Star (Mario)

Stars are an important item in the Super Mario Bros. series, though their roles are different depending on the game.

Starman (Mario)
A common item in most 2D Mario titles, the Starman grants Mario invincibility for a short period of time, and can run into enemies to kill them. If he runs through enough in succession, it acts as a combo and can build up big points or earn 1ups. In the Mario Kart series, players get an increased acceleration and can ram into other players and objects.

Power Stars
A key item in both Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Galaxy. These are earned by completing certain goals within levels, such as clearing an obstacle course, defeating a boss character, winning a race or collecting a certain amount of coins. The more Power Stars players collect, the more levels will be unlocked for playing.

Shine Sprites
In Super Mario Sunshine, Power Stars are replaced by Shine Sprites, but the purpose is roughly the same. These power up the Great Shine Sprite in Delfino Island, making it shine brightly. As more Shine Sprites are collected, the island gets brighter.

Grand Stars
In Super Mario Galaxy, another form of Power Star is the Grand Star. With the exception of one earned at the start of the game, these are awarded for defeating the main boss in each hub, be it Bowser himself or a minion of Bowser Jr. When collected, a section of the Cosmic Observatory lights up and a new hub is unlocked. These also count as one Power Star.

Other uses for Stars
In Super Mario 64 DS and New Super Mario Bros., the Power Stars feature in multiplayer games. The goal in each one is to be the first to collect a certain amount of stars before the other player. If a player is damaged, he/she'll lose a star, which can be stolen by another player. In the Mario Party games, the aim of the game is to have the most Stars at the end of the game. These can be earned in different ways, but usually by finding a space with a Star on it and trading some Coins for it.

Stars in Super Mario Galaxy
In Super Mario Galaxy, there are different stars, either for transportation or power-ups.

Launch/Sling Stars
When Mario is near one of these, he will remain in the centre for a second. By shaking the Wii Remote, he will launch to a different area in the galaxy. If he doesn't do anything, he will simply drop down. Launch Stars tend to send Mario far, whilst Sling stars launch him to a nearby area.

Pull Stars
Distinguished by a blue color, grabbing onto these using the Wii Remote pointer pulls Mario towards it. Holding it will simply move him to the point of the star, whereas letting go will make Mario keep going in the direction for a short while, depending on his momentum. These can be activated in succession to make difficult curves, gain speed or reach certain items.

Rainbow Star
Similar to the Starman (Mario), this grants Mario invincibility for a short time, and also increases his running speed.

Red Star
Gives Mario the ability to fly for a little while, although this item appears to be restricted to the main hub and The Gate level.