Monday, March 31, 2014

Super Mario 3D World: Mushroom-2 -- Spiky Mount Beanpole

At the start of the level, you'll see a locked warp box, meaning you'll have to collect five Key Coins. The first one is nearby, behind the left tree at the start. Cross the bridge to the base of the mountain and start climbing. There are lots of Spikes and Spinies here. The item blocks will have a new power-up: the Lucky Bell. It gives you a Cat Suit, with all of its abilities, plus the ability to turn into a golden statue when ground pounding. This will protect you from enemy damage, and if you ground pound from a height, you'll get coins. There's a Key Coin behind the tree at the base of the mountain. Higher up, behind that same tree is the first Green Star. On the left side of the mountain are brick blocks in the wall. Break them to reveal a pipe. The P-Switch in the pipe will give you the second Green Star if you collect all of the Silver Coins. Towards the center are item blocks high on the wall. Hit them to make a path appear to another Key Coin. At the top of the mountain are three trees. Climb the second tallest tree, then jump to the center to find the third Green Star on a cloud. The tallest tree has a Key Coin at the top. When you have all of the Key Coins, drop down the mountain and return to the warp box. It will take you to the flagpole, where there are Spinies.

There are no stamps in World Mushroom.

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Super Mario 3D World: Mushroom-1 -- Night Falls on Really Rolling Hills

After you clear Star-9, you get access to a rocket that takes you to World Mushroom. This world contains levels that are modified versions of levels from previous worlds. There are no stamps in World Mushroom.

In this level, you have 30 seconds to start and it's nighttime. This will not greatly affect your visibility. Avoid the Spinies and mice and run quickly and keep grabbing clocks. Some of them are not immediately visible, but you should be fine without them. To the right is the set of rolling hills. The hill on the right that is closest to the screen has a 1-up under it. A crate nearby has a Starman. There's a Green Ring towards the back for the first Green Star. Up the hill and to the right is a pipe. This will take you underground. Take the top path and you'll find an invisible cloud that allows you to reach the second Green Star. Drop down to the bottom path and take the pipe to the left. Clear the tiles for the third Green Star. Go to the right to the pipe. Drop down if you need a little more time. Take the pipe to the flagpole.

There are no stamps in World Mushroom.

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Super Mario 3D World: Star-9 -- Cosmic Cannon Cluster

You'll need 210 Green Stars to unlock this level. You may want to bring a Super Bell. There is a switchboard at the start of the level. Stand on the switchboard to start moving past Para Dry Bones and cannons. Hit the cannons for a Cannon Cap. The path loops around to four item blocks floating in space. Charge up your cannon and aim it at the blocks. It's a little difficult when you're moving. Hitting the item blocks will make blocks extend so you can reach the stamp. Quickly return to the switchboard before the blocks disappear. Follow the path to solid ground. There are some Spinies here. On the back wall are several cannons. To climb up the wall without a Super Bell, you'll have to bounce off the cannon balls as they appear. At the top, you'll find two cracked walls. The one on the right has the first Green Star. The left wall has coins. Take the pipe underwater.

This part scrolls automatically. There are several cannons underwater. Blast the item blocks and POW Blocks for coins. Stay towards the bottom so you can blast the brick blocks under the arch on the floor. The second Green Star is hidden here. The pipe takes you to the midpoint. There are more switchboards here and ! Switches to hit. You can only hit them with charged shots, so aim well. The rails dead end without rail guards, so change directions before you fall off. Hit the second ! Switch so the track will lead you to the third Green Star. You'll need a well-aimed charge shot to hit it without the switchboard falling off the rails. Switch back to the main track, then keep hitting switches until you reach the flagpole. You'll need to bounce off the cannonballs to reach the flag.

The stamp is of a Cannon Cap.

Friday, March 28, 2014

Super Mario 3D World: Star-8 -- Peepa's Fog Bog

The first part of this level is a graveyard covered in snow. There are Key Coins to collect. Some of them are not as obvious to reach. One on the left is above invisible clouds. One in the center requires hitting a POW Block. Go through the front right door to reach the Key Coin on the balcony. Dodge the many Peepas (ghosts) and Snow Pokeys. Towards the back are two headstones with glowing spots you should ground pound. The one on the right has a Starman. Get it and run to the back left corner to defeat the Peepas surrounding Captain Toad for the first Green Star. The headstone on the left has a Fire Flower. Once you collect the Key Coins, take the warp box to another area.

The warp box takes you to a raft on purple water. Grab the clock and the raft will drop you off at the midpoint. There are many Boos in the fog. Narrow wooden planks rise in and out of the fog. Memorize the path so you know which way is safe. On solid ground, you'll see two Mystery Boxes. The left one is fake. The right one leads you to a room where the second Green Star will disappear if you approach it. Quickly throw a snowball at it to get it from the stone tiles. The third Green Star is nearby, out over the fog. Grab a snowball from a Snow Pokey and throw it at the Green Star. Farther along, you'll find a boost pad. Make sure the path ahead is about to appear before you hit it and start running. Take the path to the right for the stamp. The warp box ahead takes you to the flagpole, where there are Peepas and invisible clouds.

The stamp is of Cat Rosalina.

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Super Mario 3D World: Star-7 -- Gargantuan Grotto

Many of the enemies are larger here in this jungle. There are stacks of Goombas, one of which has a 1-up. Nearby are giant Galoombas. The item block on the back wall has a Mega Mushroom. Move quickly to the right. You'll see some gray bricks on the back wall and in the ground. Destroy the gray bricks on the back wall to get the stamp. Destroy the bricks on the ground to drop down. If your Mega Mushroom runs out, there are holes so you can drop down. At the bottom is an invisible block with a Tanooki Suit. To the right are Microgoombas and pink wall enemies. Clear them out and wall jump up behind them for the first Green Star. Farther to the right is the midpoint.

Drop into the water, where there are Bloopers and spike blocks above a vortex. Swim near the back wall near the bottom to avoid the spikes. Swim up and out of the water over the gray bricks. Grab the Mega Mushroom in the item block and go quickly to the right. Pound the bouncy pads to jump through gray bricks ahead. At the top is the second Green Star. As long as you break at least one gray brick, you can swim up to get it later. To the right is a pipe. Swim above it to find another pipe. You'll find a P-Switch and a Mega Mushroom. There are three rounds of coins to collect for the third Green Star. Go back through the pipe, then go through the pipe below to the flagpole. There is a Goomba stack near the flag.

The stamp is of a Mega Mushroom.

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Super Mario 3D World: Star-6 -- Honeycomb Starway

If Star-2 didn't remind you enough of Super Mario Galaxy, Star-6 will. The music is a remix of Gusty Garden Galaxy and you're walking on honeycomb tiles so it looks like you're climbing them. It's an automatically scrolling level with a top-down perspective, so it's difficult to tell when you're jumping. Grab a Boomerang Flower from the item block and clear out the Biddybuds in your way. Up ahead is the first Green Star in a gap. Hit the red ! Block with your boomerang to make a pathway appear so you can get it. Alternatively, throw a boomerang at the Green Star. Up ahead are spinning spike bars and tiles with lava or ice. Avoid the lava tiles and grab the Double Cherry.

Past that is an open area with many Biddybuds. Grab the Boomerang Flower from the item block and use it to kill all of the Biddybuds quickly and efficiently. Jump when the boomerang returns to continue the combo. Kill all the Biddybuds in the area for the second Green Star. Wait a little while and more tiles will appear. Wait for tiles to appear so your path is less treacherous and so you don't have to jump over lava tiles. Dodge the fireballs of the Fire Piranhas and kill them or let them hit each other. Farther ahead, many lava and ice tiles will assemble. To the left, over the lava, is the third Green Star near some Fire Piranhas and bees. It may appear yellow over the lava. The path will become narrower up ahead. There will be many bees over the path. On the right side is the stamp. Use a boomerang to get it. At the end is a warp box near an 8-bit Luigi tile. The warp box will take you to the flagpole. Tiles will come in from the back. You'll want to quickly get on top of the tiles so you can reach the top of the flagpole more easily.

The stamp is of an Octoomba.

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Super Mario 3D World: Star-5 -- Super Block Land

The level is filled with giant blocks. There's a Tanooki Suit  in one of the item blocks. Just to the right of the giant brick blocks, on the right side of the tall wall, is an invisible block with a Mega Mushroom. You'll have to use a Bob-omb to clear the giant brick blocks in the way. This makes clearing the path ahead a little easier, since there are several Chargin' Chucks. It also makes getting the stamp easier. Go all the way to the right and you'll find a lone brick block in the lower right corner. Destroy it with the Mega Mushroom, or ground pound it for a while as long as you're not small. The stamp is in the alcove behind it. Nearby are four giant item blocks. Pound them to form a path to a Mystery Box. Inside, pound the right giant item block to reach the first Green Star. The warp box is to the right.

Slide down to the midpoint, behind the POW Block. Use a Bob-omb to destroy the brick blocks in the ground to reveal a springboard. Up ahead and to the left is a gray brick. Use a Bob-omb to destroy it for the second Green Star. On solid ground, you'll find Key Coins and more Chargin' Chucks. Most of the Key Coins are visible and easy to reach. One is under some brick blocks near the back wall. Use a Bob-omb to reach it. Go to the far right and destroy the large brick block. Pound the giant item block to reach the third Green Star. The unlocked warp box will take you to the flagpole. Giant item blocks will form a path to the flagpole when ground pounded.

The stamp is of Tanooki Luigi.

Monday, March 24, 2014

Super Mario 3D World: Star- Toad -- Captain Toad Takes a Spin

Captain Toad is in a cube with P-Switches and Fizzlits. Stepping on the P-Switches will make the cube rotate so you can reach the Green Stars. Hit the P-Switch and drop down to the level of the nearest Fizzlit. Carefully walk past it for the first Green Star. Go past the Fizzlit, then drop down to the second Green Star, which is right-side up on the floor, near a lone Fizzlit. Walk up the ramp, then go past the four Fizzlits on the ground to reach the P-Switch. After the cube rotates, drop down to the platform below. Drop down to the floor and walk up the ramp to the third Green Star, before hitting the P-Switch. Walk to far wall, past the two Fizzlits that block your path when electrified. The fourth Green Star is around the corner. Walk up the ramp to the P-Switch. After the cube rotates, you'll land on a Fizzlit. Take a few steps to the fifth Green Star.

There's a Sprixie House nearby. The stamp is of Cat Mario climbing.

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Super Mario 3D World: Star-4 -- The Great Goal Pole

You have 100 seconds to reach the goal. And it's right in front of you. That is, until it sprouts wings and flies away. You can reach the flagpole at any point if you're fast enough, but you'll miss other things in the level. There are boost pads to help you catch up to the flagpole. The first Green Star is past the first boost pad over some donut lifts. Do not jump over the Biddybuds, but run around them on the donut lifts to get them. The stamp is up ahead, behind a wall enemy. Just run behind it and get back on the path. Later on, you'll come across a long stretch of donut lifts that dead-ends next to a large cloud. The second Green Star is at the end of the donut lifts. Jump over a few of them, so you have something to stand on when you turn back. Past more wall enemies, the path loops around until it reaches a large cloud. Up ahead, the path splits. Both paths are made of donut lifts. Take the top path and run for the third Green Star. Drop down, then catch the flagpole. Use a Super Bell to reach the top, instead of trying to drop down on it.

The stamp is of Tanooki Mario.

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Super Mario 3D World: Star-3 -- Rolling Ride Run

You'll want to be Rosalina for this level. There are large cylinders in this level that roll along across large gaps. You have to propel them by standing on the edge of the direction you want to go. It's log rolling. Cross the first gap, go past the Goomba, and you'll see another cylinder. On the back wall are some brick blocks. In the second set of brick blocks, you'll find a Boomerang Flower. Roll the front cylinder to the right and you'll pass an alcove with a Mystery Box. Run around the inside of the cylinder to rotate it so you can reach the first Green Star. Transfer cylinders and roll pass the Conkdors. Kill them with the boomerang to make your life easier. The warp box is to the right.

The warp box takes you to the midpoint. Up ahead are Conkdors on cylinders. Spinning the cylinder will not make them fall off. On the wide cylinder to the right, move towards the screen to find a narrower cylinder with the second Green Star. Farther ahead is a large cylinder. Use the boomerang to clear out the pink wall enemies so you can walk around the obstacles. Roll the cylinder to the right so you can walk around the corner, then walk towards the screen. There's an invisible block with a Double Cherry. Roll the cylinder to the right a little more, then walk towards the screen to solid ground. You'll find some clocks as well as a button with a Grand Star symbol. Have Rosalina stand on it for the stamp. Follow the maze while rolling the log until you reach a two-person platform. This will take you to the third Green Star and a clock. Alternatively, you can reach it with a Super Bell if you have one. To the right is a roller to the flag.

The stamp is of small Rosalina spinning.

Friday, March 21, 2014

Super Mario 3D World: Star-2 -- Super Galaxy

Now they're just teasing us about Super Mario 3D World not being the sequel to Super Mario Galaxy 2.

You'll want to bring a Super Bell into the level. There are rotating platforms we have to deal with here. The blue and pink platforms alternate, so that when one stops, the other starts. There are lots of Octoombas around here, and you must ground pound them to defeat them. They shoot cannonballs. Carefully follow the path ahead and you'll come to a long, straight section of pink rotating platforms. The first Green Star is on the right, over a brick block over some blue platforms. Stand on the brick block to reach it. You may want to kill the nearby Octoombas so they don't destroy the brick block. Up ahead is a Luma and a Galoomba. Around the corner is a long stretch of platforms. Wait at the edge of the platform, then be ready to run once the boost pads appear. You may have to jump at the end. Past that are blue platforms you'll have to jump across. There are coins to guide your jumping. You may want to adjust the camera angle. The warp box is on one side of the platform.

The warp box takes you to the midpoint. Climb the tower to the left of the Octoombas, then climb up the blue platforms when they form a wall to reach the stamp. Up ahead, the blue and pink platforms form a checkerboard pattern. The second Green Star is on a pink platform on the left. Farther ahead, the path splits. The lower blue path leads to the third Green Star. The upper path leads to a warp box. The Observatory is in the background. The warp box takes you to the flag, where Rosalina awaits. Once you reach the flag, she'll appear for the victory dance. You can now play as Rosalina, who has a spin attack.

The stamp is of Rosalina reading to the Lumas.

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Super Mario 3D World: Star-1 -- Rainbow Run

After beating Bowser, a new world opens up. The Sprixie Princesses are gathered around a rock in World 1. Approach them and the rock reveals a rocket that takes you to a bonus world, World Star. Lumas float about this world.

The first part of the level involves running around rainbow-colored discs. The first few discs have ring lasers, with mice jumping over them. Over the second disc is an invisible block with a Super Bell. Grab it and go over the rainbow-colored cylinders past the Biddybuds. When you get to a set of brick blocks over a cylinder, stand on the bricks and climb up to an alcove above. The pipe in the alcove takes you to a room with a P-Switch near you and two in the background. Hit the P-Switch to make the Green Star balls appear. Only manipulate one ball at a time and move the flip-switches to make them land on the P-Switches. The balls can go onto either switch, but both switches must be activated to make the first Green Star appear. Ahead are more mice running on cylinders in front of the warp box.

The warp box will take you to the midpoint, where Plessie awaits. Stay on the right side of the water, which isn't fenced off to prevent you from falling off. On the right side is the stamp. At the end, see if you can steer Plessie into all off the Biddybuds. If you clear them all out, you'll get a lot of coins. On the back wall, directly ahead, is an unlit torch. Also on the back wall invisible block with a Fire Flower. Light the torch and the wall drops away, revealing a cloud cannon. It blasts you to an area of tiles to light up. Hit the POW Blocks to clear them faster, as well as use the Mega Mushroom in the invisible block on the lower right. Or use the Touch Screen. Either way, once all of the tiles are lit up, it reveals 8-bit Link. The Legend of Zelda music plays and the second Green Star appears. Grab it and drop down the main level. Up ahead are more rainbow discs. One of them has a Green Ring, which will give you the third Green Star. Cross over more cylinders, swing on the trapeze and go past the Biddybuds to reach the warp box. There are P-Switches leading up the stairs to the flagpole. The last one will rain coins.

The stamp is of the flagpole.

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Super Mario 3D World: Bowser- Castle -- The Great Tower of Bowser Land

It's time to finally take on Bowser. You'll need 170 Green Stars to unlock this level. At this point, we have 240. Bowser's tower looms in the distance, with seven rainbow lights at the top. You start near Bowser's wrecked car. You can stand in it, but you can't do much else. Take  the gondola down to the roof of a building. Fireballs will rain down and form pools, making it more difficult to dodge the Fire Bros. Walk up the roof until you see a clear pipe. Go towards the screen and carefully drop down to the first Green Star. There's an invisible triple item block to the right so you can get back up. Take the clear pipe to another rooftop.

There are three Cat Goombas in the area. Grab a Super Bell from the item block nearby, then board the Ferris wheel with the Bullies. Push all of the Bullies off to make the second Green Star appear in the center of the Ferris wheel. Past that is Captain Toad, there to cheer you on. He doesn't have anything for you, so hop into the gondola. The gondola takes you to the base of the tower.

Run towards the tower, and Bowser appears. He has a Super Bell, but it's not for you. He puts it on his neck and turns into Meowser. Instead of challenging you there, he starts climbing the tower. You should do the same. The area starts to automatically scroll. Pick up a Super Bell from the item block and start jumping up the clouds. Be aware of where Meowser is, as he will climb up, drop down, and move around, making clouds temporarily disappear and destroy solid platforms. Along the way, take the clear pipes up higher and keep moving. There's a Green Ring which will give you the third Green Star. Eventually, you'll reach a flat area of the tower. Meowser will land and sit on a POW Block on the back wall. Run to it quickly, as he will breathe walls of fire at you. Hit the POW Block immediately. This will send him flying away. The back wall drops, revealing a clock and a pipe. There's an invisible triple item block if you need another power-up. Go through the pipe and you'll see Meowser climbing up the tower alongside you. He drops out of view and gets a Double Cherry, making two Meowsers  run up the walls. The pipe takes you to the midpoint.

Even at the midpoint, the level is still scrolling. Go past the Cat Goombas and launch using the springboard. You'll have to start ascending this part of the tower, either by climbing or solely platforming. There are solid platforms and clouds here. Some clouds are invisible. Do not stand in front of cracked parts of the wall, as a Meowser will appear shortly and attack. Towards the top are trapezes that will get you to another flat area of the tower. Run up the stairs as quickly as you can, but be careful, as Meoswers will appear from the walls and the camera is still scrolling automatically, even when you go around a corner. At the very top, we see the source of the lights: Meowser has the jar with the Sprixie Princesses. He's standing atop a giant POW Block. Hit it four times, dodging the flames of the other Meowsers surrounding the tower. Meowser will fly off, releasing the Sprixie Princesses to a fanfare. A Bowser-shaped firework appears in the sky. The Sprixie Princesses are freed. A pipe appears.

The pipe takes you to a peaceful area in the sky. Over the bell tree is the stamp. The Sprixie Princesses are by the flag, saying "Hey!". Once you hit the flagpole, they'll dance in the order that you rescued them. Roll credits!

Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Toad will be in cat suits and go through a clear pipe, going past all of the characters they met, including Plessie, Boom Boom, and Pom Pom. The Observatory appears in the background. At the end of the credits, the pipe takes them to the Mushroom Kingdom. Fireworks appear over the castle. We get some messages. The best times for completing courses will be displayed and fast Ghost Mii Characters will come and visit courses. Total lives lost will be displayed on the file, along with a star.

The stamp is of Meowser. In World 1, the Sprixie Princesses are gathered around a rock.

Super Mario 3D World: Bowser-B -- Hisstocrat Returns

To the right of the stairs in an invisible block with a Super Bell. Take the gondola to the arena. Hisstocrat is a different color and the fireballs that rain down remain in pools for a while. Climb up the snakes and stomp Hisstocrat's head three times to make coins and the Green Star appear. The pipe leads to the flag. You need to complete Bowser-A to continue.

Super Mario 3D World: Bowser-A -- Motley Bossblob's Encore

Grab the Double Cherry to the right, then step into the gondola. Motley Bossblob appears, sporting different colors. When he lands, he creates shockwaves. Grab the Double Cherry after he splits up after ground pounding, the stomp him. Stomp him three times to win. Collect the coins and grab the Green Star. The pipe leads to the flag. You'll need to complete Bowser-B to continue.

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

The Year of Luigi Draws to a Close

Today marks the last day of the year of Luigi. He had a good run, spanning just over a year. Luigi starred in a few of games, Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon, Dr. Luigi, and New Super Luigi U. He also starred alongside Mario in great games such as Mario and Luigi: Dream Team and Super Mario 3D World. It was fun having Luigi in the spotlight, getting the recognition he deserves for over a year. Hopefully, the lean, green, ghostbusting machine will continue to star in games to come.

Super Mario 3D World: Bowser-7 -- Grumblump Inferno

There's a large rock sitting in the lava with a couple of mice standing on it. When you stand on it, its face frowns and it starts flipping. Run with the same timing as the mice to stay on. It will keep moving in a set path, then stop at its destination. When you're on solid ground, grab a Tanooki Suit. They're very helpful here. There's another rock up ahead, which will drop down on its journey. You'll find Fire Piranhas nearby. The first Green Star is on a pillar. Up ahead are some Hammer Bros. Past them is a springboard to the midpoint.

The next rock you'll find will slide downhill towards a Hammer Bro on a pillar. The stamp is above it. Stomp the Hammer Bro, then get back on the rock before it slides downhill again. It will stop at solid ground. A couple of lava balls will appear, trailing fire. This makes getting the Green Coins for the second Green Star a little difficult. Past that is a long, rectangular rock. Some mice will join you on it, but won't stay long. You'll have to move quickly when it flips on its long side. When it's flip on the long side, standing tall, is when you can get the third Green Star. Take this rock to the flagpole.

The stamp is of a mouse.

Monday, March 17, 2014

Super Mario 3D World: Bowser- Mystery House -- Mystery House Claw Climb

There are 10 Green Stars in this level. Grab a Super Bell and start climbing.

Climb up the wall for the first Green Star. There are Super Bells here. In the second area, the Green Star is above you. Run under the low ledge, climb up the wall, and run to the left. In the third area, quickly climb up the beep block wall. In the fourth area, run across the lava using the bridge, then run up the back wall. The fifth area is the same as the first, but the Green Star is at the top. The sixth area is the same as the second, with bricks to break. The seventh is the same as the third, but the beep blocks are split into groups of two instead of four. The eighth is the same as the fourth, but the Green Star is on the back wall, over the lava. The ninth area is the same as the sixth, but with POW Blocks in the bricks. The tenth area involves running up a tall stack of blocks. The blocks will separate and fall away. The Green Star is at the top.

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Super Mario 3D World: Bowser-6 -- A Beam in the Dark

This level is a Ghost House that introduces the Light Box. You'll want Luigi for this level. Shine the light on Boos and ghosts for a long enough time to defeat them. Stand on the circular platforms on the floor to make it move. Shine the light to clear the path ahead of you. To the left is a Luigi switch with the stamp. Get back on the platform and it drops down when a giant Boo appears. You'll land in front of a mirror. The first Green Star appears in the mirror, so walk towards the screen to get it. Up ahead is another circular platform. Ride the platform and hit the POW Blocks for more light for a short time. It will also temporarily stop the Para Dry Bones. There's a Red Coin Ring ahead if you like. At the end of the ride is a door to the midpoint.

Go to the back wall and take the elevator up. This takes you to a hall of Bowser statues. The platform will quickly move forward. There's a gap in the statues on the right side, about halfway. Jump to the right to find a Mystery Box. It will take you to a room with six Boos. Kill all of them with the Light Box to get the second Green Star. Take the door behind you to reach the back wall. There are several doors here. Go through the right door, which takes you to the upper level. Take the middle right door to move forward. Once again you have to ride a platform, but it is broken into more of an hourglass shape. Do your best to survive all of the ghosts and Para Dry Bones without falling off. At the end is a giant Boo guarding the third Green Star. Either kill it with light or lead it away. Go through the door to the right. A platform will drop you right in front of the flagpole.

The stamp is of small Mario tripping and falling.

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Super Mario 3D World: Bowser-5 -- Deepwater Dungeon

This level takes place largely underwater, where the water level rises and falls. There are more Madpoles that only stay on the surface, so drop down to the bottom to avoid them. Swim to the right and up the narrow channel. Wall jump up if the water level falls before you reach the alcove. From there, a moving block of water will allow you to swim higher. The water block will reach another, larger water block. Swim up, past the spikes, and you'll find the stamp in the upper left corner. Drop down to the lower right corner to get a Super Bell. Swim up the narrow channel above, or wall jump. At the top, climb up and to the left for the hidden first Green Star.

Go to the right for the midpoint and Plessie. It's a short rice across the water with some Madpoles to run into. At the end, climb up the wall to find the second Green Star on some donut lifts. Cross the donut lifts below and swim up to the water's surface, avoiding the moving spike blocks. Cross the donut lifts and swim in the water block. Transfer to a water block above. Transfer to one below to reach a pipe. Climb up above the pipe to find a cloud cannon. Run across the clouds and jump on the springboards. Dive past the Biddybuds and use the springboard to reach the third Green Star. There's a water block in front of the flag.

The stamp is of a Madpole.

Friday, March 14, 2014

Super Mario 3D World: Bowser-4 -- Footlight Lane

The calm music of Puffprod Peaks is back. There's a large gap between platforms, with Thwomps floating over the gaps. When they land, the path is revealed. It will also appear if you approach the edge of a platform, if it is nearby. More of the path becomes visible with impact, so pound the ground to see where you are going. Some paths have gaps in them, so do not rush ahead until you know where the path leads. Also in area are Para Dry Bones. Get a Boomerang Flower from one of the item blocks. On the third platform is an invisible triple item block with a Starman. Use it to get rid of the Para Dry Bones. The first Green Star is floating near the Para Dry Bones. It's floating over a part of the path, so you can jump to it or use a boomerang. The path to the left leads to the midpoint.

Up ahead are spike bars spinning in circles. The path goes around the circles' outer edges, but the first two circles have hollow centers. The third circle has a filled center and a Green Ring. Grab the Green Coins by following the outer spike bars for the second Green Star. Past the second Green Star, you'll find Bullet Bills. If they explode near the path, more of it will be revealed. Some of the Bullet Bills are Cat Bullet Bills, which follow you. After the first set of Bullet Bills is a platform with a glowing spot. Pound it, and you'll see part of the path appear to your right. Follow it to the stamp. Farther ahead and to the left is a Mystery Box. There is a Thwomp over an invisible path. Stand on it and it will take you to the level of the third Green Star. Carefully follow the path ahead to the warp pipe. There is a path forming stairs to the flag.

The stamp is of a Bullet Bill.

There is a nearby Sprixie House. The stamp here is of the red Sprixie Princess.

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Super Mario 3D World: Bowser-Train -- The Bowser Express

Bowser's got a train in his world. It's an automatically scrolling level. The first Green Star is on the back of the caboose. To reach it, hit the invisible block over the triple item block on the side of the train so you can board. Be quick about it. Ahead is a stack of Goombas with a Fire Flower in the middle. Pound them to get it. Also on board the train are Conkdor. Use fireballs to get rid of them, or run past them quickly when you have room. There's a pendulum made of a spike bar on the next car. Jump over it when it's low, then go into the next car filled with water. There are Madpoles in the car, so drop down to where they can't get you and hit the POW Block. Up ahead are two spike bar pendulums and a Green Ring. Collect the Green Coins to get the second Green Star, then get onto the roof of the next car by bouncing on the ants. You'll find the stamp here. Alternatively, you can go through the door, where there are Goombas and Microgoombas. The next car is the engine with a Hammer Bro and Fire Bro. The Fire Bro guards the third Green Star in the engine room.

The pipe takes you to Pom Pom. She'll make many copies of herself: first 6, then 8, then 9. Stomp the one with the pink ninja star three times to defeat her. A warp box to the flag will appear.

The stamp is of a Conkdor.

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Super Mario 3D World: Bowser-3 -- Cookie Cogworks

This level is made of sweet treats and there are spinning gears here made of cookies. You'll want Peach for this level. Running on the gears are spiky mice. They will periodically jump, so jump over them after they land. Drop down after the first couple of gears. Down here, you'll find a giant Piranha Plant and a Boomerang Flower in an item block. To the right, jump up the gears, then jump on the large gears. Jump up and to the left and use the boomerang to get the first Green Star. Go to the right for a clear pipe to the midpoint.

On the back wall are more gears. Some parts of the cogs have Piranha Plants on them, so time your jumps. At the top are two giant Piranha Plants in front of a pipe. At the top rows of spiky ants. A Boomerang Flower follows them. The stamp is below. You can clear out the ants with the boomerang, then drop down to get it. Alternatively, you can wall jump around the back wall in the corner to find the clear pipe that goes between here and the stamp. Up ahead are more mice running on gears and more ants. Below these ants is a Mystery Box. It will take you to a spinning cylinder. Run so you don't fall off, but stay on the right side. The second Green Star will appear on the right side. Once out of the Mystery Box, go past the mice on the descending gears and you find a pipe that leads to the flagpole.

Go past the flagpole and you'll see an island in the distance. Get a running start and jump, then float down to the island. There are coins, a clock, and a bunny. Catch the bunny, who jumps on the central cog, for the third Green Star. The pipe will take you back to the flagpole.

The stamp is of Boomerang Toad.

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Super Mario 3D World: Bowser-2 -- Plessie's Dune Downhill

Plessie is back and will carry you over sand this time. The bouncy fish from the water are here. Start sliding downhill. You'll find the first Green Star high above. Bounce off of a fish to get it. Up ahead is a tube. The path ahead swerves and has boost pads. Steer carefully. Back on the sand, you'll find Biddybuds traveling with the second Green Star. Run into the Biddybuds to get it. On the left are a couple of Bowser sand sculptures. Go between them for an invisible path to the stamp. Up ahead are many boost pads leading up to a series of short jumps. Hit the Bowser sand sculpture to make a trail of coins that leads to the third Green Star. The dunes end at an oasis. Take the warp box and slide down, following the coin trail to the flagpole.

The stamp is of an item block.

Monday, March 10, 2014

Super Mario 3D World: Bowser-1 -- Spiky Spike Bridge

When Bowser took all of the Sprixie Princesses at once, he created a clear pipe to his own world, World Bowser. It's a large amusement park.

In this level, it's rainy and dark. Most of the path is covered in spikes. Sometimes, the spikes appear in a sequence instead of all at once. There are parts of the level not covered in spikes. One area has a Para Dry Bones and a Super Bell. Cross the spikes ahead to a warp box. Up ahead are long stretches of spikes. In one corner is a Fire Bro. Go left of the Fire Bro and climb up the wall for the first Green Star. Past the Fire Bro are moving bridges with spikes. Use the POW Blocks to get rid of the Para Dry Bones for a short time. The warp box ahead leads to the midpoint.

Past the midpoint is a warp box that leads to an area with more spikes. Go to the left for the stamp. Return, jumping over the spikes. In the middle is another Fire Bro. Climb up the tower for a Mystery Box. In the Mystery Box, climb the wall and drop down to the P-Switch. This makes the second Green Star appear. Climb back up the wall and jump over the right wall to get the Green Star. At the end of the long stretch of spikes is a warp box. This will take you to an area with many Para Dry Bones. Grab the Starman in the item box to get rid of them. To the left is the third Green Star on some donut lifts. Wait until the floating platform with spikes is approaching and close to get the Green Star, then jump onto the platform. Dodge the sequential spikes, then transfer to another platform with spikes. This one will take you to a warp box to the flagpole. There are spikes on the stairs.

The stamp is of a Para Dry Bones.

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Super Mario 3D World: Castle-Castle -- Bowser's Lavalake Keep

It's time to finally take on Bowser! You'll need 130 Green Stars to unlock the level. To get all of the items, I recommend bringing in a Cat Suit. There are Boomerang Bros and Podoboos here. Stomp the Boomerang Bro near the first Green Star for a Boomerang Flower. You'll need to switch between the two to get the Green Stars and stamp. The first Green Star is low over the lava between two walls. Slide down, then wall jump or climb to safety. To the right is a soccer bomb blaster and some gray bricks. Behind the blaster is a grate with the second Green Star on top. Climb using the Cat Suit to get it. Go back down and use a soccer bomb to destroy the gray bricks. Wall jump up or climb in the area where the gray bricks were for the stamp. Step on the P-Switch at the bottom to lower the grate so you can walk on it. Up ahead are square spike bars and Fire Bros. It's easy to get rid of them with the boomerang. Up ahead are more soccer bomb blasters and the midpoint.

There's a long, narrow pathway ahead where many Podoboos will appear. Run quickly to avoid being burned. The third Green Star is over the lava. Use the boomerang to get it. If you need an extra powerup, there's a Boomerang Flower past the second set of Podoboos, in an invisible block over a metal plate. Keep the Cat Suit if you can. Up ahead are the square spike bars and Hammer Bros. Defeat the Hammer Bros. to make a path appear to the warp box.

The warp box leads to some stairs. At the top of the stairs, Bowser appears in his car again. It's the same battle as before, with spikes and lava pillars. At points, the road will split so there is no middle part of the road. Bowser also breathes fire more often. Switch to the Cat Suit to make the soccer bombs do more damage to Bowser's car. Once he is defeated, the bridge falls and Bowser falls into the lava. A fanfare plays and the warp box to the flagpole appears.

The red Sprixie Princess is trapped at the flagpole with the other six flying around her. Break the jar and all of them dance. Bowser reappears, grabs them, and stuffs them into one large jar. He leaves, the jar smashes, and a beam of light appears from below. Outside the castle is a sparkling clear pipe.

The stamp is of Boomerang Mario.

Saturday, March 8, 2014

Super Mario 3D World: Castle-7 -- Simmering Lava Lake

The lava level rises and falls here. The only platforms that are safe at all times are the green ones and the platforms higher than them. Grab the Boomerang Flower, which makes dealing with the Para Dry Bones easier. Some lava balls that trail lava will appear on some of the platforms, so don't let them corner you. The first Green Star is over the lava near where the lava balls appear. Use a boomerang to get it. Go forward, where there's a dip in the path and you'll come across a Green Ring. The Green Coins will get you the second Green Star. There's a clear pipe at the end of the path that will take you past some Blaargs to the midpoint.

There are lava pillars in you path in this area. You'll find the stamp under a grate. Use a boomerang to get it when the lava is low, or, if you're gutsy, run for it. Go ahead and to the right to an island in the lava for the third Green Star. A path will appear when the lava level lowers. Go back to the main path and run past the Magmaws arcing over the path to flag. A lava pillar will appear through the grate in front of the flagpole.

The stamp is of a Boomerang Flower.

Friday, March 7, 2014

Super Mario 3D World: Castle-6 -- Rammerhead Reef

At the start, you'll drop into some water. There are Bloopers and Rammerheads, hammerhead sharks with spiky heads. They swim in a set path, so watch them before you start swimming. Grab the Fire Flower and destroy the middle crate of a set of crates. Behind that crate is an alcove with the first Green Star. To the right is a pipe. The pipe takes you to an area with many Rammerheads swimming in a loop. Wait for a gap and swim up with them. Wait at the top, as this will make it easier to pick up another Fire Flower and the second Green Star that are trailing a couple of Rammerheads. Go to the right and drop down to the pipe to the right. There's nothing interesting below.

The pipe takes you outside to the midpoint. There's a Koopa and some Madpoles, that look like tadpoles. You can lure the fish if you get their attention. Kill all of them with the shell for a 1-up and some coins, but this may take a lot of time. The pipe is in the alcove in the back wall. It takes you back underwater. There are Rammerheads swimming in circles. Behind the second set is a clear pipe with spike balls. Clear the spike balls with fireballs and go through the pipe to get the third Green Star. Up ahead are many Rammerheads swimming up or down like infinite platforms. There's an alcove in the wall with the stamp. The pipe to the flag is to the right. There are stairs to the flagpole, but some Rammerheads will swim over them.

The stamp is of a Blooper.

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Super Mario 3D World: Castle- Toad -- Captain Toad Gets Thwomped

The pipe to the left of Castle-5 leads to Castle- Toad. The level is filled with conveyor belts and Thwomps. Hop on the conveyor belts until you reach a Thwomp. There's an alcove behind it with the first Green Star. Take the conveyor belt past the Bullet Bills fired from the wall and you'll find another area to duck into on the next conveyor belt. There's a Thwomp here that rises from the ground. Stand on it to reach the second level. Walk around to the left to find the second Green Star. Go back the way you came, past the Thwomp on this level. There are a couple of Thwomps nearby that land on one of the first level's conveyor belts. Stand on the Thwomp and walk onto the other Thwomp to reach the third level. There's another conveyor belt here, with Bullet Bills firing at you. To the left of the Bill Blasters is the third Green Star. Walk to the right of the Bill Blasters and you'll find the fourth Green Star on top of a Thwomp. Walk around the corner and through the small hallway to another Thwomp. Stand on it to rise to the top level. Here, you'll find two more Bill Blasters. Carefully run down the path, in the same direction the Bullet Bills are going, to a hole in the floor. This will drop you down to the same platform as the fifth Green Star.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Super Mario 3D World: Castle-5 -- Trick Trap Tower

You'll want to bring a fast character into this level. The first part of the level involves climbing a tower. The tower will rotate as you walk around it. Go past the Thwomps and get a Super Bell. Climb up the wall and go left for the first Green Star. Climb above the Green Star and you'll find the Stamp above it on a cloud. Keep climbing up the tower and you'll find three Magikoopas on the roof. Defeat all three for the second Green Star. The gondola on the roof will take you to the midpoint.

There's a locked warp box nearby. Go into the tower ahead with the Fizzlits. Defeat all of them and collect the Key Coins in the tower. Near the base of the tower are some brick blocks near the floor. Break them by rolling to get the third Green Star. The last Key Coin is at the very top of the tower and triggers a sparking fog to appear. It will fill the tower from the top down and means instant death if you touch it. Run out of the tower as fast as you can. Take the warp box to the flagpole.

The stamp is of a Magikoopa.

Super Mario 3D World: Castle-B -- Prince Bully Blockade Is Back

Prince Bully is back. The battle is largely the same as before, except he shoots blue flames. Stomp him three times to make the Green Star appear. You'll need to clear Castle-A to progress.

Super Mario 3D World: Castle-A -- Brolder Blockade Is Back

Boss Brolder is back. The battle is largely the same as before, except that fiery lava balls appear from the lava and leave a fiery trail behind them, giving you something else to dodge. Throw a Brolder at the Boss Brolder three times to defeat it. Once you defeat it, a Green Star will appear. You'll need to clear Castle-B to progress.

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Super Mario 3D World: Castle-4 -- Boiling Blue Bully Belt

This level has stone platforms with arrows appearing from and disappearing into blue lava. The platforms with the arrows will allow to cross the lava, but you have to be quick about it. You'll find Bullies and Para Dry Bones here. There's a Green Ring near the lava. The Green Coins will appear on the arrow platforms. Ahead is a large patch of lava. There are spinning spike bars here. Follow the platforms with arrows, and go left past the first set of spike bars. You'll find a stone platform with the stamp. Stay on the platform if you can't reach the arrow platforms. To the left of the four spinning spike bars is a Mystery Box. Pound the Bully into the lava within the time limit to get the second Green Star. Use the arrow platforms to reach the midpoint on solid ground.

Up ahead, platforms slide in and out of the walls. Use them to reach the cylinders, but beware the spike bars moving over the cylinders. The third cylinder has the third Green Star on the side away from the wall. That part of the cylinder also has a spike bar. Past the fourth cylinder is a pipe that leads to an area with three Bullies. The area tilts in the lava. Kill them for a platform to the flag. Arrow platforms will appear from the lava to make stairs to the flag.

The stamp is of a brick block.

Super Mario 3D World: Castle-C -- Fire Bros. Hideout #4

There is a hidden pipe near Castle-4. The pipe leads to Castle-C. You have 100 seconds to defeat seven Fire Bros. The best way to do this is to stand between them so they hurt each other. Stomp the ones that remain. A Green Star will appear when you win.

Monday, March 3, 2014

Super Mario 3D World: Castle-3 -- Red-Hot Run

This can be a very difficult level. You have 100 seconds to complete the level. It's filled with many boost pads, spike bars, spikes, and donut lifts. When running on the power of the boost pads, do not steer wildly when jumping or you'll fall into the lava. Stay on the right side and line yourself up with the center of the donut lifts ahead. There is a gap ahead, so jump it, then jump the gap ahead to reach the first Green Star and slow yourself down. There's a spike bar rolling back and forth in front of the pipe ahead. Any of the three pipes will launch you to the next area.

In this area is a Green Ring. The coins will appear in a square. You can either run around using the boost pads or jump over them to get the second Green Star. Go up the ramp, jump over the spikes, and jump the gap. Jump across the gap directly ahead to get the stamp. You'll be able to slow down here. Jump to the middle, where there are rotating spike bars. Jump through them to reach the third Green Star. Past the rotating spike bars behind the third Green Star are three pipes. Go through the middle clear pipe to reach the top platform near the flag.

The stamp is of a Super Leaf.

The nearby Sprixie House has a stamp of the azure Sprixie Princess.

Sunday, March 2, 2014

Super Mario 3D World: Castle-2 -- Switchblack Ruins

This level is a dark area that loops around. Each character will have a small spotlight around them to provide some visibility. The place is crawling with Spinies, so be careful. You can get Fire Flowers here. After the path winds around in the dark, you'll come to an area with many ! Switches. Hit all the switches to turn them yellow and they'll turn green, clearing out the Spinies in the area and turning on some lights. A path will appear so you can proceed. At some point, the path will be a little wider and rounder. There are four torches in this area. Light them all for the first Green Star.

Farther ahead, you'll find the midpoint. Go all the way to the right from here, passing the entrance to an area with more ! Switches, to find the second Green Star. There are Fire Piranhas in the areas with ! Switches. Up ahead is another area with lava. Use the yellow platform to reach a dark rock to the right of the exit out of there. Jump to the rock to find the stamp. Ahead are two more areas with switches and Fire Piranhas. At the end is a pipe. Behind the pipe is an invisible block on the wall, allowing you to reach the alcove with the third Green Star. The pipe leads to the flagpole, and a yellow platform with a Fire Piranha.

The stamp is of a Spiny.

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Super Mario 3D World: Castle-1 -- Fort Fire Bros.

There are many Goomba stacks and Fire Bros here. Blue lava bubbles pop out of the blue lava. Clear pipes connect the areas here and Fire Bros can throw fireballs into the clear pipes to hurt you. The first Green Star is in an H-shaped tube. Grab a Fire Flower from the item block and go past the fire bar. Ground pound the center brick block of the fire bar to get the stamp. There's a Fire Bro at the end of the area that will sometimes stand on a stack of Goombas. Kill the Fire Bro to make the warp box appear.

The warp box takes you to the midpoint. There are some Thwomps here. On the wall is an invisible triple item block. Use it to reach the top of the wall, then go left. There's a pipe that takes you to a room with a P-Switch. Hit the small, blue P-Switch to make a green star ball appear. Jump to manipulate the flip-switches so the ball lands on the P-Switch in the background. This will make the second Green Star appear. Return to the main level and jump across the gaps to the tops of other walls. You'll find a clock up here. Drop down and you'll see two clear pipes. There's a Fire Bro at the other end that will be sending fireballs through the pipes. Go through the pipe he's not sending fireballs through to reach the other side. Trying to send fireballs to kill him will not work well as his fireballs and yours will cancel out. Once on the other side, you'll see a Green Ring. Collect the Green Coins for the third Green Star near the Blocksteppers. Ahead are a couple of Goomba stacks and one Fire Bro. He'll switch between the stacks. Take out a stack to hit him more easily. Kill him to make the warp box to the flagpole. There's a Fire Bro between the stairs.

The stamp is of Fire Mario.