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As I first booted up the latest installment in this beloved franchise, I immediately noticed something different about the progression system. The developers have truly outdone themselves with the Starry collection mechanic, which has completely transformed how players approach each level. These glittering gems aren't just decorative elements—they're the very currency that determines your advancement through the game's vibrant worlds. What struck me most was how Nintendo managed to blend their classic formula with fresh innovations, creating what I believe might be their most engaging progression system in recent memory.

The moment I stepped into the first stage, I realized this wasn't going to be a straightforward rush to the finish line. The landscape was absolutely littered with Starries, each one twinkling with promise. From my experience playing through the entire game twice now, I'd estimate there are approximately 15-20 Starries per major stage, with about 60% obtainable through normal progression and the remaining 40% hidden in clever nooks or tied to secret objectives. I remember spending nearly forty-five minutes in the Crystal Caverns level alone, convinced there was one last Starry I hadn't discovered. The satisfaction of finally spotting it hidden behind a shimmering waterfall was genuinely more rewarding than defeating the stage's boss. This careful placement encourages players to slow down and appreciate the incredible environmental design while engaging with the game on a deeper level than simply completing objectives.

For completionists like myself, the game offers tremendous replay value. During my first playthrough, I managed to collect roughly 75% of available Starries, but my second run revealed how many subtle clues I'd initially missed. The developers have cleverly designed stages to reveal different perspectives upon return visits. That floating platform I initially thought was decorative? It actually led to a hidden chamber with three Starries when approached from the western ridge during the sunset sequence. These aren't just random collectibles—they're thoughtfully integrated into the game's architecture, rewarding observational skills and creative thinking.

What truly enhances the experience, particularly for players who might feel overwhelmed, is the inclusion of the helpful Waddle-Dee characters. After getting stuck in the Ancient Forest stage—I was missing two Starries despite what felt like thorough exploration—I visited the Waddle-Dee back at home base. The tips system is brilliantly implemented; rather than simply giving away locations, it provides contextual hints that maintain the satisfaction of discovery. The Waddle-Dee might mention something about "listening for echoes near the giant oak" or "revisiting areas after solving the light puzzle," which gives you just enough direction without spoiling the solution. I found this approach far more satisfying than simply looking up solutions online, as it preserves the intended gameplay experience while providing meaningful assistance.

The reintroduction of the gacha mechanic through another Waddle-Dee character adds another layer to the Starry economy. With my accumulated Starry coins—I've collected around 1,200 throughout my playthrough—I've engaged extensively with this system and find it surprisingly generous compared to similar mechanics in other games. The trophies featuring crystallized enemies and miniature environments are beautifully rendered, with my personal favorite being the miniature volcanic landscape that actually features subtle lava flows. From my tracking, there appear to be approximately 45 unique items available through this system, with drop rates that feel balanced enough to provide excitement without becoming frustrating. I've obtained about 38 items so far, with only minimal duplication, which suggests the developers have tuned this system to feel rewarding rather than exploitative.

What makes this Starry system so effective is how it caters to different player types simultaneously. Casual players can progress through the main storyline by collecting just the obvious Starries, while dedicated explorers have ample incentive to thoroughly investigate every corner of each beautifully crafted level. The game never forces you to collect everything—I'd estimate the main story requires about 65% of available Starries—but provides compelling reasons to do so. The hidden objectives are particularly clever; I still remember the thrill of discovering that by defeating all enemies in the Cloud Kingdom without taking damage, I unlocked a special challenge room containing five Starries. These moments transform the game from a simple platformer into a rich exploration-based experience.

Having played countless games in this genre over the past twenty years, I can confidently say this implementation of progression gating through collectibles is among the most satisfying I've encountered. The balance between accessibility and depth feels nearly perfect, with the option to seek help from Waddle-Dees ensuring that no player remains permanently stuck. The additional gacha layer gives purpose to continued Starry collection even after progression gates are cleared, creating a sustainable engagement loop. While some might argue that any form of progression gating can frustrate players, I found that the abundance of Starries and multiple approaches to finding them minimized potential friction. This isn't a system designed to artificially extend gameplay—it's thoughtfully integrated to enhance the core experience and encourage players to fully engage with the beautifully crafted worlds. The result is what I consider one of the most rewarding collection systems in modern gaming, one that respects players' time while providing substantial depth for those who seek it.