If you didn’t believe World 8 was turning up the difficulty before, this might be the level to convince you otherwise. You must routinely cross vast expanses of lava using large Grumblumps. To survive, you have to time your moves and jumps to make sure you stay on the platform and don’t slip into the lava. It helps to try and just run on the Grumblumps, jumping only when needed. A Tanooki Power-Up is very useful in this level!
Green Star #1
After a terrifying drop, the second block platform rolls into view of the first Green Star. Two smaller towers contain Fire Piranha Plants to avoid. Wait until the block gets close enough to make it safe to jump to the star’s platform.
Be sure to pick up the Super Leaf on this platform. Even if you already have a Tanooki Power-Up, a spare can’t hurt to have!
Nearby, a pair of Hammer Bros. confront you.
Stamp
The Stamp is shortly after the Checkpoint Flag. To reach item you have to survive a tumbling block ride down a lava hill, jump off the block, and bounce off the head of a Hammer Bro. that is on the pillar underneath the Stamp. There’s a good chance you’ll get hit in the attempt to get this item, so be ready to deal with that.
Green Star #2
Splorches roll around the platform with the Green Star Ring. Remember to avoid their lava trails while trying to collect the Green Coins to make the star appear!
You’ve already dealt with the Grumblumps changing directions, but this time, the block can roll lengthwise, which can be tough to compensate for.Hopefully you still have a Tanooki Power-Up to rely on!
Green Star #3
The last Green Star can be nabbed only when the rectangular block platform is sitting vertically, and even then your window of opportunity is very short. Skipsqueaks are also on the platform and can interfere with your plans. Don’t be surprised if you have retry this section repeatedly!
The third Green Star signals the lead up to the Goal Pole. Once the platform rolls into place, you have a very limited time to set up a jump that can get you atop the pole. This can be done without a Tanooki Power-Up or Cat Power-Up, but it’s not an easy task.