Super Mario Galaxy
The past few decades have been an incredible ride for Mario. From going after a giant gorilla on the high steel to hosing down the beaches of Isle Delfino, the platforming pioneer has likely seen more screen time than any other character in gaming. He’s come a very long way, and the latest installment in his primary series only proves that he has what it takes to keep fans happy for many years to come.
Yes, Super Mario Galaxy is a true successor to the legacy left by classics such as Super Mario Bros. 3 and Super Mario 64. (Super Mario Sunshine, while an excellent platformer in its own right, wasn’t quite as well-received, perhaps departing a bit too far from traditional Mario fare.) Galaxy boasts a wide array of visual and aural delights across numerous worlds, each of which provides its own set of unique challenges. The controls and gameplay mechanics are nearly flawless, further solidifying the overall Mario feel that’s been around for almost thirty years.
As always, the plot’s nothing to write home about. Our favorite Koopa has swooped in with his fleet of airships and kidnapped Princess Peach Toadstool – this time dragging her entire castle into outer space along with her. Guess whose job it is to get to the center of the universe and give the beat-down to Bowser once again?
This time around, your task will take you through a variety of galaxies, stomping goombas and collecting stars to reach Bowser’s final hideout. The play is reminiscent of Super Mario 64, but the twist is the addition of strange and wonderful gravity effects on the many spherical worlds you’ll visit. If you’ve played a 3-D Mario game before, it shouldn’t take long to get used to the change; the superb camera and control system makes it feel more natural than ever, and although you don’t have the same level of camera control you might have had in previous installments, you’ll rarely need it anyway. There are a few instances where you’ll wish you could see around a corner, or a little farther above or below you, but for the most part, it works exactly as you’d want. You can also switch to a first-person perspective if you need a really good look around.
The Wii remote+nunchuk control scheme does not disappoint – controlling Mario feels just as it should, and the only waggling you’re expected to do will be for the new spin attack, which provides a welcome alternative to the traditional jump-stomp combo (which is still a perfectly viable option for most baddies). You can also use the remote’s pointer to grab the multitudes of star bits that bounce around on the surface of most planets. The whole thing is quite natural, and not at all an unwelcome change.
Visually, Mario’s Wii debut will dazzle you from the moment you’re dropped into the Star Festival at the beginning of the game. The graphics are simply stunning, and right off the bat you’ll be treated to a demonstration of lighting and reflection that has (thus far) rarely been seen on the console. The party lasts from start to finish, too – other effects are introduced as you progress through the game, each appropriate to the environment of the galaxy you are exploring. The Ghostly Galaxy, Dusty Dune Galaxy, and Melty Molten Galaxy, to name just a few, are all a joy to behold.
Lastly, no review of Super Mario Galaxy would be complete without mentioning the game’s soundtrack. Nintendo isn’t known for orchestrating their titles, but hopefully Galaxy is indicative of a new trend. After the initial introductions are over and you’re starting into the meat of the game, you will enter the Good Egg Galaxy. Once there, you’ll hear exactly why so much acclaim surrounds Galaxy’s musical experience: it’s almost insulting merely to call it exceptional, outstanding, or marvelous. You’ll play through galaxies you have already completed just to hear your favorite tracks again and again. The sound effects are pretty standard Mario, and the (thankfully little) voice acting borders on cheesy, but the music can’t be faulted.
Overall, Super Mario Galaxy is one of those experiences that only come along a handful of times per console – a true classic that shouldn’t be missed. The primary game (you need 60 stars to beat Bowser) will provide many hours of fun. If any criticism could be leveled at it, it’s that Galaxy isn’t quite as challenging as it could be – especially in the aspect of boss battles. Fortunately, for those looking for a more difficult experience, you can push further into the game to reach some areas that extend beyond the mainstream path. (The Daredevil Comet star in Melty Molten Galaxy comes to mind!) If you press on to collect all 120 stars, you’ll undoubtedly find some personal hair-pulling stages that you’ll have to attempt several times over in order to complete. In any case, to miss out on a triple-A title such as Super Mario Galaxy is to ignore what will certainly be one of the Wii’s highest masterpieces when all is said and done. It deserves a place on every Wii-owner’s shelf.
| Graphics | 9.0 | Possibly the best visual experience on the Wii at the time of Galaxy’s release. I’m sure the console is capable of more, but this game sets a new minimum bar for quality. |
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| Sound | 9.7 | The voice acting is the only downside. The music oozes excitement and adventure, while the sound effects are a perfect fit. |
| Experience | 9.5 | Super Mario Galaxy is synonymous with fun. The side flip isn’t always easy to execute, though, and the general challenge level remains pretty low unless you go beyond the 60 stars required to beat the game. |
| Lasting Value | 9.0 | The entertainment lasts – 120 stars long, in fact. When it’s over, you won’t mind doing it all again. |
| Overall: 9.5 (Not an average) | ||
