The Secret Star

So, there is a secret star hidden somewhere within Sweet Treat Galaxy.

I had a feeling I knew where it was.

The problem was getting there.

Every time I entered this galaxy, I noticed those flying ice bird enemies above the starting area, which made me think it had to be possible to reach that platform somehow.

The question was how.

I thought I had an idea.

The Trick

During my research into Mario Galaxy ROM hacks, I’d seen people using a movement trick involving either a triple jump or backflip into a wall.

Before landing on the wall, they spin, jump off it, then spin again for extra height.

I still need a better name for it than “spin, wall jump, spin thing.”

The question was which version I needed here.

I settle on the triple jump.

My theory is that there’s a wall slightly higher than the starting platform. If I can hit the perfect spot with the triple jump, I should get enough height to pull the trick off properly.

That was the theory anyway.

Eventually Getting It Right

It takes quite a few attempts before I finally manage it.

A few times I’m more concerned about the ice bird enemies than the jump itself, mainly because they occasionally decide to swing directly at me.

Not ideal when Daredevil Mode only gives me one health.

Eventually though, I make it up there.

I follow the path and spot a pipe trapped inside a crystal.

Which usually means something unpleasant is waiting for me.

I go in.

The Chimp is there.

Great.

The Skating Challenge

The Chimp gives me a simple challenge: beat his score and I get the star.

Sounds reasonable enough until he tells me I need 500 points in 40 seconds while avoiding spikey enemies.

So naturally this turns into panic skating.

The only realistic way to move fast enough is by skating across the ice.

Regular enemies are worth 10 points each, while the gold enemies are worth 50, which immediately makes them the priority targets.

About halfway through, I’m sitting around 170 points and starting to think this attempt is doomed.

Then more gold enemies start appearing.

I do hit a spikey enemy at one point, which thankfully only stuns Mario instead of ending the run immediately.

With one second left on the clock, I hit one final gold enemy.

530 points.

The Chimp’s Skating Challenge star is mine.

Sweet Treat Galaxy complete.

A New Problem

I don’t really get time to celebrate though.

A prankster comet has appeared back at Galactic Garden Galaxy.

I have absolutely no idea what challenge it’s about to throw at me.

Looks like I’m heading back there next.

The Run

This is how it actually went.

Continue the Journey

← Entry 4: The Chocolate is Lava

Neo Mario Galaxy – Daredevil Edition Archive

— All attempts in this challenge.

Super Mario ROM Hacks Archive

— All Mario ROM hack content.

Dolphin Setup Guide

— How this is even running on Steam Deck.

Entry 6 →