Pros: Fun game, creative level designs, throwbacks to classic Mario games, etc.
Cons: None
The bottom line: As soon as you are done reading this review, get out to your nearest reatiler and pick this game up!
I have been waiting for Super Mario Galaxy since I got a Wii almost a year ago. But as excited as I was for the game, I was also a little nervous. Super Mario Sunshine had been a bit of a disappointment, and now that I have a baby, $50 is a lot to spend on something that is not a sure bet. So, we rented the game from Gamefly and it arrived not too long after the game was released.

If you have played a Mario game before, you know the story. Bowser, that dastardly dinosaur/turtle creature has kidnapped Princess Peach and it is up to Mario to rescue her. This time, Bowser has taken Peach through space, so Mario must travel to different galaxies, visit planets, and complete levels to earn stars in order to power the star station that he is using as a home base.

Each of the galaxies is composed of several clusters of planets. These planets have a theme, like a toyland or a water paradise. These planets are further broken up into levels. Mario will have a specific goal to complete. The planets are fairly linear, and it is not too hard to figure out how to complete the goal and earn the star. Some of the levels are really easy- in one, I had to follow a shark and swim through rings. I thought that I would be timed, but apparently, I just had to swim through the rings- it was that simple!

While the levels are fairly linear, there are multiple opportunities to find secondary paths and earn additional stars. Also, there are “prankster comets” that have special effects on the planets. If you visit a planet while it is under the effect of a comet, you might have to complete the level in a time limit, or with limited life- or you might have to race a shadow version of Mario. If you can complete the level under the special circumstances set forth, you will earn a star!

It is easy to control Mario. You need a Wiimote and a nunchuck. You move Mario with the nunchuck, which you hold in your left hand. You use the Wiimote in your right hand to make Mario spin for a devestaing attack. You can sweep the Wiimote across the screen to pick up star pieces. You can also use the Wiimote to shoot star pieces and stun enemies. Sometimes, you can shake the Wiimote to help Mario climb a vine or swim faster. I have never played a Wii game that had such seamless use of the nunchuck/Wiimote combo. This works much better than it did in the Zelda game.

The planets and the levels are really a lot of fun. The developers did a lot to incorporate the whole space theme. The planets are often composed of miniature universes, made up of small spherical planets. Mario is able to run all around these planets without falling off. In many instances, Mario can run to the underside of a platform to find things. Each galaxy does have a black hole that sucks Mario up, so you do have to be careful. Of course, there are typical Mario elements as well- wall jumps, backflips- the works! And it wouldn’t be a Mario game without an appearance from perpetual underdog Luigi.

I’ve already mentioned the star bits- they are scattered around the levels, and enemies drop them when you spin into them. The star pieces replace the coins in older Mario games- by collecting 50 star pieces, you get an extra life. However, coins are still present- you can regain life by picking up coins. If you are already at maximum life, then the coins are just something that go towards high score.

One of the biggest parts of the Mario games has always been the different mushrooms and forms that Mario can take on. Galaxy does not disappoint- in this game, Mario will become a bee, and a ghost. He can also turn into a spring, and Spring Mario gets my award for “Worst Mario Ever”.

Graphically, this game is beautiful. It is so awesome to see Mario flying through the sky. The worlds are beautiful and full of details. There are always hidden areas to explore, and lots of classical Mario touches. This is also present in the sound as well. Many of the levels have classical Mario music- the “denim denim denim” from Level 1-2 of the original Mario Bros game as well as the theme from Super Mario Bros 3. Galaxy also has its own theme music. Visually and aurally, this game is amazing.

There is a lot to do in this game. You do not have to do the optional levels, but even without that, there is so much to see and do. Best of all, the Mario Galaxy experience can be enhanced by playing with a friend. Yes, that’s right- this game can be enjoyed by two players. While one player controls Mario, the second player can pick up star pieces with a second Wiimote. That second player can also shoot star pieces, and stun/destroy enemies by pointing the Wiimote at them and pressing A. I know that I definitely have more fun when I am playing as a team. Yeah, it is not the same as two characters on the screen, but I absolutelt love the “multiplayer” mode.

I highly recommend Super Mario Galaxy. If you have a Wii, then you need this game. This is probably the only must-have game with mass appeal to everyone that has a Wii. Six year olds, twenty-something parents- everyone will love playing this game. The levels are amazing, and it is easy to waste hours playing this game. You’ll say, “Oh, I’ll stop after I get one more star,” and then find yourself sucked into the game. Mario Galaxy is wonderfully fun and it should not be missed.