In the first
week of September, 1996, an unfamiliar controller caught my attention. It was
attached to a new kiosk at Blockbuster and, after staring at it for a few
seconds, I realized what I was looking at: Nintendo 64, the long-awaited SNES
follow-up that was not yet available for purchase. The game inside was Mario 64,
and for the next hour I was transported to a groundbreaking, genre-defining
universe that to this day has not been outdone.
I had a similar
experience nearly 10 years later in the middle of May, 2006. But I wasn’t in a
Blockbuster, I was in the overcrowded LA Convention Center at what would become
the last true E3. Nintendo Wii was making its North American debut, and along
with that showing came the first playable demo of Super Mario Galaxy. Featuring
the most unique worlds of any action/adventure, Mario Galaxy’s innovations were
instantly apparent. The game continued to impress at the following year’s E3
summit, as well as the consumer game show E for All.
As amazing as
those few levels were, they did not reveal the secrets that Nintendo had planned
for Galaxy. They did not hint that the finished game would be somewhat of a
swan song for Mario – a reunion of the plumber’s greatest moments re-created in
his largest and longest – and as far the levels are concerned, most innovative –
adventure yet. It is not in the least bit a rehash, and it will not be the
final Mario game, you can count on that.
But if it were
the final chapter, we could exit knowing that the series had a perfect
conclusion. Every villain, collectible, and power-up has a meaningful role in
Galaxy. What players are about to experience is a game that will stay with them
for as long as the first Mario – one that you will want to play through an
infinite number of times, and one that will inspire other developers to re-think
the way action/adventures are made.
If you want the
surprises to come from the game, read no further. There is no way to continue
this review without spoiling most of Mario Galaxy’s greatest moments. But if
you’re too anxious to wait any longer, or have yet to be sold on the game’s
groundbreaking world designs, then stay with me as I take you through a universe
you most certainly have never seen before.
Planetary
Illusions
For those who
may not know the concept behind Mario Galaxy, here’s a quick recap. Each world
(level) within the game is called a galaxy, and each galaxy is comprised of
several planets. These planets are often spherical but can come in any shape or
size. The amazing thing about them is that, through the use of an incredible
engine, Mario can walk around these planets from any angle. When the plumber
reaches a ledge, he doesn’t fall off – he walks around the planet,
causing the camera to adjust for gameplay that’s more than three-dimensional.
Now that you’ve
been brought up to speed, it’s time to look past the content of trade show
demos, starting with the new and returning power-ups. As previously revealed,
Mario has new bee and Boo (ghost) transformations. As Bee Mario, players will be
able to hover and grip honeycombs to climb certain planets. Ghost Mario has the
power to walk through thin barriers.
Spring Mario is
wrapped in a spring that allows him to jump several times higher than normal. It
also stiffens the controls. Mario has a hard time walking while wearing this
suit, causing him to hop forward like a Slinky rolling down the stairs. Ice
Mario turns lakes, fountains and other water sources into solid platforms, while
the dark-suited Mario can fly over and around planets with greater control than
his winged hat allowed in Mario 64.
These power-ups
are wonderful, but the biggest surprise came from an old upgrade I feared would
never appear in 3D form: Fire Mario. He’s finally back and, with a flick of the
Wii remote, can throw fireballs at his opponents.
Ghost Mario can become transparent and walk through certain
obstacles, but he’ll lose that ability if caught by the light.
To Infinity
and Beyond
With these
power-ups – as well as the standard, Goomba-stomping Mario – the Mushroom
Kingdom hero will transcend worlds that are nowhere near Peach’s castle.
Starting in the observatory, a hub for world navigation, players can visit the
first of six domes, each of which contains numerous galaxies. Galaxies are
unlocked with Star Power (from collected stars), and domes are unlocked by
retrieving grand stars from the boss at the end of each dome. Star bites, the
colored crystals dispersed in each world, can be used to unlock bonus galaxies
with bonus stars hidden inside.
This setup
gives players the option to go through the game in several different orders. The
only restriction is that you need a certain number of stars to continue
progressing, which means you won’t be able to finish the last battle first.
Mario 64 created and popularized this style of world progression, and it works
well to regulate Mario Galaxy without taking away our freedom.
Galaxy designs
aren’t just innovative – they are also extremely cool. Only Mario can make a
beehive interesting. And only Mario would even think about having an entire
bonus stage that’s shaped like a cake. Ice and fire worlds return, each of which
offer a unique take on Galaxy’s gravity-defying gameplay system. Players will
also revisit the airships of Mario 3, and battle enemies from every game except
Sunshine (the only Mario game with enemies that aren’t worth remembering).
Some planets
feel more like traditional Mario 64 worlds. The beach bowl level is a giant
half-sphere that’s overflowing with water. Swim to the edge to watch the water
pour off the sides. Inside the bowl you’ll see penguins, Koopa shells, and other
elements that make this planet feel grounded. But it’s not – you are still
trapped in space. Hop on one of the star transporters (used to soar across
planets) and you’ll be launched to other, less stable areas of the galaxy.
Every level
within this game is unique. However, there are a few recurring sections within
some of the galaxies – accessed by entering a pipe – that will remind players of
the recurring underground areas from the first Mario. The most common is a
small, brick-covered room that gives you the chance to get used to controlling
Mario sideways and upside down. Arrowed ramps connect each wall; run up any of
the ramps and Mario will cling to that wall as if he were standing on solid
ground. He can jump as normal and perform the same moves.
The camera,
however, does not change, and the controls are now different because of the
adjusted gameplay perspective. Cross the ceiling ramp to walk upside down. It
feels weird at first – you won’t be sure where to push the thumbstick. But it
won’t take more than a couple of hours for these and other gravity-changing
elements to become second nature. Before long, the controls will feel as natural
as Mario 64.
Additionally,
Mario Galaxy also features small chunks of gameplay that are completely
two-dimensional. With several gravity effects employed, these areas are as
brilliant as they are challenging.
This toy robot constitutes just one large planet within a
galaxy.
The Hardest
of Hardcore
As a
self-proclaimed master of Mario 64, I may not be the best person to judge Mario
Galaxy’s difficulty. To me, the majority of the tasks are very simple. Nintendo
must have known that some gamers would feel this way, because they included
special challenges that intensify the difficulty to an immeasurable level.
The most
notable dares you to play through an entire galaxy with just one life point. I
thought it’d be easy – after all, I think I’m a master. But I didn’t realize
that, no matter how well I play the game, I always get hit at least once. This
made it very difficult to overcome the challenge, which sends you back to the
beginning of the level every time you die.
Lights,
Camera, Music
More than 20
years ago, the first Mario debuted with one of the greatest theme songs ever
composed for an entertainment medium. From that point on the series’ composer,
Koji Kondo, added new masterpieces to each sequel. Mario 64’s orchestral score
was the most prominent. Its main theme and underwater tunes were infused with
something far deeper than any of Mario’s previous adventures. For the first time
ever, his score had reached an emotional level that had nothing to do with
nostalgia. The music, which had not been heard until that game, was truly
moving.
Super Mario
Galaxy is another step forward in video game music. You’ll hear the classic
jingles and music from his first and third games, Mario World, and Mario 64.
These re-mastered recordings sound amazing, but it’s the new music that is
breathtaking. There is a light, hallow sound that flows through the galaxy
whenever classic tunes aren’t playing, along with battle and star retrieval
themes that deliver a distinctive sense of joy and wonder.
The graphics
are, as you can see from every screenshot, fully rendered and gorgeous. Gone are
the blocky characters of past Mario games. This time the leading plumber
brother, as well as his leading villains (Goombas, Bullet Bill, Bob-ombs, Koopa
Troopas, Bowser, Wigglers, etc.), look next-gen.
Planet designs
are just as beautiful, though you are likely to spot a few imperfections. When
approaching larger planets, the detail isn’t as defined as when you land.
Everything else, however, is pure eye candy. The lighting and shadow effects are
outstanding, and the animation work and frame rate are top-notch.
Even more
impressive is the camera, which never falters while traversing planets. In fact,
the only time it fails is when exploring stationary levels that resemble the
world structure of Mario 64. It’s somewhat ironic – Nintendo nailed the
spherical, sideways, and upside down camera perspective and corresponding
gameplay mechanics on the first try. You will be blown away by every
gravity-influenced area, and stare in total amazement when the game unveils its
stunning illusions. But the Mario 64 camera, which has appeared at least
partially in three Mario games (64, Sunshine, and now Galaxy), still suffers
from the occasional awkward moment.
Super Replay
Value
Super Mario
Galaxy won’t take you more than 12 hours to reach the end. But it will take most
players much longer than that to obtain every star and uncover every secret. If
you were to exclude every bonus, the game’s replay value would be a 10 out of 10
– the kind of masterpiece you’ll want to play through two or three times before
allowing any other game to go near your Wii. Throw in the bonuses and the replay
value goes to 11.
Clear your
schedules gamers, this is it – the kind of masterpiece, showpiece, and trophy
game that we wait years to obtain. I know how I’ll be spending my Thanksgiving
weekend, and I can’t wait.
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Gameplay: 10
Running from Bullet
Bills, striking Bowser from behind, using Bob-ombs to destroy barriers – it’s
just what you’d hope for in a Mario game. The worlds, however, have taken on a
life all their own. Instead of one large island floating in the clouds (as in
Mario 64), Galaxy introduces the concept of planets. Each has its own area of
gravity, causing Mario to cling to its exterior (and in some cases, its
interior) in ways you have never imagined.
If I push Mario
to walk off a ledge, he should fall to his death, right? Not anymore. You will
encounter a few clever challenges – while walking upside down, no less – where
gravity isn’t too kind. But in all other circumstances, Mario clings to each
planet as if he were an astronaut walking across the moon. It’s ingenious, not
only the idea but also the execution.
Graphics: 9.0
Simply breathtaking.
This Mario’s the most beautiful video game since 1996.
Sound: 9.5
The best thing about
Mario scores – especially this one – is that they take us to another place just
as effectively as the games themselves. Galaxy’s score isn’t better than Mario
64. But it lives up to its legacy.
Difficulty: Easy/Hard
There are moderate
challenges in the game, but the majority will stand out as either simplistic or
excruciating. The latter type may be skipped (mostly), allowing newbies to
finish Galaxy without overcoming the game’s most difficult levels or bonus
challenges.
Concept: 10
Impeccable isn’t a
strong enough word to describe what this game has done for the action/adventure
genre. Groundbreaking doesn’t cut it either. The controls and world designs are
as close to perfection as a game can get.
Multiplayer: N/A
It’s not much of a
multiplayer feature, but a second player can use an extra remote to help collect
star bites.
Overall: 9.8
The
can’t-miss Wii game of the year. Super Mario Galaxy is a pure, unimaginable joy.
I have never walked away from a Mario game feeling satisfied. I always wanted
more. Yeah, I still do – how could I not want another Galaxy? Still, I’m
satisfied. And I don’t want another Mario game, no matter how long it takes,
until this one can be topped.
