Superstar Showdown

Superstar Showdown is the final minigame being played at the end of 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 Free Play Arcade only when Star Battle Arena is completed.

Introduction
Bowser and the player are each in space, and the player has the Star Rod in their hand. Bowser is riding in the Koopa Clown Car, and the player is on a star-shaped platform.

Phase 1
Bowser has 10 HP, and the player has five. 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 the player hits Bowser three times, the game goes to Phase 2.

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

Phase 3
In addition to the weapons Bowser had before, the Koopa Clown Car now has a laser blaster, which rotates, 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 HP left, he fires a large fireball in addition to the other attacks. After the player blasts 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."