Game Review: Super Mario Galaxy

Mario is the most recognizable mascot in the gaming world. Nintendo's Mario games are always very well done and well received, and they count on the Mario franchise (along with Zelda and Metroid) to sell systems. My epic top 50 games list had 4 Mario titles, and if I were to remake it, it would probably have to have a 5th one added.

Cute.

Galaxy is simply a joy to play. It is colorful, easy to pick up, and challenging without being frustrating. Most impressive of all, it manages to be both familiar and innovative at the same time. The way the game plays with gravity puts a welcome twist on the 3d platforming formula, and it's got the usual brilliant level design we've come to expect from Mario. There are also some new suits for Mario, including the bee suit which is cute enough to be a little sickening.

After all these years, it's still Mario vs goombas.

In some ways, Galaxy is essentially Super Mario 64 all gussied up with shinier graphics and a few new twists. Instead of Peach's castle acting as a hub with each painting being a level, you're on a space station hub and launching yourself onto different planets. Like Mario 64, there are 120 stars to collect but you can finish the game with half that many. The Wii control scheme fits pretty well with the game as well, with the motion sensing features implemented well, and not feeling forced or tacked on like many 3rd party Wii titles. While fanboys and douchebags have yammered on about the Wii's graphics being second rate, Galaxy looks as good as anything I've played in the last year. It is bright, colorful, shiny and happy. There is also the occasional tune lifted straight out of some older Mario titles, which tickles my nostalgia reflex.

Super Mario Galaxy is the first must-have title I've played on the Wii thus far.