Video Game Review

By Ethan Small

Game: Super Mario Galaxy
Platform: Nintendo Wii
ESRB Rating: E for Everyone
Price: $49.99
What an incredible year for video games; there have been numerous outstanding games released across all of the current generation systems. It appears as though Nintendo, with legendary game creator Shigeru Miyamoto, has created a Mario masterpiece to top the list. It's called "Super Mario Galaxy", and there's no question that this unprecedented 3-D platformer is just as excellent as its critically acclaimed Nintendo 64 predecessor, "Super Mario 64".
Once again, the plump Italian plumber, Mario is on a mission to rescue Princess Peach from the iniquitous Koopa king, Bowser. This time, Mario must travel far beyond the Mushroom Kingdom. This isn't just a quick plane ride to Isle Delfino (like in "Super Mario Sunshine"). It's a trip to a vast and endless space…outer-space, that is.
After a brief story book introduction, our beloved hero receives an invitation from Princess Peach to join her at the castle. Mario arrives only to find the Princess' castle being ripped from the earth by an enormous UFO along with Bowser's fleet of airships. Mario leaps after the castle (with the Princess still inside) that is heading rapidly towards outer-space. After being flung from the airborne castle, Mario finds himself on a small planet with an interesting star-shaped creature. These cute little guys, known as Luma, are scattered about the "Mario Galaxy" universe, so be prepared to see them just about everywhere you go. This particular Luma guides Mario to its "mother", the mystical Rosalina, who looks an awful lot like Peach. At their home, the Comet Observatory, Rosalina tells Mario that Bowser is responsible for stealing the power stars which are needed for the Lumas to live and to power the observatory. Mario must enter the domes on the Comet Observatory to travel to the huge number of galaxies to re-obtain the stolen power stars and eventually liberate Peach from Bowser's clutches.
Each galaxy in the "Mario Galaxy' universe has its own unique characteristics. Some are wide open worlds, and others consist of small planets. Underneath the outer-space motif of each level, there are themes from deserts to bee hives, and haunted mansions to sun-drenched islands. Every last one of these galaxies and planets are crafted magnificently, causing the player to wander about and explore every nook and cranny.
"Mario Galaxy" is an absolutely mind-blowing mix of old and new. The game jam-packed with both familiar and entirely new Mario tunes, enemies, and items. While there are plenty of 1-up mushrooms and invincibility stars to be found amongst the galaxies, there are multiple new special mushrooms and flowers that allow for some sweet new abilities. These abilities include the Bee Mushroom which gives Mario a bee suit for flying and clinging to walls, and the Ice Flower that allows Mario to walk on water by freezing the surface with tiles of ice.
Mario controls in a very similar fashion as in his previous 3-D adventures, but the Wii remote adds a few exciting new twists, such as the spin attack which is used regularly for hitting Goobas, switches, and activating certain stars to fling Mario to different sections of a galaxy. This is done by simply shaking the remote from side to side. Pointing at the screen with Wii remote will allow the player to collect the plentiful star bits which are used as both a weapon against near-by enemies and food for hungry Lumas.
An unusual, yet amusing addition is the option for a second player. Using a second Wii remote (no nunchuk attachment), another person can join in the action by pointing at the screen with the remote to help Player 1 collect star bits, and even help Mario jump in times of danger.
With its even textures and stunning silky-smooth frame-rate, "Mario Galaxy" is unquestionably the most graphically superior game on the Wii. Mario has never looked better. The animations and character designs are full of life and every level is bursting with vibrant colors. Beautifully orchestrated music graces each level further enforce the sheer superb presentation of 'Mario Galaxy".
"Super Mario Galaxy" is, quite frankly, the best game available for the Nintendo Wii. It's a practically flawless game that deserves to be added to the collection of every Wii owner out there. If you don't own a Wii, this game is one of the best reasons to go buy one.