Star (Mario)

Beginning with Super Mario Bros., stars have played a major part in the Super Mario series. Initially an invincibility powerup, they evolved to fulfill other purposes.

Temporary Invincibility

 * Super Mario Bros.
 * Super Mario Bros. 3
 * Super Mario World
 * Super Paper Mario (modified to change the character into a giant 8-bit form)

Given for Completed Tasks

 * Super Mario 64- Mario collects stars throughout each stage or the castle itself
 * Super Mario Sunshine- Mario collects Shine Sprites, which are designed as a special type of star
 * Super Mario Galaxy- Mario collects Grand Stars for completing tasks in each galaxy

Other Uses

 * Super Mario RPG- Mario must collect seven stars to win the game
 * Paper Mario- Mario again collects seven stars, but this time they assist him
 * Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door- Shine Sprites are used to upgrade partners as well as in a jackpot bonus which will restore all of Mario's party's HP, FP, and star star gage