Super Mario Galaxy Items

Before you read this, be aware that I sympathise with anyone who finds the Mario transformations extremely underused in Super Mario Galaxy, and I kind of agree with them in terms of some of my favourite items being marginalised (Boo Mario, Flying Mario, Fire Mario forms) and some being a bit common. But oh well.

Collectible Items

Coins

Some items which have been around for many years, these are rarer in Galaxy than they were in the last two games, with infinite coin levels currently non existant. Never the less, they do NOT cause a star to appear after 100 are collected, but do give 1-ups for every 50 of them you collect while playing the game. And they get reset when Mario or Luigi dies.

Star Bit

The new coin in a way, these are very, very common. They appear in every level in great amounts and 50 of them is not a big deal in any way but still gives an extra life. You can shoot them at enemies to stun them, collect them by spinning as flying Mario nearby and they are need to feed Hungry Lumas in levels (you know, often to unlock a secret planet in that galaxy where you get a hidden star).

Silver Stars

These small stars are found in a few levels, and return from Super Mario 64 DS. You have five spread out across all or part of the level, and once you collect them, they form a power star. They're kind of like the replacement to red coins in this game.

Star

The key plot element in the game, you collect these to open levels and things. You get them by completing missions in the galaxies.

Grand Star

A gigantic, shiny star found in the Bowser levels, you get these by completing the missions there/defeating whatever boss guards the enemy base said to be in the region. The bosses which have these are Megaleg, Bowser (three times, one is the final battle), Bowser Jr and King Kaliente.

Mario's Transformations

Bee Mario

Gained by collecting the Bee mushroom, this is common in the game and gives Mario the power to fly as his key ability. You can also stand on flowers and clouds as this form and climb Honeycombs (which is useful in the Honeyclimb Galaxy). It is your first transformation you use, and the most common you will ever get to use. It can be found in these areas:

• Honeyhive Galaxy
• Honeyclimb Galaxy
• Gold Leaf Galaxy
• Sea Slide Galaxy
• Sand Spiral Galaxy

Boo Mario

A rare form which is gained by collecting the spooky Boo Mushroom, this turns Mario or Luigi in a Boo. You can fly forever in this form and turn invisible to go through certain walls and enemies. You can also read signs written in Booish language. However, Boo Mario is weak to light and water and hence will automatically turn to normal when he steps outside of the mansion or enclosed space. For some reason, Boos also fall in love with Mario and Luigi and you scare Toads and Luigi if you go near them.

It can be found in these areas:

• Ghostly Galaxy
• Sand Spiral Galaxy
• Boo's Boneyard Galaxy

Fire Mario

One of the more powerful forms which Mario can take, this is a classic which returns from the 2D games for it's first 3D appearance. Mario or Luigi turns into the white and red/green clothed forms classically known and can throw fireballs by swinging the remote. The fireballs can then light torches and burn enemies. Of course, there are downsides in that this does not let you run on lava and has a strict time limit for it's use. The Fire Flower for this form to be used can be found in these galaxies:

• Freezeflame Galaxy
• Deep Dark Galaxy
• Snowcap Galaxy

Oh, and you can melt snowmen with this.

Ice Mario

Another useful form, this is basically an ice power up for Mario. You become this by collecting an Ice Flower, and then can run on water and lava, making platforms as you go. This allows you to wall kick up waterfalls, jump across water spouts and hurt Baron Brr as well. It is found in the following areas:

• Beach Bowl Galaxy
• Freezeflame Galaxy
• Deep Dark Galaxy

It is, like the Fire Flower, time limited.

Spring Mario

A powerup obviously based on Bouncy Wario from the later Wario Land games, this turns Mario or Luigi into a spring form that can bounce around and jump really high. This version of Mario can also wall kick automatically on contact with a wall in mid air. Mainly found in the Toy Time Galaxy, this has a few other appearances, and vanishes on contact with a launch star or water.

It is located within:

• Beach Bowl Galaxy
• Toy Time Galaxy
• Matter Splatter Galaxy

Flying Mario

The best but most underused item in the entire game, this turns Mario into a red and black version which can take to the skies by spinning in the air. It's only used for 1 star mission in the entire game though, so apart from the Observatory, this will get very little use.

It is found within:

• Gateway Galaxy
• Comet Observatory

Note: Item does not work on the Trial Planet, and if you do end up there with it, you cannot fly.

Rainbow Star

A new version of the old star power up which gave Mario full invincibility, and a replacement to the Metal Cap, this makes Mario shine many different colours and instantly destroy any enemy he touches. It's time limited like the Fire and Ice power ups, and also makes Mario run faster and jump higher, spinning when he jumps. It's not too common, and mainly found within bonus rooms.

It has been located in:

• Good Egg Galaxy
• Honeyhive Galaxy
• Battlerock Galaxy
• Ghostly Galaxy
• Dusty Dune Galaxy
• Gusty Garden Galaxy
• Gold Leaf Galaxy
• Deep Dark Galaxy

Other Items

Green Shell

A green Koopa shell, it is often found underwater or from defeating a Koopa Troopa. If thrown on land, it can be used to open chests, destroy boxes and cages and defeat enemies including Kamella. If thrown underwater, it can also defeat enemies unable to be defeated other ways like Jelly Fish and Kingfin. It also makes you faster underwater.

Locations:

• Space Junk Galaxy
• Beach Bowl Galaxy
• Buoy Base Galaxy
• Drip Drop Galaxy
• Bowser Jr's Airship Armada
• Dusty Dune Galaxy
• Sea Slide Galaxy
• Bonefin Galaxy
• Deep Dark Galaxy
• Dreadnought Galaxy
• Snowcap Galaxy

Red Shell

Same functions as the red shell, but makes you faster than with a green shell and homes in on enemies when thrown (think Mario Kart).

Places Located in:

• Space Junk Galaxy
• Drip Drop Galaxy
• Sea Slide Galaxy
• Bonefin Galaxy

Note: You can actually bring a red shell into the battle with Kamella in Space Junk Galaxy by careful use of the triple jump to land on the airship deck.

Gold Shell

A rare shell which can open shiny chests and can shine light on enemies like Boos to defeat them. It's rare, and always needed for the mission objective in the levels which it is in.

Locales

• Beach Bowl Galaxy
• Gold Leaf Galaxy