When it comes to quality platformers, SMG remains a must-play.
As with its predecessors SMG is a 3-D platforming adventure. Like Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine you need to travel to various worlds to obtain power stars by doing various missions. The controls and structure of Super Mario Galaxy follow in the footsteps of Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine. The controls are just as silky smooth in this game as they were back then. The only major additions include Mario's new spin attack and the inclusion of a pointer to gather and shoot star bits. Star bits are primarily used as a way of attacking, but you would also need these to access certain areas, so you will have to be a bit mindful over how much you use. They can also give you an extra life if you gather 50 of them. And just like SM64 and SMS the various levels Mario travels to are accessed via a hub world. You can only access certain galaxies based on how many stars you have.
While Super Mario Galaxy remains true to those games in terms of structure, the level designs are vastly different. This game sports some of the very best level designs in the series. The levels are rather obscure, but well thought out and very nicely designed structures that at many times can give one a good challenge. You will be doing a lot of gravity-defying platforming as well as using new power-ups. You have the returning Fire Flower and Star Man and new ones include an Ice Flower, a Bee Suit for flying, a Boo Suit for going through otherwise impenetrable objects, and five other power-ups. During the course of your adventure you will also be facing some bosses. The bosses aren't always challenging, but they certainly look cool and creative.
In addition to regular Power Stars there are also Prankster Comets. These comets add a new take to the mission such as making it timed or having to complete a level with only one bit of energy. The addition of those extra challenges add even more depth and replay value to an already lengthy and fun experience.
Another new addition to the series is the inclusion of a 2 Player Cooperative play, in which one player controls Mario while the other just uses a second Wiimote to point at the screen and gather star bits and shoot. The second pointer also allows you to make Mario jump and even stop certain enemies from moving. I find this to be a rather weak feature, because personally, if I was playing the game, I would much rather be controlling the portly plumber and do all of the fantastic platforming rather than moving a cursor.
One certainly must not deny that this is still one of the absolute gorgeous games released in the past few years, especially for the Wii. This is simply a technical marvel for the Wii and it most definitely shows off its true capabilities. The bright colors, terrific art style, and great animation make this absolute eye candy for not only the player to be awe-inspired by, but passing people can't help but take notice. The music is also phenomenal and beautifully orchestrated, featuring remixes of many classic Mario tunes, and the various sound effects are great as well.
To sum things up:
PROS:
-One of the best looking Wii games period
-Superb music
-Inventive level designs
-Great gameplay
-Solid controls
CONS:
-Rather weak Co-op
-Some easy bosses
What few problems this game has are easily overshadowed by the game's stupendous qualities. Super Mario Galaxy helped to set up a new standard for platformers. Unlike a lot of other games, even of this genre, Super Mario Galaxy seems to have the kind of gameplay and style that will certainly withstand the test of time. Nintendo had certainly made one hell of an achievement.