Super Mario Galaxy Reviews

• Mario In The Sky

  
  By A3W4D8XOGLWUN5 on 2007-11-12
  When it comes to anticapated games for the Nintendo Wii, many of them have wanted one thing, Mario. It has been nearly a year though since the Wii was launched with The Legend Of Zelda: Twilight Princess as the main attraction, but many die hard fans have been anxious for a game that has delivered the appeal of Super Mario 64 from Mario's hay day. Although Super Mario Sunshine was also a fun game for the Nintendo Gamecube, it just didn't deliver as well as the Nintendo 64 classic had proven. But, Mario has proven his strength earlier this year on the Wii with gems like Super Paper Mario & Mario Party 8 which both worked well as great buys for the Nintendo system, but this is the one that reaches to the stratosphere.
  
  Super Mario Galaxy for the Nintendo Wii, brings in the big guns, as Mario does whatever it takes to save Princess Toadstool a.k.a. Peach from the clutches of Bowser. This time around, Mario takes to the sky to help him in his quest. Along the way, Mario has to collect star bits, which can help him beat enemies and bosses of all kinds, from the classics like Thwomps and goombas, to bigger than life boss battles like a vulgar spider who shoots venom at you, and even a mecha robot that fires bullet bills at you from all different angles.
  
  There are also a few new features here that Mario shines through as well in the game, like specialty suits like the bee suit, which transforms Mario into a bumble bee, that can make mario fly through the Honeycomb stage, where he can collect coins and stars from each of the levels. There is also the boo suit, where Mario can actually become the ghostly menace, Boo in the haunted house level to help him enter ghostly portals that Mario couldn't normally enter, but it also can make the other Boo ghosts quickly fall in love with Mario in the blink of an eye. There are also some returns of classic items to use as well like the Fire Flower, and a new ice flower that Mario could use to freeze his foes on ice.
  
  The graphics in the game are absolutely breathtaking and appeal well to the Wii's eyes, while the music is simplistic and elequent to the ears of Mario fans, especially as he surfs the galaxy. The control is also very simple to manuver, and stays mainly relevant to the palms of the Wii remote and nunchucks' hands. You can also use the Wii remote to help you grapple onto trees and meteors that can help you launch from one platform to another, and you can also use to help you collect star bits, and perform new attacks like the spin move. There is also a new co-op mode where for the first time, two people can play, as you can use another player to help you collect star bits, to help you along your quest, and defeat tougher foes like a giant octopus in the lava, and even giant goombas that are beyond the heights of the world.
  
  All in all, what I love about Super Mario Galaxy is that it is everything Wii owners have wanted in a great game, and more. It is a definite must buy for the Wii that is sure to bring a lot of excitement into die hard Mario fans. This is one game that really brings out the heart at being the best of what the Nintendo Wii has delivered, and that has still shown to die hard Mario fans of all ages. I absolutely recommend it as a great buy on a star-spectacular scale.
  
  Graphics: A
  
  Sound: A+
  
  Control: A-
  
  Fun & Enjoyment: A
  
  Overall: A
  
  

• A Mario above all Marios...

  
  By A30IP3E4MDQ36 on 2007-11-17
  I had very high expectations from this game and so far it has exceeded them.
  
  Graphically it's just beautiful, stunning and just plain amazing. Screenshots just don't do justice for the game.
  
  In many ways it plays like Mario 64. And don't take that as a bad thing, what I mean is that the game feels very intuitive as to how the mechanics work which makes the learning curve nearly nonexistent.
  
  Some of music and sound in the game are a kickback to all of the older Marios that we have all played. What is a Mario game without some Super Mario 3 music?
  
  But the main thing for me is how fun and different it is. Even though it seems like you might have already done this or that in another game, it adds a completely different twist to it that makes it more exciting and fun then anything you have ever played.
  
  Super Mario Galaxy has completely revolutionized the way you think of a platformer. And at this point the bar has been pushed so high it's galaxies (pun intended) beyond any other platformer I have played or probably will play for years to come.
  
  Plain and simple, this is the game to own on the Wii!
  
  

• A crowning achievement

  
  By AJKWF4W7QD4NS on 2007-11-13
  The classic Super Mario 64 re-defined the platformer for a new generation of gamers. The long anticipated Super Mario Galaxy, what I consider to be the true sequel to Super Mario 64 (sorry Super Mario Sunshine!) re-defines the modern day platformer once again, and is a crowning achievement for the license, Nintendo, the Wii, and video games in general. Princess Peach is in dire straits once again in Bowser's clutches, and Mario embarks on an interstellar quest to save her. The first thing you'll no doubt notice are the game's incredibly stellar graphics. The Wii is far from a technical powerhouse, but Super Mario Galaxy is by far the absolute best looking game to hit the Wii yet. The game's new take on gravity, physics, and puzzles combine to make for some of the most excellent level designs you'll ever come across in your mission to save Peach and collect stars, and the flawless Wii-mote controls only make the gameplay experience even better. There are a bunch of new Mario suits to enhance your abilities (some are easier to get a hang of than others), and the platforming elements, even though they've been taken to new levels here, are a Mario fan's dream come true. If there's any downsides to Super Mario Galaxy, it's that the gravity and physics of the environments may cause some nautiousness for some, and the semi-co-op mode could have been done better, but the overall game is so good that these are extremely minor negatives. All in all, Super Mario Galaxy is undoubtedly the best game to hit the Wii yet, and needless to say is an essential addition to your Wii library. For those that don't own a Wii, give Super Mario Galaxy a try, you'll be quite happy you did.
  
  

• Fun but frustrating....a step back to arcade Mario

  
  By A37CPER3ESRN5I on 2008-01-20
  If you are a great fan of the days of pure Mario platform gaming, then you will love this game. It is platform gaming at its finest...and most frustrating.
  
  My complaints are these:
  
  The camera angles are often locked, but when the camera is not fixed, your control over it is extremely limited. This can be quite toublesome, considering you are in a fully 3D environment, and to make a successful jump - especially onto a moving target - can depend entirely on your view. This also can make spotting extras and secrets a matter of luck.
  
  Since Mario 64, the first two Paper Marios, and, most signifiantly, Super Mario Sunshine, I have come to expect a certain level of RPG gaming in my Mario games. There is virtually none of that in this game. And there are no side quests to speak of. Many folks who love the original Mario platform games will be thrilled with this aspect. I, however, was disappointed.
  
  Along the lines of RPGing, you do go around collecting stars and coins. But these lead to another complaint of mine. The stars you collect become superfluous by the time you are done with the first set of galaxies. You'll never, ever need as many of those stars as you collect. Unlike Donkey Kong 64, where you needed to find all the bananas or never meet up with all the bosses, you will have more than enough stars to open up all the special galaxies many times over. And although collecting 50 stars will give you extra lives, as soon as you turn off your game, those lives are gone. You start at 3 lives each time. The coins, too, are barely useful. As soon as you die in a level, your coin count drops to 0. So although you may be vigilant and capture every coin leading up to a point, once you restart a level midway through, you've lost all that work, AND you cannot go back and recollect without restarting the entire level. To me, this means there is just no point in wasting time and effort collecting the darn things in the first place.
  
  I also found the loss of control of Mario to be too frequent, and very frustrating. Spring Mario has a mind of his own; there are no subtle movements with him. The best you can hope for is that he lands about where you meant him to. And, as always, any Mario hit by flame runs around like a madman, and if you are trying to navigate some small platforms at this point, you can kiss your life goodbye. I do fully realize this is not exclusive to this game, but because of the 3D environment and difficult camera angles, there is very little you can do to save the idiot once he's been burned and is not near a rather large piece of land.
  
  And finally, a problem I found most irritating with the Wii Super Paper Mario, and now this game - there is no getting around cut scenes or dialog. Grrrr! You're fighting Bowser at the last level. You die. Again. You start from the beginning. Again. And you have to watch the cut scene. AGAIN. And you have to read the dialog. AGAIN! And all you want to do is get back on that stupid planet and have it out with Bowser! The best you can do is to slightly speed up the dialog by holding down the A button, but that is small consolation. Heck, just getting to the last Bowser fight forces you to sit through the same cinema, again and again.
  
  Okay, what DID I like? It was beautiful. Thriving, lively graphics. Some clever levels (oh, a complaint is coming on - not nearly enough puzzles...heck, were there really any puzzles?....you were lead right to the goal, with nothing really to solve or figure out in order to get there, just some fast hand-eye coordination needed).
  
  Bottom line...I found this game to have more things that were irritating than were fun. For those of you who loved Super Mario Sunshine and Donkey Kong 64, maybe Ratchet and Clank and Spyro, but are not such fans of the first three Super Mario Bros. games, or other strictly platforming games, you might also be disappointed and find this game frustrating.
  
  

• Disappointing

  
  By A2U4HUOAYQWXW8 on 2007-11-15
  Mario has lost his way since the days of the 8 bit nintendo. While Super Mario Galaxy is an improvement from Sunshine, I think that Mario 64 is better than Galaxy. The best of the Super Mario series of course being 1 and 2.
  
  I found the orientation of Galaxy to be disorienting and uncomfortable. As Mario, you move from planet to planet as levels. The object typically being to find and collect the Super Star. Each planet is like a ball that you run around on, but the camera does not change perspective. [..]
  
  Graphically, this game looks good for a Wii game, though only somewhat better than what you would expect from a Gamecube. The music scores are orchestrated, but uninspired. The music from the old 2D Mario games were much more spirited.
  
  
• Fun for a while, but gets boring
  By A3RQDCJ6PHPUWD on 2007-11-29
  This game is addictive - very addictive. It does have a lot of unique qualities and takes advantage of the Wiimote action (though only the buttons on the nunchuck). Time really does fly by when you get into playing this. It's really fun too - well, at first.
  
  While the galaxies are really pretty, the fact that you have to visit and play through a galaxy 6-7 times in some cases can make for really boring gameplay. Seriously, if I have to go to Good Egg Galaxy for one more freakin' star, I'll let Bowser have at it. Also, the comets are annoying. I hate having to complete comet challenges to get a star and wish the game would have done away with these altogether. These two things dropped my rating to 4 stars.
  
  Some other negatives of the game dropped it down to that three-star level though. I get that Mario is the hero and all, but do the other characters have to be so completely useless. Peach is, of course, in Bowser's clutches, and Luigi needs help, as does every other person in the game it seems. Even Roselina needs help, though you do start wishing Mario would just hook up with her and leave Peach to her own devices. The other main negative is the camera. Most of the time, it is intuitive and works well. Sometimes though, the camera decides to throw caution to the wind and stick you with a wonky angle. This is frustrating, especially when the camera decides to follow a certain galaxy's boss instead of Mario, resulting in yelling at the game about how you can't see what you are doing.
  
  So, overall the game is good. It has flaws though in repetitiveness, camera issues, and having to help every single person.
  
  
• 2007: A Super Mario Odyssey
  By A3BC8YL69NOCUP on 2007-11-12
  It has been well over 20 years since the red-capped plumber started his very own adventure. But even after several console and handheld systems later, he is still proving that he is the most recognizable character in the video game world. Back in 1996, Mario made his 3D debut with Super Mario 64, which revolutionized 3D gaming and platforming as we now know it. Super Mario Sunshine on the GameCube further reaffirmed his top status. And now comes his triumphant return on Nintendo's Wii with Super Mario Galaxy. A lot of skepticism came about when first hearing about playing Mario on the Wii. But any previous doubts will immediately be pushed aside the moment you start playing. In the end, it is pure fun and this is a game that progresses the series while still staying true to its roots.
  
  It will be the Star Festival soon, and Princess Peach has invited Mario back to her castle to enjoy the festivities. However, Bowser and his minions foil the event by once again kidnapping the princess. It will be up to you as Mario to not only rescue Peach, but to also recover the power stars to restore the galaxies. The minute you start up the game, you are almost instantly placed right into the action. You'll soar through dreamy worlds, starry skies, and alien planets throughout outer space while defying gravity and meeting all sorts of characters. You can tell Nintendo really let their imagination run wild here. Mario also has more transformations in this game than any other game since, being able to become Fire Mario, Ice Mario, and Rainbow Mario just to name a few. Familiar faces including Goombas, Piranha Plants, and Boos all make a return here as well.
  
  With the controls of the gameplay, Nintendo has once again proved that no one knows their own hardware better. Using both the Wiimote and the Nunchuk to control is done in an almost flawless fashion. Anyone familiar with the controls of Mario 64 or Sunshine will certainly feel at home here, but newcomers should have no problem getting accustomed. The gameplay stays responsive and intuitive even while controlling Mario from various directions (sideways, upside down, etc.). The camera is also one of the best in a 3D platformer, and is a vast improvement over the previous 3D Mario games where your view often gets stuck or is simply in the way. There is also a 2-player option called Co-Star Mode in which one player controls Mario and another collects star bits. It just further adds to what cooperative fun a single-player game could be.
  
  The graphics, despite how simplistic they may be, fit the game's overall image very well. It stays in the tradition of the Mario series while not looking completely backward by today's visual standards. These are among the most creative worlds yet imaginable. The music is also very appropriate for the game's atmosphere which perfectly accents the action, and longtime Mario fans will be happy to know that a few tunes from the older games make a comeback here. Even the classic sound effects can be heard and all these nostalgic elements make the game even more enjoyable for the player. Everything about it makes you feel comfortable while you're exploring each world and it all comes together as a well-rounded interactive experience.
  
  Any fan of the Mario series or Nintendo's games should be able to enjoy Super Mario Galaxy, as well as newbies. But I would also recommend it to anyone who just wants a straight-up title that fuses together the best elements of exploration and action. It isn't overly lengthy and nor is it made to be extremely difficult, which means players of many ages can easily get into it. The only problem would be getting used to the sensitivity of the controls, but one should adjust quite quickly enough that it won't hinder gameplay. Also, if you're playing the game around other people, it might be dizzying or disorienting for those who are watching Mario running upside down. These minor issues aside, it still remains simple, enjoyable, and you can pick it up and just play. As one of the best games to come out in a long while, Super Mario Galaxy fully reinforces Nintendo's philosophy of just simply putting the fun back in gaming.
  
  
  
  
• True next-gen gaming. The king has returned in arguably his best outing yet.
  By A2J189Z7DGRP60 on 2007-11-12
  When Mario first stepped into the third dimension almost a decade ago he forever revolutionized gaming and spawned a legion of imitators and admirers. At that time Nintendo set the standard for 3D camera and animation systems, analog controls, open ended worlds and a host of other novel trimmings. Since then the likes of Sonic, Crash, Jak & Daxter, Banjo, Ratchet and Clank, Sly Cooper, Rayman and even Mario himself (in the form of fan-service Sunshine) have tried and failed to equal his stunning 3D debut. With Super Mario Galaxy you get the same sense of wonder and magic that came with both Mario 64 and the 2D titles that preceded it - perhaps even more so...
  
  While the 'next-generation' of gaming has been upon us for over a year now few titles have exceeded the bigger-and-shinier-is-better variety. Gears of War had gorgeous visuals and an original twist with its duck and cover gameplay. Bioshock offered a unique premise, strong narrative and impressive setting. Ratchet and Clank, Heavenly Sword and Lair all look quite nice but ultimately offer little novelty. Moment to moment, pound for pound, Mario Galaxy is true next generation gaming. You haven't played this game before. While Nintendo could have easily released a retro happy mish-mash of a game with some waggle controls for good measure they've clearly upped the ante by releasing a gem of a game which not only pushes the boundaries of Mario experience but video games in general.
  
  The first thing you notice when hopping into Galaxy is the spherical world model. Ratchet and Clank this is not. If anything it bears more resemblance to the Little Prince and his planetoid adventures. The developers have done some remarkable things with this idea. If Mario 64 was about getting Mario into the third dimension then Galaxy is about warping your sense of space and challenging possibility within it. Your perspective constantly shifts; at times you're "upside down" for extended periods only to realize that the ceiling has become the floor, the ocean has become the sky etc. Gravity is often in flux and you'll be amazed at where you end up (and how you got there). Each of the game's seemingly endless scenarios play out in imaginatively detailed worlds that burst with life. Everything is so wonderfully paced that it constantly feels like the game is reinventing itself along the way.
  
  The Wii controls complement the action nicely and don't at all feel gimmicky or tacked on. Using the Remote pointer for example to collect stars (in place of coins) is clever and intuitive. The overall difficulty of the game has been reworked. It's easier to die now - but 1up's are also more abundant. Expert players can excel and novices will still have a good time. On top of all this the music is incredible. For the first time Nintendo has chosen to record a live orchestra. If ever there were any doubt that Nintendo fashions itself as 21st century Disney look no further than the score. Like pretty much everything else featured here, it's the stuff of magic.
  
  
• What use is a game if it doesn't bring out the child in you?
  By A1QJZ9B2SG5CIR on 2007-11-20
  Super Mario Galaxy is something special. It is filled with adventure, humor, suspense and most of all, enjoyment.
  
  On the weekend, I played with my three year old nephew. I controlled direction via the nunchuck and gave him the wiimote.
  
  I kinda thought he would get bored very quickly but the little guy was an absolute genius picking the game up! When I wanted him to attack something I yelled "shake it!" and he swiftly took care of all the cutest bad-guys you could possibly imagine! When I yelled "FLY!" he had no problem pressing the "A" button and sending Bee-mario buzzingly up into the sky! He was absolutely enthralled and loving it!
  
  This game is class. Perfect for kids and rejuvenating for adults.
  
  This holiday season, don't delay - this is the game you MUST play!
  
  
• not very challenging
  By A2JF2G49WO6NGX on 2007-11-20
  I have a few problems with the game, but small ones.
  
  First of all, I've had the game for a week and have already collected 60 stars. That is a ridiculously fast pace compared to Mario 64. The game presents little challenge in most of its levels. The levels are generally short, and it is easy to collect 10 stars in a single hour if you get on a roll. Not exactly what I would call an epic game. I find myself really getting into a level and enjoying it, and then all of a sudden I see myself right at the star and say, "isn't this just a little too easy?" The pace of the game is too fast. Maybe I am biased, since my favorite game for Wii so far has been Zelda: Twightlight Princess, a game that is very long and which has dungeons that take several hours to complete, but it just seems like this game is not as challenging and LONG as it should be.
  
  With that said, I think the levels are ridiculously inventive, and the graphics are great. The music at times is hauntingly wonderful, and I have a genuinely fun time playing the game, although I am disappointed that it is not more challenging.
  
  Those of you who said that this is the best game for Wii, I have to strongly disagree. Zelda: Twilight Princess is by far the best title for Wii, and probably the best game that has been out since Nintendo 64 launched Mario 64, possibly even better. This is a great game, but Zelda is by far more challenging. The fact that Galaxy is extremely unique is its strength, and I have had a great time playing it, but it is not even in Zelda's league.
  
  Update 12.7.07: I've had the game 3 1/2 weeks now, and I have 112 stars. Some days I don't even play the game, and some days only for about 1/2 hour. The game has become more challenging, but not nearly as tough as Mario 64. Simply put, while the graphics and layout of the game are awesome, it just doesn't present the challenge I expected.
  
  
• The Definitive Mario Masterpiece.
  By A2999NM3UHRUOK on 2007-11-15
  Every once in a while, a game comes along that instills a giddy, gleeful feeling to those that play it. Super Mario Galaxy does this and so much more, unlike any other game I can remember. SMG is nothing but pure fun, it's as simple as that. It is the sum of all the Mario greatness through the past few decades and manages to ultimately stand at the pinnacle of Nintendo's many creations.
  
  Without giving much away, SMG is, in many respects, a homage to the wonderful Super Mario Bros. 3. There are certain sequences in the game and melodies which will immediately spark that awesome nostalgic feeling from playing the Nintendo classic from 1990. However, Super Mario Galaxy is its own juggernaut of a game, offering gameplay that transcends pretty much every video game out on the market, past and present.
  
  The gameplay is tight, smooth, and just creates a magical experience. I should really emphasize the "magical" part of the last sentence. SPM is so charming and vibrant, it's almost magical. The various galaxies that Mario traverses are all very diverse and detailed. Some of the things that you can do with Mario will bring a big smile to your face as these are the things that can only be experienced in this Nintendo fantasy land. One of the engrossing elements is the ability to use the Wiimote to point at the screen and capture star bits. Mario Galaxy is the type of game that even after logging in many hours going through the galaxies, it never gets old. There is simply too much charm and innovation throughout the entire game.
  
  The music, from the beginning, is very impressive and brings so many memories flooding back. You can tell that the music was created and used carefully to ensure that it would further engross the player in the Mario universe. The main theme that plays in the background of the primary area is a wonderfully orchestrated piece that I have still yet to be tired of.
  
  Super Mario Galaxy is just all about having a good time. For those that have grown up with Mario, then this is pretty much a flawless gift from Nintendo. Memories will flood back through the astounding gameplay, characters, environments, and music. There are many times when my jaw was on the ground at how engrossing this game is. Super Mario Sunshine may not have fully been able to capture the magic of Super Mario 64 but I can safely say that not only does Super Mario Galaxy capture the brilliance of Mario 64, it eclipses it. This is the ultimate platformer, and the ultimate Mario game. You don't really need to read any reviews for this game, it's just too good by its own standing.
  
  
• Old School Made Better By the Wii! Thank You~:)
  By A30FTVF4DL8ISN on 2007-12-10
  For all you old-timers (like me) who thought that Mario Brothers meant hopping up and down on the heads of little characters to grow in size and earn lives, here is a probably the closest example of perfection in terms of OLD SCHOOL videogame values meeting a new Game Platform. If you're like our family, we bought Super Paper Mario and Mario Party 8 when they first came out. And, while my kids seemed mildly entertained, it left me kind of scratching my head, wondering "What is this?" I didn't "get it." And, when we popped Super Mario Galaxy into the Wii, and up flashed these full screen graphics telling the story, I was thinking, "Uh-Oh" here comes another disappointment. Then, we started playing the game.
  
  You run. You gain skills. You chase. You jump. You maneuver. You climb. You fly. You spin. You stomp. Oh my gosh! How much fun is this game? So much so, that even first timers are left smiling and asking the same question, "Can I try that again?" Another thing that I really love about this game: A SECOND PLAYER can assist with strategy and with "picking up stars" for points and lives, and can hold down a creature with sort of a mini-forcefield beam.
  
  This game literally transports you to another world (actually world after world if you can make it). It makes you smile thinking, "what next?" It's a puzzle which makes you experiment and think about how to solve the riddle? Like how do I get inside there? How do I outmaneuver that creature?
  
  The music is awesome. It blends this upbeat theme which keeps you pumped up and at the same time inspires you. A few times my kids actually jumped up with joy raising their hands in the air like Rocky! How amazing! A toy that actually UPLIFTS your spirits! I knew this was a hit when my son asked for playing time with the game instead of his usual television programs which sort of feel flat and uninspired after seeing and experiencing this game.
  
  If you're a first time player, you're going to want to create a file for yourself so you can save your progress. Save the extra files and keep them blank until you have guests over who want to try from the beginning of the game. As you step forward, keep in mind that every level is to teach you how to do something. How to run. How to get used to the 3-D graphics. How to jump. How to avoid things. And, mostly, how to be curious and explore. There are free lives hidden in cool places. There are skills that you can acquire along the way that make your character stronger.
  
  When you repeat a level, it is for a purpose. To build your strength and endurance. It helps you get to another place. The biggest positive lesson I get from this game is to never quit. Just keep going. If there were ONE GAME that you could buy for your Wii, THIS IS IT, FOLKS. It is a smashing example of Old School Videogame values meets this rockin' new platform.
  
  Our favorite creature to date was on one of the earlier levels. Sort of a gigantic egg-headed creature with a long tail. The first time you figure out how to defeat it, you sort of burst out in laughter. You look at the way the game plays out and you just marvel at the game programmers. BRAVO and BRAVA! Way to go, Nintendo! What fun!
  
  
  
• Nintendo's masterpiece!
  By A3JUMMIGJ7B38X on 2007-11-14
  Super Mario Galaxy is one of those games you have to buy simply because you own a Wii, because having any Nintendo console (home or handheld) and not owning part of the main Super Mario series is pretty darn near to self-deprivation. So, with reading a shockingly minimal amount of the hype surrounding this game, I pre-ordered and purchased it. I brought it home, and after a brief system update, I was utterly blown away by this incredible creation Nintendo made.
  
  Super Mario Galaxy is, without a doubt, the greatest game on the Wii, the greatest in the Mario series, and quite possibly the best action platformer ever made. Everything from the graphics to the mostly orchestrated music to the actual gameplay itself is virtually perfect.
  
  The 3D Mario games began with Super Mario 64 and continued with Super Mario Sunshine. However, those two games featured busy levels with several missions each...all within the same area (finding stars to move on to new worlds). While that provided incentive to keep playing each level over and over again, it got redundant because nothing was different. It was more like playing an RPG sometimes. What I love about Galaxy is that each level (or galaxy) has three separate and distinct levels, so you're not doing the same thing again and again. Because of this, the game doesn't drag or get tedious...it just keeps getting better. And with 40 vastly different galaxies and a possibility of finding 120 stars, this is more like a 3D Super Mario World, complete with new power-ups and suits for Mario to use.
  
  The graphics...oh my goodness the graphics! I had already succumbed to the thought that the Wii will never measure up graphically with the other next-gen systems. But with Metroid Prime 3, and now this game, it's clear that we're starting to see what this console is capable of! The textures are flawless, the water effects are incredible, and there is no slowdown, flicker or drag at all. Moreover, the galaxies are detailed and colorful, making this the prettiest game you'll ever see! The music is the best of the series. Most of it is fully orchestrated, and it's nice to hear familiar tunes sound so much bigger and expansive. The controls are fun, though not as focused on motion sensing as other games. However, this is not needed in this game, and I'm glad that eloquent control schemes aren't forced on us simply for the sake of showing off (see Lair for PS3!). But the parts that do take advantage of the Wii remote are fun, quirky and extremely enjoyable!
  
  Simply put, this is a must-own title. I simply can't remember the last time I was addicted to a game like I am now. I played for hours on the first sitting and had to rip myself away from it to get some sleep! If you have a Wii, you'll be doing yourself a disservice if you pass this one up.
  
  
• Wow is an understatement!
  By A15UQN9VS6L5IO on 2007-11-14
  Well, we had to wait a year after the launch of the Wii for this game, and was it worth it? Heck Yeah! This is the most fun I've had with a Mario game since Super Mario Brothers 3 (which is now on my VC since the day it got released to VC), I can't think of anything bad to say about this game, the theatrics were at a good moderation, unlike it's predacessor, Super Mario Sunshine, and there was no annoying talking FLUDD thing (Which in itself was an improvement). To say that this isn't this seasons must-have game would be just plain ignorance. Speaking of Super Mario Sunshine, despite what some PS3 fanboys, and gamespot . com might say, you can tell the difference in graphics big time! I, myself went out of the way to play a board or 2 of every single key mario game since Mario Brothers, and compared to SMS, the picture on SMG is beyond UNBELIEVABLE! To say that the Wii is just another Game Cube, is now an official falsehood! If you don't wanna take my advice, do the judging yourself, but you can't be judging through PS3 fogged glasses, you have to be very open when observing it for yourself. Nintendo came through big time.
  
  
• About TIME!
  By A160X3WQQR9TWP on 2007-11-26
  Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R7CAC3BO21ZRZ Finally Nintendo puts out a Super Mario Bros. game for the Wii. The game has a great Nintendo 64 feel and the content is awesome. Lots of stuff to do and just the design is great. If you buy any Wii game, BUY THIS ONE!! You will not be disappointed.
  
  
• Not for me
  By A1UZUQTDFG385R on 2008-01-15
  I bought this game based on the glowing reviews, both at amazon and elsewhere.
  I have to admit that I'm disappointed. I found the game to be childish. There was excessive dialogue that i couldn't skip past. Spent way too much time reading from fairy-like creatures.
  Graphics are good, actually great by Wii standards, and i don't doubt this is the best mario bros for wii. Found gameplay to be very easy, but granted, i've only played an hour, so i've only conquered the easiest levels.
  Overall, this game was not ust not for me. I much prefer a game like guitar hero, but that's just this 30 year old male's opinion. I'm sure younger folk would adore this game. I don't doubt other non-kids like this game too. Just not for me.
  Personally, i doubt i'll log another hour into the game.
  
  
• The "Super Mario 64" for the Wii
  By A382FYXPR2UYTC on 2007-11-13
  Without a doubt, this is THE game to get for your Wii. While the Wii has recently acquired a great selection of games (with more on the way pre- and post-holiday season), there are very few must-haves. Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Guitar Hero III, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, WarioWare Smooth Moves... and soon, Smash Bros. But I own all of those games, plus much of the rest of the higher end Wii software collection, and Galaxy is without a doubt the best game of the lot. Upon purchasing it, I didn't stop playing for six hours with the exception of the short break where I changed the batteries in my Wiimote. (Caution: addicting)
  
  If you don't own a Wii, this is the game that could change your mind as far as purchasing one. The controls are instinctive, and use every single aspect of the Wii's controls to their fullest. Not only are you using the buttons and joystick, you're shaking the 'mote to perform special attacks and you're aiming the 'mote at the screen to collect items and shoot enemies. And many of the "bonus" levels require you to use the Wiimote in new ways, like the level where you're surfing and are controlled solely by the left/right tilt of the remote. Or the level where you're balanced atop a ball and control the action much like you would in the Wii's version of Monkey Ball.
  
  If you're like I was, afraid that after Mario 64 Nintendo couldn't match their old standards of re-defining gameplay (Super Mario Sunshine seemed to point to that), then worry not. Super Mario Galaxy is, without a doubt, the best video game I've played since my SNES days (and, to be fair, back then I was 12, so maybe my judgment wasn't as clear). Galaxy isn't so difficult that you can't get into it, nor is it too easy that you can't enjoy it due to frustration. Plus, there are so many extra levels beyond "beating the game" that a true fan could easily put as much time in the extras as they did rescuing the Princess in the first place.
  
  In short, this is a game I'd recommend to gamers of all ages and skill levels. If you doubt the quality of the game, just remember this was slated to be released at the Wii's launch a full year ago, but was held back in production to get everything just right. In my opinion, it was well-worth the wait.
  
  
• The Video Game Equivalent of Fantasia
  By A1CXNTLATG1HVE on 2007-11-14
  This Near Perfect Game has received a combined critical score from 38 magazines and game sites of 9.8! That score is higher than Halo 3, Gears of War, Call of Duty 4, Assassin's Creed, The Orange Box, BioShock, Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, God of War, Resident Evil 4 and as far as I can tell every other game so far!
  
  This is as close as a video game has ever come, in my opinion, to something that could actually be considered a real and True work of Art. The orchestrated soundtrack, beautiful, The colors, brilliant, the game, Mind bending Fun! Art is something that either brings enjoyment or changes the way we see and/or feel, perceive, or it does both, and at least for video games this accomplishes both triumphantly. M. C. Escher as well as Walt Disney would be awed by this magnificent creation.
  
  This All ages release will bring joy to children and teenagers and make adults feel like children again. It's like a trip to the Magic Kingdom, a ride on a roller coaster, a beautifully animated movie, This game is like other Classic Video Games, like other Classic Mario games, and in the future even after there is another Nintendo people will seek this game out to experience what is sure to become a timeless Classic.
  
  Is this the best game ever? Is this the best game of this current generation of consol gaming? Maybe to both but who can really answer such a question because opinions and tastes differ but what 38 professional video game reviewers and I agree on is this is one of the best Must play video games on the market today.
  
  If there is any higher praise then this is it, this is worth buying a Wii for and if you already have one then this game should be without question at the top of your buy list.
  
  
  
• Mind blowing level design + no camera issues + fun
  By A1PIMQOPRFXSP8 on 2007-11-14
  Pro:
  -- Level Design is unique and jaw dropping
  -- Camera behaves great, doesn't get stuck
  -- Fantastic colors, characters, animation, and sound
  -- Incredibly fun, I had to MAKE myself stop playing
  
  Con:
  -- You probably will initially get motion sickness
  -- Voice work (lack of) is not great
  
  This is a must own for the Wii. Once you get the hang of the control scheme and overcome that bout of queasiness it is addictive. I am 37 and my son is 5 and we take turn playing and have a blast.
  
  
• Out of This World
  By A29BQ6B90Y1R5F on 2007-11-14
  Mario is a huge staple in gaming. When a Mario game comes out it can't just be "good" it has to be "great." In the past, Mario games have defined the platformers of their generation. From Super Mario Bros. over 20 years ago, to Super Mario 64 bringing platforming into 3D in a whole new light. Super Mario Sunshine, however, did not turn nearly as many heads as Super Mario 64. Understandable, seeing as how Super Mario 64 is a tough game to compare to. Super Mario Galaxy does compare, though. While it doesn't reinvent the wheel, it serves as an example of why Mario continues to rule the platforming genre.
  
  Mario has never been a game to pick up for its storyline. As usual, things are peaceful in the Mushroom Kingdom. In this case, they're enjoying the star festival. As usual, Bowser comes in and decides to stir up trouble. He ends up kidnapping Princess Peach and once again its up to Mario to go rescue her. In order to reach Bowser's hideout, though, he'll have to collect power stars to do so. It borrows a lot from Super Mario 64 in the plot development, but this is hardly the same game. Like all Mario games, the story is simplistic. We've been saving Peach for over 20 years and it won't be stopping soon. You do not pick up Super Mario Galaxy for its storyline. It's all about the gameplay.
  
  Like every Mario game, Galaxy is easy to pick up and learn but incredibly difficult to master. Through your travels you'll control Mario as you tackle the bad guys of the Galaxy. Mario's basic movies are all here. He can jump, triple jump and spin. It's very similar to Super Mario 64. The obstacles in Mario's way however range from Bowser's troopers to natural disasters like black holes. Getting every single star can be a tough task. Like the other Mario games in the past, though, it isn't necessary to get every single star in order to fight the end boss.
  
  There are also suits for Mario can wear in his travels. There is the usual flower power and invincible star, but you'll also find new suits. There's the bee suit, which lets Mario fly. He can turn into a Boo and go through walls. He can even become a spring. Needless to say, there's a lot of variety in this gameplay.
  
  There are several Wii games where the motion sensor controls have either been overused or they feel downright tacked on as an afterthought. In Super Mario Galaxy that's not the case. The motion sensor controls are not overused, nor are they forgotten about. From time to time you may find yourself rolling a ball around using the Wii remote like a joystick. Or you might be surfing on a manta ray. You'll shake the remote to execute Mario's spin move, and there's also a star you can control to pick up star bits and fire them off at enemies.
  
  There's also a multiplayer aspect to Super Mario Galaxy, but it's certainly not all that engaging. Player 2 can use a separate remote to control a star and collect star bits and shoot them at enemies. Player 2 can also hold enemies still for Mario and make him jump. That's really all there is. Nothing more. It's interesting at first, but it's hard to shake the fact that player 2 just doesn't do a lot of anything.
  
  Visually, Super Mario Galaxy is a pretty good looking game. By far the best the Wii has to offer. The detail is just incredible and the environments are gorgeous looking. There's also a great deal of attention done with the physics. It's fun to just jump up and watch Mario get pulled into the gravitational pull of another object. It's pretty cool stuff. If there was anything wrong with Super Mario Galaxy's presentation it would be that the player doesn't have complete control over the camera. The camera work isn't bad but from time to time there will be an object in your way. Luckily, this doesn't happen often enough to be a problem.
  
  The game also sounds brilliant. Easily some of the best music the series has ever had. You'll hear remixed tunes from previous Mario adventures as well as whole lot of new stuff. It's perfectly orchestrated. There isn't a whole lot of voice acting in Super Mario Galaxy aside from Mario's shouts and screams and Bowser grunting. This probably won't bother most players as there isn't much story in the game anyway.
  
  Super Mario Galaxy is a great game. It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it has fantastic gameplay that is unmatched and unparalleled. If you're a Wii owner, this is the game to get.
  
  Pros:
  
  +Strong and varied gameplay
  +Gorgeous looking environments
  +There's co-op play for those who want it
  +The game sounds really good
  +Tight intuitive controls
  
  Cons:
  
  -The multiplayer is not very involving
  -The player doesn't have control over the camera, which can be a burden in some spots
  
  
• First Impression
  By A1ERWR5A8OVLDH on 2007-11-16
  I bought the Prima Official Game Guide book. I believe that this will help this almost 65 year old technogeek play Super Mario Galaxy (SMG) and get unstuck.
  
  When I loaded the game the first time it updated my Wii console software. Then SMG asked me to pick a Mii, presumably for saving the game. After selecting the Mii SMG spun the Mii completely around showing the back side of the Mii! That was very cool. The game doesn't start showing the Bowser attack video until after you run down the path into town. One can only wonder what kind of personal gift Princess Peach had in mind for Mario.
  
  You've already read all the good stuff about SMG but here's some minor glitches. At times your TV screen goes black while the Wii console reads the disk for the next part of Mario's adventure. The camera view doesn't always move with Mario so you'll be running around a planet upside down at times. I noticed that Mario didn't turn as hard on the run as my joy stick button wanted him to. You will see characters like Princess Peach and Rosalina moving their lips talking to Mario but you hear no speech. All you get is a sign board and background music. Maybe Peach and Rosalina were speaking silent Japanese.
  
  This game was running great until my Mario got killed inside the metal planet just before the Comet Observatory. No matter. I've got the book to tell me how make Mario advance. SMG will only save your game at certain stages.
  
  I hooked up a Wii S-video cable to my Sony Wega but couldn't tell much difference from the standard Wii cable video quality.
  
  I'm sure this game puts the Wii CPU and video processor to its full maximum capacity. This game will not disappoint. Five Stars Plus.
  
  
• Fun, but....
  By A26D03RF4FZIOJ on 2007-11-22
  This is a fun Mario game but it is too easy and repetitive. It's a very visually appealing and I enjoy it, but it's NOT a challenge to rack up stars easily and quickly. Perhaps this game is aimed at a young audience, maybe 8-12, and for them it could in fact be more challenging... but even young children are often pretty advanced in their video gaming skills....
  
  The game is addicting though... I enjoy playing to get just one more star.. I'm glad I purchased it but I've had it two days and already have 52 stars... the game just goes by very quickly.
  
  
• To the Infinity and Beyond!
  By A2G0KS2DQPFI9U on 2007-12-02
  Super Mario Galaxy is THE GAME for the Wii. Admittingly, I wasn't that terribly impressed with all the games that has been released on the Wii console so far. The nunchuk controller performed terribly on some games, The Simpsons and Spider-man 3. I did have plenty of fun with Super Paper Mario Bros., okay, that's because it's a first party title from Nintendo. Most first party games from Nintendo are more fun to play with than 3rd party ones.
  
  Mario Galaxy could be said to be the true official sequel to the groundbreaking Super Mario Bros 3 and Mario 64 on their respective platforms. An instant classic. The moment you can move Mario on the analog control on the nunchuck, you wouldn't want to let go of the controls. It's really easy! With the wii-mote, you no longer have to rush towards whatever you need to grab. In this case, star-bits can be collected by pin-pointing on the screen. Lives and 1-Ups are not a major concern here because you can collect lives easily but everytime you reload your saved game, you get a standard of 4 lives. To be honest, each level boss looked intimidating and huge in size, but they are really easy to defeat once you find the vulnerable spot.
  
  I had the most fun playing Mario Galaxy this past week. Thank goodness for this game as I was beginning to doubt whether I should have bought a PS3 or X-Box 360 instead of the Wii.
  
  
• Camera angles, sub-standard responsiveness weigh this game down.
  By A30KT5L2BOU2YG on 2007-12-08
  Like many of the rest of you, I have been waiting for this game since the Wii debuted last year. Now that I have it, I'll join the ewww-and-ahhh-ers in saying that the game is exceptionally visually appealing. In fact, it's cute as hell! I disagree with those who have said that it is a big improvement from Super Mario Sunshine. I don't think it's much different at all, except for the increase in power-up variety. It shares the same concept of a large area with different portals (here, 'galaxies') that you have to go back to several times each to complete different objectives.
  
  In fact, it shares the same problems with the previous game which I had hoped would have been improved significantly upon with the new Wii platform: the camera angles and responsiveness. Also, there are certain objectives that are just plain irritating and not fun at all (e.g., 'A Very Spooky Spring'--I don't think I have ever been so frustrated playing a game as I have been completing this particular objective).
  
  It's a shame considering that, had more work been put into the camera angles alone, I would've enjoyed this game much more. In stead, it's just an average game as far as I'm concerned. Metriod Prime 3 and Zelda: The Twilight Princess are far superior.
  
  
• This game is NOT challenging...too easy :(
  By A3E7TA8OGYJ75J on 2007-12-28
  Don't get me wrongl; the graphics are top-notch and the score is great, but this game is way too easy. I have a feeling Nintendo purposefully made it a little easier since more and more adults are playing the Wii nowadays, and Nintendo wanted to grab their attention. I mean, Mario Sunshine and Mario 64 were challenging, but fun. Galaxy, however, you can complete a course within minutes, and you die very rarely. But, the game is enjoyable...worth $50? Probably not...
  
  
• Super Mario 64 (In Space!)
  By A2EZNOV0LMTTYV on 2007-11-13
  This is by far one of the best games made for the Wii to date. It has multiple hints to Super Mario 64, and is a lot of fun. It is up there with Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (I'm a Zelda Fan too), and I will admit has better graphics. This game is a lot of fun is one of the main reasons I bought a Wii, and trust me it was worth the year long wait. This game is everything it has been hyped up to be. I recommend it!
  
  
• Amazing
  By A1SO8IONFJBOTR on 2007-11-13
  I can't remember the last time I was ever this impressed with a game. The graphics are stunning for a Wii game and the gameplay is so much fun that it reminds me of the first time I played Super Mario Brothers as a kid. This is a must buy for any Wii owner.
  
  
• A Shining Star of the Wii!
  By AZMY4JTRKMX9V on 2007-11-18
  I have to really hand it to Nintendo. Not since Super Mario 64 has a Mario game impressed as much as Super Mario Galaxy does.
  
  If you have played Super Mario 64, or Super Mario Sunshine, you will find that the game structure of Galaxy is very similar. Of course, in an effort to save Princess Peach from Bowser who plans on stealing control of the universe with the use of Grand Stars, you must go to many different galaxies to get back those Grand Stars, and obtain regular Stars and Star Bits that will aid you in finding and rescuing Princess Peach. Every galaxy holds different atmospheres and environments, so they all hold their own unique way of getting around (literally) and their own roster of enemies. Of course you will encounter many classic baddies such as the Koopa Troopa, Boo, and the Goomba, but there are also many new ones this time around. Each galaxy will give you many opportunities, or missions, to obtain stars which in turn, allow you to unlock more galaxies. Think Mario 64, but instead of a castle with many different rooms and paintings with corresponding worlds, there are many different galaxies, solar systems, and planets. Each solar system (which has about 5 galaxies holding anywhere from one to five stars) will give you a chance to defeat a member of the Koopa family and steal back a Grand Star, which gives power to Mario and his band of good guys.
  
  There are also many opportunities to achieve bonus stars (or hidden stars) and also discover hidden galaxies, and there is no pressure to finish 100% of the game, meaning you don't have to get every single star in a galaxy to move on. So if one star mission is kicking your [...], you can skip and return to it later, or not at all. The surprises don't end there, there are things such as Comets that put a unique spin on galaxies and their missions (you'll have to play the game to know exactly what I mean ^.^ ).
  
  The premise of the game is very unique, but the gameplay is what puts other games to bed. When exploring galaxies you will be able to move from planet to planet (depending on your mission). Some planets boast a "globe" environment on which you can walk to polar ends, so at some point Mario might be walking upside down. But this isn't so for the entire game. Some planets have the Mario 64 feel with a classic laid out 3D environment. Wii Remote use in this game is very integrated, but not to the point of being tiring. Some galaxies and missions require more use of the Wii-mote than others. For instance, Mario will be asked to "Ray-Surf" at some point, and in order to do so you must point the Wii-mote straight at the screen and tilt left and right to steer, avoiding falling off the track. Mario's basic attack move will be executed by simply shaking the Wii-mote, and his jumping will still be executed with the A button. And throughout the entire game you will collect Star Bits by making Mario touch them, or pointing the Wii-mote at them (this comes in handy when collecting star-bits from a distance).
  
  You will become immersed in this games environment. The graphics are very good (so far one of the best I've seen on a Wii game), the soundtrack is very nice, and for long time Mario fans you will love the renditions of classic songs from various Mario games. The gameplay is nothing short of awesome, and all in all incredibly addictive. You might find yourself doing what I do: "Just one more galaxy before bed!"
  
  This is a must play game! In my humble opinion, this game is the star of the Wii console. Keep it up Nintendo, you haven't lost your touch one bit!
  
  
  
  
• Fun, but easy
  By A14XS6MBI8H5NB on 2007-12-18
  Got this game over a month ago and it is a good game. Fun and entertaining, but pretty easy. The game doesn't escalate in difficulty very much from the beginning to the end. Worth the play, but I was hoping for more of a challenge. I'm working on getting all of the stars (you don't need them all to finish the game) which is more laborious than fun at this point.
  
  
• Classic References and New Elements
  By A3V6Z4RCDGRC44 on 2008-02-16
  A game intended to continue the line set by Super Mario 64 and later Super Mario Sunshine, Super Mario Galaxy is the latest in Nintendo's star franchise. Exploring the depths of space, Super Mario Galaxy braves a new frontier and also returns to many familiar settings.
  
  As per usual, the game centers around rescuing Princess Peach from the grip of Bowser, who uses a spaceship to steal Peach's entire castle. Mario, attempting to defend her, is flung into space, where he encounters the Luma, friendly star-shaped creatures. The Luma take him to their "mama", Rosalina, who operates a space station / observatory. Bowser has stolen the Grand Stars that power the station, and they must be retrieved to chase after him.
  
  The space station is the central hub of the game. The player arrives after receiving a Grand Star, which is used to power the first doorway. This doorway leads to several different "galaxies" - collections of floating planetoids - with more being accessible the more stars are collected. Each collection of galaxies ends in one of Bowser's bases, where a full-strength Grand Star is hidden. Much like Mario 64 and Sunshine, each galaxy represents a stage, and there are different objectives to go after (with a selection screen to determine which one you want to go after). The galaxies themselves consist of small planetoids with their own gravity; this can be disorienting at first, as you are essentially running across a sphere that is holding you down, instead of across a flat plain. You can jump up and you'll just fall back inwards to the planet, though the camera is usually above the planetoid and not right behind you (which is also a bit confusing). You must jump from planet to planet using the Luma's star launchers, which are usually unlocked through some deed on the various planetoids. There are a wide variety of galaxies, ranging from the "main" galaxies - with story events and multiple stars - to the "bonus" galaxies that tend to only have one star but are given in a minigame or similar test (for example, the Manta Ray surfing games that use the Wii remote to steer and boost).
  
  The gameplay itself, apart from the planetoids, is similar to earlier 3d Mario games. Mario jumps and hops the same as other games, though his melee attacks are replaced by a spinning attack. Mario can still fall into "pits", though due to the gravity this usually means the planetoid's exposed core or a black hole. Another big difference is that the player also uses the Wii remote's cursor to collect Star Bits - little colored pieces of stars that can be used to shoot enemies or feed the Lumas. Many parts require a certain amount of star bits to feed a hungry Luma so that he transforms into a new planetoid or even a galaxy. Furthermore, collecting 50 star bits gets you a level up (this is also true for coins, which normally restore health). Mario has some new powerups, too; in addition to old standards like fireballs and flight, Mario now also has a Bee Mushroom (which allows him to fly and climb on certain walls), a Spring Mushroom (which gives him more jumping power in exchange for some reductions to other abilities), and a Boo Mushroom (which turns him into a Boo, the series' famous ghosts, and pass through walls). Finally, a co-op mode is available where one player takes the role of the cursor, collecting star bits and shooting them at enemies, as well as several other boosts that can be given to the first player that make the game easier (for example, stunning enemies and giving Mario a jump boost).
  
  The graphics are the bright, colorful, rounded graphics familiar to Mario fans, though they are smoother and brighter with the Wii's technology. The levels are varied, but tend to be fairly bright and cheery. The music is similarly cheerful, with a HUGE amount of callbacks to old games, with recognizable songs from the original Super Mario Brothers, Super Mario Brothers 3, and Super Mario World. Sound effects are often of a musical nature, providing a sort of active symphony as you fight bosses or enemies.
  
  As a whole, this game seems much more like a return to the classic days of Mario gaming. With an abundance of references to old games and a lot of new elements as well, Super Mario Galaxy is well suited to continuing the tradition that the Mario games have upheld.
  
  10/10.
  
  
  

• Electronic Gaming Monthly
• Play
• Tips & Tricks Magazine
• Wii Wireless Sensor Bar

• Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games
• Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga
• Super Mario Galaxy: Prima Official Game Guide
• Wii Nunchuk Controller
• Wii Charge Station