Platforming Perfected

Super Mario Galaxy Review

No game in recent memory has generated as much hype as Super Mario Galaxy. Unlike games such as Crysis or Mass Effect, most of Galaxy's hype has not generated by the industry or press, but rather by Nintendo itself. Advertised since 2006 as "the true sequel to Mario 64," the title has a lot to live up to, simply because Nintendo wants us to believe that they have created a game as good as the eleven year-old genre-defining Super Mario 64.

After Super Mario Sunshine's well-designed but ultimately unfamiliar and flawed outing, the industry has a right to approach Galaxy with hesitation. And why not? If Sunshine was an island-based vacation away from the Mushroom kingdom, then Galaxy's space-themed worlds and micro-worlds are so far gone from Mario's roots that it's expected for anyone to approach the game with caution.

But never fear, loyal Mario fans. Nintendo has done on the Wii in 2007 what they did on the Nintendo 64 in 1996. Mario is back and better than ever. Super Mario Galaxy is nothing short of the best video game produced in years.

As where Super Mario 64 defined how 3D platforming should work, Super Mario Galaxy refines the formula to such a degree that it cannot be called anything other than perfect. Of course, it isn't truly perfect, but it's so damn close it may not matter. It is the single best platforming game ever created, and a very close second to Super Mario 64 in terms of potential industry impact.

Galaxy is more rewarding to play than Mario 64 ever could be. Yes, Mario 64 featured timeless game design: mini games, risk and reward, and above all else, exploration. In Galaxy, all the filler is removed: Mario is simply put into each level and given a clearly defined goal, and he must accomplish it. Exploration is still rewarded, but certainly isn't necessary: you can zip to every one of the stars in just a few play sessions (if you're that dedicated), and you will not become bored: variety is Galaxy's strength. No two star tasks are the same (although some similar in nature), and it's amazing to keep playing after the 50th star and still be discovering new places, new directions to walk, and new things to do. Collection tasks are kept small, and when completed usually bring well-deserved success. Boss battles are plentiful, albeit a bit on the easy side.

Controlling Mario is as pleasant an experience as it's always been. The analog control is as tight as ever, and Mario's moves feel responsive. One area that I take issue with, however, is the sometimes confusing movement about the worlds. Because Mario will be right-side up one moment and upside-down or side-ways the next, altering your course on the analog stick can be disorienting for those not able to fully grasp all three dimensions of Mario's world. A little practice will set things straight, however.

Interestingly, major media outlets are right: despite being set in space, Galaxy feels like a return to the Mario of yore. Familiar faces are all over: enemies, allies, graphics, worlds, and especially music. This is indeed a proper evolution of Mario, and although the space theme may be of concern for some, rest assured that all the elements that make Mario's universe special fit just right in Galaxy. I'm glad to see the franchise where it is now, and I look forward to what's in the future.

Finally, Galaxy brings with it something that's been missing in games for a long, long time: the Nintendo magic that makes a game simply a joy to romp around in. Exploring Galaxy the first time through is just as awe-inspiring as jumping around Super Mario 64 was in 1996. The diversity of forty-odd levels increases this exploration factor even more, although levels are not equally huge across the board.

A few technical notes. Galaxy is a beautiful game from front to back, and runs extraordinarily well on the Wii. Water distorts, sun shines, lights glow, and everything is displayed with a rock-solid frame rate to boot. The camera system is Galaxy is largely automatic, but is thus far the best 3D camera ever implemented in a video game, period (first person shooters don't count!).

All in all, the 120 stars, dozens of worlds to explore, classic music, tight control, colorful graphics, and pure Mario charm should keep players glued to this game for quite some time to come. Say hello to your new platforming king, Super Mario Galaxy!