The 'Shroom:Issue 135/Strategy Wing

Director Notes
Written by:

Hey there everyone and welcome to Strategy Wing! I'm gonna keep this brief since an emergency came up and I'm just on a phone, but thanks to everyone who helped make this theme special. Sadly, I'm here to report that has decided to resign from his other section. As always, if anyone wants to pick up his idea of comparing sequels and join us I'd very much appreciate it. Thanks to all of you for your support and I wish all of you the best! Section of the Month

Congratulations to for winning this month! Thanks to for his section as well!

YoshiFlutterJump's Tips and Tricks!
Written By:

Hey everyone, YFJ here! I am pleased to announce the return of Tips & Tricks after a four-month hiatus! And just in time for the summer issue, too! Let's see, this year the focus is our ghost-busting green plumber, Luigi! However, Luigi's Mansion is not the focus for this section. Anyone remember my first section, when I did Pendulum Castle from New Super Mario Bros. U? (And if you didn't read it when it was released back in November, you can check it out here.) Well, now this section is returning to its roots, this time I'm focusing on its Luigi counterpart. Lo and behold, it's Impossible Pendulums from New Super Luigi U!

Impossible Pendulums may be the hardest level in the game, but don't let the name fool you; it's NOT impossible! To unlock this course, first beat the final boss to unlock Superstar Road, then get all 18 Star Coins in Peach's Castle to unlock Superstar Road's eighth level, Impossible Pendulums. While I do recommend that you unlock and clear the first seven levels prior to this one, keep in mind that it is not required to do so. If you find yourself struggling to complete the level, remember that you can switch to Nabbit at any time by holding ZR (or A on the Wii Remote) while entering the course. Four friends can also help you out as a Toad, or by creating Boost Blocks with the GamePad. And if you're looking for a more challenging experience, you can punch the Mario Block at the beginning of the stage to use the physics of New Super Mario Bros. U. In addition, remember that, while it may not look like a castle, it still is one and Yoshis (like me) aren't allowed. This guide will tell you how to find and collect all three Star Coins (and perhaps find an eight-bit Luigi). Now, it is time to enter the castle of DOOM! (Not your doom, though; you have this strategy guide to ensure that your doom stays in another castle!)



The course begins with four large Spinners, rapidly spinning in a complete 360-degree circle. Begin dashing to safety no later than the path clears up; those Spinners are fast and WILL kill you if your timing isn't perfect. You'll know you're safe when you see some ? Blocks; hit the one on the left for a Super Mushroom or Ice Flower. From there, you'll see the first Star Coin...guarded by another Spinner. It will go to the left, wait a bit, go to the right, wait a bit, and repeat. As soon as it stops on the left, make a run for that first Star Coin, and wait until the coast is clear before proceeding.



Next, carefully time two quick jumps when the next Spinner goes to the left. Repeat for the next Spinner, but grab the Red Ring and get the eight red coins for an Ice Flower (or 1-Up Mushroom). However, you may have noticed that this skips the second Star Coin, so you'll have to backtrack a bit. Time two quick jumps when the Spinner goes to the right, and drop down to grab the second Star Coin. Time another series of quick jumps to reach safety.



But it's not safe. You're in the homestretch, and yet there are a few more obstacles obstructing your path. There are two Bony Beetles in your path. If you're Ice Luigi, freeze them and throw them at the Spinners; otherwise, time your jumps and dodge the Bony Beetles (or jump on them when their spikes aren't showing). You'll then see an upside-down pipe and a HUGE Spinner. Now it's your choice: will you hurry to safety, or will you leave no stone unturned? There is a nice little secret before the pipe, and it's not the third Star Coin; it's an 8-bit Luigi! (If you're not interested in hidden Luigis, skip to the next paragraph.) When the Spinner goes to the left, jump over the Spinner to the platform beneath the pipe, then quickly jump to the platform near the wall and crouch before it goes the other way. From there, when the Spinner stops on the left, jump onto the stone platform behind the Spinner, and quickly jump again to the other stone platform on the right. Go right and you'll enter a hidden area, and an 8-Bit Luigi will be in plain sight. Take all the pictures you want, but remember that you're under a strict time limit, so keep it snappy (no pun intended). From there, jump to the semisolid platform above, and enter the pipe when the Spinner goes to the left.



When you exit the pipe (if you haven't entered it yet, wait for the Spinner to stop at the right and do so), you'll see a Star Coin between a bunch of Spinners, spinning in a circle. Don't just jump right into the Spinners; trust me, you WILL take damage if you try. Instead, wait for it to come back around, then dash between the two spinners and grab the third Star Coin on the way. Soon you'll see more Spinners; simply dash past them with the right timing, perform a few more jumps, and grab the flagpole. You'll unlock a fourth Toad House in Superstar Road (unless you cleared Superstar Road-7, Cloudy Capers, beforehand). This Toad House contains two exclusive power-ups, the Propeller Mushroom and Penguin Suit from New Super Mario Bros. Wii! Congratulations, you have now beaten the hardest level in New Super Luigi U!



Okay, since this section was pretty short compared to usual standards, I'll share some last-minute secrets. For one thing, maybe another Toad House wasn't enough reward for your accomplishment. Thankfully, Nintendo knew you wanted more and granted your wish. If you collected all of the Star Coins in Superstar Road, you'll get a Flying Squirrel Ovation to celebrate your achievement. It's not a difficult level; it's an easy course only intended as a celebration.



Secondly, you probably know about the stars that appear on your save file. But do you know how to earn them? The first is earned by beating Bowser, simple as that. The second is earned by clearing every level through Peach's Castle (this includes getting both the regular and secret goals where applicable). The third is earned by getting every Star Coin through Peach's Castle. The fourth is earned by getting all Star Coins in Superstar Road. Finally, the fifth star is earned by catching Nabbit in every world up to Meringue Clouds. Do all this, and you'll have five shiny stars on your save file.



Lastly, if you have Super Mario 3D World, simply launch that game with NSLU data on your console to unlock the secret Luigi Bros. game early. You can access this game by tapping the Luigi icon on the title screen (and if you don't see the icon, check Data Management). This is basically the 1983 Mario Bros. arcade game, but you play as Luigi instead (and in multiplayer, Player 2 is also Luigi, but with his classic palette from Super Mario Bros.). I won't give tips for this game now, but I will remind you of one thing: don't stomp on the Shellcreepers.

Thank you for reading Tips & Tricks: Special Luigi Edition! If you would like to give feedback on this section, or provide suggestions on future topics, feel free to post on my dedicated forum topic. Until next time!

Mario Calendar
Written by:

Hey, what's up! GPM here with yet another Mario Calendar! This section lists all the games that have come out in history during the month of publication. This means that today, I'll be listing the Mario games that have come out in June. So, let's go!

Region Abbreviations Console Abbreviations


 * May 1
 * 1992 (NA): Yoshi (NES)
 * 2004 (JP): Mario vs. Donkey Kong (GBA)
 * 2007 (EU): Wario: Master of Disguise (DS)


 * May 2
 * 2004 (NA): Classic NES Series: Super Mario Bros. (GBA)


 * May 3
 * 1982 (NA): Donkey Kong (G&W)
 * 1986 (JP): Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels (Famicom)
 * 2005 (EU): Donkey Konga 2 (GC)


 * May 4
 * 2004 (AU): Mario vs. Donkey Kong (GBA)


 * May 5
 * 1980 (NA): Flagman (G&W)
 * 2009 (EU): New Play Control! Donkey Kong Jungle Beat (Wii)


 * May 6
 * 2003
 * EU: Donkey Kong Country (GBA)
 * AU: WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$! (GBA)
 * 2011
 * THERE WERE A TON OF GAMES RELEASED ON THE 3DS ESHOP IN ALL REGIONS ON THIS DAY, I'M NOT LISTING THEM ALL


 * May 7
 * 2007 (AU): Mario Strikers Charged (Wii)


 * May 8
 * 2006 (AU):
 * Mario Party 7 (GC)
 * New Super Mario Bros. (DS)


 * May 9
 * 2003 (NA): Donkey Kong Country (GBA)


 * May 10
 * 2001 (NA): Super Mario Advance (GBA)
 * 2005 (EU): Mario Party Advance (GBA)


 * May 11
 * 1999 (JP): Mario Golf (N64)
 * 2010 (EU): Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii)
 * 2015
 * (JP): Rhythm Heaven Megamix (3DS)
 * (NA/EU): Dr. Mario: Miracle Cure (3DS eShop)


 * May 13
 * 2005 (NA): Yoshi Topsy-Turvy (GBA)

Golf: US Course (Gold) (Famicom)
 * May 14
 * 1987 (JP)
 * Golf: US Course (Famicom)
 * 1994 (JP): Donkey Kong (GB)


 * May 15
 * 1986 (NA): Donkey Kong (NES)
 * 1987 (EU): Donkey Kong Jr. (NES)
 * 2009 (NA):
 * Mario Calculator (DSiWare)
 * Mario Clock (DSiWare)
 * 2016 (NA): Rhythm Heaven Megamix (3DS)


 * May 16
 * 2013 (JP): Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D (3DS)


 * May 17
 * 2016 (NA): Minecraft: Wii U Edition (Wii U)


 * May 18
 * 1985 (JP): Wrecking Crew (NES)
 * 1992 (EU): NES Open Tournament Golf (NES)
 * 2004 (EU): Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour (GC)
 * 2009 (AU): New Play Control! Donkey Kong Jungle Beat (Wii)


 * May 19
 * 1981 (NA): Parachute (G&W)
 * 2008 (JP): Mario Super Sluggers (Wii)
 * 2013 (JP): New Super Luigi U (Wii U eShop)
 * 2015 (JP): Luigi's Mansion Arcade (Arcade)


 * May 20
 * 2003 (EU): Wario World (GC)
 * 2013 (NA/EU): New Super Luigi U (Wii U eShop)


 * May 21
 * 2007 (JP): Itadaki Street DS (DS)
 * 2013 (AU): New Super Luigi U (Wii U eShop)
 * 2018 (JP/NA/EU/AU): Minecraft (Switch/Switch eShop)


 * May 22
 * 2001 (EU/AU): Super Mario Advance (GBA)
 * 2007 (EU): Mario Party 8 (Wii)
 * 2018 (JP/NA/EU): Mario Tennis Aces (Switch)


 * May 23
 * 1986 (NA): Mario Bros. (NES)
 * 1996 (JP): Super Mario 64 (N64)
 * 2013 (NA): Game & Wario (Wii U)
 * 2016 (JP):
 * Minecraft: Wii U Edition (Wii U)
 * Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games (Wii U)


 * May 24
 * 1997 (EU/AU): Mario Kart 64 (N64)
 * 2003 (NA): Wario World (GC)
 * 2016 (NA/EU): Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games (Wii U)


 * May 25
 * 2004 (EU): Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest (GBA)
 * 2015 (AU): Yoshi's Woolly World (Wii U)
 * 2016 (AU): Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games (Wii U)


 * May 26
 * 2008 (AU): Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Wii)
 * 2015 (EU): Yoshi's Woolly World (Wii U)


 * May 27
 * 1991 (EU/AU): Dr. Mario (NES)
 * 2008 (EU): Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Wii)


 * May 28
 * 2007 (JP): Donkey Kong Barrel Blast (Wii)
 * 2013 (EU): Game & Wario (Wii U)


 * May 29
 * 2000 (JP): Mario Artist: Communication Kit (N64DD)
 * 2013 (AU): Game & Wario (Wii U)


 * May 30
 * 2006 (EU): New Super Mario Bros. (DS)
 * 2010 (AU): Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Wii)
 * 2016 (EU): Minecraft: Wii U Edition (Wii U)

Pokédex Power
Written by:

Hello everyone, it's me, Yoshi876 again with a new edition of Pokédex Power, the section written by the person who has a lot to discuss this month. Not only a new game, but two Pokémon developments in my own life.

First off, let's discuss the new game. I'm still fairly undecided on what I make to it. Although I've always enjoyed Kanto, battling wild Pokémon is one of my favourite things about the games, so removing that in favour of Pokémon Go catching mechanics doesn't sit that well with me. That said, I like how you can see Pokémon you're going to encounter, which will make catching specific ones that much easier, and I'm also loving the return of having your lead Pokémon follow you. Looks like I'm going to be travelling everywhere with my Snorlax now.

Secondly, I have now started Pokémon Moon, granted this is because I lost my cartridge for Pokémon Y, but it's still a start. I already love the feel of the game, being able to hear wild Pokémon in the grass makes it feel that much more alive. That said, the feature where you pet your Pokémon is both amazing and annoying at the same time. I never knew that I needed messages telling me my Rowlet needed to be petted, but dear god, I needed a message telling me my Rowlet needed petting. However, I don't like how certain things are locked behind it, I would rather it just be a fun distraction rather than something I need to actually put time into, because when I'm playing Pokémon I'd much rather be battling and exploring than stroking.

And my third bit of Pokémon-related news to impart is that I am now the proud owner of a Duskull plush. Admittedly, it's not the official one, but I do need to say that it's not a bootleg, and this is because I didn't like its pose for that plush. The one I have has its arms more spread, rather than being a ball-shape. But it is the most amazingly cute plush in the world, and I am so happy that it is now mine.

But we're not going to be talking about Duskull, nor a Pokémon that appears in Sun and Moon, although it does appear in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. This time, we're going to be looking at the living embodiment of the sun, Volcarona. Volcarona is a very cool looking Pokémon, and although I have captured it on both Black and Black 2, I have never actually trained or used it. For Black, it's because my Emboar had me covered, but I don't really have a reason for why I don't use it in Black 2. Oh well, let's just see if its Pokédex entries are any good.

Generation V

We're already getting a little bit of contradiction here, with Volcarona being able to provide sun during an atmospheric blackout, before appearing during a winter period to stop everything freezing. It's unlikely that both of these events could happen with records lying around, unless the winter happened shortly after the atmospheric blackout. However, other than that Volcarona gets off to a decent start, it is nice to see it linked back to what would likely be ancient history, before seeing it in a modern context with a description of what happens when it battles. And presumably the sea of fire could also be a reference to Volcarona's signature move, Fiery Dance.

Generation VI

Generation VI seems to prefer the Volcarona legend that says its fire saved people during an atmospheric blackout, perhaps hinting that this is the event that happened and not bitter winter.

Generation VII

Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon also contradict. They say ancient people feared it, and yet mention how it saved people and Pokémon from the cold. Why would you be afraid if this Pokémon saved you from dying? Given the nickname that its been given in Ultra Sun it sounds like it attacked rather than saved. The cocoon thing is interesting, does its pre-evolution, Larvesta, go into a cocoon to incubate to become a Volcarona, and if that is the case why doesn't it have a cocoon phase like Metapod, Kakuna, Silkoon and Cascoon?

Conclusion Volcarona actually doesn't have great Pokédex entries. I'm all for having the Pokémon save the residents of the Pokémon world twice from natural disasters, but this seems incredibly unlikely. Following on from that, the Pokédex entries begin contradicting one another, I fail to understand how a Pokémon that saved everyone is suddenly feared and referred to with words like “rage”. Either this Pokémon razed a few villages to the ground, or the people who are afraid if it are morons whose opinions should not become official Pokédex entries. I'd like a bit more information on the cocoon phase, is it a separate Pokémon, or is it simply the case that Volcarona has an inanimate cocoon phase? As for improvements, try and get a cohesive canon on whether people fear or praise this Pokémon, other than that, I see Volcarona being a Pokémon that not much is known about so research is still being undertaken.