Superstar Showdown

Superstar Showdown is the final minigame being played at the end of the Star Battle Arena in Mario Party 8. Bowser is good to his word and gives the player back the Star Rod. At the last second, Bowser has second thoughts and challenges the player to the final match. The player is pitted against him in space. If the player is defeated at any time, the player can try again. If the player starts again, Bowser keeps the damage the player has dealt to him.

This minigame is unlocked in the Free Play Arcade only when the Star Battle Arena is completed.

Introduction
Bowser and the character are each in space, and the character has the Star Rod in his or her hand. Bowser is riding in the Koopa Clown Car, and the player is on a Warp Star-like platform.

Phase 1
Bowser has 10 HP and the player has 5. While Bowser blasts fireballs, the player must hold the Wii Remote up, and swing it around to charge up the Star Rod, while dodging Bowser's flames. After it is charged, the player must swing down their arm to throw the energy ball. After hitting Bowser three times, the game goes to Phase 2.

Phase 2
Bowser has two Bullet Bill launchers. They fire around six Bullet Bills each time. After hitting him three times again, the battle enters the final phase.

Phase 3
In addition to the weapons he had before, the Koopa Clown Car now has a laser blaster, which will rotate, sending beams out. The only way to dodge these is to get in between two of them. The Bullet Bills are now colored red and move faster. When Bowser has one point left, he will fire a large fireball, in addition to the other attacks. After blasting Bowser one more time, the battle ends.

Ending
After being hit by the final blast from the Star Rod, Bowser, still inside the Koopa Clown Car, is sucked downward into a black hole-like vortex.

Controls

 * Wii Remote
 * Move left / right
 * Hold down /  to build up energy
 * Throw energy ball
 * Buttons
 * Press /  to raise the rod

In-game text

 * Rules – "Bring down Bowser!!! Wave the Star Rod over your head to build energy. Shoot once you're charged up!"
 * Hint – "Watch Bowser carefully. When he launches an attack, go on the defensive, even if you're charging up."