Super Mario Galaxy 2 For Sale

colewthornton | Jul 12, 2010 |

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Pros

* The culmination of the Mario game experience.
* Beautiful graphics, level design, and music.
* Second player co-op.
* Yoshi is back!

Cons

* If you are looking for a narrative, there isn't one, just Bowser stealing the Princess again (which is fine by me).

Full Review

As the title mentions, Super Mario Galaxy 2 is now for sale, and if you have a Nintendo Wii, you should order this awesome Mario game today. A lot of people have waited a long time for this game, and for good reason: this is the culmination of all Mario games that have come before. This game builds on the brilliant first installment of the Super Mario Galaxy line of games, but also integrates aspects of other Mario games past, like a greater focus on 2D gameplay in some levels, and the return of Mario's trusty steed, Yoshi. In typical Nintendo fashion, Super Mario Galaxy 2 is easy to pick up and play for the beginner, but ramps up in diffculty to satisfy the Mario veteran.
Like I mentioned above, Super Mario Galaxy 2 is very similar to the first Mario Galaxy game, but very much improved. Of course you are still traveling from level to level collecting power stars to help you rescue the princes from your nemisis, Bowser (Nintendo has dropped all pretense of a story, with Bowser simply stealing the Princess for no reason). One of the first differences you will notice is you are no longer on a giant spaceship that warps you to different levels, you are now on a tiny planetoid in the shape of Mario's noggin that you fly to different levels on a grid-like map system reminicent of older Mario overworlds. This simplified level selection encourages a more pick-up-and-play mentality as well as streamlining the process for more hardcore players.
Since this Mario Galaxy is more difficult than the first, the developers put in some 'cheats' to help new players out. If you die too many times in a level, you will be given the option of letting the computer play through while you watch to see how it is done. There are also T.V. monitors in certain levels that will show you how to accomplish particularly difficult tasks. These features are all meant to make the later, more difficult parts of the game less daunting for the uninitiated.
The gameplay is tight and if you played the first Super Mario Galaxy it will feel very similar. The motion controls are integrated nicely into the game; they don't feel tacked on or unnecessary. Some levels will have you using motion controls almost exclusively, and those levels are a nice break from the typical Mario platform jumping which will occupy most of your experience with the game. The level designs are amazingly beautiful and imaginative, and many of the star challenges were quite difficult, but not frustratingly so. The levels where you ride Yoshi are fun as well, since Mario fans have not had a 3D Mario game with Yoshi since Super Mario Sunshine on the N64, and never one with Yoshi in his classic role. Mario still can collect a variety of powerups, and Yoshi has a few of his own this time around.
There is also the co-op mode (lovingly called "girlfriend mode") from the first Super Mario Galaxy, but with more interactivity, so a friend can do more than just watch you play through such an amazing game, they can participate in it themselves.
In short, this is a must have Wii title that every Mario fan should own. The challenges are amazing, the gameplay is tight, the graphics and music are beautiful, and it will keep you entertained for hours on end.