A wonderful and charming adventure for those looking to feel like a kid again.
At once, I was in awe of the vibrant and colorful graphics which, for the Wii, are second to none. This a beautiful game, but not just because of the graphics, but because of all facets of its game design. The introduction sequence was quaint, and the following galaxies are all quite memorable in their own special way, but a word of caution. While this is a new Mario game, it does often retread to familiar landscapes as for as the aesthetics of a level are concerned. While there were a great deal of levels which took advantage of the game's premise, other levels hearkened back to the old Mario games, but make no mistake - familiarity should not be confused for laziness. The level designs themselves are quite a sight to behold, and with the gravity mechanic in place, some levels, such as the Space Junk Galaxy and the Toy Time Galaxy are astounding in their uniqueness and freshness. The final level, which I will not spoil, is probably the most intricate, and encompasses not only the best of Super Mario Galaxy's level designs, but the best of the past as well.
The gameplay mechanics are similar to older 3D Mario platformers such as Sunshine and 64, but what this game offers are new ways in which to explore these old concepts. Not to mention, the spin attack was useful, especially considering jumping on enemies upside down can be disorienting, so I applaud the change in dispatching the enemies. It's a welcome addition. The new power ups can be hit and miss, but overall, they all offer something new to the table. The most interesting of these power ups is the Spring Mario upgrade, which can often be a nuisance if you're not patient but can be entertaining in all the right places, but that aside, the favorite is the red star which offers a soar (pun intended) of a good time. Such a shame it's used sparingly, however.
The plotline is thin and simple, but it works. If you're looking complexity, you will not find it here, but what you will find is the stock standard Mario plotline anew, and the premise of the games gives it a unique touch even if we've seen it before countless times. Bowser kidnaps Peach, Mario must save Peach. It's happened before, and yet, I do not feel like something is missing. It's a classic tale of rescue the damsel in distress, and in such games like the Mario franchise, the means to the end make it all worthwhile. The quest to save Peach will be treacherous, but it is all a fun romp through the Mario universe and all that has made the franchise a winning concept for decades. There's no need for a convoluted mess, but if you desire, the side story of Rosalina is touching, heartwarming, and while at times can seem childish, it offers something new to the main Mario franchise - someone else's journey, and it is a journey played through in chapters of a storybook which can be unlocked through completing galaxies.
The music in the game is superb. The orchestrated tracks really bring out the spirit of Mario in a new way, and each track is a treat to listen to, especially Stardust Road and the final Bowser Battle theme, which is as epic as final boss themes can be. The music in the game can be calm, it can be serene, it can be anything, but most of all, the music fits the level in which it is played. I do commend the change in style, from midi to orchestra, and it is a change I hope I will see in future Mario adventures, because it offers a sense of grandeur and adventure that the franchise needs. The sound effects sound the same as in past games, and more often than not, work in their surroundings. The voices for the characters are mere grunts and such, save for the human characters who have small samples of a coherent sentence, such as Rosalina. It's nothing new, but in no way does it detract from the experience. I'd much rather it stay this way.
This truly is a wonderful and charming adventure for those looking to feel like a kid again. Although new, it exudes nostalgic tendencies, but it also breathes new life into a franchise we all grew up with. The small details in all facets of the design, to the big, epic feel the music and levels give off, it's an inspiring take on the Mario formula and one I feel delivers big time. It's not too long - it took me about 15 or so hours to beat the game, but I stopped just short of 65 stars with more to go, so it can easily offer another 10 or so hours of fun. Some of the levels are short, but there is enough here to compensate. It elicited many responses from me, both positive and negative, but in the end, it is the positives which shine through. From being happy, to being touched, to being mad (that I lost), to being immersed, to being sad that the main adventure ended, it is this kind of game that I will cherish for all my life, thankful in the fact that I was lucky to have experienced such a magnificent masterpiece. Do yourself a favor - if you've not played it yet, you should. It really is a testament to the genius at Nintendo.