What Happens When You Collect All 120 Stars in Super Mario 64 DS?
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The burning question for many Super Mario 64 DS players is, “What exactly happens when I collect all 120 stars?” The answer, while seemingly straightforward, is layered with some interesting twists that set it apart from the original Nintendo 64 classic. In short, collecting all 120 stars in Super Mario 64 DS unlocks the cannon outside Peach’s Castle, providing access to the castle roof. This is where you’ll find a green rabbit as Luigi and a ? Block for Mario that gives you the Wing Cap. However, the real fun lies in what comes next, which involves collecting even more stars! Let’s explore the full details.
Unlocking the Castle Roof
Upon securing all 120 stars, the most immediate reward is the opening of the cannon located in the castle grounds. This cannon is your portal to the roof of Peach’s Castle, a location that’s initially inaccessible. This rooftop excursion isn’t just for show; it’s a key part of reaching 100% completion.
The Roof Rewards
Once on the roof, players will find two key elements:
- Luigi’s Green Rabbit: Luigi can chase and capture a green rabbit on the roof, which provides an extra bonus. The specific nature of this bonus can vary, but it’s a necessary step for dedicated completionists.
- Mario’s Wing Cap ? Block: Mario can find a unique ? Block that grants him the Wing Cap. This allows him to fly around the castle area, often leading to further exploration and hidden secrets.
This initial reward mirrors the cannon and rooftop access found in the original Super Mario 64, but it’s only the beginning for Super Mario 64 DS.
Beyond 120 Stars: The 150 Star Challenge
The big difference lies in the fact that the game doesn’t end with just 120 stars. In Super Mario 64 DS, you need to collect a total of 150 Power Stars to truly complete the game. This added challenge encourages players to explore every nook and cranny of the castle and its paintings. These extra 30 stars are spread throughout the game’s various levels, often requiring mastery of the game’s mechanics and clever exploration.
Unlocking New Characters
As you journey through the game, collecting these additional stars unlocks new playable characters! You begin with Yoshi and unlock Mario, Luigi, and Wario. This is in stark contrast to the original game where Mario was the sole playable character. Each character brings their own unique abilities and playstyles, adding layers of variety and replayability to the core gameplay experience.
The True Ending & Other Rewards
Once you collect all 150 stars you get the final “end credits” scene, identical to what you get after the first 120. This is where the real difference to the original game becomes clear: There is no difference in the ending upon getting the initial 120 stars and when you collect all 150. But there is still more to do, as this triggers further rewards:
- Grand Finale Galaxy (Galaxy games): As mentioned in the provided text, the completion of 120 stars in Super Mario Galaxy and the defeat of Bowser with both Mario and Luigi unlocks the Grand Finale Galaxy and the 121st star. This information is useful to see that later Mario games add post 120 star rewards, unlike Mario 64 DS.
- Special Picture Sent to Your Wii (Galaxy games): Completing the grand finale in the Galaxy series of Mario games results in a special picture sent to your Wii console. These pictures are unique for Mario and Luigi, but are part of a different game.
In essence, while collecting 120 stars opens up the castle roof and provides a pathway to finding all 150, the core game ending remains tied to the completion of the game as a whole. Super Mario 64 DS is all about the journey and the added exploration.
Key Differences from the Original
The 150 stars, multiple playable characters, and additional content in Super Mario 64 DS make for a much more expansive experience than the original Super Mario 64. While the original version was groundbreaking for its time, the DS remake adds significant depth and replayability, making it a must-play for fans of the series. The core difference can be summarized as follows:
- Original Mario 64: 120 stars, single playable character (Mario).
- Mario 64 DS: 150 stars, four playable characters (Yoshi, Mario, Luigi, Wario), and several new minigames.
The additions in the DS version elevate it beyond a mere remake, transforming it into a unique experience that builds on the legacy of the original game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the aspects of Super Mario 64 DS related to star collection and its end-game content:
1. How many total stars are there in Super Mario 64 DS?
There are a total of 150 stars in Super Mario 64 DS, unlike the original which only had 120.
2. Is there a 121st star in Mario 64 DS?
No, there is no 121st star in Super Mario 64 DS. There are 150 in total. The “121st Star” is a concept from other Mario games such as Super Mario Galaxy.
3. What are the Castle Secret Stars?
There are 15 Castle Secret Stars hidden within Peach’s Castle. These are located in secret levels throughout the game. Collecting them is essential for full completion.
4. How many secret stars are in the original Mario 64?
The original Super Mario 64 also has 15 secret stars, found in similar locations to the DS remake.
5. What happens after you get 150 stars in Mario 64 DS?
After getting all 150 stars, you get the final “end credits”, which are identical to the initial “end credits”. This completion also unlocks all the bonus mini games to play.
6. Do you have to collect all 150 stars to beat the game?
No, you don’t have to collect all 150 stars to beat the game. The main story ends after you have collected 70 stars, but 150 is required for full completion.
7. Where can I find all the secret stars?
The secret stars can be found in levels such as: Sunshine Isles, The Princess’s Secret Slide, The Secret Aquarium, Castle Courtyard, Goomboss Battle, Big Boo Battle, and The Secret of Battle Fort.
8. What does the cannon do in Mario 64 DS?
The cannon opens up when you collect all 120 stars, allowing access to the castle roof.
9. What is the reward for getting all 120 stars in Mario 64 DS?
Getting 120 stars allows you to use the cannon, reach the castle roof, find the green rabbit as Luigi, and the Wing Cap with Mario.
10. Can you get 300 stars in Mario Party DS?
No, it’s not possible to get 300 stars in Mario Party DS. The roulette stops before that.
11. How do you unlock Luigi in Mario 64 DS?
You can unlock Luigi by completing the first Big Boo’s Haunt star as Mario, entering the attic, jumping into Luigi’s portrait and completing a maze and defeating a boss.
12. How do you unlock Mario in Mario 64 DS?
You can unlock Mario by completing eight levels as Yoshi. A door to his level will open and he can be unlocked there.
13. What are the hardest stars to get in Mario 64?
Some of the hardest stars in both versions of Super Mario 64 include: Big Penguin Race, Elevator Tour in the Volcano, Snowman’s Big Head, 100 Coins in Tick Tock Clock, Wing Mario Over the Rainbow and Peach’s Secret Slide #2.
14. Is Super Mario 64 a rare game?
Super Mario 64 on the Nintendo 64 is very well-known, but not considered rare. It was one of the best-selling games on the system. It is also not considered the rarest “Not For Resale” Mario game.
15. How does Super Mario 64 DS differ from the original?
Super Mario 64 DS adds a number of features to the original such as new graphics, four playable characters, extra collectibles, a multiplayer mode, and several extra minigames. The star count is also increased from 120 to 150.
Conclusion
Collecting 120 stars in Super Mario 64 DS is a significant milestone, but it’s not the end of the road. This initial achievement unlocks the cannon and rooftop, paving the way for more challenges and ultimately culminating in the collection of all 150 stars. The inclusion of multiple playable characters and extra content significantly enriches the overall gameplay, making the DS version a unique and highly enjoyable experience for fans old and new. So, embark on this epic adventure and uncover everything Super Mario 64 DS has to offer!