Does the Final Bowser Fight Count as a Star in Super Mario 64? The Definitive Answer!
The burning question for many Super Mario 64 completionists is: Does that final, epic showdown with Bowser actually contribute to your star count? The short, sweet, and definitive answer is no. The star you receive after defeating Bowser for the third and final time in Bowser in the Sky does not count towards your total star count, which remains capped at 120 stars. This star is more of a symbolic reward, signifying your victory over the Koopa King and your successful rescue of Princess Peach.
Think of it as a celebratory pat on the back, rather than a piece of the puzzle required for 100% completion. You can still collect all 120 stars available in the game and achieve true completion, even after facing and conquering Bowser. Now, let’s delve deeper with some frequently asked questions that might be swirling in your mind about Super Mario 64 and its star system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Super Mario 64 Stars
Here are 15 FAQs to address the most common queries and curiosities surrounding the star collecting aspect of the beloved classic, Super Mario 64.
How many stars are needed to unlock the final Bowser fight?
To access the final level, Bowser in the Sky, you’ll need a minimum of 70 stars. This unlocks the star door leading to the endless stairs that culminate in the final Bowser encounter. Trying to enter with 69 stars or fewer will result in an endlessly looping staircase, barring your progress. So, get to star-hunting!
Can you get all 120 stars before defeating Bowser?
Absolutely! The core gameplay design encourages exploration and star acquisition throughout the castle. You can collect almost all of the 120 stars before facing Bowser for the last time. The key is to systematically explore each course, find the secret stars within the castle itself (Castle Secret Stars), and collect all the 100-coin stars available. This allows you to be fully powered up and ready for the final battle.
What are the Castle Secret Stars, and where do I find them?
The Castle Secret Stars are a set of 15 stars hidden within Peach’s Castle. These aren’t tied to the main courses but are rather tucked away in secret rooms, behind paintings, and accessible through cleverly hidden passages. Finding these secret stars requires keen observation and a willingness to explore every nook and cranny of the castle. These stars are crucial for achieving 100% completion.
Is there a hidden 121st star in Super Mario 64?
The myth of the 121st star has circulated for years, fueling speculation and rumors within the Super Mario 64 community. However, there is no legitimate, accessible 121st star within the original game’s code. While some later Mario titles may reference or include extra stars, Super Mario 64 strictly caps at 120.
What happens if I collect all 120 stars in Super Mario 64?
Collecting all 120 stars is the ultimate goal for many players. Reaching this milestone triggers a special cutscene on the castle’s roof. Yoshi will appear and reward Mario with 100 lives and a triple jump upgrade. This signifies complete mastery of the game and a true 100% completion.
What happens if Mario loses his hat?
Losing Mario’s hat isn’t detrimental, but it does make him slightly more vulnerable. Without his cap, Mario will take more damage from enemies. Thankfully, retrieving the hat is relatively easy. Simply return to the level where you lost it. If an enemy stole it, they will be wearing it. Otherwise, the hat will be lying somewhere in the level.
How many stars do you need to fight the first two Bowsers?
To face the first Bowser, you need at least 8 stars. This unlocks the basement door and grants access to the first Bowser stage, Bowser in the Dark World. For the second Bowser, you will require 30 stars and access to the second floor of the castle to unlock the door to Bowser in the Fire Sea.
What is considered the hardest star to get in Super Mario 64?
The difficulty of stars is subjective, but some are consistently ranked among the most challenging. These include:
- Big Penguin Race: Mastering the slippery penguin race is a test of patience and precision.
- Elevator Tour in the Volcano: Navigating the precarious elevators and platforms in Lethal Lava Land requires careful timing.
- 100 Coins in Tick Tock Clock: Gathering 100 coins within the chaotic, time-altering Tick Tock Clock can be frustrating.
Are there any time-sensitive stars in Super Mario 64?
Yes, several stars have time constraints or require quick reflexes. Levels like Tick Tock Clock and Rainbow Ride demand efficient movement and swift decision-making to complete certain objectives within the allotted time.
Can I beat Super Mario 64 without collecting all 120 stars?
Yes, you can beat the game without all 120 stars. As previously mentioned, you only need 70 stars to unlock the final Bowser fight. However, you will not experience the complete ending or unlock all the secrets and rewards the game offers.
Does defeating Bowser give you 100 lives in Super Mario 64?
Defeating the final Bowser doesn’t directly grant you 100 lives. That reward is obtained after collecting all 120 stars and talking to Yoshi on the roof of Peach’s Castle.
Why is Mario’s hat so iconic?
Mario’s hat is an iconic part of his design, and its origin lies in the limitations of early video game technology. Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Mario, chose to give him a hat because it was easier to animate than detailed hair. The hat also helped to distinguish Mario from the background. It’s become a recognizable part of the character’s identity.
Can you get 100 coins in Tick Tock Clock by stopping time?
Yes, obtaining 100 coins in Tick Tock Clock while stopping time is a viable strategy. By freezing the clock’s mechanisms, you can navigate the level more easily and collect the necessary coins without the pressure of constant movement. Focusing on the Red Coin star during stopped time is a good way to accomplish this task.
What is Bowser’s Fury, and how does it relate to Super Mario 64?
Bowser’s Fury is a standalone adventure included with the Switch release of Super Mario 3D World. While it doesn’t directly relate to Super Mario 64 in terms of gameplay or story, it shares the same character, Bowser, as a central antagonist. Bowser’s Fury features an open-world structure and a dynamic weather system, where Fury Bowser periodically emerges, changing the landscape and introducing new challenges. 100 Cat Shines need to be collected to complete it 100%.
Is Super Mario 64 still relevant today?
Despite being released in 1996, Super Mario 64 remains incredibly relevant and influential. Its innovative 3D movement and level design set the standard for 3D platformers and continue to inspire game developers today. The game’s lasting appeal is evident in its active speedrunning community, its frequent re-releases on Nintendo platforms, and its continued popularity among gamers of all ages. Furthermore, it is interesting to study the Games Learning Society and how video games like Super Mario 64 have influenced learning and cognitive development. You can find more about this subject at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Hopefully, these FAQs have shed light on the star system and other aspects of Super Mario 64. Now go and collect those 120 stars!