Hey guys,

Today, my blog post isn't as up-beat and optimistic as usual. Over the last week or maybe a bit more I've been playing Super Mario Galaxy 2. I had very high expectations of this game, and have played it for a total of 11 hours and 31 minutes. I have found around 43 (i think) power stars. As you may have seen in my last blog post, my immediate reactions of the game were very positive. Unfortunately, they have been drooping a bit as I have progressed in the game. I am still enjoying the game, but I am starting to feel increasingly disappointed :(

Difficulty

This is my prime problem with the game. Before the game was released, I was getting really hyped about it. My main reason to be so excited for the sequel is that I had heard a lot about the massive increase in difficulty. According to Official Nintendo Magazine, in their first hands on session in which they played 3 or so levels, they saw the big 'GAME OVER' screen about 5 times. They kept stressing the step up in difficulty, and how it'll please experts a lot, blah blah.So far, I feel this was lies. I am about to enter world 5, and I still do not feel I have been challenged much more than the original at all. Admittedly, I have died more times than the original, but the stupid amount of opportunities to obtain 1UPs has prevented this from causing much challenge.

As I previously said, I am enjoying this game a lot. I just feel slightly disappointed in the fact that so far I haven't seen too many improvements, other than the addition of Yoshi. I feel I shouldn't be disappointed as 'more of the same' sequels are very common, and have never really annoyed me until now. I am also quite sad that I am approaching World 5 already. I realize that I will be occupied for a long time after collecting all 241 of the stars, but I dunno... i just feel slightly upset.

Anyone else feel this way?