Difficulty:

Just Right

Time Spent:

20 to 40 Hours

The Bottom Line:

"Revolutionary"

Super Mario 64 was amazing and with Super Mario sunshine everyone expected the same again. Sadly it wasn't to be and whilst Sunshine wasn't a bad game it couldn't live up to Super Mario 64. With the announcement of Super Mario Galaxy the hype grew again, could it live up to Super Mario 64 and do what Mario Sunshine couldn't. The answer is yes, it can and it has.

Super Mario Galaxy is a breath of fresh air to the Platforming genre. For ears it's been festering in a pit of despair but now it could be on for a comeback because Galaxy has completely reinvented the genre. With 120 stars to collect(121 in Luigi mode) a variety of levels, loads of power ups and masses of fun and replay value there isn't a single flaw in Super Mario Galaxy.

Once again Princess Peach has been kidnapped by Bowser and it's up to the player as Mario to save the day. Sounds familiar, well it is the same as almost every other Mario game in existance. However when the gameplay is of such a high quality the story is inconsequential. The game starts with a beautiful cutscene that adds with Mario being blown into space. He awakes to find himself in the Lunar observatory which serves as the games hub. It is inhabited by Princess Rosalyn and creatures known as Luma and both will help you on your adventure. Levels are accessed via terraces which allow you to shoot into space and visit each galaxy. Galaxies feature either one or three levels.

Whilst there 120 stars to collect you only need 60 to actually save Peach and getting 60 may be pretty simple but getting all 120 is extremely tricky. Each level has one main star which you get at the end of the level but many have extra stars that can be found in an assortment of different ways. Each star is a thrill to find and the sheer variety of levels on offer is staggering. You'll never grow bored because Galaxy constantly throws something new and exciting at you every level.

The key new mechanic in Galaxy is gravity. You'll have to master the changes in gravity if you are to complete the game and use it to your advantage to find every star. You're always challenged to think outside the box which is something not many games offer. As well as gravity other mechanics are the collection of coins as you'd expect but also the collection of starbits. These can be used to shoot at opponents or buy things from Luma such as new galaxies. The Luma love to feed on them so keep that in mind.

As with every Mario game power-ups play a big part. Most come in the form of mushrooms but there are also invincibility stars, fire flowers and ice flowers. Each adds something new to the gameplay mix and each is used at exactly the right time to further the gameplay. They never feel like they're there just for the sake of it.

Th graphics are the best yet seen on Wii and are truly stunning. They always keep up to a very high standard and never falter in either cutscenes or actual game play. Sound effects are used in all the right places and are iconic of the Mario franchise. These start to create a feeling of nostalgia for seasoned Mario players and the musical score at times just ramps that up to the max. The music is amazing and creates a feel to the game that is undeniably sensational.

There is actually only one problem with Galaxy and it's so small that it really isn't a problem at all. At times the camera can be a bit dodgy when you try and set it to being behind you. This is very rare and only annoys for a few seconds so the game is in no way harmed however it does stop it from being perfect.

Super Mario Galaxy turns platforming on it's head with mindboggling gravity physics, exciting new power-ups, amazing graphics, charm and creativity and a fun factor so high you won't believe it. Galaxy is perilously close to perfect.

Score= 98%