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Logo by Max Layne Photography
| Nintendo Wii |
There is no doubt that when the word “Super” and the name “Mario” are tagged together onto a videogame title, it is going to be hit.
“Super Mario Galaxy” is one of those games that was sure to be a hit in the Mario Bros. franchise, not only because it had the popular
plumber, but also because of the enhanced graphics, new controls and a variety of other changes that made it so much better than
previous games in the franchise. Now, “Super Mario Galaxy 2” is ready to take gamers to another level.
There is no doubt that “Super Mario Galaxy 2” uses its predecessor as the foundation, for its game play. Using the same engine,
controls and basic concept, the game was sure to be a hit because the development team could keep what worked, changed what
needed fixing and improve on an already great game. The result is one of the most refined and fun-filled gaming experiences of this
generation.
The original “Super Mario Galaxy” was filled with creativity as it evolved the once innovative 3D platform into something amazing. In the
game players had the ability to roam areas that ranged from standard Mario-style levels to miniature planets with their own gravity, while
still using the same familiar game play mechanics. The sequel takes it up a notch with a lot from the first game, while taking the game
play in new directions with many welcome additions.
It is clear that Nintendo has put a lot of focus in structuring “Super Mario Galaxy 2” in a way that’s accessible to everyone, including
those introduced to the franchise with “New Super Mario Bros. Wii.” This is very obvious with the game’s interactive introduction where
players control Mario in a 2D perspective, allowing players to learn the new controls. Eventually, Nintendo lets go and gives full control
to the player. Not everyone grew up with an analog stick and Nintendo does a great job of making sure this walkthrough is natural and
never patronizing.
The shift in presentation for the game is also applied to the game’s overall progression. The game has been simplified in terms of the
way players move through the different worlds. Now it is similar to the maps of the 2D Mario games of the past. Although it drastically
changes from the exploring for the next challenge, it is a change for the better and streamlines the game for more novice gamers.
This time around Mario’s dinosaur buddy, Yoshi, has been added to the game as well, and he’s handled with much more care and
attention than in any other game. When players take control of Yoshi, it is very different, but also very familiar to Mario’s controls. Yoshi
has tight and intuitive controls, including the ability to use his tongue using the Wii remote’s pointer capabilities. This doesn’t feel out of
place because players will already be focused on grabbing at Star Bits with the pointer controls. While Yoshi levels are restricted to
specific galaxies, they are all very creative with a variety of techniques to use.
This time around Mario also gets new powers and their inclusion fits naturally and is used with just as much focus. The Cloud Suit
allows players to create as many as three safe but temporary platforms by shaking the Wii remote. The Rock Suit allows players to roll
up into a ball and attack enemies, as well as complete a variety of creative challenge.
The best part of “Super Mario Galaxy 2” is the fast that it has been designed to be accessible to anyone of any skill level, but it’s the
hardcore gamers who really get the reward with this game. Every one of the galaxies in the game has a Comet Coin that can be
collected, which will unlock additional challenges within the established level. While players are able to bear the game without going
the extra mile and collecting the coins, it is those that actually go that extra mile that get more than expected.
Like any game ever created, there are always a few issues that work as a downfall for the game. The camera system is the one park of
the game that didn’t seem to get as much attention as it needed. As good as it was, the viewpoint still had a hard time keeping up with
the freestyle, go anywhere nature of Mario. It even gets hung up when Mario would wander around huge planets. The issue wasn’t
nearly as big in “Super Mario Galaxy 2,” with each level having a far more fluid and intelligent camera system following the action. At
some points in the game players will have the ability to shift the camera’s focus using the D-pad if needed, but many times players won’
t have to because the game handles the camera fairly well.
“Super Mario Galaxy 2” brings back the game’s popular cooperative mode, and even improves on it. At any time in the game, a second
player can turn on a second Wii remote and assist Player One by snagging not only Star Bits that he might have missed, but the second
player can also retrieve items that may be out of Player One’s reach. For those who want to keep this simply as a single-player game,
there isn’t much that will be missed by not using cooperative mode. At least players have the ability to give observers something to do
in the game while they focus on the challenges the game offers.
Games in the Mario Bros. franchise have always been universally appealing in their game design and Nintendo has done an amazing
job in making sure that its key franchise is as accessible to gamers of all walks of life. Most of all, “Super Mario Galaxy 2” captures the
classic videogame charm, the exact reason why most gamers got into gaming in the first place.
“Super Mario Galaxy” is one of those games that was sure to be a hit in the Mario Bros. franchise, not only because it had the popular
plumber, but also because of the enhanced graphics, new controls and a variety of other changes that made it so much better than
previous games in the franchise. Now, “Super Mario Galaxy 2” is ready to take gamers to another level.
There is no doubt that “Super Mario Galaxy 2” uses its predecessor as the foundation, for its game play. Using the same engine,
controls and basic concept, the game was sure to be a hit because the development team could keep what worked, changed what
needed fixing and improve on an already great game. The result is one of the most refined and fun-filled gaming experiences of this
generation.
The original “Super Mario Galaxy” was filled with creativity as it evolved the once innovative 3D platform into something amazing. In the
game players had the ability to roam areas that ranged from standard Mario-style levels to miniature planets with their own gravity, while
still using the same familiar game play mechanics. The sequel takes it up a notch with a lot from the first game, while taking the game
play in new directions with many welcome additions.
It is clear that Nintendo has put a lot of focus in structuring “Super Mario Galaxy 2” in a way that’s accessible to everyone, including
those introduced to the franchise with “New Super Mario Bros. Wii.” This is very obvious with the game’s interactive introduction where
players control Mario in a 2D perspective, allowing players to learn the new controls. Eventually, Nintendo lets go and gives full control
to the player. Not everyone grew up with an analog stick and Nintendo does a great job of making sure this walkthrough is natural and
never patronizing.
The shift in presentation for the game is also applied to the game’s overall progression. The game has been simplified in terms of the
way players move through the different worlds. Now it is similar to the maps of the 2D Mario games of the past. Although it drastically
changes from the exploring for the next challenge, it is a change for the better and streamlines the game for more novice gamers.
This time around Mario’s dinosaur buddy, Yoshi, has been added to the game as well, and he’s handled with much more care and
attention than in any other game. When players take control of Yoshi, it is very different, but also very familiar to Mario’s controls. Yoshi
has tight and intuitive controls, including the ability to use his tongue using the Wii remote’s pointer capabilities. This doesn’t feel out of
place because players will already be focused on grabbing at Star Bits with the pointer controls. While Yoshi levels are restricted to
specific galaxies, they are all very creative with a variety of techniques to use.
This time around Mario also gets new powers and their inclusion fits naturally and is used with just as much focus. The Cloud Suit
allows players to create as many as three safe but temporary platforms by shaking the Wii remote. The Rock Suit allows players to roll
up into a ball and attack enemies, as well as complete a variety of creative challenge.
The best part of “Super Mario Galaxy 2” is the fast that it has been designed to be accessible to anyone of any skill level, but it’s the
hardcore gamers who really get the reward with this game. Every one of the galaxies in the game has a Comet Coin that can be
collected, which will unlock additional challenges within the established level. While players are able to bear the game without going
the extra mile and collecting the coins, it is those that actually go that extra mile that get more than expected.
Like any game ever created, there are always a few issues that work as a downfall for the game. The camera system is the one park of
the game that didn’t seem to get as much attention as it needed. As good as it was, the viewpoint still had a hard time keeping up with
the freestyle, go anywhere nature of Mario. It even gets hung up when Mario would wander around huge planets. The issue wasn’t
nearly as big in “Super Mario Galaxy 2,” with each level having a far more fluid and intelligent camera system following the action. At
some points in the game players will have the ability to shift the camera’s focus using the D-pad if needed, but many times players won’
t have to because the game handles the camera fairly well.
“Super Mario Galaxy 2” brings back the game’s popular cooperative mode, and even improves on it. At any time in the game, a second
player can turn on a second Wii remote and assist Player One by snagging not only Star Bits that he might have missed, but the second
player can also retrieve items that may be out of Player One’s reach. For those who want to keep this simply as a single-player game,
there isn’t much that will be missed by not using cooperative mode. At least players have the ability to give observers something to do
in the game while they focus on the challenges the game offers.
Games in the Mario Bros. franchise have always been universally appealing in their game design and Nintendo has done an amazing
job in making sure that its key franchise is as accessible to gamers of all walks of life. Most of all, “Super Mario Galaxy 2” captures the
classic videogame charm, the exact reason why most gamers got into gaming in the first place.
| Genre: Action Developer: Nintendo Publisher: Nintendo |
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