Starman
From Mario Kart Racing Wiki
| Starman | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Description: | Makes the user invincible with a constant speed boost for a limited time |
| First Appearance: | Super Mario Kart |
| Other Names: | Super Star, Invincibility Star, Star |
A Starman is a rare item in the Mario Kart series. When you're behind in a race these miracles will appear and if you get one you will be temporarily invincible. Your speed will also increase helping you catch up with other drivers. If you make impact with another kart they will be knocked over. In Mario Kart 64 they would be knocked to the side screaming. In Mario Kart: Double Dash!! the rear character will be knocked off the kart. Upbeat music will play as you use it, and your kart will flash rainbow (or yellow if in Double Dash!!).
While the Starman is a useful item, it is usually only given to characters who are in 6th place and below when they contact the item box.
Storing the Star can be a good defensive tactic as well, firing it off when incoming shells and POW blocks are on the verge of impact. The Star's speed boost makes it a viable means of reaching off-road ramps and shortcuts too though. See the Circuit Guide later on for specific locations of these.
[edit] Trivia
- If you collide with the boat in DK's Jungle Parkway in Mario Kart 64 while you have a Star, you will still get hit before plunging into the water. This also applies to the Boo item.
- This item lasts the longest amount of time in Mario Kart 64 (effect remains about a second after the blinking stops) and lasts the shortest amount of time in Mario Kart: Super Circuit (the song barely starts its 3rd repetition).
[edit] Other Appearances
Stars debuted in Super Mario Bros., where they granted the player invincibility from all hazards except lava and falls. They have kept this general function in many subsequent appearances, sometimes adding a boost of speed as is done in the Mario Kart series. In the Mario RPGs, the Mario Party series, Super Mario 64, and Super Mario Galaxy, Stars are given more important roles as collectibles or characters.
