Paper Mario: Sticker Star -- 6-3 Bowser's Sky Castle

A storm is brewing and the castle is shooting out flames. We go inside and it's dark and quiet, except for the storm. There's a door at the end of the hallway. Behind it is Kamek. He's impressed that we eventually made it. We shall fight until one of us falls. Once again, he changes our stickers into Flip-flops. This time, we can't easily tell which stickers are shiny. I recommend sorting out your stickers, placing all the ones you don't mind losing on one or two pages and use those. Worn-out stickers here might be best. He then clones himself twice. The clones don't have much HP. He can also make stickers from the album disappear entirely. After a tedious battle, it's clear to him that it was no accident that we've been successful in gathering the Royal Stickers. He says the sticker Bowser has is infinitely stronger than the others. He turns into dust that is blown away.

Through the door is another quiet hallway. In the middle is a red carpet over spikes that starts rolling up while you walk on it. It is ripped and has holes, so pay attention where you walk. Once you make it to the end of the carpet, the rest of the hallway lights up and the carpet carries you to the other side of the gap, then falls. We walk up to a large Bowser symbol on the floor. Someone says, "Mario!" It's Peach, stuck to a chain by Bowser tape. Kersti says we should save her while Bowser isn't around, but that's not the case. Bowser drops in.

Kersti says we're not afraid of him and are going to peel the Royal Sticker from his forehead. Bowser sends Peach down a long hallway. The battle starts, and other enemies appear from windows in the walls. This is the time to break out your most powerful Thing stickers, but start with the small ones first. Bowser has 400 HP. Crumpling or soaking Bowser works well. Bowser will jump, breathe fire, and slide into Mario with his shell. Don't jump on him. After his HP drops below 350, he'll move on and hide behind a large Whomp. Your attacks will only do 1 damage to him, even your Thing stickers. There's a Scissors symbol on his back, which is his weakness. It's very difficult to hit him with scissors that do more than 1 damage, so I just used an Infinijump. He needs to be knocked over with an Eekhammer for the Scissors to work. Once you defeat him, attack Bowser. After a few hits, he'll move on, where the walls will disappear, revealing lava. Once he has 10 HP left, he'll move on after sending Podoboos to attack you.

He runs to the back wall where Peach is. He'll heal and a Chomp will join him. The Chomp will attack you and Bowser will also throw it. He'll also heal more frequently. After a while, Bowser will fall off the cliff and the battle will end. Kersti's upset because he took the Royal Sticker with him. We can't free Peach, so we approach Kersti, when Bowser's giant sparkly arms reach up. He's made of thicker corrugated cardboard. Another battle starts.

Bowser has 500 HP and we have barely any stickers left. He'll smack Mario around the way Mario smacks enemies with the Slaphammer. Kersti says our stickers are useless against the last Royal Sticker and there's only one thing to do: use Kersti as a sticker. The only thing that can match the last Royal Sticker's power is sparkling power originating from the same Sticker Star. With Mario and Kersti's powers combined, they can strike Bowser with the power of a thousand stickers. She goes into the album, warning us she'll never forgive us if we try to sell her in a shop. Her description says, "Sacrifices herself to give Mario all her power, leaving everything to him." No! Kersti, don't go like this!

We don't have much of a choice but to use her. She says, "Thanks for sticking me up, Mario. I give to you all my shine. You must win! Looking back, I realize I kind of forced you to come on this adventure with me. I'm sorry...We went through a lot... but it was fun. And now... Good-bye!" Kersti, Mario would've gone on the adventure regardless, to save Peach. She turns into a Battle Spinner with her face in different expressions. We match all three and get to use 5 stickers, plus get healed some. I set up my best remaining stickers: Lightbulb, Thumbtack, Big Shiny Clone Jump, Megaflash Jump, and Big Shiny Infinijump. The Infinijump finishes off Bowser's left arm. He breathes fire into the album, destroying the stickers on the current page. We still have 5 sticker slots. I ran out of stickers before I could defeat him, so I changed my strategy to use the smaller Thing stickers in the first part of the battle. This led to victory.

Bowser floats in the air and, with an explosion, the sparkle and shine of the Royal Sticker leaves him. The last Royal Sticker appears and lands in the center of the album cover. Bowser lies flat on the ground. We peel the Bowser tape off Peach and she gently floats down a short distance to the ground. She says, "Thank you, Mario. I knew I could count on you, as always. Now that the Royal Stickers's been peeled off, Bowser should come to his senses... eventually. He's been beaten flat, but that's nothing new, so I don't think we need to worry about him. He'll be OK. So this all came about because of the six Royal Stickers that rode in on the comet the night of the Sticker Fest. The power to grant wishes can bring disaster if used without wisdom, huh?" Mario pulls out the album and shows them to her. "Ah, so those are the Royal Sticker.... I bet it was hard gathering all six. But thanks to your hard work, my wish for peace in the kingdom... No wait! It was the wish of everyone throughout the land. And it came true. Now please, use the power of those Royal Stickers to grant your own wish. Mario, what is your wish?" Mario makes his wish and the album gleams with light.

We return to Decalburg on the Sticker Fest grounds with Peach. The comet is in place. The Toads are cheering. The Toad, master of the Enigmansion, is sitting on a bench. The Toad from the Damp Oasis is on another. Peach says, "Citizens of the Mushroom Kingdom! Tonight, at long last, that symbol of peace, the Sticker Fest, has finally been revived. But this glad day did not come to pass through the power of the Sticker Comet. No, it was bought with the bravery of Mario, who returned the Royal Stickers to us... And it was paid for with the power of all you, who wished so fervently for Sticker Fest to return."

Bowser approaches the Sticker Comet, but Kersti tells him off, saying, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! Please tell me you aren't trying to touch the Sticker Comet again! You know what I think? I think you're a troublemaker! And your troublemaking made trouble for everyone! Hmm... Being brought back to life by Mario's wish was definitely nice, but... If it's like this every year at the Sticker Fest, I may have to seriously reconsider my career path." We saved Sticker Fest and wished Kersti back to life.  I think we've done a good job here. Roll credits!

Luigi gets to lead the parade. The parade shows places we've been, like the windmill and Goomba Fortress. Wiggler, the Toads from the Enigmansion, and Birdo appear. The shiny bosses also make a reappearance. Bowser and Bowser Jr. also appear during the parade. As we completed the tasks on the Sticker Fest flags on the Sticker Fest grounds, Toads carry them during the parade. Mario, Peach, and Kersti appear on a float with the Sticker Comet. At the end, the book closes on this tale and the light goes out.  A message tells us a new Toad has appeared on the festival grounds and that we should say hello. It's the Purple Toad from the Enigmansion. Apparently, he helped plan the parade. Talk to him if you want to watch it again.

And with that, we finish Paper Mario: Sticker Star. I had a fun time playing this game. Stay tuned for the next game I cover.

New Super Mario Bros. 2: Star-3

This level features ghosts, Whomps, Fishbones, and a strong current in the water to the left. Trigger the Whomps to fall to reveal coins. You'll want to stay out of the water, except to go down the first gap, where you'll find the first Moon Coin between currents and ghosts. The pipe will lead you to the midpoint. There is a random item block behind the giant Whomp to the right. The second Moon Coin is at the top of the tall tower. Go to the right, near the circling ghosts, to make a coin trail and brick blocks appear so you can reach the top platform. Next is a Red Coin Ring behind the giant Whomp, making Red Coins circle the smaller Whomps to its sides. You'll see a giant Whomp on a high platform. Jump off it to reach the higher platform next to it, then go left to two lower towers. The left one has an invisible block with a vine that leads to the third Moon Coin.There is an invisble block over the item blocks with a 1-up. The Moon Coin is behind the giant Whomp. Keep going right and avoid ghosts for the flagpole.

Coin Total: 66,208

New Super Mario Bros. 2: Mushroom-Castle

This level takes place on stone blocks over spikes. A giant spike ball destroys the floor, so move quickly and carefully. Trip the Thwomps and jump over them. Pound the brick blocks over the first Star Coin to reach it. Jump over the Whomps, or defeat them if you like. At the end, you'll see a green pipe. Before you take the pipe, go to the right for the second Star Coin. The green pipe leads to the midpoint. The pipe below will take you to the next stage, which is similar to the first. There are rotating brick blocks here and skulled Piranhas. At the end, get enough of a running start with the Raccoon Tail to fly over the boss door for the third Star Coin. Approach the area from the left. This world's boss is Larry Koopa. There are pillars appearing from the ceiling and floor in an alternating pattern. The pillars will allow you to reach the platforms above and will limit Larry's movements during his shell cycle. Three hits will defeat him and the key will appear. The path will open to World 3.
Coin Total: 57,272

New Super Mario Bros.: 3-Castle

This castle is filled with spike pillars. Duck under one of them for the first Star Coin. After the midpoint, you will encounter Whomps. They can be killed with a ground pound, but do not kill the one over the spikes: it keeps you from hitting them. To get the second Star Coin, go past it to the right and climb up the pole. Use the rope to swing over to it, making sure the Whomp is lying over the spikes. To the right are lots more spike pillars. You will reach the boss door, but can go under it into the water. To the right is another pillar and the third Star Coin. Get into the water, then climb up when the spike pillar retreats to get it. Through the boss door, we encounter a Giant Cheep-Cheep. It will swim around on the water below, then jump onto the bridge, bounce a few times, then return to the water. Jump on it three times to win, while avoiding the smaller Cheep-Cheep that jump up. Victory gives us the key, then Bowser Jr. carries Peach off to World 5.

Throwback Galaxy - Green Star 2

Welcome Back to the Galaxy!
I saw a Star at the top of the planet in the cutscenes. I reached the top of the planet and tripped the midgate. I tried to lure the Whomp nearby so I could get the Star. It's too high to get from jumping. I was crushed by the Whomp.
Take 2- I rode on top of the Whomp's head by wall-jumping off and landing on the head. I jumped to the Star. This is a Type 3 Star.
Green Star Get #95!
Star Get #215, 6716 Star Bits, 12 Lives

Bowser's Lava Lair - Green Star 1

Welcome Back to the Galaxy!
Searching for green Stars in lava galaxies is not fun. I died in the lava trying to get a Life Shroom.
Take 2- I took a hit from a fireball and successfully got the Life Shroom. I tripped the midgate after launching and hit an electric fence. I fell in the lava twice and got a 1-up from the ? Coin coins. I took hits from a firebar and a Dry Bones, and see the Star near another Dry Bones and the Whomps. I hit the electric fence and see the Star's shine from behind a rock in the lava. I took 3 hits from a Dry Bones and lost the Life Shroom. I long jumped to the Star from where the Dry Bones was. This is a Type 1, Type 2 Star.
Green Star Get #34!
Star Get #154, 4694 Star Bits, 2171 Coins, 11 Lives

Bowser's Gravity Gauntlet - Breaking into Bowser's Castle

Welcome Back to the Galaxy!
This "galaxy" has the same music as the last time we tried to beat Bowser, but with more lava and fire! We get a Life Shroom and the move along as the area switches into 2D ant farm. We trip the midgate and backflip to get the Comet Medal. There are Podoboos jumping out of the lava, some of which dive into another pool of lava at a 90 degree angle. The walking surface rotates 90 degrees, but the camera doesn't change, so we have to adjust the way we control the joystick. I take 2 hits from Podoboos and we walk onto the ceiling, where I take another hit and lose the Life Shroom. We have to swim through a water area, where the water is magically suspended above the ground. There are Cheep-cheeps to avoid. We exit the area, trigger the midgate, and the game goes back to 3-D. Mario died from being crushed by a Whomp.
Take 2- I kill the Whomp that took Mario out in Take 1. There is another Whomp, and near it, a 1-up. We go around a corridor, and it goes back to 2D. I take a hit from a Goomba and jump to a rotating platform with fire bars, which hit me. I launch to the midgate on the other side reached by walking around the platform.
We find another meteor-we know what to do with these! But first, we must seek out a Life Shroom, found in the right crystal. We break the seals on the door with the meteors and ride the purple warp beam to the battle area.
Baby Luma comes out from under our hat. The throne is empty and Bowser isn't here. He waves the all-clear. Suddenly, Bowser appears out of nowhere. He expects as much that we're here because we're his archnemesis. But our time is up. It's smooshing time! His huge fist is going to meet our puny face. Baby Luma cowers behind Mario. We fly up to the battle planet.
Bowser's fist now glows purple, and makes shockwaves when it hits the ground. I take a hit from a meteor, which also creates shockwaves when it lands. Bowser will punch the planet twice before the meteors rain down. I get in 2 hits and the music speeds up and Bowser starts breathing fire. I take a hit from the fire. I get in my 3rd and 4th hits and he spits up the Grand Star. He flails and reaches in vain for it and shrinks. He wonders how we did it, but his master plan is too far along and we can't stop him. GWAHAHAAH! He spins and disappears like last time. I noticed the floor on the planet from which we see his throne. It looks like onyx and lapis lazuli stone is the flooring, which is very nice. The Grand Star appears.
GRAND STAR GET #4!
Star Get #46, 27 Comet Medals, 1258 Star Bits, 1120 Coins, 23 Lives
Interlude
Chush! Lubba says we did great work finding the 4th Grand Star and fighting the monster. But, we look more banged up this time (I agree), which means Bowser's getting stronger. We must stop him before he gets more powerful. Let's hit it, on the double!
That was another great game session. I got 14 Stars this time. I am currently at 110 Stars and opened one of the last galaxies in the game. But the Stars are getting harder to get, so my rate will decrease.

Bowser's Lava Lair- Bowser's Big Lava Power Party

Welcome Back to the Galaxy!

A lava party, huh? This can't be good. I don't like dealing with lava. This also isn't called a galaxy for some reason. The music is a remix of the Bowser music from Super Mario 64, but it's different than that found in Galaxy. Let's get our next Grand Star!

Take 1- Some days you just walk right off the level. I'm having one of those days.

Take 2- We walk forward and a Magikoopa appears at the edge of the platform. We spin to defeat it and a Pull Star appears. We land on a cylindrical planet with moving gears at its ends. In its center is a pool of lava with platforms moving through it. We reach the edge and pound the spring to go to the next planet. Here we have to negotiate circling balls of fire. I fell into the lava twice, but as with many lava levels, there is a Life Shroom. There is also a 1-up over the pool of lava. After breaking the crystal to free the Launch Star, we launch to a midgate.

The next area has more lava, with flipping platforms with Thwomp faces. They shake before they flip, so we can time our jumps over them. I fell in the lava here. Just to the left of them, we find the Toad Brigade. They are all scared, and surprisingly (or not surprisingly), Yellow Toad is wide awake. They found a Star Bit to help us. (Not a 1-up? A Star Bit isn't going to do me much good, guys!) I fell in the lava 2 more times and reached the next platform. Because the game didn't make the joke, I'm going to: Hammer Time! There's a Hammer Bro that we have to defeat here. We can spin to defeat him, which releases a Sling Star. There's a ? Coin. We get a 1-up for getting all of the coins within the time limit. We pound the red switch, which sends us plummeting to a new level. We find a few Whomps here. They also now sport the Ground-Pound symbol on their backs, but we already know what to do. I found the Comet Medal above a Whomp, but I was killed by it trying to reach the Medal.

Take 3- I defeated the Hammer Bro, got the 1-up from the ? Coin, a 100 Star Bit 1-up, took a hit from a Dry Bones and fell in the lava. I got the Comet Medal by standing near the top of the Whomp and stood on the flat surface when it stood up. We pass the Whomps to find the midgate, a large golden sphere with a Ground Pound symbol, and a nearby Luma. He says we can ground-pound this meteorite to break down the door. The meteorite has its own gravitational field, so we jump on it, stand on the symbol, and pound it. It goes flying into the door in front of it, sporting a seal with Bowser's logo on it. The seal breaks and releases the chain, opening the door. A purple beam, similar to the blue ones found in the final Bowser battle in Galaxy, appears and we are warped through the door to a new area.

There are Dry Bones skulls chewing holes into the floor. They move in circles, the floor regenerates, and jumping on their heads makes them change directions. Falling through the floor means death. I take a hit from a skull and move on. I find a 3x3 purple block platform, marked like the snaking platforms in some of the Mario sidescrolling games. This one operates the same way, but it can move in 3 dimensions. I get a Life Shroom and get good advice from a Luma to beware the statues. They are nearby Bowser statues, which turn toward you. They are paired on opposite sides of the platform and fire their lasers to create an electric fence. I take a hit from the electric fence and fell in the lava many times, but I made it to the other side with 1 Health Bar left. I defeated more Hammer Bros and got coins from the torches- this is a good sign: it's not searing hot here!.

I reach another midgate with a meteorite and 3 Bowser seals. I go to the left to find a flagpole with a Life Shroom over it -thank goodness! I jump on a meteorite and send it into the center seal. Another meteorite appears out of the ground. The 2nd one hits its mark. I tried hitting the next one, but it misses-you have to aim! I aim the 4th one and it breaks the seal. The door opens and the purple beam takes us through the door.

We land on a flat planet, and Mario puts on his angry face. We see why: Bowser is sitting on his throne, looking at us, mildly amused. To showcase his size, his throne is made up of a castle and its turrets. He says we finally showed up and calls us a little flea on a puny planetoid. He has the power to flatten us like a space pancake-I don't doubt that! Young Master Luma comes out from under Mario's hat to cheer us on.

Bowser sends us to a new planet. Bowser is so huge that he just floats over the planet. He summons meteors, creating golden shadows, to smash us and I take a hit from one. He then casts a golden shadow over the planet. (If he created a dark shadow, we wouldn't be able to see it against the brown planet.) He then punches the planet, where you happen to be standing, if you don't move. Not knowing the battle strategy yet, I tried to climb up his arm and attack his face. I took damage this way. It took a couple of cycles, but I finally noticed that when he punches the planet, the meteors rise up out of the ground. They shed their brown coating and reveal that they are meteorites, and we know what to do with these! I took a hit from one and rode it up. I send it flying into Bowser and he is stunned and Star Bits appear. Bingo! I know how to beat him now! He breathes fire over the planet, and I get burned by it. I send a 2nd meteorite into his head and later a 3rd into his body. This last hit knocks the Grand Star out of him -it comes out of his belly- and he shrinks back to his normal size, futilely clawing for it, but it's just out of his reach.

We land back where we first saw him. He remembers why we're his archnemesis-we're annoyingly hard to squish. (I'll take that as a compliment.) But he wins anyway: his master plan moved onto the next phase during the battle. Tough luck! The fiend! He was just stalling us! He spins with the dark power from the 2nd Battle in Galaxy and disappears. The Grand Star appears after he leaves-otherwise he could just take it again.

GRAND STAR GET #2!

Star Get #24, 13 Medals, 593 Star Bits, 645 Coins, 11 Lives

Interlude

The Grand Star becomes a portal to a new "world". Chush! Lubba says we fought a giant monseter, but he turned tail and ran off. Let's get on after him because we can keep going with the new Grand Star's power. Our special one's still with the monster, so let's not sit around getting older. Let's get going!