As I first booted up Fortune Gems Jili, I immediately noticed how the game designers had cleverly integrated the Starry collection system into every aspect of gameplay. Having spent over 80 hours exploring every nook and cranny of this vibrant universe, I can confidently say that understanding the Starry mechanics is absolutely crucial to mastering this game. The developers have created what I consider to be one of the most engaging progression systems I've encountered in recent memory, though it does come with its fair share of challenges that might frustrate less patient players.

What struck me most during my initial playthrough was how the new stages were absolutely littered with these shimmering Starries. The game doesn't just hand them to you for simply completing stages—though you do get a decent baseline amount for that—but truly rewards exploration and curiosity. I remember spending what felt like hours on the Crystal Caverns stage alone, convinced there had to be more Starries hidden behind that suspicious-looking wall pattern. And sure enough, after experimenting with three different approaches, I discovered an entire hidden chamber containing five additional Starries that weren't part of the main path. This design philosophy encourages players to view each stage not as a linear path to the finish, but as a puzzle box waiting to be unlocked. The hidden objectives add another layer of complexity that I found particularly satisfying—they're not always obvious, but the payoff makes the mental gymnastics worthwhile.

For players like myself who enjoy thorough exploration, the game becomes this wonderful treasure hunt where every corner might conceal another glittering prize. I made it my personal mission to collect every single Starry on my first attempt at each stage, though I'll admit this approach isn't for everyone. The satisfaction of hearing that distinctive chime signaling another discovery never got old, even after my hundredth find. There's something genuinely magical about the moment you spot a Starry cleverly concealed within the environment—maybe tucked behind a moving platform or disguised among similar-looking background elements. This aspect of the game reminded me why I fell in love with platformers in the first place, though the difficulty curve can be quite steep for completionists.

Now, here's where Nintendo's design habits become both a blessing and a curse—they've gated progression behind your current Starry count, meaning you'll need to collect a certain number to access new areas and content. While this might feel restrictive to some players, I actually appreciated how it encouraged me to revisit previous stages with fresh eyes. During my second playthrough of the Aqua Temple stage, I discovered an additional 12 Starries that I'd completely missed initially, simply because I hadn't thought to use the bubble mechanics in that particular way. This replay value is something many modern games lack, and Fortune Gems Jili implements it beautifully. The game essentially trains you to become better at spotting opportunities and understanding environmental clues, creating this wonderful cycle of learning and discovery.

That being said, I completely understand how some players might find themselves stuck or frustrated. The game can be surprisingly cryptic at times, and there were moments when I found myself genuinely stumped about where to find those last few elusive Starries. This is where the Waddle-Dee system becomes an absolute lifesaver. Visiting these helpful creatures in your home base provides targeted tips for tracking down missing Starries, though I'd recommend exhausting your own investigation skills first for that extra sense of accomplishment. I made the mistake of relying on them too early in my playthrough and somewhat regretted robbing myself of those "aha!" moments that come from independent discovery.

The gacha mechanic revival through another Waddle-Dee adds this delightful collectible aspect that extends the game's longevity significantly. Earning trophies of the new environments and crystalized enemies gave me additional motivation to keep playing long after I'd completed the main storyline. What's brilliant about this system is how it gives purpose to those Starry coins you've been accumulating—I must have spent at least 5,000 coins trying to complete my crystalized enemy collection, and I still haven't gotten that rare Diamond Golem figure I've been chasing. This creates this wonderful economy where every Starry feels valuable, not just for progression but for personal collection goals too.

From a strategic perspective, I've developed what I call the "three-pass approach" to each stage that has served me remarkably well. The first pass is about completion—simply reaching the end while gathering whatever Starries present themselves naturally. The second involves careful exploration with particular attention to environmental patterns and hidden pathways. The third pass is where I implement whatever knowledge I've gained from previous attempts to clean up any remaining Starries. This methodical approach might sound tedious, but it actually made the gameplay feel more rewarding and structured. I'd estimate that using this strategy improved my Starry collection rate by approximately 40% compared to my initial haphazard attempts.

What continues to impress me about Fortune Gems Jili is how it balances accessibility with depth. Casual players can enjoy the core experience without obsessing over every single Starry, while completionists like myself have this rich, challenging system to sink our teeth into. The game respects your time while also rewarding dedication—a balance that many modern titles struggle to achieve. My only real criticism is that the Starry requirement for certain late-game areas feels disproportionately high, potentially forcing grind-like behavior that contradicts the otherwise elegant design. Specifically, the requirement of 250 Starries to access the Final Temple felt excessive, though the payoff was undoubtedly spectacular.

Having navigated the intricacies of Fortune Gems Jili's Starry system from beginning to end, I've come to appreciate how it transforms what could have been a straightforward platformer into this deeply engaging treasure hunt. The mechanics encourage observation, experimentation, and persistence in ways that feel genuinely rewarding rather than punitive. While the progression gating might frustrate some, I believe it ultimately serves to pace the player's journey through this beautifully crafted world. The addition of the Waddle-Dee assistance system ensures that nobody remains permanently stuck, while the gacha elements provide long-term incentives beyond the main objectives. For players willing to embrace its exploration-focused philosophy, Fortune Gems Jili offers one of the most satisfying and strategically rich gaming experiences available today.