Neo Mario Galaxy – Daredevil Edition Entry 2: Silver Stars Under Pressure

One hit resets everything. Sometimes you don’t even need that.

Back to Galactic Garden

With Dino Piranha down and only one more star available, I head back to Galactic Garden Galaxy and select the next objective: Silver Stars in Wuthering Heights.

The opening looks familiar. Same starting platform as before, but this time there are clouds to work with, along with the cloud power-up.

Cloud Mario again. Shake the remote, place a cloud, and keep moving before it disappears.

The first section isn’t too bad. The clouds are large enough that missing one doesn’t feel likely, and even if I do, I’ve got a cloud ready to save it.

Wind and Timing

The next section looks worse than it actually is.

There’s wind pushing clouds upward, sometimes shifting direction slightly, but nothing too unpredictable. The real problem is when it stops.

That’s when it starts to matter how many clouds I’ve got left.

There are also those spiky flower things around the area, which don’t help. There’s room to work with, but not enough to switch off completely.

I spot a mushroom along the way. Not sure if it’s needed or not, so I leave it for now. If it matters later, I’ll come back.

Silver Stars, No Margin

Then it’s onto collecting the five silver stars.

This is where Daredevil Edition really starts to show.

Normally, this wouldn’t be much of a problem. Here, every jump feels like it matters more than it should. One misjudged platform and it’s straight back to the beginning.

It doesn’t help that I can’t see where everything is until I’m close enough to it.

There’s also the stamp for this galaxy to grab. I use my last cloud to reach it.

I regret that decision almost immediately.

The next section needs wall jumps, and there’s barely anything to land on beyond a platform sitting at a right angle to the walls.

Somehow, it works. I avoid what felt like certain failure and grab the final silver star.

No reset. No second attempt. Just barely holding it together.

Of course, it appears back at the start of the area.

I also realise at this point that I could have used camera controls to make some of those blind jumps easier.

That would have helped.

Second Star Secured

I make it back to the start without undoing everything and collect the shine.

Second star done. First attempt.

The Run

This is how it actually went.

Back on the Ship

Back on Starship Mario, I head into the collection room and take a quick look at the cloud power-up again.

I’m not entirely sure how many stars are needed before Galactic Garden Galaxy is considered complete, but another thought comes up.

If I switch to Luigi, does Starship Mario become Starship Luigi?

Not sure yet, but it feels like something worth testing.

Continue the Journey

← Entry 1: One Hit Is All It Takes

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 3 →

5th May 2026 1

Black Tides – A Dredge Survival Diary Log 5: Faster Engines, Worse Decisions

Black Tides – Log 5: Faster Engines, Worse Decisions

Platform: Steam Deck
Mode: Normal
Format: No Commentary

Video: Engine damage, night fishing, strange shrine discovered, upgrades installed, and a failed night run (no commentary)

The plan was simple this time. Head for the Gale Cliffs and see what was waiting there. Naturally, it didn’t go to plan. I decided to make use of the haste ability the Collector gave me, and while it did exactly what it promised, it also destroyed one of my engines in the process. With the boat down to half speed, I didn’t have much choice but to limp back to Greater Marrow and get it repaired.

That made the decision for me. If I’m going anywhere new, I need better equipment first. Better equipment means upgrades, and upgrades mean money. So the next few days were spent doing what I seem to do best — fishing.

I split my time between day trips and short runs at night, staying close to the coastline around Greater Marrow. I caught a few abnormal fish along the way. If I’m honest, they don’t unsettle me as much now. At this point I almost expect to pull one up every time I head out. They sell well enough, which makes it easier to justify keeping them.

After a bit of grinding, I finally had enough money saved to upgrade my engines. The plan was to replace both of my current outboards with improved ones. I bought the first, sold my old engines, and went to buy the second — only to realise the shop only had one available. Apparently I need to wait until the next day for another to come in. That one’s on me for assuming I could do it all at once.

With the new engine installed, I started getting a little more confident and began heading out at night more often, though still keeping close to the coastline. During one of those trips I came across something glowing in the water. It looked like a stone covered in carvings of fish, almost like it was asking for something to be offered to it. I had no idea what it meant, so I left it alone for the time being.

Later that night, after catching another abnormal fish, I headed back to the dock to sell it. On the way in, I noticed something moving in the water behind the boat. I couldn’t get a clear look at it, but it stayed with me long enough to make the trip back feel longer than it should have. Whatever it was, it didn’t follow me into the harbour.

The next day I continued working the coastline and found what looked like the remains of a wrecked dock. There were materials scattered around it, along with a research part and a few trinkets I could sell. Worth the detour.

While I was out that way, I remembered the Builder I helped move to Steel Point and decided to stop by. It gave me a chance to properly test the new engine, and the difference was noticeable straight away. The boat feels quicker now, which should make longer trips a bit less painful.

The Builder thanked me again for the help and handed me a book, saying I could use her dock whenever I needed. Having another safe place to stop for the night isn’t something I’m going to complain about.

Once I had enough money saved again, I upgraded the light on the boat so I could see further into the dark. That seemed like a sensible improvement, so naturally I went out to test it straight away.

While heading along the water, I spotted a red glow in the distance and decided to take a closer look. I didn’t get the chance. Something came out of the dark and started chasing the boat. The only way I can describe it is like a giant angler fish. I tried to reverse away from it, but hit the rocks instead. That was enough for it to catch up, and the next thing I knew the boat was gone.

So that answers one question. I won’t be heading out at night any time soon if that’s the sort of thing waiting out there.

Continue the Journey

Previous Entry:
Black Tides – Log 4

Black Tides Survival Diary:

View the full Black Tides series

Dredge Survival Hub:

Visit the Dredge Survival Hub

4th May 2026 1

Super Mario 64 Randomizer – Log 21: The Hundredth Star

Game: Super Mario 64 Randomizer
Platform: Steam Deck
Format: No Commentary

Video: Star 100 collected in Mario Wings Over the Rainbow before exploring Hazy Maze Cave and securing the red coin star (no commentary)

Star Number One Hundred

There didn’t seem much point putting it off any longer. If I was going to collect my hundredth star, it may as well be a memorable one. That meant jumping straight into the painting hiding the Mario Wings Over the Rainbow stage.

My spawn point couldn’t have been much better. I landed on the platform with the pink Bob-Omb, the cannon, and the Wing Cap boxes all in one place. Before doing anything else I spoke to the Bob-Omb to unlock the cannon, then took a moment to scan the sky and figure out where the red coins were sitting.

I managed to count seven of them from the platform, though the eighth one remained hidden somewhere beyond my line of sight. I figured I would find it once I was in the air.

A Simple Flight Plan

The approach was straightforward. Grab a Wing Cap, fire myself out of the cannon, collect whatever coins lined up with my flight path, then return to the platform and repeat. The important thing was not risking the Wing Cap timer expiring while still in the air.

After a few passes I spotted the final coin sitting near one of the stable clouds, along with another Wing Cap box above it. Thankfully it was one of the clouds you can actually land on, which made the setup possible. The coin itself took a few attempts to grab cleanly. A triple jump would get me close enough, but I was slightly off each time.

Eventually the jump lined up properly. The coin was collected and the red coin star appeared in a position that was thankfully reachable. One final flight later and I had my hundredth star.

The Final Stretch

With star number one hundred secured, the run now sits nineteen stars away from the end. Eighteen of those are spread across three courses, while the final one waits in the Wing Cap switch area.

That makes the next destination fairly obvious. It’s time to return to Hazy Maze Cave. If I can clear that level along with the Wing Cap switch stage, it will remove what feels like the biggest remaining obstacle in this randomizer run — aside from Bowser in the Sky and the red coins waiting there.

Into Hazy Maze Cave

I didn’t plan it this way, but my first visit back to Hazy Maze Cave quickly turned into a red coin hunt. The coins are scattered throughout the level, which made it seem like the most efficient objective to tackle first.

It does mean sacrificing the chance to combine the red coin star with the 100-coin star, but mapping where the coins were located felt more valuable for the long term. While exploring the cave I also became a little fixated on the switch hidden behind the water that normally requires the Metal Cap to reach.

No matter what I tried, I couldn’t quite reach it. To make matters more interesting, I noticed several boxes sitting high up in the cavern. I have no idea how I’m meant to reach them yet, but they’ve been added to the list of things to investigate unless I can clear the level without needing them.

Finding the Star

Once the eighth red coin was collected, the star spawned somewhere in the cave. The only problem was I had no idea where it had appeared. Rather than panic, I decided the best approach was simply to search the cave methodically.

Room by room I checked each section of the level until eventually I spotted it waiting in the rolling boulder chamber. Thankfully grabbing it didn’t cause any further problems.

Confidence for the Endgame

Hazy Maze Cave still has work left to do. The 100-coin star remains, along with two other stars in the course and the Wing Cap switch stage red coin star. Once those are finished, though, the biggest hurdles in this randomizer run should be behind me.

For now, I’m feeling confident about my chances.

Continue the Journey

← Log 20
Log 22 →

🧢 Mario 64 Randomizer Hub

3rd May 2026 1

Super Mario 74: A Survivor’s Journey Log 7 – Reaching the Top

Super Mario 74 – Log 7: Reaching the Top

Platform: Steam Deck
Mode: Original Edition
Rules: No savestates (except between entries)
Format: No Commentary

Video: Tower climb, Lava-Switch of Eruption stars, wing cap flights, and Dice-Fortress completion (no commentary)

Options were starting to narrow. I still needed to unlock the remaining caps, and the next one was waiting at the very top of the tower in this area. Getting there was the problem. The only way up was a chain of triple jumps, one after another, and missing even one meant dropping all the way back to the start. It took more attempts than I care to count before I was confident enough to even start recording, so when it finally came together in one clean run, it felt earned.

At the top sat the pipe leading to Lava-Switch of Eruption, the Wing Cap switch course for this area. First priority was the switch itself. I’d rather have the cap unlocked before worrying about anything else, so I went straight for it. With that done, there were still three stars left in the course, and the first attempt didn’t go well enough to keep. A quick reset and a change of approach made more sense.

I went for the red coins next. They’re spread across towers and platforms, and in theory it’s straightforward, just a matter of planning the route. In practice, I managed to ignore my own plan and leave the highest coin until last. The course forces you to use the cannons to reach everything, and timing matters more than it first appears. On the first proper attempt, the Wing Cap ran out just as I was closing in on the final coin. Close enough to see it, not close enough to reach it.

The second attempt went better. I got the last coin, the star appeared, and then the same thing almost happened again. The Wing Cap ran out just as I was going for the star itself. This time though, I was low enough that the fall didn’t matter. No panic, no recovery needed, just a clean landing and the star collected.

Under the Tower was next, and this was the one that caused problems earlier. This time it didn’t. One clean attempt and it was done, which made a nice change. The Tallest Tower followed, and although I’d already been there, the star itself wasn’t where you’d expect it. You can go for it with the Wing Cap, but dropping down to it felt more reliable, so that’s what I stuck with.

With the Wing Cap course cleared, it was time to go back to Dice-Fortress and finish what I’d left behind. The Observation Tower was first. At the top, along with the star box, was a sign pointing out what I already suspected. To reach the platforms ahead, I’d need to start my flight from the highest point in the map. Which naturally leads into the final star: Secrets in the Sky.

Finding that highest point wasn’t as straightforward as I remembered. The video makes that fairly obvious. I ended up going in the wrong direction more than once, even managing to grab the Observation Tower star again by mistake. At one point I even tried to kill Mario just to reset my position, and somehow failed at that as well. Not exactly the cleanest part of the run.

Once I finally found the right spot, the plan was simple. Launch from the highest point, hold the jump button to glide, and keep as much height as possible on the way over. Simple on paper, less so in execution. It took several attempts before the flight lined up properly, but eventually everything clicked, the box was broken, and the final star was free.

One more flight to reach it, repeating the same route, and this time it worked without issue. With that, Dice-Fortress was complete.

That brings the total to forty stars. Still a long way to go, but progress is steady. One hundred and eleven left.

Continue the Journey

Previous Entry:
Super Mario 74 – Log 6

Next Entry:
Super Mario 74 – Log 8 (coming soon)

Super Mario 74 Hub:

Super Mario 74 – A Survivor’s Journey

1st May 2026 1

Super Mario Galaxy 63 – Entry 2: Bob-Omb Battlefield Galaxy Complete

Super Mario Galaxy 63 – Entry 2: Bob-Omb Battlefield Complete

Entry 1 got things started. Entry 2 is where things start to take shape, whether I’m ready for it or not.

Watch the Run

Back to the Battlefield

There were still three shine sprites and five star coins left in Bob-Omb Battlefield Galaxy, so it was time to go back in and actually finish the job.

First up was Silver Stars on the Island.

Getting there meant taking a different route. Instead of heading left like before, I went right and picked up the cloud power-up, the first time using it in this run. Three clouds per pickup, which is enough as long as you don’t waste them.

On the way, I climbed a tree and worked through a few cloud jumps to grab another coin, bringing the total up to four. Halfway there, which felt like progress at least.

Once on the island, it’s a straightforward job. Five silver stars, spread around the area. I left the one at the top of the tree until last, mainly because that’s where the shine appears.

No real surprises here. Just a case of getting it done properly this time.

Secret of the Battlefield

Next was Secret of the Battlefield.

The entrance is blocked by bars, so the only way in is to use a Bob-Omb. Nothing complicated there.

The secret area felt familiar in a different way. It reminded me of those moments in Super Mario Sunshine where FLUDD gets taken away and you’re left to deal with the basics again.

The spin is still available, which helps, but it mostly comes down to getting the platforming right.

There are two more star coins here. One is a simple backflip. The other needs three backflips onto rotating blocks. It sounds worse than it is once you get the timing down.

A bit of platforming later, and the shine is mine.

Run, Yoshi, Run

The final shine for this galaxy: Run, Yoshi, Run!

Before getting to Yoshi, there’s a Hungry Luma asking for 100 coins. Once that’s sorted, Yoshi finally shows up.

This turned into a good test for my control setup, especially where I’ve put the Wii Remote “B” button. Using the hot chillies to get Yoshi moving gave me a few chances to get used to it properly.

I picked up the final two coins along the way, bringing the total to eight.

The final section didn’t go quite as planned.

I had one attempt where everything went perfectly. No deaths, clean movement, straight through to the end. Then, just before grabbing the shine, I hit the wrong button and loaded a save state.

All of that progress, gone instantly.

That one was entirely on me.

At least it confirmed the button works.

The next attempt wasn’t as clean. A couple of deaths to the purple goo, which is instant if you touch it, but progress was saved so it wasn’t a complete reset.

This time, I actually got the shine without undoing it myself.

Galaxy Complete

With that, Bob-Omb Battlefield Galaxy is done.

Finishing it has opened up more areas in the castle. I’m not entirely sure where I’m heading next, but this first galaxy has done what it needed to do.

It’s tested the controls, introduced how this hack works, and made it clear that even familiar levels aren’t going to stay that way for long.

So far, this feels like a solid starting point.

Continue the Journey

← Entry 1: Run Begins

Super Mario Galaxy 63 Hub

— All entries in this run.

Super Mario ROM Hacks Archive

— All Mario ROM hack content.

Dolphin Setup Guide

— How this run is even possible.

Entry 3 →

30th Apr 2026 1

Survivor’s Log – Year One of Survivor Incognito

Year One

It’s been a year since I first started Survivor Incognito.

It began simply enough. Playing survival games on the Nintendo Switch, usually on easier difficulties, and adding my own permadeath rule on top.

The Long Dark was where it really started. One run at a time, seeing how long I could last, and writing down what happened along the way.

That was the foundation.

From there, it grew.

I started putting together map pages, partly for myself, partly to help anyone else trying to find their way around. Then came guides — working things out and writing them up properly. Getting things like ProMods running for Euro Truck Simulator 2 on the Steam Deck, documenting the steps so others didn’t have to figure it out from scratch.

Then the Steam Deck changed things.

It opened the door to recording. Instead of just writing about what happened, I could show it. No commentary, just the run as it played out.

Around that time, the rules started to shift.

Permadeath was still there, but it stopped being the default for everything. It made more sense to shape each run around a specific challenge instead.

Minecraft is probably the clearest example of that. The run doesn’t end because of a random death. It ends when one of two things happens — either I kill the Ender Dragon, or it kills me.

Same idea, different structure.

Then came something I didn’t expect to stick as much as it did.

Super Mario ROM hacks.

It started with the Super Mario 64 Randomizer. Then Super Mario 74. Then, after figuring out how to get Dolphin running on the Steam Deck, Super Mario Galaxy ROM hacks.

Different kind of challenge, but the same approach underneath it. Learn the system. Adapt. Keep going until it’s done or I’m stopped.

That’s where things are now.

I’ve naturally started leaning more into the Mario side of things, because that’s where I’ve had the most flow recently. That doesn’t mean everything else disappears — the survival diaries, the guides, the other runs are still there and still ongoing.

It just means I’m not forcing it.

If I’m not feeling a run, I’m not going to push through it just to get something posted. I’d rather wait and do it properly than put out something half-finished.

This project has always just been me, and it likely always will be. So it makes more sense to put the time and energy into what’s actually working, both for me and for the blog.

That’s the biggest change over the first year.

Not a shift away from anything. Just a better understanding of how I want to run things.

So to everyone who’s clicked, read, watched, or stuck around at any point — thank you.

Year one is done.

Let’s see what the next one looks like.

29th Apr 2026 0

Neo Mario Galaxy – Daredevil Edition Entry 1: One Hit Is All It Takes

One hit resets everything. No checkpoints. No second chances.

Back to Neo Mario Galaxy

Ever since I managed to get Super Mario Galaxy ROM hacks running on my Steam Deck, I kept thinking back to Neo Mario Galaxy. It was the first one I tested as a proof of concept.

This time, I wanted to try something different: Daredevil Edition.

At the start, you’re given the choice between Mario or Luigi, along with the option to enable Daredevil Mode. Once it’s on, that’s it. There’s no turning it off later.

I accepted it.

What Daredevil Edition Changes

Daredevil Edition effectively puts every star under Daredevil Comet rules.

One hit, and the star resets. No checkpoints. No recovery.

Every section has to be done cleanly from start to finish. Mistakes don’t slow you down, they send you straight back to the beginning.

No safety net.

First Attempt

The first star takes place in Galactic Garden Galaxy, with the goal of defeating Dino Piranha.

It didn’t take long for the first attempt to go wrong.

I needed to grab a flower and float across to another platform. Simple enough in theory.

In practice, I misjudged the distance and walked straight off the edge.

Didn’t even get hit.

Just fell.

Second Attempt

The second attempt went better.

I made the jump properly this time and reached the next platform without too much trouble. From there, it was on to collecting five launch star bits spread across three giant apples.

There are enemies on each of them, which doesn’t help. After failing once already, the idea of going all the way back again was sitting in the back of my mind the whole time.

Once the launch star was active, the next section introduced a giant Piranha Plant. Not difficult, but enough to keep things tense.

Behind it was a Comet Medal, along with a brief moment as Rainbow Mario. For once, there was no risk. Just a short break from worrying about getting hit.

That didn’t last long.

Successful Attempt

This is the run where it actually goes right.

Dino Piranha, No Mistakes Allowed

Then it was time to face Dino Piranha.

This is probably the first time in a long while I’ve actually had to think about this fight. Under normal conditions, it’s straightforward. With one-hit rules, it feels very different.

I don’t think I’ve ever done a full no-hit run in any game before, so this was new territory.

Thankfully, it went cleanly.

Dino Piranha went down, and the first star of the run was secured.

First Impressions

The hack only has 42 stars in total, but it’s already clear this isn’t going to be straightforward.

Even simple sections feel different when there’s no room for mistakes.

One star down. Plenty left to go.

Continue the Journey

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 2 →

28th Apr 2026 1

Black Tides – A Dredge Survival Diary Log 4: Steel Point Before the Cliffs

Black Tides – Log 4: Steel Point Before the Cliffs

Platform: Steam Deck
Mode: Normal
Format: No Commentary

Video: Steel Point delivery, Builder relocation, new aberrations caught, reel upgraded, and engine planning (no commentary)

I know where the Collector told me to go next, but if I’m heading anywhere new, I’d rather upgrade the vessel first. I also said I’d help the Builder relocate to Steel Point, and that still needed doing. Money doesn’t appear on its own either, which means fishing, which means accepting that I’m going to see more abnormal specimens sooner or later.

Steel Point was my first priority. I was slightly surprised not to see the Builder there already. I assumed once I delivered the lumber and scrap she would appear. Instead, I found myself doing some careful inventory management while dredging for the remaining materials. There’s only so much space on the boat, and every time I have to throw fish away it feels wasteful. Fresh fish sells better, though, and if I’m out longer than planned the profit drops. With the fog hanging thick over the water, I knew there was little chance of safely making it back to Greater Marrow at night. Thankfully, Steel Point allows docking. I rested there rather than forcing the crossing in poor visibility.

Even after completing the material delivery, the Builder still wasn’t present at Steel Point. That was unexpected. I eventually returned to Greater Marrow, fishing along the way to avoid wasting the trip, and only then did I realise she was still standing exactly where I had left her.

After selling my catch and reviewing potential upgrades, I set my sights on new engines and a reel capable of handling oceanic fish. If I’m going to the Gale Cliffs, I want the boat capable of dealing with deeper waters.

When I spoke to the Builder, it turned out she required transport to Steel Point as well. Fair enough. I ferried her across and received a couple of research parts in return. That was enough to unlock a new engine upgrade. The Gale Cliffs are still a distance away, but they’re beginning to feel more reachable. The Builder also said about visiting her so that is now on the to do list.

I’ve also noticed lightning in the sky since handing the key over to the Collector. I can’t say whether the two events are linked, but the timing stands out. I’ll keep an eye on it as things progress.

The following day or two were spent building funds and materials. Fishing, dredging, refining the boat. I encountered more abnormal specimens during that time — a Lumpy Mackerel and a Horned Grouper. Whatever they are, they sell well enough. Between them and the rest of the haul, I earned enough to upgrade one of my reels. Oceanic fishing is now possible.

I still want better engines before committing to the next region. The Gale Cliffs aren’t going anywhere. Progress has been steady, and the vessel is improving piece by piece. I’d rather arrive prepared than regret rushing it.

Continue the Journey

Previous Entry:
Black Tides – Log 3

Black Tides Survival Diary:

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Dredge Survival Hub:

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27th Apr 2026 1

Super Mario 64 Randomizer – Log 20: Ninety-Nine Stars and the Finish Line Ahead

Game: Super Mario 64 Randomizer
Platform: Steam Deck
Format: No Commentary

Video: Returning to Tiny-Huge Island to secure the 100-coin star, red coin star, and the final Piranha Plant star before reaching 99 total stars (no commentary)

Returning to Tiny-Huge Island

With three stars still remaining in Tiny-Huge Island, it made sense to return there and finish the job. My goal right now is to complete the stars tied to the ground floor and basement areas of the castle before heading back upstairs. That way I know everything in those sections is cleared before moving into the final stretch of the run.

I also made sure to keep one lesson from the previous visit in mind. Last time I managed to lose track of a star entirely after switching between island sizes. This time the plan was simple: collect the star first, then think about moving between islands.

An Unexpected Coin Hunt

My original intention was to deal with the Piranha Plant star first, but the level had other ideas. As I moved around the island collecting coins, it gradually turned into a full attempt at the 100-coin star. Instead of changing direction halfway through, I decided to stick with it and incorporate the red coin star at the same time.

That meant switching from the huge island to the tiny island eventually, since the red coins can only be collected there. Once I had gathered enough coins to feel comfortable with the total, I made my way to the pipe closest to where I wanted to go.

Aiming for the Red Coins

The plan was straightforward enough: reach the cannon, aim for the tree that sits near the red coin area, and land close enough to continue the collection from there. I’m aware that speedrunners probably have quicker ways of reaching the area, but I prefer approaches that I know I can execute consistently.

Thankfully the red coins themselves weren’t placed in anything too unreasonable. To be fair, Tiny-Huge Island only has so many places where they can realistically appear. The biggest relief was realising I had judged the coin total correctly before switching islands.

I collected the hundredth coin, secured the 100-coin star, and then finished gathering the red coins for another star immediately afterwards.

Clearing the Piranha Plants

That left only one objective in the level: the Piranha Plants. All the time I had spent exploring the island during previous visits paid off here. I already knew roughly where each one was located, so moving between them was straightforward.

One by one they were dealt with, and when the final one fell the star appeared nearby in a reachable location. No disappearing act this time. I grabbed it without hesitation and said goodbye to Tiny-Huge Island for good.

Checking the Remaining Courses

After leaving the level, I took a moment to review what courses still needed attention. Hazy Maze Cave had already been explored earlier in the run, so that wasn’t a concern anymore. That left just two courses I hadn’t properly tackled yet: Big Boo’s Haunt and Wet-Dry World.

As I made my way back into the basement in preparation for attempting the Mario Wings Over the Rainbow star, something else occurred to me.

Ninety-Nine Stars

I checked the star total and realised I had reached ninety-nine stars. That means I’m now only twenty stars away from unlocking the final course. Once Bowser falls and the last star is collected, that will be it. This randomised version of a game I’ve known for most of my life will finally be complete.

There are countless players who grew up with Mario in one form or another, but Super Mario 64 holds a particularly important place in gaming history. For many people it became the blueprint for how 3D platformers — and even many other genres — would work in the years that followed. Few games have had that kind of influence.

And if I’m being honest, I’m not entirely sure I’m ready for the moment when the credits music begins to play.

The Next Star

The next entry will be a special one. It’s time to collect star number one hundred.

Continue the Journey

← Log 19
Log 21 →

🧢 Mario 64 Randomizer Hub

26th Apr 2026 1

Super Mario 74: A Survivor’s Journey Log 6 – System of a Town

Super Mario 74 – Log 6: System of a Town

Platform: Steam Deck
Mode: Original Edition
Rules: No savestates (except between entries)
Format: No Commentary

Video: Tower of the East exploration, System of a Town stars, rooftop routes, sewer navigation, and red coin collection (no commentary)

With the other star door still out of reach, there wasn’t much reason to stay where I was. The next step was to move into the next hub area, the Tower of the East. There are multiple courses here, along with a few other stars scattered around, but I had already decided where I was going first. System of a Town felt like the right place to start.

The first star, Rooftop Climbing, suggests taking the obvious route. Climb the buildings, follow the path, work your way up. That is the intended approach, but not necessarily the one I went with. There is another way to get there, and I ended up taking that instead. The star itself sits inside the building that also has another star resting on its roof, something I kept in mind for later.

From there, I moved into the sewer system. This is one of those stars that is easy to miss if you’re not paying attention. Once you drop into the water, there’s a path off to the left that doesn’t stand out at first glance. Follow that, and you’re into a series of jumps that range from straightforward to just awkward enough to slow you down. Nothing too difficult, but enough to keep you from rushing through it.

The Secondary House Entrance turned out to be much simpler than I expected. The name gives it away if you think about it for a moment. Find the house with the chimney, drop in, and the star is waiting. No tricks, no pressure, just a quick entry and a clean star.

Find The Secret Room was less straightforward. I already knew where the star was from earlier practice, but getting there was another matter. Two platforms, slightly different heights, and a triple jump that needs to be just right to reach the house. While I was practicing, the Chuckya on the second platform made sure I didn’t get it right the first time, or the second. This time it stayed out of the way, though it still took a couple of attempts to get the jump lined up properly. Once inside, a ground pound revealed the room, and the star followed.

The red coin star was next, along with the 100-coin star alongside it. This one was more about movement than difficulty. Working through the course, checking corners, moving between rooftops and streets, making sure nothing was missed. As expected, the red coin star itself sends you back to the start once it’s done, which at this point is more routine than surprise.

That left the star I had noticed right at the beginning, sitting on top of the building. The Mansion’s Secret Star. This was where all the wall jumping came back into play. Climbing up wasn’t difficult at first, but near the top I nearly lost it. A slight mistake, a bit of panic, and for a moment it looked like I was going to drop back down and start again. Instead, a quick recovery with a jump kick chain got me back into position, and the star was secured.

With that, System of a Town was complete. One course cleared cleanly, and a good amount of progress made in this new area. I’m still not quite at the point where I can open the next star door, but I’m close. More importantly, I know the remaining caps are in this area, which means more options will open up soon enough.

Continue the Journey

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Super Mario 74 – A Survivor’s Journey

24th Apr 2026 1