Unlocking the Universe: What Happens When Luigi Collects All 120 Stars in Super Mario Galaxy?
So, you’ve guided the green-clad hero, Luigi, through perilous galaxies, conquered gravity-defying platforms, and collected every shimmering Power Star in Super Mario Galaxy. The big question burning in your mind: What’s the reward for this stellar achievement? Well, buckle up, because the answer is a whole galaxy of fun and a touch of poignant nostalgia!
Upon collecting all 120 Power Stars with Luigi (after having already done so with Mario), you unlock the Grand Finale Galaxy. This special galaxy holds the 121st Power Star, culminating in a heartwarming stroll through a familiar location with a slightly different feel. After defeating Bowser in the Grand Finale Galaxy, you will receive a special image sent to your Wii console, different from the one you receive after completing the game with Mario. You can also play through the game with Green Stars collected.
Digging Deeper: The Luigi 120-Star Experience
The journey to 120 stars is no small feat. Super Mario Galaxy offers a delightful blend of platforming challenges, inventive level design, and charming characters. Playing as Luigi changes the gameplay dynamics slightly, and you may find this experience both challenging and enjoyable!
Differences Playing As Luigi
Luigi controls slightly differently from Mario. He jumps higher, but his traction is not as good, making him a bit slippier and harder to control on small platforms. Some players find him easier to control than Mario, while others find him more challenging.
The Grand Finale Galaxy: A Sentimental Journey
The Grand Finale Galaxy is the final reward for your dedication. Located on the Planet of Trials, this galaxy isn’t about grueling challenges. Instead, it offers a peaceful exploration of a familiar location, filled with a sense of accomplishment and closure. Defeating Bowser in the Grand Finale unlocks the 121st star and marks the true ending of your Super Mario Galaxy adventure. It’s a beautiful, low-pressure level designed to celebrate your accomplishment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about collecting 120 stars with Luigi in Super Mario Galaxy:
1. Does Luigi get any special abilities after collecting 120 stars?
No, Luigi doesn’t gain any new abilities after collecting all 120 stars. The reward lies in unlocking the Grand Finale Galaxy and receiving a special image sent to your Wii console.
2. Is the Grand Finale Galaxy different when playing as Luigi?
The Grand Finale Galaxy level itself is the same whether you play it as Mario or Luigi, but you need to complete the game with both characters to unlock the level in the first place.
3. Do I have to collect all 120 stars with Mario first before I can do it with Luigi?
Yes, you must collect all 120 Power Stars with Mario first to unlock the ability to play through the game as Luigi. After you beat the game, talk to Luigi in the Mushroom Kingdom to unlock Luigi as a playable character.
4. What is the difference between the Mario ending and the Luigi ending?
The core story elements remain the same regardless of whether you play as Mario or Luigi. The main difference is the special image you receive after defeating Bowser in the Grand Finale Galaxy with each character. These images are unique to each brother and serve as a personalized memento of your journey.
5. Can I still collect Green Stars after getting 120 stars with Luigi?
Yes, the Green Stars become available after collecting all 120 Stars with Mario, not with Luigi. You can collect all the Green Stars with either character.
6. Does Luigi take his hat off when he gets 99 lives like Mario does?
Nope, only Mario will take his hat off if he has 99 lives. Everyone else stays the same if they reach 99 lives.
7. Are there any secret stars only accessible with Luigi?
No, all the stars in Super Mario Galaxy can be obtained with either Mario or Luigi. The stars are not specific to either character.
8. Is the game harder or easier when playing as Luigi?
This is subjective and depends on individual play styles. Luigi jumps higher, which can be an advantage in some situations, but his slippery traction can make precise platforming more challenging.
9. What happens if I get 9,999 Star Bits with Luigi?
If 9,999 Star Bits are collected, all coconuts in the games become watermelons permanently, even if the Star Bit total drops below 9,999 again. This effect applies to both Mario and Luigi gameplay once achieved.
10. Where can I find Luigi in Super Mario Galaxy if he’s trapped?
The first place you’ll find Luigi trapped is back on the very first planet of the first galaxy. Head into any of the Good Egg Galaxy levels. As soon as you land, there will be a small house ahead of you. Use the orange pipe on the underside of the planet to get inside. This is part of the overall gameplay and not specifically tied to getting 120 stars.
11. What’s the hardest Power Star to collect in Super Mario Galaxy?
Many players find the Purple Coin stars to be particularly challenging, such as Luigi’s Purple Coins (Toy Time Galaxy) and Purple Coins On The Battlerock (Battlerock Galaxy). These stars require precise movements and careful planning to collect all the coins without falling.
12. Is there a limited amount of stars in the Super Mario Galaxy universe?
Using the Milky Way as our model, we can multiply the number of stars in a typical galaxy (100 billion) by the number of galaxies in the universe (2 trillion). The answer is an absolutely astounding number. There are approximately 200 billion trillion stars in the universe. This question is not directly related to the game, of course.
13. Are there 100 Coin Stars in every level?
100 Coin Stars are stars that appear after collecting 100 coins in all 15 main courses. They differ from all other stars in the main courses in that they appear directly above Mario instead of at fixed location. 100 Coin Stars appear in no other courses, even if the player manages to collect 100 coins.
14. Do the Lumas sacrifice themselves at the end regardless of who you play as?
At the end of Super Mario Galaxy, a cluster of Luma enthusiastically sacrifice themselves to save the galaxy by getting sucked into a black hole created by Bowser. This event always occurs regardless of whether you are playing as Mario or Luigi.
15. How does Super Mario Galaxy contribute to learning in games?
Super Mario Galaxy, like many well-designed video games, offers a rich learning environment. Players develop problem-solving skills, spatial reasoning, and critical thinking as they navigate complex levels and overcome challenges. Games like this demonstrate how interactive media can be a powerful tool for cognitive development and engagement. To learn more about the educational aspects of gaming, visit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
The True Reward: A Sense of Accomplishment
While the Grand Finale Galaxy and the unique image are tangible rewards, the true prize for collecting all 120 stars with Luigi is the sense of accomplishment. You’ve mastered the game’s challenges, explored its hidden corners, and proven your dedication to the Super Mario Galaxy universe. This feeling of achievement is what makes gaming so rewarding and motivates players to keep exploring new worlds and conquering new challenges.
The experience of playing as Luigi adds a unique layer to this achievement. Overcoming the game’s challenges with a slightly different play style and seeing the world through Luigi’s perspective is a rewarding experience for any dedicated fan. So, go ahead, guide Luigi through the galaxies, collect those stars, and savor the sweet taste of victory!