Going the Distance: Unlocking 100% in Mario’s Marvellous Worlds
So, you think you are a Mario expert? You believe you’ve experienced everything after rolling credits? Wait a moment. That’s just the beginning. Real Mario fans know the true achievement is reaching that glorious 100% completion. This means exploring every level and defeating every enemy. No area should be left unchecked.
Super Mario World: The OG Completionist Challenge
Let’s start with Super Mario World. This classic on the SNES set the stage for completionists. What is needed to fully conquer Dinosaur Land?
- 96 Exit Extravaganza: You must find every exit in all 96 levels. Yes, that includes secret exits and hidden paths. Each exit helps you on your path to 100%. A star unlocks on your save file as a symbol of your achievement.
- Switch Shenanigans: The colored switches are crucial. Stomp on all four to unlock special blocks and secret areas. Don’t ignore the Fall switch; gravity can be useful.
- Yoshi’s Rescue Mission: Yoshi is kidnapped again. Saving our dino friend is vital for 100% completion. He deserves it after all his help.
Is that it? Not quite. There is more if you want to prove your dedication:
- Bowser’s Demise (Again): Beating Bowser is important to complete the game, but it’s optional for 100%. Go ahead and do it for the princess and your pride.
- Dragon Coin Hoard: There are 52 Dragon Coins hidden in levels. Collecting them tests your exploration skills.
- 3-Up Moon Mania: Seven 3-Up Moons hide throughout the world. Collect them to gain lives and boost your ego.
Super Mario 3D World: Star Power, Times Five
Now, onto Super Mario 3D World on the Wii U. Nintendo included a five-star system here. Instead of one star, you aim for five stars on your save file. Yes, five! It’s a big achievement in the Mushroom Kingdom.
What do you need for all five stars? The game keeps it somewhat secretive. To achieve 100% in Super Mario 3D World, you need those five stars. Nintendo keeps some things mysterious. It’s a challenge in Mario mastery.
Bowser’s Fury: Fury-ous Completion
Bowser’s Fury is an open-world expansion for Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury. It features Cat Shines and an angry Bowser. Completing this game at 100% offers cool visuals.
- Shine Supreme: Collect all 100 Cat Shines. Yes, one hundred. Think of it as a hunt, filled with platforming.
The rewards are exciting:
- Final Fury Face-Off: Collecting all 100 Shines leads to a super final battle with Fury Bowser. Defeat him and watch the credits roll. You’ve calmed the storm.
- Post-Game Perks: Your 100% save shows big changes. Fury Bowser disappears, your cat suit upgrades, and Bowser Jr. gets a cat form. Even Plessie looks feline now. Celebrate your achievement in style.
Super Mario Galaxy: Galactic Grand Finale
Super Mario Galaxy on the Wii took players to space. Achieving 100% completion requires a serious effort. No longer just Mario; Luigi joins in too.
- Mario’s Starry Journey (Part 1): Collect all 120 Power Stars as Mario. This means finishing the main story and completing missions.
- Bowser Beatdown (Mario Edition): Defeat Bowser as Mario to unlock Luigi. This is key for Luigi’s run.
- Luigi Unlocked: After collecting 120 stars, Luigi is playable. The green hero is ready for action.
- Luigi’s Starry Journey (Part 2): Repeat the star collection process as Luigi. Yes, gather all 120 stars again.
- Bowser Beatdown (Luigi Edition): Defeat Bowser again as Luigi. Both heroes need to stomp Bowser.
- Grand Finale Galaxy Access: When both characters collect their stars and defeat Bowser, the Grand Finale Galaxy opens.
- The 121st Star: The Grand Finale Galaxy contains the last star of the game. Claim it and bask in glory.
Paper Mario & Beyond: RPG Completion
The Paper Mario series and games like Yoshi’s Island offer unique 100% challenges. Requirements differ, involving item collection, beating bosses, and exploring.
Take Paper Mario, which features the Pit of 100 Trials. Descend through all floors to face Bonetail, a superboss connected to Hooktail and Gloomtail. Beating him is an achievement.
Other games such as Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island, Super Mario Galaxy 2, Super Mario Odyssey, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, and Super Paper Mario each have their 100% checklists with moons or stars.
99 Lives: The Mario Stockpile
Who hasn’t wished for 99 lives in a Mario game? It’s the ultimate response to Goombas and Koopas in your way. Methods differ slightly among games, yet core strategies remain: collect those 1-Up Mushrooms and find hidden lives.
In many classic games, bouncing shells off Koopa Troopas is key. Create a staircase of enemies to bounce without touching the ground. With practice, gaining lives will be easy. Explore for hidden blocks and vines for extras. Exploration leads to rewards.
Time to 100% It: Are You Ready for the Long Haul?
Ready to go for that 100%? Expect to spend serious time on this journey. Here’s an idea of what time commitment looks like for these games:
Game | Estimated 100% Completion Time |
Super Mario World | 9.5 Hours |
Super Mario 3D World | 37 Hours |
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury | 28 Hours |
Yoshi’s Island | 17.5 Hours |
Paper Mario | 34 Hours |
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door | 57 Hours |
Super Paper Mario | 52 Hours |
Wario Land II | 14 Hours |
Some games are quick fixes, while others take more time. Completion isn’t for everyone. Are you up for this challenge? Gear up your controller, put on your adventure hat, and prepare to dominate the Mushroom Kingdom!