Super Mario 3D Land/World 1-Castle

This is the first castle in Super Mario 3D Land.

Before the checkpoint flag
Start by running right and, when running off the edge of the high platform, follow the purple carpet, avoiding the Draglet's fire. Jump over (or run around, if possible) the firebar. Continue diagonally away/right towards the gear-like revolving platform (see sidebar for Star Medal 1). Jump over to the next one (after collecting the coins on the first one). Avoid the firebar and jump onto the purple carpet. You can't throw fireballs at the Dry Bones, but you can tail-whip them or jump on their heads to stun them. Be warned that they will rebuild themselves after a few seconds. The wide ? block contains two coins and a Super Leaf. Continue to the wooden/metal platform when it's low. Collect the coins on it, run onto the green-edged metal railing (when the lava pushes it up). Stop at the lava fountain and wait for the lava to lower before you cross. Alternatively, you could jump around it, but this is harder. Jump onto the stairs when the Podoboos are in the lava. The Hammer Bro. awaiting you will throw hammers at you. You can kill it in any way possible, just be careful when approaching it. Either jump over to the next platform or go via the railing when the lava fountain's low. Grab the checkpoint flag.

After the checkpoint flag
Continue right. Grab the coin (see sidebar for Star Medal 2), avoid the firebar and keep going right. Jump up. The brick on the left has one coin, the other one has lots. You will now encounter a Thwomp. Jump under the shadow right after he retreats to the sky and grab the coins behind him. Wait for him to smash again, then dash out and away, grabbing the two coins. When the next Thwomp retreats, jump to the next platform (see sidebar for Star Medal 3), stun the Dry Bones and jump onto the purple carpet.

Bowser
Run forwards, avoiding the fireballs. Follow the purple carpet, still avoiding the fireballs. Grab the coins on the way. Stun the Dry Bones. When you get to the bridge, stay away from Bowser and dash under (or past) him when he jumps. If you get on the blue part of the bridge, you might be able to get past him (but jump when he whips with his tail). When you get to the black switch, jump on it. Bowser will fall into the lava and bounce out, splitting into a Goomba and a Super Leaf.

Post-Bowser
Run through the newly-opened gate. All the Toad does is cheer. Jump into the ! block at the right end. If you don't touch anything, you'll get 100 extra seconds on the timer. Jump up the crates and jump (preferably hover) to the top of the flagpole.