One of the biggest franchises by Nintendo has always been the Mario series. When Super Mario Galaxy was released in late 2007, veteran and newcomers a like were pleased as to how the game eventually turned out. It went on to become a successful hit and many could not wait for the inevitable sequel. Since the start of the Super Mario Bros. series on the Nintendo Entertainment System, no one has expected Mario to last this long. With Super Mario Galaxy 2 now available worldwide (New Zealand release, June 17), can fans expect an awesome adventure once again?
The Super Mario Galaxy series was inspired by the 3D platformer Super Mario 64, which was released 14 years ago on the Nintendo 64. Both have the same type of gameplay but with Super Mario Galaxy on the Wii, there is more to it since there are motion controls involved. Comparing the first Super Mario Galaxy to the second one, nothing has really changed in terms of the gameplay. If that’s the case, then what makes Super Mario Galaxy 2 so special? Before starting the review, Super Mario Galaxy 2 is a perfect game in every aspect of platform gaming. Why? Let’s take a look on the HOTs and NOTs of the game:
HOT
Same Old Story
Nothing is really special when it comes to the story in each Mario game. In Super Mario Galaxy 2, Princess Peach is once again kidnapped by King Bowser, who somehow obtains the power of the Stars. As always, Mario comes to the rescue and seeks the help of the Lumas whom he aided once before. Thanks to the Starship that the Lumas give Mario, he can now go and rescue Princess Peach from Bowser while exploring eight different worlds. Throughout his adventure, Mario will be meeting friends that he will be able to recruit on his Starship. Each of them will have a specific purpose. Similar to Super Mario Galaxy, there will be Toadstools that will give Mario some help such as delivering a letter from Princess Peach and other tasks of that nature.
In addition to playing as Mario, Luigi is also featured in the game. In certain levels in Super Mario Galaxy 2, Luigi will offer his help. For gamers who don’t know the difference between Mario and Luigi, Luigi can jump much higher than Mario (plus he wears green in lieu of red). There are levels in Super Mario Galaxy 2 that are solely for Luigi. Whenever Luigi is spotted hanging out in a level, don’t hesitate to switch to him. Besides Luigi, our favorite Nintendo dinosaur, Yoshi will be making an appearance in the game. Similar to Luigi, Yoshi is only playable on certain selected levels. Yoshi will have his own unique abilities from past Mario games. Yoshi can eat enemies such as a bomb and use it as a weapon to destroy other enemies or use it as a destructible shield.
Exemplary Presentation
One of the great features that makes Super Mario Galaxy 2 stand out from the rest of its imitators are the level designs. In the first Super Mario Galaxy we’re all used to going into each Galaxy and doing the upside down adventure while circling a planet. The second game however, has Nintendo polishing the gamplay even more and have become more creative to its approach. Not only will gamers be hopping from one planet to the next, they can now switch back and forth from 2D to 3D and playing with gravity. For Super Mario fans who played the first Super Mario Galaxy on the Wii and Super Mario Sunshine on the Gamecube, they can quickly notice how the second game turns out. Each of the levels in the game are different and adds a lot of variety into it. In other words, each of the levels in Super Mario Galaxy 2 are unique. For the world progression of Super Mario Galaxy 2, there are eight vast worlds that Mario will be exploring. The way Mario moves into each different level is similar to the classic Super Mario Games. Gamers will now have to navigate each levels side-by-side. With a specific amount of Power Stars in possession, Mario can progress to Bowser’s Castle in each world.
New Power-Ups
There are new power ups in Super Mario Galaxy 2 that adds to the excitement and innovation in this game. Power ups that transform Mario into a Cloud or Spring, they are all played well in a level solely created for them. One of the unique Power-Ups that you can find in Super Mario Galaxy 2 is the Cloud Mario where he can summon a Cloud and use it as a platform. For Spring Mario, he can jump so high thanks the power of the Spring that engulfed him. Another power-up that is worth noting is the Rock Mario. By transforming into a ball of rock, Rock Mario can smash things that are destructible in his way or roll around the field. The Drill power up allows Mario to dig down and go through complicated mazes, with Mario trying to find the right way out. There will be some old power-ups that will make an appearance in this game; the Bee Suit and the notorious Fire Flower. The power ups that are available in the game truly helps Super Mario Galaxy 2 have the upper edge when it comes to platform games thanks to its innovative and infectious gameplay.
Cosmic Guide
Playing Super Mario Galaxy 2 offers a variety of challenges. Some of the levels in the game are hard but have no fear, there is a Cosmic Guide feature that allows an AI to control Mario and finish the level. Rosalina’s ghost will be appearing at a certain level where she will offer the power of the Cosmic stars to guide Mario to the end. Using the Cosmic Guide will get Mario finish the level without sweating, but there’s a catch. Instead of obtaining a Power Star, a Bronze Power Star will be given. If one point in time that a gamer decides to do it again, they are freely to do so and if they manage to finish the level without the help of a Cosmic Guide, a Gold Power Star will be awarded.
Mini Games & Motion Controls
Similar to the first Super Mario Galaxy, the motion controls of the Wii Remote will be used in both the levels and mini-games. An example of a mini-game that uses the Wii Remote’s motion control is when racing using the bird. By pointing the Wii remote down, gamers can glide down by moving the Wii Remote down or move it side by side by moving the Wii remote left or right. There are several decent mini games in Super Mario Galaxy 2 that adds variety into it. Obtaining 1-Up can be done by playing a Dice game. Land the dice with the 1-Up faced up, and the 1-Up mushroom will appear. There is also a mini game that allows Mario to defeat certain enemies at a specific amount of time. Kill them before the time runs out and three 1-Up Mushrooms will be acquired. There are a lot of ways to earn a 1-Up mushroom, gamers will just have to explore the vast galaxy and find mini-games that suits your needs. Who knows, instead of a 1-Up mushrooms, a Power Star will be awarded!
Same Concept w/ some New things
For gamers who played the first Mario Galaxy should not feel left out in the game. The concept of the game is pretty much the same. A Power Star is needed to finish a level. A certain level will have multiple Power Stars that Mario can obtain. However, every time Mario attempts to get the different Power Stars littered in the same level, the designs will somehow change. The Starbits that are acquired in the game can now be stored in a bank for safe keeping. While venturing in the vast galaxy, there will be Lumas who will be hungry for Starbits. Feed them the Starbits and they will open up a new level for Mario to explore.
NOT
NONE
I honestly did not find any flaws in Super Mario Galaxy 2. For me, it is a perfect game that everyone will love to play. I’m sure most of you will never get bored by playing it.
VERDICT
A game like Super Mario Galaxy 2 is the reason why Nintendo is still doing good in the industry. It is no lie that Super Mario Galaxy 2 is a perfect game by any means. The variety of levels and innovative designs and gameplay gives gamers an adventure that will be remembered for the many years to come. Fans who loved the first Super Mario Galaxy will not be disappointed with its sequel. Expect tons of re-playability and unlimited adventure with Super Mario Galaxy 2. This game is a good enough reason why you should own a Nintendo Wii.
