Can I interact with this creature?

Question

I encountered this creature a couple of times while playing Super Mario Galaxy, but could never get close to it:

So far, I haven't been able to find any information in any walkthroughs, and I'm not sure what it's called, so my searches have come up blank.

Is it possible to catch this creature? If it is possible, what happens when you do catch it?

Answer

Oh, this is a fun little guy. He is, in fact, an enemy, so yes, he is interact-able. If you manage to chase this bugger down (running long jumps help here) and spin/stomp him, he will explode in a shower of ~20 star bits.

They're called "Starbags" according to the super mario galaxy wiki.

Check more discussion of this question.

How does Super Mario Galaxy 2 differ from Super Mario Galaxy?

Question

From reviews I still don't get if Super Mario Galaxy 2 is a must-have game if I have already played a lot of the first Super Mario Galaxy.

In what ways is it different from its predecessor, and how different is it?

Answer

In one sense it's "more of the same" in that you work your way through "worlds" and "galaxies" finding stars and beating sub bosses to rescue Peach from Bowser.

However, there are differences:

• the navigation between worlds and galaxies is different - you're travelling through them rather than visiting from a central hub.

• You get to play as Luigi during the main game, either as a suggestion on random levels or eventually by choice.

• Yoshi is available on some worlds.

• The worlds/galaxies are all new - though there is some "borrowing" from earlier games. See this question

• What happens (in terms of replayability) when you complete the game is different. See this question

Check more discussion of this question.

Have to buy Super Mario Galaxy 2 having played SMG1?

Question

I've played a lot SMG1. From reviews I still don't get if SMG2 is a must-have despite I have SMG1. How much is it different?

Answer

In one sense it's "more of the same" in that you work your way through "worlds" and "galaxies" finding stars and beating sub bosses to rescue Peach from Bowser.

However, there are differences:

• the navigation between worlds and galaxies is different - you're travelling through them rather than visiting from a central hub.

• You get to play as Lugi during the main game, either as a suggestion on random levels or eventually by choice.

• Yoshi is available on some worlds.

• The worlds/galaxies are all new - though there is some "borrowing" from earlier games. See this question

• What happens (in terms of replayability) when you complete the game is different. See this question

Check more discussion of this question.

What Does Hiring a Different Plumber Get Me?

Question

After completing Super Mario Galaxy with Mario, you gain the option to play through it again as his brother, Luigi. I've noticed some slight differences between the 2 plumbers, and have been wondering lately if I've got the whole story. What I've noticed so far is:

• Luigi slides on his heels, as opposed to coming to an abrupt stop when the analog stick is released.
• When doing a spin attack underwater, some of Luigi's air is drained per each spin, where Mario's is not.
• Luigi gets 20 1-Ups from Princess Peach's letters, where Mario gets fewer.

---

Are there any more variations in gameplay between the 2 brothers? I'm looking for a complete list of variances.

Answer

Alright, I've done some further digging, and these are the differences I've found:

--Uses Air when spinning underwater

--Has less traction, so he slides and skids

--Jumps farther and higher; runs faster

--(perhaps related to the above) knocked back slightly farther when hit, which equates to a longer post-hit stun

--The cosmic Luigi challenge runs take advantage of Luigi's physics, which may mean separate routes than cosmic Mario

--In addition to the above, some galaxies have slightly altered levels, such as the "Luigi meets Luigi" star in Toytime Galaxy, which changes from the 8-bit Mario planet to the backside, which features an 8-bit Luigi (with the change in colors coming from a change in the platform "pixels")

-- Mario gets 1-ups from Princess Peach's letters, but Luigi gets 20 1-ups instead (It still says "Dear Mario" Poor guy can't catch a break)

Check more discussion of this question.

What is the purpose of the Red Star Power?

Question

After using the Red Star Power in the "Gate" universe and collection all 100 purple coins, you get a new power star and then there are a few red star power pickups around the observatory.

Is there any reason for this other than another method of travel around the observatory, or are they required to find some secret area?

Answer

There are a couple of one-ups you can only get to by flying. I can't remember exactly where they are but I think one is under the entrance to the gate and the other is above the central spire.

The kids also think that it gives you the opportunity to listen to the best music in the game - that which plays when you're flying.

Check more discussion of this question.