digibutter.nerr

[Fancy Wario]

Super Mario 64 was one of the best-received games of all time, and with good reason. It quite literally defined how 3D platformers were to be made, in much the same way that the original Super Mario Bros. defined 2D platformers. Its successor, Super Mario Sunshine, failed to live up to it. The game simply lacked the spark that Super Mario 64 had.

Let there be no misunderstandings: Super Mario Galaxy is the sequel to Super Mario 64 that we've been waiting for.

The entire game, from start to finish, is an incredible experience. It does indeed deserve its number one spot at GameRankings. Is it perfect? No. But is it the definitive Mario experience? The answer there is a resounding "yes".

Super Mario Galaxy's presentation is nothing short of masterful. Not only do you have graphics that can hold up to games on the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3, but the game has a cinematic flair to it, as well. Both of these are evident right from the opening stage of the game. Many Wii games suffer from blurry textures when the camera is up close. This isn't the case with Super Mario Galaxy; in fact, I'd even go as far as to say that certain things look better up close. These graphics are simply impossible on the GameCube; anyone saying that the Wii's graphics haven't been improved simply hasn't seen this game in motion.

As good as the graphics are, however, the music is even better. Nintendo, in a bold, yet greatly appreciated move, opted for a full orchestra instead of the MIDI music that they normally use in their games. There is still some MIDI in there, of course, but instead of making up all the music, it instead enhances it in order to give it more of a spacey feel. Every tune in the game is nothing short of amazing. From the moment you hear the opening notes of the Good Egg Galaxy until the final showdown, your ears will praise the heavens for the wonderful melodies that they hear.

Is there honestly anyone out there who doesn't know how Mario games play? I should hope not. Instead of focusing on the elements common to every game in the main series, I'll instead focus on what makes Super Mario Galaxy unique.

For one thing, as you might expect from the name, this game takes place in outer space. Because of this, instead of taking place on one big solid landmass, the game takes place across a variety of different planetoids. As a result, you can go anywhere, even underneath a planet. What make the game really unique, though, are the gravity effects. There is nothing quite as exhilarating as long-jumping off a planet, orbiting it several times, then being pulled into the gravity of a completely different planet. Throughout the entire game, you will be amazed by the clever ways the game uses gravity. Of course, you'll explore your fair share of normal areas, as well, though with some unique twists.

In addition, you'll encounter a plethora of powerups, both old and new. The Bee Suit transforms Mario into a bee (shockingly enough), allowing him to fly through the air. The Boo Suit allows him to turn invisible and float around. The Fire Flower makes a triumphant return as well. There are a few powerups which I didn't mention, but you can look forward to discovering them on your own.

The game, surprisingly enough, doesn't focus on motion sensing all that much. You can point at star bits to collect them, and you can shake the Wii Remote to execute a spin attack, but other than that, there isn't much motion sensing to be found outside of various minigames.

Nevertheless, there are a few slight issues with the controls. The camera is very difficult to control; while it's usually in a decent position, there are times when you'll have to practically fight with it to get it into the right spot, especially when swimming. In addition, swimming controls feel clunky, as well. At times, Mario will decide to go in a completely different direction for no discernible reason. What's most frustrating about this is the abundance of water levels in the game. The problems with the controls become most evident in a certain level where you must guide a Bullet Bill to destroy an anchor; it's ridiculously difficult to maneuver yourself to the anchor correctly. Despite the frustrating controls, though, I don't want you to get the wrong idea. It's still fun, just hard to control.

The game's difficulty is literally perfect. You will die many times throughout it, but due to the abundance of extra lives, you won't get a game over. Personally, I think Nintendo should have just done away with the lives system in the first place, but that's just me. Certain challenges are especially taxing; I applaud anyone who is able to beat Toy Time Galaxy's purple coin challenge on the first try.

With 120 stars to collect, plus the fanservice to end all fanservices when you've beaten the game with all 120, the game's replay value is unquestionably high.

When it all comes down to it, Super Mario Galaxy is not only the single greatest game on the Wii, nor is it merely the best Mario game there is. Super Mario Galaxy is one of the best games of all time. If you have any doubts about buying it, crush them now; anyone who has a Wii and doesn't want this game is, quite simply, an idiot.

FINAL SCORE: 98/100

[Francis]

[Para]

[Almaz]

Weeeeell...

1. 4D. Mario shoes, reinvented Power gloves, and the potential to BE Mario.

2. 3D, yet with even more free-roaming. The ability to manipulate the hub world's setup, as well as create custom 3D levels and camera angles.

3. Full flying control mixed in with 3D experience. More of that "Red Star" and "Wing Cap" feel, but accomplished much better. Also a plus for swimming mechanics.

Of course, these are pure gaming fantasies (or nightmares for some). The next level is unimaginable until it is created.

As for the review, I do admit that it's very nicely-tuned and professional. Bravo.

Oh, but Super Mario Bros 3 IS better than Super Mario World in all areas except controller setup, graphical engine, and Chargin' Chuck. I enjoyed SMB3 on SMAll-stars more than SMW. Of course, I'm very biased and am the one person who cannot play 3D Zelda games.

[Mariofan9]

That's a very great review. I'm really looking forward to playing my own game, now, as well.
That reminds me that I should make some reviews at a certain point as well.