Melty Molten Galaxy: The Sinking Lava Spire
Avoid the steam vents and follow the path around the lava pool to a gap leading to another walkway.
Wait for the lava bursts to recede, then jump the gap and continue on to several floating platforms. Leap across them quickly, as they'll sink into the lava under Mario's weight.
After crossing to solid ground, climb the stairs and carefully maneuver past the steam vents to a concrete pedestal above on the right. Wall kick off of the opposite wall to land on it, then perform a ground-pound to drop this whole portion several feet. Now wait here for a second, as two exposed vents will release some steam. Once they stop, wall jump up that shaft to the top.
Leap onto the right ledge to find a Sling Star. Firing from it will send Mario on a crash course with three more - launch from all of them as soon as Mario touches then to eventually wind up on a small glass planet.
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| Note: If you resist launching from the Launch Star atop the volcano, Mario will fall inside to a secret area. Activate the switch here to reveal a ton of Star Bits. |
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Once on the glass planet, leap to the one above to find a trail of Pull Stars you can have Mario follow. The path is pretty direct, but make sure you take a breather before crossing the gaps between a pair of the fiery planets, as fireballs often dart between the two. Don't forget to grab the Power-Up Mushroom halfway, then use the Launch Star at the end.
You'll soon land in a second Launch Star, fire Mario from there as well to skim the planet's surface over to metallic platform. Use the Sling Star there to land on the surface just ahead.
There are five Launch Star pieces here, and while they're not particularly tough to find, the fire foes can prove difficult. We suggest taking them down as soon as you encounter them to prevent them from bugging you as you explore the surface. Look for the Launch Stars in these five places:
On a ledge directly left of the start point. |
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Between a trio of air vents on the right side. |
On a left ledge, about midway up the surface. |
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Look for this one just past the third piece, near the top of the surface. |
The final piece is on a far right ledge on the surface's midsection. |
After grabbing all five, use the launch star that appears in the center.
Spire
After landing, work your way across the platforms quickly, as several of them will collapse as soon as they're touched.
As you step foot on the spire, the lava will begin to rise, which means you have to work fast. Stick to the path and avoid unnecessary jumps. Keep running at full tilt to dart past the three dropping balls, then leap onto the concrete pedestal and give it a good ground-pounding to cause it to sink. Immediately jump off to the right side and wait here for it to sink completely, revealing a shaft you should wall jump up ASAP.
This next portion is relatively easy. Just head left and follow the path, while leaping over the obstacles in the way. After climbing the staircase at the end, smash the crystal three times to reveal the star.
Might seem strange to your understanding of narrative but that is a narrative clearly. Slow progression through challenges that build to a reward. Excuse the size of the post.
Pixel Art can be fun.
