Super Mario Galaxy 2

To call it the greatest 3D platformer of all time is a misnomer, Super Mario Galaxy is the best example of 3D platforming available but it is so much more. It transcends the third dimension; it goes beyond simple conventions of gravity and perspective. And it does it with perfect control gorgeous, graphics and the highest quality of level design.

The campaign moves very quickly, with the hub world gone in favor of a world map, it zips along from one inventive galaxy to another. No more hunting for the next star, its quick and satisfying, no lulls or speed bumps just one challenge after another.

Nintendo has given their level designers crazy amount of freedom, each galaxy is wholly. Nothing was held back, the laws of gravity and physics were abandoned. Be it spherical worlds, floating landmasses, or constantly switching perceptive and gravity.

The levels look back at classic Mario staples, with galaxies stolen from passed games, and into wild new frontiers. Horizons switch and ceiling becomes floor, water congeals into gravity defying masse, bouncing through space.

Every new galaxy is an adventure in madness. With wild creativity and an utter disregard for the laws of the universe the levels of Galaxy 2 take 3D platfoming to its very limits, be it into the fourth dimensions of space or backwards to the classic 2D plane. Later levels bring a serious challenge to even the most experienced Mario fan, but come with an equally impressive felling of achievement.

It does all this mystifying creativeness and changing gravity with perfect control. Mario moves as gracefully and smoothly as ever. He runs jumps and spins with effortless movement. Motion control is subtly and effective never becoming overwhelming as is the case with many Wii games.

Visuals have a wonderful feel to them, smoothness. Standing above and beyond anything available on the Wii, Super Mario Galaxy 2 is vivid colorfully and full of life, it is one of the only Wii games to truly be beautiful.

A rather shocking musical score, with heavy orchestral, bombastic pieces, sweeps in and is surprisingly powerful. It’s big and tries to convey the sense of a universe spanning adventure, something the games plot most certainly does not.

Mario has never been known for is deep character driven narrative. But this time around Nintendo didn’t just drop the ball but the seemed to have ignored it all together. Bowser kidnaps peach is all were given. Not ever a silly over complicated plan. It hard to complain about the story in a Mario game, but never the less I found the lack of any attempt at plot to be a bit strange.

It’s not a revolution; it does nothing dramatically new or radically different than past adventures. Super Mario Galaxy 2 is fun; it’s pleasant and utterly wonderful to play. Seeing Mario bounce around this furry bright world, giving his little whistles and shouts is sure to make anyone smile.