Game Review: Super Mario Galaxy 2

We adult nintendo fans don’t have a lot to brag about to our playstation and xbox bretheren. But the few things we can brag about, really do hold a high quality that can not be denied by anyone. Zelda is one, Donkey Kong is another, Metroid is a heavyweight but leading the way is the ever awesome Mario.

Mario galaxy 2 is the latest from the fine folks at nintendo and like all major Mario titles, it’s platform gaming at it’s finest. Each level has a star to collect which opens up other levels to conquer on the world map. But, as I myself pondered when it was on it’s way : is Mario Galaxy 2 any different from Mario Galaxy 1?

Ultimately the short answer is no, with exception to a few new ability mushrooms and, of course, Yoshi, but more on him later. MG2 can, at times, feel like a really big expansion pack rather than a new game of it’s own which could be a large chunk of the reason why the title is one of the few numbered sequels in the Mario catalogue. But, you know what? Who cares! Mario Galaxy 1 was a brilliant game and, in my eyes, the true successor to one of the best games ever made, Mario 64.

Don’t go thinking the levels in MG2 will be a walk in the park however. Often there have been times, and from quite early on in the game, where a part of a level will just stump your brain. A bit of head-first optimistic gung-ho gaming will usually harbour a good result and you will find yourself smiling when you accidentally figure out a puzzle or get past what would seem like an impossible feat. And god that is a great feeling! The clever thought that has been put in these new levels is so evident at every turn and they continually throw new things at you. Never do you feel like any corners have been cut or the level designers wanted an early night. So even the hardcore Mario freaks will get a challenge here. The team at nintendo even packed a tutorial DVD into the game case because they just wanted to throw the player in the deep end straight away rather than use up precious disc space on easy training levels. Great idea. Although the DVD won’t play in the Wii because it doesnt support DVD playback but hey, it’s the thought that counts, right?

The new abilities granted to his Mario-ness are the cloud-shroom and rock-shroom. The cloud-shroom lets you make up to 3 temporary suspended platforms but they don’t regenerate so you have to use them wisely. The rock-shroom lets Mario form up into a boulder and spins you off at high speed but the big addition to this game is the lovable Yoshi.

Yoshi has an obvious speed increase over our moustachioed friend and the ability to eat up enemies, rocks and plants with his big red tongue. Around the worlds you will find some hot peppers which give Yoshi a head of steam and bolts him straight forward and up walls at warp speed where your reflexes will be tested to dodge and weave around verticle obstacles so as not to fall to an untimely demise. The controls for Yoshi are not second nature right away. Nintendo have made sure that Yoshi does feel different to Mario. Much in the same way that a V8 supercar feels different to walking. It requires you to be more alert but it’s sooooo much more satisfying and dammit, the chicks love it!

So everything’s here. The great music, the drool worthy graphics (especially that it’s only in standard definition!), the fantastic controls, a boggling array of abilities and a massive variety in gameplay that all Mario games are reknown for. If you haven’t tasted the amazingness that is Mario galaxy, I would recommend starting on the first but as soon as you finish it, snap this puppy up immediately!