Review of: Super Mario Galaxy

  

Reviewer: Amy Pistone

Title: Super Mario Galaxy

System: Wii

Genre: Platformer

            In past years, many innovative games have come out that stray away from traditional methods of gameplay. Super Mario Galaxy is one of them, being the most ground-breaking Mario title within the past 10 years. It plays with the players mind, achieving impossible feats by way of space. Instead of a simple sidescroller, Galaxy challenges players to broaden their horizons and open their eyes to a new type of platformer… in SPACE!

            Super Mario Galaxy’s graphics are pleasing to the eye but not anything revolutionary in terms of realism. The colors are bright and the scenery has depth, but Mario lacks the growth that a new title usually has as far as graphics. These graphics look just as good as if they were on the Gamecube, which shows a lack of development with the design. Especially since this was one of the main anticipated titles with the launch of the Wii, it would appear that Nintendo go anxious in designing and released the game prematurely. However, this most likely is not an actual problem with the game but one with the console. Despite this, it would have been nice to see some really magnificent graphics in space.

            The gameplay in this title is varied, with most of the levels taking place in open-concept worlds and planets, leaving much to explore. In some, gravity will be a main factor as Mario can run around a planet and jump from any point on it to another. Others are more traditional, reminiscent of Mario 64, as Mario will jump, run, and use powerups to find a star. Galaxy employs the use of WiiMotes, with the player having to waggle a Nunchuk to spin. While this is innovative it is also annoying in the sense that every move in the game could have easily been achieved with a traditional controller. After a while, WiiMotes seem to be less of an innovative choice and more of a gimmick. Despite these complaints, gameplay is strong overall with few setbacks, as it is hard to get board when you can spin in the air or fly like a bee.

            The storyline in Mario Galaxy is present but not obvious. After a brief introduction to the overall storyline of Rosalina, the player is ultimately left the choice whether or not he or she wants to read the story. Chapters of a storybook are unlocked as the game progresses, which are optional and can be read at any time. While this may have been a good choice overall, a little more integration seems to be necessary. Storyline is always a low point in Nintendo, and it is a shame that they made it an option rather than a vehicle to intensify the game.

            Overall, Super Mario Galaxy is an entertaining game with much to do. Each level is fun and the graphics are decent, while storyline is minimal. This game is revered by many to be one of the best, but there are too many flaws for me to give it that recognition. Today, after playing the sequel, it is apparent that this game was destined to be a success, but it was not as great as it had the potential to be.