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Mario In The Sky

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 248 / 268
Date: November 12, 2007
Author: Amazon User

When it comes to anticapated games for the Nintendo Wii, many of them have wanted one thing, Mario. It has been nearly a year though since the Wii was launched with The Legend Of Zelda: Twilight Princess as the main attraction, but many die hard fans have been anxious for a game that has delivered the appeal of Super Mario 64 from Mario's hay day. Although Super Mario Sunshine was also a fun game for the Nintendo Gamecube, it just didn't deliver as well as the Nintendo 64 classic had proven. But, Mario has proven his strength earlier this year on the Wii with gems like Super Paper Mario & Mario Party 8 which both worked well as great buys for the Nintendo system, but this is the one that reaches to the stratosphere.

Super Mario Galaxy for the Nintendo Wii, brings in the big guns, as Mario does whatever it takes to save Princess Toadstool a.k.a. Peach from the clutches of Bowser. This time around, Mario takes to the sky to help him in his quest. Along the way, Mario has to collect star bits, which can help him beat enemies and bosses of all kinds, from the classics like Thwomps and goombas, to bigger than life boss battles like a vulgar spider who shoots venom at you, and even a mecha robot that fires bullet bills at you from all different angles.

There are also a few new features here that Mario shines through as well in the game, like specialty suits like the bee suit, which transforms Mario into a bumble bee, that can make mario fly through the Honeycomb stage, where he can collect coins and stars from each of the levels. There is also the boo suit, where Mario can actually become the ghostly menace, Boo in the haunted house level to help him enter ghostly portals that Mario couldn't normally enter, but it also can make the other Boo ghosts quickly fall in love with Mario in the blink of an eye. There are also some returns of classic items to use as well like the Fire Flower, and a new ice flower that Mario could use to freeze his foes on ice.

The graphics in the game are absolutely breathtaking and appeal well to the Wii's eyes, while the music is simplistic and elequent to the ears of Mario fans, especially as he surfs the galaxy. The control is also very simple to manuver, and stays mainly relevant to the palms of the Wii remote and nunchucks' hands. You can also use the Wii remote to help you grapple onto trees and meteors that can help you launch from one platform to another, and you can also use to help you collect star bits, and perform new attacks like the spin move. There is also a new co-op mode where for the first time, two people can play, as you can use another player to help you collect star bits, to help you along your quest, and defeat tougher foes like a giant octopus in the lava, and even giant goombas that are beyond the heights of the world.

All in all, what I love about Super Mario Galaxy is that it is everything Wii owners have wanted in a great game, and more. It is a definite must buy for the Wii that is sure to bring a lot of excitement into die hard Mario fans. This is one game that really brings out the heart at being the best of what the Nintendo Wii has delivered, and that has still shown to die hard Mario fans of all ages. I absolutely recommend it as a great buy on a star-spectacular scale.

Graphics: A

Sound: A+

Control: A-

Fun & Enjoyment: A

Overall: A

True next-gen gaming. The king has returned in arguably his best outing yet.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 15 / 17
Date: November 12, 2007
Author: Amazon User

When Mario first stepped into the third dimension almost a decade ago he forever revolutionized gaming and spawned a legion of imitators and admirers. At that time Nintendo set the standard for 3D camera and animation systems, analog controls, open ended worlds and a host of other novel trimmings. Since then the likes of Sonic, Crash, Jak & Daxter, Banjo, Ratchet and Clank, Sly Cooper, Rayman and even Mario himself (in the form of fan-service Sunshine) have tried and failed to equal his stunning 3D debut. With Super Mario Galaxy you get the same sense of wonder and magic that came with both Mario 64 and the 2D titles that preceded it - perhaps even more so...

While the 'next-generation' of gaming has been upon us for over a year now few titles have exceeded the bigger-and-shinier-is-better variety. Gears of War had gorgeous visuals and an original twist with its duck and cover gameplay. Bioshock offered a unique premise, strong narrative and impressive setting. Ratchet and Clank, Heavenly Sword and Lair all look quite nice but ultimately offer little novelty. Moment to moment, pound for pound, Mario Galaxy is true next generation gaming. You haven't played this game before. While Nintendo could have easily released a retro happy mish-mash of a game with some waggle controls for good measure they've clearly upped the ante by releasing a gem of a game which not only pushes the boundaries of Mario experience but video games in general.

The first thing you notice when hopping into Galaxy is the spherical world model. Ratchet and Clank this is not. If anything it bears more resemblance to the Little Prince and his planetoid adventures. The developers have done some remarkable things with this idea. If Mario 64 was about getting Mario into the third dimension then Galaxy is about warping your sense of space and challenging possibility within it. Your perspective constantly shifts; at times you're "upside down" for extended periods only to realize that the ceiling has become the floor, the ocean has become the sky etc. Gravity is often in flux and you'll be amazed at where you end up (and how you got there). Each of the game's seemingly endless scenarios play out in imaginatively detailed worlds that burst with life. Everything is so wonderfully paced that it constantly feels like the game is reinventing itself along the way.

The Wii controls complement the action nicely and don't at all feel gimmicky or tacked on. Using the Remote pointer for example to collect stars (in place of coins) is clever and intuitive. The overall difficulty of the game has been reworked. It's easier to die now - but 1up's are also more abundant. Expert players can excel and novices will still have a good time. On top of all this the music is incredible. For the first time Nintendo has chosen to record a live orchestra. If ever there were any doubt that Nintendo fashions itself as 21st century Disney look no further than the score. Like pretty much everything else featured here, it's the stuff of magic.

2007: A Super Mario Odyssey

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 15 / 19
Date: November 12, 2007
Author: Amazon User

It has been well over 20 years since the red-capped plumber started his very own adventure. But even after several console and handheld systems later, he is still proving that he is the most recognizable character in the video game world. Back in 1996, Mario made his 3D debut with Super Mario 64, which revolutionized 3D gaming and platforming as we now know it. Super Mario Sunshine on the GameCube further reaffirmed his top status. And now comes his triumphant return on Nintendo's Wii with Super Mario Galaxy. A lot of skepticism came about when first hearing about playing Mario on the Wii. But any previous doubts will immediately be pushed aside the moment you start playing. In the end, it is pure fun and this is a game that progresses the series while still staying true to its roots.

It will be the Star Festival soon, and Princess Peach has invited Mario back to her castle to enjoy the festivities. However, Bowser and his minions foil the event by once again kidnapping the princess. It will be up to you as Mario to not only rescue Peach, but to also recover the power stars to restore the galaxies. The minute you start up the game, you are almost instantly placed right into the action. You'll soar through dreamy worlds, starry skies, and alien planets throughout outer space while defying gravity and meeting all sorts of characters. You can tell Nintendo really let their imagination run wild here. Mario also has more transformations in this game than any other game since, being able to become Fire Mario, Ice Mario, and Rainbow Mario just to name a few. Familiar faces including Goombas, Piranha Plants, and Boos all make a return here as well.

With the controls of the gameplay, Nintendo has once again proved that no one knows their own hardware better. Using both the Wiimote and the Nunchuk to control is done in an almost flawless fashion. Anyone familiar with the controls of Mario 64 or Sunshine will certainly feel at home here, but newcomers should have no problem getting accustomed. The gameplay stays responsive and intuitive even while controlling Mario from various directions (sideways, upside down, etc.). The camera is also one of the best in a 3D platformer, and is a vast improvement over the previous 3D Mario games where your view often gets stuck or is simply in the way. There is also a 2-player option called Co-Star Mode in which one player controls Mario and another collects star bits. It just further adds to what cooperative fun a single-player game could be.

The graphics, despite how simplistic they may be, fit the game's overall image very well. It stays in the tradition of the Mario series while not looking completely backward by today's visual standards. These are among the most creative worlds yet imaginable. The music is also very appropriate for the game's atmosphere which perfectly accents the action, and longtime Mario fans will be happy to know that a few tunes from the older games make a comeback here. Even the classic sound effects can be heard and all these nostalgic elements make the game even more enjoyable for the player. Everything about it makes you feel comfortable while you're exploring each world and it all comes together as a well-rounded interactive experience.

Any fan of the Mario series or Nintendo's games should be able to enjoy Super Mario Galaxy, as well as newbies. But I would also recommend it to anyone who just wants a straight-up title that fuses together the best elements of exploration and action. It isn't overly lengthy and nor is it made to be extremely difficult, which means players of many ages can easily get into it. The only problem would be getting used to the sensitivity of the controls, but one should adjust quite quickly enough that it won't hinder gameplay. Also, if you're playing the game around other people, it might be dizzying or disorienting for those who are watching Mario running upside down. These minor issues aside, it still remains simple, enjoyable, and you can pick it up and just play. As one of the best games to come out in a long while, Super Mario Galaxy fully reinforces Nintendo's philosophy of just simply putting the fun back in gaming.

A crowning achievement

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 60 / 70
Date: November 13, 2007
Author: Amazon User

The classic Super Mario 64 re-defined the platformer for a new generation of gamers. The long anticipated Super Mario Galaxy, what I consider to be the true sequel to Super Mario 64 (sorry Super Mario Sunshine!) re-defines the modern day platformer once again, and is a crowning achievement for the license, Nintendo, the Wii, and video games in general. Princess Peach is in dire straits once again in Bowser's clutches, and Mario embarks on an interstellar quest to save her. The first thing you'll no doubt notice are the game's incredibly stellar graphics. The Wii is far from a technical powerhouse, but Super Mario Galaxy is by far the absolute best looking game to hit the Wii yet. The game's new take on gravity, physics, and puzzles combine to make for some of the most excellent level designs you'll ever come across in your mission to save Peach and collect stars, and the flawless Wii-mote controls only make the gameplay experience even better. There are a bunch of new Mario suits to enhance your abilities (some are easier to get a hang of than others), and the platforming elements, even though they've been taken to new levels here, are a Mario fan's dream come true. If there's any downsides to Super Mario Galaxy, it's that the gravity and physics of the environments may cause some nautiousness for some, and the semi-co-op mode could have been done better, but the overall game is so good that these are extremely minor negatives. All in all, Super Mario Galaxy is undoubtedly the best game to hit the Wii yet, and needless to say is an essential addition to your Wii library. For those that don't own a Wii, give Super Mario Galaxy a try, you'll be quite happy you did.

The "Super Mario 64" for the Wii

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 9 / 10
Date: November 13, 2007
Author: Amazon User

Without a doubt, this is THE game to get for your Wii. While the Wii has recently acquired a great selection of games (with more on the way pre- and post-holiday season), there are very few must-haves. Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Guitar Hero III, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, WarioWare Smooth Moves... and soon, Smash Bros. But I own all of those games, plus much of the rest of the higher end Wii software collection, and Galaxy is without a doubt the best game of the lot. Upon purchasing it, I didn't stop playing for six hours with the exception of the short break where I changed the batteries in my Wiimote. (Caution: addicting)

If you don't own a Wii, this is the game that could change your mind as far as purchasing one. The controls are instinctive, and use every single aspect of the Wii's controls to their fullest. Not only are you using the buttons and joystick, you're shaking the 'mote to perform special attacks and you're aiming the 'mote at the screen to collect items and shoot enemies. And many of the "bonus" levels require you to use the Wiimote in new ways, like the level where you're surfing and are controlled solely by the left/right tilt of the remote. Or the level where you're balanced atop a ball and control the action much like you would in the Wii's version of Monkey Ball.

If you're like I was, afraid that after Mario 64 Nintendo couldn't match their old standards of re-defining gameplay (Super Mario Sunshine seemed to point to that), then worry not. Super Mario Galaxy is, without a doubt, the best video game I've played since my SNES days (and, to be fair, back then I was 12, so maybe my judgment wasn't as clear). Galaxy isn't so difficult that you can't get into it, nor is it too easy that you can't enjoy it due to frustration. Plus, there are so many extra levels beyond "beating the game" that a true fan could easily put as much time in the extras as they did rescuing the Princess in the first place.

In short, this is a game I'd recommend to gamers of all ages and skill levels. If you doubt the quality of the game, just remember this was slated to be released at the Wii's launch a full year ago, but was held back in production to get everything just right. In my opinion, it was well-worth the wait.

Super Mario 64 (In Space!)

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 7 / 9
Date: November 13, 2007
Author: Amazon User

This is by far one of the best games made for the Wii to date. It has multiple hints to Super Mario 64, and is a lot of fun. It is up there with Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (I'm a Zelda Fan too), and I will admit has better graphics. This game is a lot of fun is one of the main reasons I bought a Wii, and trust me it was worth the year long wait. This game is everything it has been hyped up to be. I recommend it!

Amazing

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 7 / 8
Date: November 13, 2007
Author: Amazon User

I can't remember the last time I was ever this impressed with a game. The graphics are stunning for a Wii game and the gameplay is so much fun that it reminds me of the first time I played Super Mario Brothers as a kid. This is a must buy for any Wii owner.

Awesome Game!!!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 5
Date: November 13, 2007
Author: Amazon User

My 9yr old son, has been waiting forever for this game, and has done extensive research about the game (What can I say, he is a huge Mario fan). He got it this afternoon, and it is the greatest Mario game I have EVER seen! The grapics are great and playing is an experience! I love our Wii and am so glad we bought it! This game is just AWESOME!!!!

Just amazing

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 3
Date: November 13, 2007
Author: Amazon User

I am also playing Call of Duty 4 on my XBOX 360 and having these two totally different games to play together is awesome. This is simply the best game on the Wii and probably one of the best games for any system ever.

Nintendo's masterpiece!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 11 / 13
Date: November 14, 2007
Author: Amazon User

Super Mario Galaxy is one of those games you have to buy simply because you own a Wii, because having any Nintendo console (home or handheld) and not owning part of the main Super Mario series is pretty darn near to self-deprivation. So, with reading a shockingly minimal amount of the hype surrounding this game, I pre-ordered and purchased it. I brought it home, and after a brief system update, I was utterly blown away by this incredible creation Nintendo made.

Super Mario Galaxy is, without a doubt, the greatest game on the Wii, the greatest in the Mario series, and quite possibly the best action platformer ever made. Everything from the graphics to the mostly orchestrated music to the actual gameplay itself is virtually perfect.

The 3D Mario games began with Super Mario 64 and continued with Super Mario Sunshine. However, those two games featured busy levels with several missions each...all within the same area (finding stars to move on to new worlds). While that provided incentive to keep playing each level over and over again, it got redundant because nothing was different. It was more like playing an RPG sometimes. What I love about Galaxy is that each level (or galaxy) has three separate and distinct levels, so you're not doing the same thing again and again. Because of this, the game doesn't drag or get tedious...it just keeps getting better. And with 40 vastly different galaxies and a possibility of finding 120 stars, this is more like a 3D Super Mario World, complete with new power-ups and suits for Mario to use.

The graphics...oh my goodness the graphics! I had already succumbed to the thought that the Wii will never measure up graphically with the other next-gen systems. But with Metroid Prime 3, and now this game, it's clear that we're starting to see what this console is capable of! The textures are flawless, the water effects are incredible, and there is no slowdown, flicker or drag at all. Moreover, the galaxies are detailed and colorful, making this the prettiest game you'll ever see! The music is the best of the series. Most of it is fully orchestrated, and it's nice to hear familiar tunes sound so much bigger and expansive. The controls are fun, though not as focused on motion sensing as other games. However, this is not needed in this game, and I'm glad that eloquent control schemes aren't forced on us simply for the sake of showing off (see Lair for PS3!). But the parts that do take advantage of the Wii remote are fun, quirky and extremely enjoyable!

Simply put, this is a must-own title. I simply can't remember the last time I was addicted to a game like I am now. I played for hours on the first sitting and had to rip myself away from it to get some sleep! If you have a Wii, you'll be doing yourself a disservice if you pass this one up.

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