Quasi-Perfection
While I won't deny the fact that I'm part Nintendo fanboy, I've been quite on the fence about how I felt about the Wii and its software. Most critics of the Wii cite inferior hardware, gimmicky controls, and weak software as a reason to ignore it, and for a time, I believed the Wii couldn't produce a "next-gen" experience. With that said, Super Mario Galaxy was the first Wii game that genuinely impressed me, and I felt it appropriate to have Super Mario Galaxy to be my first review on Giantbomb.com.
With the Wii's graphical capabilities limited, to say the least, Super Mario Galaxy's graphics were the first thing I noticed. It stands alone as the most beautiful Wii game, with vibrant colors and an artistic flare worthy of any next-gen console. The smooth frame rate lends greatly to the games aesthetic, and makes a good case for the Wii's superiority over last generation consoles. Along with the entirely slick presentation, I also greatly enjoyed the music. Super Mario Galaxy offers a beautifully orchestrated soundtrack that will have you returning to galaxies just to hear the tune.
The gameplay is familiar, but never dull. Mario still controls and feels right. Super Mario Galaxy does however, add a new dimension to the Mario formula, gravity. The often mind-blowing sequences with gravity were an ingenious way to keep the series fresh. I never felt dizzy or uncomfortable about the changes in gravity, and I cannot understate the amount of fun I had in the Battlerock Galaxy, for example. Being launched and pulled from platform to platform by unseen forces was a thrill that never seemed to get old. There were just countless moments throughout the game where I just couldn't help but smile. The only things that may hamper your fun are a few hitches with the camera and swimming control, but I interpreted these issues as more an increased challenge than an unintended burden. The game design more than makes up for these shortcomings with underwater tricks like turtle shells, and mostly-free camera control.
The game's difficultly was just right, keeping a veteran gamer like myself entertained while making it possible for my gaming-ignorant mother to beat the Dino-Plant boss.. eventually.. after about a dozen lives. The new co-op features are to thank for her victory, allowing me to assist often and effectively. While the story isn't as good as say, Paper Mario, there is more story here than any other Mario platformer before it, which is commendable. In the end, this is the best Wii game on the market and an extremely fun and charming experience. There is plenty of magic left with Mario and I look forward to his next adventure.
