DigitalBattle’s Super Mario Galaxy Review

Let’s get something out of the way right off the bat. Super Mario Galaxy is the game of the year for the Wii, no ifs ands or buts. There isn’t even a contest for the distinction, as Super Mario Galaxy really is in a world (or galaxy) of its own. The only other title you could purchase on the console that holds the same level of depth and polish would be last years Zelda: Twilight Princess. Nintendo in recent years was in a downward spiral, its console wasn’t performing very well, platformers were a dying breed, and Mario was getting old.

Then Miyamoto came along and once again reinvigorated the franchise to go right along with the new consoles success. We all know Super Mario Galaxy represents the pinnacle in gaming, and you should pick up a copy, but just how good does Mario compare to other classics, even his own? We’ll touch on that shortly.

On so many other titles on the Wii, the Wii remote has really become an added gimmick, often needlessly including motion controls for something better mapped to a button. Mario Galaxy impressively did not become a victim of this trend, instead incorporating Wii controls only where they made sense and actually improved the quality of the title. Mario’s jump is mapped to the A button, the nunchuck is reserved for movement and camera centering, while the IR sensor works as your onscreen cursor and B reserved for shooting star bits. It works, it feels polish and solid and that’s something few Wii titles have managed to achieve thus far. The twist of the game is the spin attack, mapped to shaking the Wii remote. It’s responsive and the feedback feels great.

But, where Mario Galaxy really takes off is the planet system. I had some reservations about it initially, while running around spheres was definitely going to be an interesting addition, I was not sure if it would quickly become old, or the old large platforming stages would be missed. Most of the Galaxies in the game do represent this new breed of gaming, jumping between major objects of interest. However, the traditional stage design is still blended throughout, some stages being almost devoid of planetoids completely. It’s varied and interesting enough that the design never does get old, and is actually quite the interesting method of separating areas to make for an overall more graphically impressive game.

Super Mario Galaxy looks as impressive as it plays. Unfortunately, no matter how much we don’t want it to be, the Wii is a less powerful system. Super Mario Galaxy is the most graphically impressive game on the Wii and blows many high definition games on 360 and PS3 out of the water, but we are left with wondering what they could have done with a stronger hardware. Given the choice, between Wii controls or HD, the controls really make the game more than the lack of HD output potential. Camera control has been pushed as one of the big flaws on the title, but for the majority of the game it did not get in my way or distract from the experience in any major way.

One of the really cool features of Super Mario Galaxy that I did spend a good time with was the co-op play. I actually played through the first quarter of the game co-operatively with a non-gamer, and we had quite a blast doing so. It does fill a niche, a hardcore gamer would probably not put up with the secondary role for long, but for a strong gamer and a bystander; it’s actually a lot of fun. I will say, having learned the ins and outs of the game with a helper, I actually felt quite gimped once I continued on solo. Let’s be honest, not all of our friends are hardcore gamers, so when we have the opportunity of being challenged and letting a less experienced player join in the fun, and not be overwhelmed in the process, it’s an amazing feature.

Super Mario Galaxy in total holds over 120 stars, 60 of which are required to beat the game. Overall, I felt the run through 60 stars on the easy side, while once you start getting past 90 stars, the game really starts to get challenging. I think 90 stars would have been a more appropriate goal to complete the game, as there was simply so much that was left to explore when the game was ready to be completed. Of course, you can just avoid the final battle for a while, while you collect more stars, which is actually something I did. Call me a completionist.

When all is said and done, Mario is held to his own incredibly high standards. Even the so-called flops in the series are amazing top tier games. In that regard, Super Mario Galaxy for me was the true sequel to Mario 64, and in my opinion outdid it, proving to be the best 3D Mario title yet. Every Wii owner will have Wii sports in their collection, but it’s Super Mario Galaxy that absolutely needs to be the crowning achievement of their collection.

Final Score: 98/100

Hits: The rebirth of the platformer, amazingly tight controls, beautifully rendered, challenging and amazingly well thought out. Best game on the Wii, period.
Misses: If only we could have had it in HD! Some individuals find the camera clunky.