Academic paper debunks the physics of Super Mario Galaxy

By Will Fulton November 26, 2014

academic paper debunks physics super mario galaxy — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Physics students at the University of Leicester have written a paper that examines the physics behind Nintendo’s hit platformer, Super Mario Galaxy. Called “It’s a-me Density,” the paper speculates about the conditions required for the game’s minuscule planetoids to exert the demonstrated level of gravity on the player. (via Eurogamer)

Because Mario experiences Earth-like gravity on the game’s tiny planets, they would need to be extremely dense for the physics to make sense. The paper asks: “If a planet with the density of a white dwarf, a 50m radius, and Earth-like gravity were to be constructed what would happen?” Nothing good, apparently.

Gravity would vary across Mario’s height, causing blood to pool in Mario’s face. “It is possible that this is the source of Mario’s baby-like complexion,” the paper rationalizes.

More dramatically, the planets themselves would be wildly unstable. While theoretically it is possible to create such a small, dense planetoid, “the planet would survive for only a very brief moment before violently destroying itself and any short plumbers who happen to be running about on its surface.”

These questionable physics are just one small blemish on the Mario franchise’s otherwise firm commitment to documentary realism.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Will Fulton is a New York-based writer and theater-maker. In 2011 he co-founded mythic theater company AntiMatter Collective…

Gaming

All hidden chest locations in Super Mario RPG

Toad explaining Hidden Treasures to Mario.

The remake of the SNES game Super Mario RPG is about as faithful as any fan could hope for. The classic characters, locations, combat mechanics, and music are all back in a new and charming graphical style. While there are a few new tweaks and additions here and there, for the most part, the world is just as you remember from your childhood. That includes those tricky Hidden Chests. Just like in the original, a special set of hidden chests are waiting to be found all across the game world, but for those who haven't played the original, you may go most (if not the entire) game without finding them. Hidden chests, in this case, are actually invisible until Mario jumps up and activates them. Mario is a superstar jumper, but even he would get tired of jumping everywhere possible in search of these secret chests. We'll point out where to find all 39 Hidden Chests in Super Mario RPG so you can reap the rewards without pulling your hair out while trying to find them.

We will list every Hidden Chest in the order you should naturally come across them as you're playing the game so you can follow along. However, if you've already missed some, none of them are missable, so you can always backtrack to get any you might have accidentally passed by. You should also equip the Signal Ring to alert you when a Hidden Chest is in your area.
Hidden Chest 1

Gaming

Super Mario RPG Wedding Hall guide: Where to find Peach’s crown and other accessories

Princess Peach with a parasol in Super Mario RPG.

Mario and friends have chased down Peach to Marrymore late into Super Mario RPG. It isn't Bowser who has her in his clutches this time, but Booster, who intends to marry the princess against her will. After busting into the church to call things off, Peach's crown and other accessories will be scattered across the chapel. You will need to find every last missing item before the ceremony begins, but they aren't all in plain sight. Here is where to find Peach's crown and all her other accessories in Super Mario RPG.
Where to find all of Peach's accessories

Aside from her crown, you will need to find her shoes, ring, and brooch as well.
Peach's crown location
The crown is the easiest to find since it will be in sight right away. After the collision, the crown ends up resting atop Booster's head standing at the altar. All you need to do is jump on top of him to get it back.
Shoes, ring, and brooch locations
The other three items weren't dropped on the floor, but havebeen collected by Booster's Sniffits. These quick little dudes will be running in patterns around the church and pews, so you need to intercept and speak to each of them. Just talking to them will do the trick -- you don't have to engage in a fight -- so just mash the talk button as you approach.

Gaming

Where to get a snack for the Frog Sage in Super Mario RPG

Super Mario RPG shop

Super Mario RPG has a mostly straightforward and easy to follow main story, so figuring out what to do next is usually a quick and simple affair. However, soon after finishing up a segment of your adventure in Marrymore, Mallow will mention that you should go back and speak with his grandfather, Frog Sage, who you can find at Tadpole Pond. However, upon arriving, you may find that you can't progress the story any further because the Frog Sage is waiting for a snack. Luckily, rounding up a tasty bite for him won't take you very long, and we'll tell you how to do so below.
Where to get a snack for the Frog Sage
The first step in obtaining a snack for the Frog Sage is to open your map and fast-travel back to the Mushroom Kingdom. Upon your arrival, head over to the item shop, which can be identified by the spinning mushroom on the side of the building.

Inside, speak to the shopkeeper and use the Rare Frog Coin (which you obtained from Croco earlier in the game) to purchase a Cricket Pie. Since this tasty snack is precisely what the Frog Sage had sent Mallow to retrieve back when you first met the little fluffball, you can now take it back to the wise frog and fulfill his grandson's initial quest. In return for bringing him his food, the Frog Sage will gift you the Froggy Stick weapon for Mallow and move the main story forward with a bit of dialogue.