but only while using a Red Star or while underwater. Hungry Lumas transform into planets and galaxies when fed a requested number of Star Bits. Mario does not lose accumulated Star Bits if he loses a life during a mission, and they are added to total when he returns to the observatory. Collecting fifty Star Bits gives Mario an extra life. Render of a yellow Star Chip in Super Mario Galaxy.
Yellow Star Chips
Star fragments that each represent one-fifth of a Launch Star or Sling Star. Collecting five causes them to merge into either depending on the environmental context.
Rendered model of a ? Coin in Super Mario Galaxy.
? Coins
Big coins with inconsistent properties. Making contact with one has different results depending on the level, but exactly what is not specified until it is touched. One can make a power-up, mushroom, note, or another ? Coin appear. They do not contribute to Mario's coin count. Render of a blue Star Chip in Super Mario Galaxy.
Blue Star Chips
Star fragments that represent one-fifth of a Pull Star. Collecting five causes them to transform into one.
Rendered model of a Coin in Super Mario Galaxy.
Coins
Gold coins. Collecting one restores one bar to Mario's life meter. Collecting fifty during a mission gives Mario an extra life. If Mario loses a life during a mission, he loses all of the coins he collected within that specific mission. Rendered model of a Key in Super Mario Galaxy.
Keys
Golden collectibles that grant access to new areas. Collecting one opens a corresponding Key Door or glass dome.
Rendered model of a Purple Coin in Super Mario Galaxy.
Purple Coins
Coins that only appear in a galaxy when Purple Comets are in orbit. Collecting 100 awards Mario with a Power Star. Rendered model of a Coconut in Super Mario Galaxy.
Coconuts
Green fruits. Spinning into one launches them forward like a projectile. Some enemies and bosses fire coconuts themselves.
1 of 28 Notes in Super Mario Galaxy.
Notes
Music notes which can appear when Mario touches a ? Coin. They appear in trails in the immediate vicinity and disappear after a few seconds. Collecting every note before they can disappear awards Mario with a power-up, a mushroom, or a Power Star. Rendered model of a Watermelon in Super Mario Galaxy.
Watermelons
Alternatives to coconuts that permanently replaces them once Mario accumulates 9999 Star Bits on one save file.

Power-ups

Power-up Effect (Mario) Effect (Luigi) Description
Bee Suit
Bee Mushroom
Rendered model of Bee Mario in Super Mario Galaxy. Rendered model of Bee Luigi in Super Mario Galaxy. Touching the Bee Mushroom transforms Mario into Bee Mario. Holding A Button makes Mario hover, and his movement is controlled by tilting Nunchuk Control Stick. The Flying Meter depletes as Mario hovers. He falls when the Meter is empty, but it is refilled when he makes contact with the ground or wall. Bee Mario can cling to honey walls and stand on cloud platforms. The radius of the spin move is reduced while Bee Mario. Receiving damage or making contact with water makes Mario lose the power-up.
Render of a Rainbow Star in Super Mario Galaxy.
Rainbow Star
Rendered model of Rainbow Mario in Super Mario Galaxy. Rendered model of Rainbow Luigi in Super Mario Galaxy. Making contact with the Rainbow Star transforms Mario into Rainbow Mario for thirty seconds. He is invincible and can defeat enemies on contact. Running in this form makes Mario build speed and shortens the height of his jump. Attempting to collect a different power-up in this form will instead launch it up without collecting it.
Render of a Boo Mushroom in Super Mario Galaxy.
Boo Mushroom
Rendered model of Boo Mario from Super Mario Galaxy. Rendered model of Boo Luigi from Super Mario Galaxy. Mario is transformed into a Boo when he touches the Boo Mushroom. Shaking Wii Remote makes Boo Mario become intangible for five seconds, enabling him to phase through walls. Continuously pressing A Button makes Boo Mario hover, and he can read signage written in "Booish". Enemy Boos become infatuated with Boo Mario when spotted and they pursue him. Receiving damage or making contact with a bright light source makes Mario lose the power-up.
Rendered model of the Ice Flower power-up in Super Mario Galaxy.
Ice Flower
Rendered model of Ice Mario in Super Mario Galaxy. Rendered model of Ice Luigi in Super Mario Galaxy. Contact with the Ice Flower transforms Mario into Ice Mario for thirty seconds. Mario creates hexagonal ice platforms when he makes contact with water or lava. This enables Ice Mario to wall jump between waterfalls. Because he produces ice under his feet, Ice Mario can continuously skate over water and lava.
FireFlowerSMG.png
Fire Flower
Rendered model of Fire Mario in Super Mario Galaxy. Rendered model of Fire Luigi in Super Mario Galaxy. The Fire Flower transforms Mario into Fire Mario for thirty seconds. Shaking Wii Remote makes Mario toss a projectile fireball. The fire lights torches and defeats enemies on contact.
Spring Mushroom
Spring Mushroom
Rendered model of Spring Mario in Super Mario Galaxy. Rendered model of Spring Luigi in Super Mario Galaxy. Making contact with the Spring Mushroom transforms Mario into Spring Mario. Mario continuously jumps in this form. Pressing A Button when he strikes the ground makes Spring Mario jump to a significantly great height. His horizontal movement is slowed in this state. Receiving damage or making contact with water strips Mario of the power-up.
Render of a Red Star in Super Mario Galaxy.
Red Star
Rendered model of Flying Mario in Super Mario Galaxy. Rendered model of Flying Luigi in Super Mario Galaxy. The Red Star transforms Mario into Flying Mario for sixty seconds. Shaking Wii Remote makes Mario soar through the air without any corresponding meter or limitation. Holding A Button makes Flying Mario switch direction. Purple Coins are drawn to Flying Mario while he is airborne. Shaking Wii Remote while flying makes Mario fall back to the ground.

Objects

Name Description Name Description
Launch Star
Launch Stars
Floating Stars near the surface of planets that launch Mario to distant areas when spun near. Some yellow Lumas transform into Launch Stars when freed by Mario. SMG Flipswitch Panel.jpg
Flipswitch Panels
Blue ? panels that turn into yellow ! ones when Mario steps on them. Stepping on all of the panels in a confined area triggers access to a new area or the appearance of a Power Star.
Rendered model of a Pull Star in Super Mario Galaxy.
Pull Stars
Floating Stars that are interacted with the Star Cursor. Moving the cursor over a Pull Stars and holding A Button pulls Mario to it. Gently pressing A Button again, pressing Nunchuk Z Button, or spinning releases Mario from the Pull Star. A Pull Star is at the center of every dome on the Comet Observatory. Blue Lumas can transform into them. A deactivated Lever Switch in Super Mario Galaxy
Lever Switches
Levers that physically change the surrounding area, usually by granting Mario access to a new area by making a door or bridge appear. Mario uses one by spinning near it.
In-game render of the Sling Star in Super Mario Galaxy 2.
Sling Stars
Diminutive Launch Star-like objects that sling Mario towards a neighboring planet when spun near. Rendered model of a Ground-Pound Switch in Super Mario Galaxy.
Ground-Pound Switches
Buttons that trigger a change in the surrounding environment when Mario ground-pounds into them. A Ground-Pound Switch is only useable once. There are wooden and stone variants that are destroyed when activated, and the symbol on their button's face also appears on the abdomen of Mandibugs.
Rendered model of a green Warp Pipe in Super Mario Galaxy.
Pipes
Pipes going through the ground that transport Mario to new areas. He enters one when A Button is pressed while on top of one. Some pipes lead Mario to otherworldly bonus areas. Rendered model of a red gravity switch in Super Mario Galaxy.
Arrow Switches
Mounted arrow-shaped levers that shifts the gravitational pull from the floor to the ceiling. They only occur in portions of levels on a two-dimensional plane.
Rendered model of a Warp Pad in Super Mario Galaxy.
Warp Pads
Transport panels that transport Mario along a curved beacon of light from one part of the Comet Observatory to another. More Warp Pads become available as energy is restored to the observatory. They are not in any of the galaxies. SMG Sproutle Vine.png
Sproutle Vines
Twisting vines that sprout from the base of defeated Piranha Plants. Mario grabs and swings up one by spinning. Sproutle Vines enable Mario to travel from one planetoid to another.
Rendered model of a Key Door in Super Mario Galaxy.
Key Doors
Doors that open when Mario makes contact with a key. Rendered model of a cannon in Super Mario Galaxy.
Cannons
Cannons that launch Mario to distant areas. They are accessed like pipes. Entering one shifts the screen perspective to inside the cannon and turns to Star Cursor into a reticle symbol. Aiming the cursor on screen and pressing A Button fires Mario.
Rendered model of a ? Block in Super Mario Galaxy.
? Blocks
Floating blocks that contain a finite number of items (see above). One releases its content when Mario jumps underneath it. ? Blocks that contain coins and some that have Star Bits can be jumped under in rapid succession to release more than one. Most ? Blocks become empty blocks when there contents are exhausted. There are ? Blocks containing Star Bits that burst immediately when jumped under. Some are invisible and only become viewable once interacted with. The first area of Bubble Breeze Galaxy
Bubbles
Big bubbles that are moved by the Star Cursor. Mario becomes trapped inside one when he touches it. The Star Cursor turns into an air-blowing nozzle that pushes the bubble with A Button. Pressing Nunchuk Z Button releases Mario.
Rendered model of a brick in Super Mario Galaxy.
Brick Blocks
Blocks. Some are Coin Blocks that contain multiple coins like ? Blocks. Others are empty and fall apart when jumped under. Rendered model of the Rolling Ball in Super Mario Galaxy.
Rolling Balls
Translucent orbs that contain Power Stars. Mario takes control of one when he jumps on top of it. The ball is steered by shifting Wii Remote. Reaching the goal causes the Star Ball to break and release its Power Star.
UsedblockSMG.jpg
Blocks
Blocks that contain nothing and cannot be broken. Coin Blocks and some ? Blocks become these when their contents are exhausted. Rendered model of a Sling Pod in Super Mario Galaxy.
Sling Pods
Clumps of adhesive spider silk. Mario becomes stuck to one when he makes contact with it. Pointing on it with the Star Cursor and holding A Button pulls back on the Spring Pod. Releasing A Button slings Mario a great distance.
Rendered model of a Crate in Super Mario Galaxy.
Crates
Wooden boxes which rest on the ground. They contain items or Goombas. They release their contents when spun near or ground-pounded, which breaks the Crate. Rendered model of a Banandelion in Super Mario Galaxy.
Banandelions
Tall dandelions. Mario grabs onto one by spinning. Continuing to spin makes Mario ascend up the flower like a Sproutle Vine and flings him.
Rendered model of a treasure chest in Super Mario Galaxy.
Treasure Boxes
Wooden treasure chests that contain items. One opens when a Koopa Shells is thrown at it. Rendered model of an airborne Floaty Fluff in Super Mario Galaxy.
Floaty Fluffs
Short dandelions that are carried on gusts of wind. Mario grabs onto one by spinning. It slowly descends as it floats. It ascends briefly by shaking Wii Remote, but only up to four times. Pressing B Button makes Mario let go of the Floaty Fluff.
Rendered model of the Gold Treasure Box in Super Mario Galaxy.
Gold Treasure Box
A Treasure Box that only opens when struck by a Gold Shell. It contains a Power Star and the Toad Brigade Captain. Rendered model of a Trampoline in Super Mario Galaxy.
Trampolines
Springboards which bounce Mario high in the air. Ground-pounding the surface of a trampoline launches Mario higher.
Rendered model of crystals in Super Mario Galaxy.
Crystals
Crystalline minerals which are broken when spun into. Most crystals are small, contain Star Bits, and are broken with a single spin. Others are large, contain Power Stars, and require three spins to be broken. Render of an underwater ring in Super Mario Galaxy.
Rings
Underwater rings. Swimming through one gives Mario a burst of speed.
Rendered model of the Rubbery bulb plant in Super Mario Galaxy.
Rubbery bulbs
Bulbous plants similar to roly-poly toys. They can be used to break objects and defeat enemies. Spinning into one flings it forward and return with the same force exerted. Mario receives knockback if hit by the rebound. The plants rebound is halted if it collides with an enemy or object. They are comparable to the prickly plant enemies. In-game render of a Pole in Super Mario Galaxy.
Poles
Climbable poles. Mario clings to one by jumping onto it. He can ascend, descend, and change which face of the pole he is one by moving Nunchuk Control Stick. Pressing A Button makes Mario jump from whichever face he is on.
Render of a Snowman in Super Mario Galaxy.
Snowmen
Snow sculptures. Their positioning within areas obstruct paths. They are destroyed with fireballs. Render of a honey wall segment in Super Mario Galaxy.
Honey walls
Hexagonal panels attached to the side of walls within levels. Mario can cling and crawl on them, but only while in his bee form.
Rendered model of a Bowser Statue in Super Mario Galaxy.
Bowser Statues
Stone statues of Bowser which contain items. They are destroyed when they are struck by Bomb Boos or Bullet Bills. In-game render of a trapeze from Super Mario Galaxy.
Swings
Trapezes made out of vines and flowers. Mario grabs onto one automatically when he makes contact with it. Moving Nunchuk Control Stick back-and-forth makes him swing. A swing bar can be used to bring Mario over gaps between platforms.
Render of a rock spire in Super Mario Galaxy.
Icicle Rocks[21]
Speleothems found on the floors of cave areas. They fall apart when spun into. Some contain items. The swinging vine texture from Super Mario Galaxy.
Vine
A rope-like object that Mario will grab onto when he jumps towards it. Moving the Nunchuk Control Stick causes him to swing.
Rendered model of a Stump in Super Mario Galaxy.
Stumps
Tree stumps. Ground-pounding one either produces items or triggers events that enable level progression, like Ground-Pound Switches. Rendered model of a Bolt Lift in Super Mario Galaxy.
Bolt Lifts
Platforms made of three giant nuts on a threaded rod. The rod connects two distant areas. Walking perpendicular to the rod on the nuts makes them rotate, allowing Mario to travel between the areas.
Render of a blue screw in Super Mario Galaxy.
Bolts
Phillips-headed bolts embedded in the ground. Mario screws them into the ground when he spins on top of them. Doing so grants Mario access to new areas or triggers nearby events. SMG BobOmb Dispenser.png
Bob-omb dispensers
Depositories that release Bob-ombs. A single dispenser only releases one Bob-omb at a time: the current one out must explode before it releases another one. The Bob-ombs are usually active, but the Bob-omb dispensers in the Bob-omb Blasting minigame only release the legless variants that can be picked up by Mario.
Animated render of a valve in Super Mario Galaxy.
Water Valves
Variants of the bolt that prevents the flow of water in an area. Spinning on top of one releases the water. Close-up view of the Beacon in Super Mario Galaxy after 5 Grand Stars have been acquired.
Beacon
The comet at the center of the Comet Observatory that gives it its energy. Collected Power Stars are fed to it. Grand Stars make it grow larger and unlocks new areas of the observatory to explore.

Letters

At various points in the game, the Mailtoad gives the player a letter, which is sent to the Wii Message Board.

Whenever Luigi needs to be rescued after initially saving him from the Ghostly Galaxy, the letter says the following:

Dear Mario,
Oh, no! It's horrible!
Luigi has gone missing!
What will we do?!

Mailtoad

After rescuing Luigi each of these times, the letter says the following:

Dear Mario,

Thank you for saving Luigi! Keep trying to rescue those Power Stars, and we'll do our best to help! ♪

Mailtoad

After getting the 121st and final Power Star from the Grand Finale Galaxy, the letter will say the following:

Dear (Mii's name),


Congratulations! We would like to send you a galaxy sized thanks for saving all the Power Stars and playing to the very end.

Until next time;

The Super Mario Galaxy staff

Super Mario Galaxy Original Soundtrack

Main article: Super Mario Galaxy Original Soundtrack

A soundtrack for the game was released called the Super Mario Galaxy Original Soundtrack. There is a one-disc edition and a two-disc Platinum edition. It was exclusive to Club Nintendo members in Japan and Europe. The one-disc version was also included in certain bundles of the Wii in 2010 that also contained Wii Sports and New Super Mario Bros. Wii.

Development

Super Mario Galaxy finds its roots in the Super Mario 128 demo.[9] Yoshiaki Koizumi, the director of the demo, wanted the part where Mario moves freely around a saucer-shaped platform to be included in an actual game, but found that implementing the concept would be technically demanding.[9] Shigeru Miyamoto remained interested in the concept, and after Donkey Kong Jungle Beat's completion, asked the newly formed EAD Tokyo if they wanted to make a high-profile game starring established Nintendo characters, which led to one of the staff member suggesting that they had the skillset to make a Mario game.[9] Yoshiaki Koizumi felt that the Jungle Beat team had the ability to make spherical platforms work and said that he wanted to make the game for the Wii.

Koizumi then gathered several other members in order to create a prototype. The outer space theme was chosen due to him finding that most players would interpret spherical shapes as planets, and gravity was added.[9] The prototype was shown to Nintendo after three months of development, which approved it. During the development, the team tried to follow loose guidance from Satoru Iwata to make the game playable for anyone between ages "5 and 95".[9]

Although Miyamoto was not working full time at EAD Tokyo, he frequently visited the studio to share ideas and oversee development. One of his suggestions was to include a delay between spinning instead of having Mario spin continuously by shaking the Wii Remote, so that the game would be more challenging and interesting to play.[9] A setup was eventually created so that both the Kyoto and Tokyo offices could playtest the game.

The development team made heavy use of play-testers due to the studio's experience while developing Donkey Kong Jungle Beat.[9] One of Koizumi's main concern were the camera angles and the motion sickness that they caused. He thought camera-induced motion sickness was a problem with 3D action games, and found neither Super Mario Sunshine nor Donkey Kong Jungle Beat's solutions satisfying.[9]

EAD Tokyo was pressured to finish the game close to the Wii's launch, as several executives were disappointed by Super Mario Sunshine not being a Nintendo GameCube launch title and thought that an earlier release could have helped the GameCube's commercial performance. However, EAD Tokyo decided that making a polished Mario game was more important.[9] Shigeru Miyamoto described Super Mario Galaxy as "the true sequel to Super Mario 64" during the game's development.[12]

Nvidia Shield version

The game was released in March 22, 2018 for the Nvidia Shield video game service, exclusively in China. While the majority of the game is exactly the same as the Wii version, it comes with some differences:

  • The Nvidia Shield version received official Chinese (Simplified Chinese) localization by iQue. Despite this, the Super Mario 3D All-Stars does not include Chinese script in-game and only offers menu translation for the Chinese-speaking audience.
  • The Nvidia Shield version shows copyright information "© 2007-2008 Nintendo". It was unknown what 2008 means in this context, but it possibly refers to the year Super Mario Galaxy was planned for release on the iQue Wii before the console failed to make its way into the Chinese market.[22]
  • The Nvidia Shield version lacks the option to use Miis as a save icon because the Nvidia Shield TV does not support Miis.[22] This change is carried over to the Super Mario 3D All-Stars version even though the Nintendo Switch has an integrated Mii creation tool.

Promotion

Main article: List of Super Mario Galaxy trading cards

Trading cards were released to celebrate the release of Super Mario Galaxy. These helped amplify the publicity of the game. Each booster pack would have two regular cards, one trivia card, one standee, and one FunTat.

Reception

Super Mario Galaxy has been met with universal acclaim, receiving a GameRankings score of 97.64% from 78 reviews,[23] making it the highest rated game on the website, while scoring a 97/100 on Metacritic,[24] as of March 2019 the sixth-highest score on the latter website.

Famitsu has given Super Mario Galaxy a score of 38/40.[25][26] Official Nintendo Magazine gave the game 97%. It was called the best game of the decade and praised for having excellent graphics, sound and gameplay as well as a mixture of new and classic features.[27][28]

Reviews
Release Reviewer, Publication Score Comment
Wii Aaron Linde, Destructoid 9.6/10 "To say that they've succeeded almost isn't enough; Super Mario Galaxy is so incredible that it improves upon flaws in Mario 64 that I hadn't even noticed until, y'know, Galaxy did it better. And though there's little in the way of "innovation" of the genre, it's the refinement of the genre that solidifies Galaxy as the most essential platforming experience yet created."
Wii Edge 10/10 "Since the end of the N64 era, as Nintendo has explored new pastures and methodically tended old ones, it's been easy to forget the times when every major release from the company felt like this. It's a bravura piece of design that pulls off stunts no one else has even thought of."
Wii Margaret Robertson, Eurogamer 10/10 "The great challenge in making a follow-up to Mario 64 was always that to do it justice, you'd have to make a game which is as much its own as Mario 64 was. That's no easy task when you also have to integrate the traditions of two decades of Mario games and the expectations of millions of fans. Sunshine, despite its dazzle, ultimately collapsed under that weight, becoming repetitive and sometimes cumbersome as it tried to find the balance. Where Galaxy matches Mario 64 is not quite in its quality of execution - alongside the brilliance of some stars are others which fall a bit flat, and there isn't the overall sense of implacable perfection that that game had - but in its confidence and originality. Another decade needs to go by before we'll know whether it will come to be as revered as 64 did. For now, all that matters is that the waiting is finally over."
Wii Alex Navarro, GameSpot 9.5/10 "The stellar presentation and fantastic level designs combine to make Super Mario Galaxy the Wii's game to beat and one of Mario's greatest adventures yet."
Wii Matt Casamassina, IGN 9.7/10 "Galaxy isn't quite perfect. There are some minor issues -- tiny blemishes, if you will, hiding on the backside of a supermodel. There's the auto-camera, which works exceptionally well most of the time, but every so often stumbles. And there's the overall difficulty -- a little too easy to 60 stars and to defeat bosses for my tastes. But even with these potential drawbacks, Nintendo's Tokyo studio has created a platformer that deserves its place among the very best and will surely be remembered in another decade as a classic."
Wii Anthony Dickens, Nintendo Life 10/10 "Super Mario Galaxy is a fantastic game, a game that displays Nintendo's continuing ambition to explore the possibilities of a 3D platformer, something that no-one else has really managed to do. It's considerably better than Super Mario Sunshine on all accounts, with the new emphasis on gravity it becomes once again a game that requires skill and timing rather than just an exploratory mind. This will be an instant hit and surely go down as one of the best Mario games. A must have for all."
Wii Tom Orry, VideoGamer 9/10 "In the hands of anyone who's been longing for a true sequel to Mario 64, Super Mario Galaxy could well be the game of the year, but it's nowhere near as revolutionary as Mario 64."
Aggregators
Compiler Platform / Score
Metacritic 97
GameRankings 97.64%

Awards and recognition

Super Mario Galaxy is considered regarded as 2007's "Game of the Year" by editing staff of IGN,[29] GameSpot,[30] Kotaku,[31] and Yahoo! Games.[32]

In 2007, the game won an award for "Best Audio Design" from Edge.[33] In February 2008, the game received the "Adventure Game of the Year" award from the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences at the Interactive Achievement Awards.[34]

In 2009, the game won "Best Game" at the 5th British Academy Games Awards.[35] That same year, Guinness World Records ranked Super Mario Galaxy 29th in their list of top 50 console games of all time based on initial impact and lasting legacy.[36]

The game placed 51st in the 200th Issue of GameInformer's "Top 200 Games of All Time".[37] Nintendo Power ranked it as best Mario mainstream title in its May 2012 issue,[38] as well as the third-best game ever released on a Nintendo console in its final issue.

Sales

Super Mario Galaxy has been a commercial success, selling 350,000 units in Japan within its first few weeks of sale.[39] In the United States, the game sold 500,000 units within its first week of release, earning it the highest first-week sales for a Mario game in the country at the time.[40] Super Mario Galaxy is the 8th best-selling game for the Wii, selling 12.72 million copies worldwide as of September 2017.[2] As of September 30, 2021, it sold 12.80 million copies worldwide.[41]

Super Mario 3D All-Stars description

  • It's the night of the Star Festival, and Star Bits are falling from the sky! As everyone celebrates, Bowser suddenly appears and lifts the castle—and Princess Peach—into space, leaving Mario stranded in orbit! It's here that Mario meets a curious star child, Luma, and a mysterious woman in blue...This game introduced new ways to control Mario, like pointing and shaking the Wii Remote, as he explores miniature planets with fun forms of gravity.

Media

For a complete list of media for this subject, see List of Super Mario Galaxy media.
Video.svg Super Mario Galaxy - Trailer
File infoMedia:SMG Trailer.ogv
3:12
Audio.svg Overture - The song that is played on the game's title screen.
File infoMedia:Title Screen Super Mario Galaxy.oga
0:30
Audio.svg Prologue - The song from the prologue.
File infoMedia:Prologue Super Mario Galaxy.oga
0:30
Help:MediaHaving trouble playing?

Gallery

For this subject's image gallery, see Gallery:Super Mario Galaxy.

Quotes

Main article: List of Super Mario Galaxy quotes

Bowser

  • "Princess Peach! You are formally invited...to the creation of my new galaxy! Gwahahaha! This festival's over!"
  • "BWAHAHAHA! You finally made it! Just in time for me to stomp you into space bits!"
  • "WHAA--?! IT'S YOU! That's it, Mario! I'm gonna stomp you into space bits!"
  • "Finally! You got here just in time to see the creation of my galaxy in the center of the universe! WATCH AND WEEP! From this galaxy, I'll rule a great galactic empire with Peach by my side. It will last forever! I will rule every pitiful corner of the universe. So, Mario, as you can see, I got big plans. And stomping you is at the top of my list!"
  • "NOOOOO! My galaxy! My empire! This can't be happening..."

Queen Bee

  • "And who might you be? A physician, we presume? No matter. We are in the most vexing predicament and require assistance. The most furious itchiness plagues our entire being! It must be stopped! Please find the source at once!"
  • "Yes that's the ticket!"
  • "Ah...that feels goooood!"
  • "Ahoo hoo! That tickles!"
  • "My thanks! You have shown much bravery, New Bee. We trust that we may rely on you in the future!"
  • "The neighbors are causing trouble again. We would be most grateful for your assistance!"

Pre-release and unused content

Main article: List of Super Mario Galaxy pre-release and unused content

Rosalina was intended to be related to Princess Peach, and Rosalina had a very similar appearance reflecting this. Bonefin Galaxy was intended to be much darker, as was Deep Dark Galaxy. These were changed in the interest of playability. Guppy was originally a dolphin, and a friendly character. Some art of the Sea Slide and Beach Bowl Galaxies suggests that they were conceived as a single galaxy, with beach bowl's main planet in the center of Sea Slide's ring. A piece of concept art labeled only "fortress" is captioned as a piece that is very memorable to the SMG development team, since it was one of the earliest drawings of Galaxy. Ironically, the planet shown in the art is nowhere in the final game.

Controversy

Super Mario Galaxy was the first Mario game to be officially localized to French for Quebec; that market had previously received Mario titles in English rather than French. This followed a deal between the Office québécois de la langue française and the video game industry to have every game available for that region in French by 2009. In the Quebec localization, NPCs (particularly the Lumas and the Toad Brigade) make heavy use of Joual accents and slang. This localization choice sparked a minor controversy, with representatives of the Office québécois de la langue française and the Union des artistes criticizing it for promoting poor literacy to children.[42] A Nintendo representative responded that the localization was made with "localizing for the market" in mind, as the Quebec market made up 25% of sales for Nintendo of Canada at the time.[42]

Following the negative reception to the localizations of Super Mario Galaxy and The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass (which featured a similarly Joual-heavy localization), later Canadian French localizations would be written in Standard French (with the exception of the similarly-localized Paper Mario: Sticker Star).

Glitches

Main article: List of Super Mario Galaxy glitches

Floating Toad

A Toad in the Space Junk Galaxy floating due to a glitch
The floating green Toad

To perform this glitch, the player should go to the level Tarantox's Tangled Web. Mario should go to the final planet where Tarantox is fought and launch the green Toad onto the platform. Then, the player should jump into the sling pod and launch Mario onto the same platform so it breaks. If the player looks at Toad closely, he can be seen floating.

Out of bounds in Freezeflame Galaxy

To perform this glitch the player should go to the Freezeflame Galaxy's mission Hot and Cold Collide. Mario should reach the second planet and triple-jump in the walkway between the sides of the planet. The player should use the slope-climbing glitch to reach the top of the planet. When the player walks on the planet, random textures of ice water will appear. The planet surface will also appear in the wrong spot or be invisible.

Staff

Main article: List of Super Mario Galaxy staff

A team of 100 individuals were involved in the development and publishing of Super Mario Galaxy, not counting those who merely localized the game for American and European audiences. The game's diverse staff ranged from Mario franchise veterans to newcomers.

Shigeru Miyamoto conceived the game and was its co-producer with Takao Shimizu. Yoshiaki Koizumi was the director and chief designer. The level design was directed by Koichi Hayashida, the programming by Naoki Koga, and the sound by Masafumi Kawamura. Characters original to the game were designed by a team of six people — Atsushi Mishima, Daisuke Watanabe, Rikuto Yoshida, Masanori Esaki, Kazuhiro Saito, and Takumi Ishii. Koji Kondo co-wrote the game's soundtrack with Mahito Yokota.

This is the first Super Mario game to feature Bowser's current voice actor, Kenny James.

The staff credits in the Nvidia Shield edition shows three people in charge of Chinese localization, as well as an "iQue testing group" for testing. It is possible that the game was fully translated for the iQue Wii release before the console was canceled.[43]

References to other games

  • Super Mario Bros.: Several sprites from this game appear here, including a planet in the Toy Time Galaxy, Mario sprites being in the background of a particular Bowser galaxy, and the background of the Flipswitch Galaxy which has scenery of the overworld and underground levels. Also, Toy Time Galaxy's music is a rearrangement of the overworld theme from this game. Several galaxies use a remix of a small portion of the underground theme from this game. Also, an arrangement of the underground theme is used for several galaxies, starting with Flipswitch Galaxy. Some of the musical notes are music from the game such as the underground theme and the underwater theme.
  • Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels: Luigi's higher jumping and lower traction returns.
  • Super Mario Bros. 3: Several music tracks from this game are rearranged here. Airships also return.
  • Dr. Mario: A planet in Good Egg Galaxy is shaped like a giant Capsule from the aforementioned game.
  • Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island: Rainbow Mario's theme is an orchestral remix of Superstar Mario's theme from this game.
  • Super Mario 64: Tox Boxes and Bomps from this game return. The music of some Bowser galaxies are rearranged from Super Mario 64. In both games, after the credits and an ending screen is displayed, Mario would say "Thank you so much for playing my game!".
  • Paper Mario: Both games begin with a letter being sent from Peach to Mario. Also, Bowser's way of kidnapping Peach (by lifting the entire castle into the sky) is reused here. They also have stories of baby stars.
  • Luigi's Mansion: When the player first sees Luigi, he is trapped in a Ghost House. Mario freeing him is a direct spoof of Luigi's Mansion, as in Luigi's Mansion it was the direct opposite. Also, the music that is being played when a boss tower is unlocked sounds suspiciously like the Luigi's Mansion "Dark Room" theme.
  • Super Mario Sunshine: Fire Pressures and Water Shooters, which appear in various galaxies, have a strong resemblance to F.L.U.D.D.'s nozzle. The goal in the Loopdeeloop Galaxy and the Loopdeeswoop Galaxy is also shaped in a Shine Sprite. Blue Cataquacks are present in two galaxies. Also, while Mario or Luigi is asleep, they have Z's flashing over their head, just like in the game. The sparkling sound a Shine Sprite makes was reused for the same purpose for Power Stars in Super Mario Galaxy.
  • Super Mario 64 DS: The Silver Stars from this game return in Super Mario Galaxy.
  • Donkey Kong Jungle Beat: The Banandelions that Donkey Kong flings off of were reused in Super Mario Galaxy.
  • Mario Party 7: If a Dry Bones falls into quicksand in Dusty Dune Galaxy, the cry Dry Bones makes when it is "blown away" in these games can be heard.

References in later games

  • Super Smash Bros. Brawl: Super Mario Galaxy appears listed in the game's Chronicles.
  • Mario Kart Wii: Rosalina can be unlocked by having save data from Super Mario Galaxy. The Rainbow Road course is set in space and is full of Star Bits; a portion of its music is based on the Good Egg Galaxy's theme. Spiky Topmen were bosses in multiple online tournaments, and finally, the countdown sequence for starting a minigame returns as the official sequence for starting races and battles in this game.
  • Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story: The spike ball move used by Bowser in the last boss fight returns in this game.
  • Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games (Wii): Both the Individual and Team versions of Dream Ski Jumping take place in the Good Egg Galaxy. A few music tracks from Super Mario Galaxy can be bought.
  • New Super Mario Bros. Wii: During the credits, Peach can be heard reading the letter she sends to Mario at the beginning of Super Mario Galaxy.
  • Super Mario Galaxy 2: This is the sequel to Super Mario Galaxy with the engine reused, with many elements returning such as the reused voices, while others are new.
  • Super Mario 3D Land: The haunted house theme and the arrangement of the Airship Theme are reused. Several other music tracks and voice clips from Super Mario Galaxy were reused for this game.
  • Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games: Dream Spacewalk is heavily inspired by Super Mario Galaxy, featuring Dino Piranha as a boss in the Synchro Battle Galaxy, a location based on elements of the Good Egg Galaxy and Gateway Galaxy as well as the Sky Station Galaxy from Super Mario Galaxy 2. The event also features sound effects from Super Mario Galaxy and uses the spin attack in combat. Dream Hurdles takes place in the Battlerock Galaxy. Rearrangements of several tracks appear in the game, including Dino Piranha's theme, the Battlerock Galaxy and the Purple Coins music. A Mii outfit based on Bee Mario can be unlocked in the game, and Mario's special dash has also been updated to resemble the spin attack.
  • Mario Kart 7: On the Rosalina's Ice World course, the Comet Observatory, the Gateway Galaxy's starting planet, the Starshroom, and some domes are visible in the background. Queen Bee can be unlocked as a playable character in this game.
  • Mario Party 9: The Ground-Pound Switch icon appears on Wiggler's body segments and on Whomp's back. Also, the music of some Bowser Jr. minigames is a rearrangement of Bowser Jr.'s theme of this game.
  • Mario Tennis Open: The Comet Observatory appears as an unlockable court. The music played is an arrangement of the original theme and the music for the special game Galaxy Rally is an arrangement of the Good Egg Galaxy theme. Also, in the title screen, the player can see the Comet Observatory in the background.
  • Paper Mario: Sticker Star: An arrangement of "Waltz of the Boos" plays in part of the Enigmansion's background music. Another, big-band-styled version plays when the Boos escape from the Book of Sealing.
  • Mario Party: Island Tour: Rocket Road is based on the Comet Observatory. Also, Rosalina and the Lumas appear on this board. The minigame Gyro for the Gold plays very similarly to the Rolling Ball.
  • Super Mario 3D World: There are secret underground rooms where the player can collect sequences of coins for a limited time and receive a prize if all coins are collected. In the promotional spread, a silhouette which appears to be the Comet Observatory can be seen in the stars behind Bowser's Highway. The Light Boxes' light can defeat ghosts like in this game. Rosalina's special ability is the spinning ability Mario uses. Super Galaxy, a stage based off of the Super Mario Galaxy games appears, and so do Octoombas and the Comet Observatory. The Comet Observatory theme (3rd version) plays in the World Crown map area, while an arrangement of Gusty Garden Galaxy's theme can be heard in Honeycomb Starway, Honeycomb Skyway, and Champion's Road. The overworld map of World Star has Star Bits in the background. Also, the Toad Brigade theme is reused on the Captain Toad levels. Also, sound effects from Super Mario Galaxy are reused.
  • Mario Golf: World Tour: Mario's Star uses elements from Super Mario Galaxy such as Star Bits. The music used in Wiggler Park uses a rearrangement of Honeyhive Galaxy's music.
  • Mario Kart 8: An image of a Luma can be seen from an airplane (from Galaxy Air airlines) at the Sunshine Airport course, as well as on the Star Cup trophy. Also, part of Cloudtop Cruise's music is an arrangement of Gusty Garden Galaxy's music.
  • Super Smash Bros. for Wii U: There is a stage based on this game and Super Mario Galaxy 2, with the Starship Mario and Airship appearing in the background of the main stage. Rosalina is playable in this game, and her moves use objects from Super Mario Galaxy, such as Star Bits and Launch Stars.
  • Puzzle & Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition: Mario's Bee and Boo forms appear in this game as Helpers for the player's team, as well as Rosalina. Gusty Garden Galaxy's music is used for this game's credits.
  • Super Mario Maker: The victory and death themes from Super Mario Galaxy are used when the Rosalina costume completes a level or loses a life, respectively.
  • Mario Party: Star Rush: Gusty Garden Galaxy's theme appears as one of the songs in the Rhythm Recital mode for this game.[44]
  • Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle: Bee Mushrooms can be found on tubes of honey. Peach shouting for Mario from this game can be heard whenever she is defeated in battle.
  • Super Mario Odyssey: A sprite of Rosalina can be found in the Dark Side and Darker Side. The jingle that plays when Mario collects a new power-up is reused for when the Odyssey is restored. Peach's call to Mario from this game is heard during the opening sequence after Mario is knocked off of Bowser's airship, but in a higher pitch. The regional coins in the Moon Kingdom are based on the shape of Star Bits.
  • Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: The Mario Galaxy stage returns in this game. Boo Mario, Luma, Hungry Luma, and Queen Bee appears as spirits using their artwork from Super Mario Galaxy.
  • Super Mario Maker 2: A sound effect that plays Gusty Garden Galaxy's theme is available.
  • Mario Kart Tour: Super Mario Galaxy's version of Ice Mario appears as a playable driver, and 3DS Rosalina's Ice World returns as a classic course.
  • Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope: An arrangement of the Comet Observatory theme, "Rosalina in the Observatory", can be heard during Rabbid Rosalina's first appearance in the game's trailer.

Names in other languages

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese スーパーマリオギャラクシー[?]
Sūpā Mario Gyarakushī
Super Mario Galaxy
Chinese (simplified) 超级马力欧银河[47]
Chāojí Mǎlìōu Yínhé
Super Mario Galaxy
Chinese (traditional) 超级瑪利歐銀河[46]
Chāojí Mǎlìōu Yínhé
Super Mario Galaxy
Korean 슈퍼 마리오 Wii 갤럭시 어드벤처[45]
Syupeo Mario Wii Gaelleoksi Eodeubencheo
Super Mario Wii: Galaxy Adventure

Trivia

  • Coincidentally, the title "Super Mario Galaxy" was first mentioned in a fan letter written to Nintendo Power by Jimmy Peterford of Glen Cove, New York in December 1991. The letter detailed a fantasy game console called the "Raw Power System", which would come bundled with a game named "Super Mario Galaxy", or in Peterford's words, would be "better known as Super Mario Bros. 24!"[48]
  • Due to a mix-up, an automated phone message sent to people who preordered the game at GameStop stated Super Mario Galaxy is a Mature-rated game.[49]
  • The galaxy image in the Super Mario Galaxy wordmark derives from this photograph of the Andromeda Galaxy.[50][51]
  • Super Mario Galaxy is an established model in neurobiology for studies investigating how consistent engagement with interactive stimuli affects grey matter in elderly people.[52][53]
  • This game does not have a Dutch localization. Despite this, one single message in the game was translated, being the prompt to insert the Nunchuck into the Wii Remote.

Notes and references

Notes

  1. ^ a b c d Unless explicitly specified otherwise, any mentioning of Mario is equally applicable to Luigi during his playthrough.
  2. ^ Any mentioning of coconuts is equally applicable to watermelons, which replace all coconuts if the player accumulates 9999 Star Bits.

References

  1. ^ 浪玩堂. "英伟达全球副总裁,中国区总经理张建中先生在现场为我们介绍国行英伟达SHIELD的最新消息,来看看他的游戏阵容!任天堂Wii上游戏将在SHIELD上与我们见面!", (archived from the original; Chinese source). Weibo. Sina Corp. Published 05 Dec 2017. Accessed 21 Mar 2021.
  2. ^ a b Nintendo. "Top Selling Software Sales Units".Nintendo. Published 31 Mar 2020. Accessed 06 Mar 2021.
  3. ^ Nintendo. "Super Mario Bros. 35th Anniversary Direct". YouTube. Published 03 Sep 2020. Accessed 03 Sep 2020.
  4. ^ Juliusaurus. "Super Mario Galaxy Co-op Fun: Midair Jumps". YouTube. Published 04 Jan 2009. Accessed 06 Mar 2021.
  5. ^ リンカー. "スーパーマリオギャラクシーを実況プレイ Part52" (Japanese source). YouTube. Published 06 Oct 2011. Accessed 27 Oct 2019.
  6. ^ Chinese Nintendo. "For some reasons, the A button when choosing a Galaxy has been bound to RT instead of A. (The second image is the same text from the original English release)". Twitter. Published 24 Mar 2018. Accessed 06 Mar 2021.
  7. ^ Chinese Nintendo. "And yes, tilting in Super Mario Galaxy has been replaced by simply the left analog stick on Nvidia Shield". Twitter. Published 19 Jul 2018. Accessed 06 Mar 2021.
  8. ^ ドラガリキノピコ. "スーパーマリオギャラクシー Part2 ワールド2 バスルーム" (Japanese source of Chinese footage). YouTube. Published 21 Jun 2018. Accessed 06 Mar 2021.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Satoru Iwata (trans. Nintendo Treehouse). "Wii interviews: Super Mario Galaxy". Iwata Asks. Published 2007. Accessed 07 March 2012.
  10. ^ a b c Yoshiaki Koizumi. "Super Mario Galaxy: The Journey from Garden to Galaxy". Montreal International Games Summit (archived), Jan. 2007. Recorded by Eric St-Cyr. Compiled by Hover. YouTube. Published 24 Sep 2016. Accessed 27 Feb 2021.
  11. ^ a b c d Michael `Jasper` Ashworth. "How Spherical Planets Bent the Rules in Super Mario Galaxy". YouTube. Published 29 Sep 2020. Accessed 27 Feb 2021.
  12. ^ a b c d Chris Kohler. "Interview: Super Mario Galaxy Director On Sneaking Stories Past Miyamoto". Wired. Published 04 Dec 2007. Accessed 27 Feb 2021.
  13. ^ a b c Jacob Geller. "The Quiet Sadness of Mario Galaxy". YouTube. Published 15 Feb 2019. Accessed 30 Jan 2021.
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  15. ^ Nintendo. "Nintendo Switch Presentation 2017". YouTube. Published 17 Jan 2017. Accessed 30 Jan 2021.
  16. ^ Bill Trinen. "What's in a Box?". Nintendo Treehouse Log. Tumblr. Published 14 Jun 2017. Accessed 30 Jan 2021.
  17. ^ Nintendo EAD (trans. Nintendo Treehouse). "Luigi was kidnapped by the monster that lives here." – Toad Brigade Captain. "Beware of Bouldergeist". Super Mario Galaxy. Published Nov 12, 2007. Retrieved Mar 02, 2021.
  18. ^ Super Mario Galaxy internal filename (ObjectData/ElectricBall.arc)
  19. ^ Super Mario Galaxy internal filename (ObjectData/LavaMiniSunPlanet.arc)
  20. ^ Super Mario Galaxy internal filename (ObjectData/KoopaVS3DryIcePlanet.arc)
  21. ^ Super Mario Galaxy / Super Mario Galaxy 2 internal filename (ObjectData/IcicleRock.arc)
  22. ^ a b Chinese Nintendo. "Super Mario Galaxy (Nvidia Shield) screenshots. Images provided by @brian02031". Twitter. Published 24 Mar 2018. Accessed 15 Mar 2021.
  23. ^ GameRankings score of Super Mario Galaxy. GameRankings. Archived from the original on December 6, 2019. Retrieved March 3, 2019.
  24. ^ Metacritic score of Super Mario Galaxy. Metacritic. Retrieved March 3, 2019.
  25. ^ Review staff. "スーパーマリオギャラクシーのレビュー・評価・感想" (Japanese source). Weekly Famitsu. Tokyo: Enterbrain (986). Published Oct 2007. Accessed 21 Mar 2021.
  26. ^ Anthony Dickens. "Famitsu Gives Super Mario Galaxy 38/40". Nintendo Life. Published 24 Oct 2007. Accessed 21 Mar 2021.
  27. ^ Chris Scullion. "Super Mario Galaxy review". Official Nintendo Magazine (archived from the original). Bath: Future plc (23): 72–77. Published Dec 2007. Accessed 21 Mar 2021.
  28. ^ James Higginbotham. "Nintendo Magazine UK: Super Mario Galaxy Review". Pure Nintendo. Published 2007. Accessed 21 Mar 2021.
  29. ^ Ziff Davis. "IGN Best of 2007" (archived from the original). IGN. Published 13 January 2008. Accessed 21 Mar 2021.
  30. ^ Editing staff. "GameSpot's Best of 2007" (archived from the original). GameSpot. Published 2007. Accessed 21 Mar. 2021.
  31. ^ Brian Crecente. "Kotaku's Overall Game of the Year – 2007 Goaties" (archived from the original). Kotaku. Gawker Media. Published 28 Dec 2007. Accessed 21 Mar 2021.
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  33. ^ Edge Staff. "THE EDGE AWARDS 2007" (archived from the original). Edge. Published 20 Dec 2007. Accessed 21 Mar 2021.
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  36. ^ Tom Ivan. "News: Guinness ranks top 50 games of all time" (archived from the original). Computer and Video Games (CVG). Published 28 Feb 2009. Accessed 21 Mar 2021.
  37. ^ dantebk. "Game Informer's Top 200 Games of All Time". Giant Bomb. Red Ventures. Published 2011. Accessed 21 Mar 2021.
  38. ^ Reggie White Jr. "Nintendo Power Ranks the Super Mario Series". GAMING ROCKS ON. Blogger. Published 18 May 2012. Accessed 21 Mar 2021.
  39. ^ Writing staff. "Super Mario Galaxy Makes Sales Splash In America". Wired. Published Nov 2007. Accessed 21 Mar 2021.
  40. ^ Mark Raby. "Super Mario Galaxy sees record first week sales". Tom's Hardware. Published 27 Nov 2007. Accessed 21 Mar 2021.
  41. ^ Nintendo (November 4, 2021) Top Selling Title Sales Unites. Nintendo Japan. Retrieved November 8, 2021. Archived from the original on November 8, 2021.
  42. ^ a b Marie-Joëlle Parent. "Nouveaux jeux Nintendo: un français lamentable" (archived from the original; French source). Canoë. Published 08 Nov 2007. Accessed 21 Mar 2021.
  43. ^ Chinese Nintendo. "iQue appears in the credits of Super Mario Galaxy on Nvidia Shield. It seemed that the game was fully translated for the iQue Wii release before the console was cancelled". Twitter. Published 01 Apr 2018. Accessed 21 Mar 2021.
  44. ^ NintenDaan. "[Mario Party: Star Rush] Rhythm Recital Gameplay 2". YouTube. Accessed 22 Sept 2016. Accessed 24 Sept 2016.
  45. ^ Nintendo. "Super Mario Galaxy Korean Trailer" (Korean source). Preserved by Japancommercials4U2. YouTube. Published 16 Jul 2009. Accessed 21 Mar 2021.
  46. ^ Nintendo of Hong Kong. "《超級瑪利歐64》、《超級瑪利歐陽光》和《超級瑪利歐銀河》。3款歷代的3D瑪利歐收錄在Nintendo Switch的《超級瑪利歐 3D 收藏輯》,將於9月18日發售!" (Chinese source). Nintendo HK. Published 04 Sept 2020. Accessed Sept 2020.
  47. ^ Nvidia Shield. "超级马力欧银河" (Chinese source). Nvidia. Published 2018. Accessed 21 Mar 2021.
  48. ^ Jimmy Peterford. "If Only We Had 27 Fingers!". Nintendo Power. San Francisco: Nintendo of America (31): 06. Archived in 2017 on the Internet Archive. Accessed 21 Mar 2021.
  49. ^ GoNintendoRMC. "Super Mario Galaxy - rated Mature?!". YouTube. Published 14 Nov 2007. Accessed 30 Dec 2015.
  50. ^ Captain Byte!. "I found the full image of the galaxy depicted in Super Mario Galaxy's logo - an edited image of Andromeda Galaxy taken by Robert Gendler in 2005. It took some tricky work to confirm, but I pulled it off". Twitter. Published 20 Aug 2020. Accessed 15 Mar 2021.
  51. ^ Captain Byte!. "Here's the exact edited image used by Nintendo, from Sonzaijiten, Vol. 21 (Space / Planets).". Twitter. Published 06 Dec 2020. Accessed 15 Mar 2021.
  52. ^ West GL, Zendel BR, Konishi K, Benady-Chorney J, Bohbot VD, et al. "Playing Super Mario 64 increases hippocampal grey matter in older adults". PLOS ONE 12(12): e0187779. Published 06 Dec 2017. Accessed Mar 02, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0187779
  53. ^ Diarra M, Zendel BR, Benady-Chorney J. et al. "Playing Super Mario increases oculomotor inhibition and frontal eye field grey matter in older adults". Experimental Brain Research 237: 723–733. Published 04 Mar 2019. Accessed 02 Mar 2021. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00221-018-5453-6

External links

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