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 According to many, space is the final frontier. Our vast universe was thought to be the final area of exploration for Mario and company in 2007. The critically acclaimed platformer for the Wii, Super Mario Galaxy, evolved the franchise to a new standard. As gamers, we thought we would have to wait until the next console generation before we were able to play a new proper 3D Mario title. That is, until Nintendo pulled a fast one on us at last year's E3 with the introduction of Super Mario Galaxy 2.
At first glance, Super Mario Galaxy 2 may seem like a simple expansion or rehash, considering this is the first time in more than a decade that we have a direct Mario sequel on the same console. That assumption made many worrisome, but once you examine the amount of detail and concern that went into Mario's galactic adventure, you'll understand why Nintendo has a firm grip on the platforming genre. Mario Galaxy 2 is a sheer cultivation of whimsy, color and zaniness that makes one throw out the doubts that Nintendo could outdo their previous masterpiece.
Now, a few months ago, I stated how New Super Mario Bros. Wii was the reason why we play video games and how it introduced gamers to a realm of why the platform genre is easy to learn. Although, now that I look back at it, NSMB:Wii was merely an appetizer for the bigger meal ahead. The second rebirth of Mario's 2D antics may have wowed consumers months ago, but this is where the senses are about to get a lesson in video gaming therapy. Mario Galaxy 2 is a rare gem, as it's a sequel in the realm of 3D Mario titles, which allows for some doubt regarding the "wow factor." The far reaches of space may seem like familiar territory, but fret not, as Nintendo has upped the ante with a tough and awe-inspiring adventure.
Hop on a Launch Star pad, hit the jump, and you'll see why Mario's latest adventure could be the best game on the Wii.
If you were hoping for a grander storytelling experience with Mario Galaxy 2, then look elsewhere. The game purposely throws out any recollection of the previous events in Super Mario Galaxy. It isn't a huge loss though, folks, because it gets to the point where seeing Princess Peach kidnapped is as normal as watching birds fly or knowing that Bioware does good writing. What you get here is gameplay on center stage and some cheap dialogue, yet its elementary-like to make you chuckle. Nintendo was able to concentrate on what worked, what didn't work and what needed to be implemented into this sequel, and boy do they please every nerve. So, in a sense for story, less is more.
Nintendo has also done away with a traditional overworld and replaced it with the classic map system seen in 2D Mario titles. Your new station this time is Spaceship Mario, which gives the player a sandbox feel as new non-playable characters join the fray for various small-talk. The most important of these is Luigi, who after collecting the right amount of power stars becomes a playable character. When using Luigi to collect any power star, you'll unlock developer ghosts that will test your speed running skills. Again, this tells us that Galaxy 2 has more than a few tricks up its sleeve.
So, what else separates Mario Galaxy 2 from its critically acclaimed predecessor? Well, that would be Mario's trusty steed, Yoshi. Like the pointer you control with the Wiimote to collect star bits, you are able to control what direction Yoshi's tongue is thrust (yes, as dirty as that sounds) with the help of a little red dot on the screen. This allows Yoshi to swing across platforms, pulling levers and, obviously, gobble up enemies for tasty star bits. Not only that, but Yoshi is able to take on some abilities that would make even Mario jealous. The three main power-ups at Yoshi's disposal are speed boosts, the ability to inflate like a balloon, and the power to illuminate him (or it) and the floor to reveal secrets. If it were comparable to anything else, you may also start to feel like you're using Indiana Jones' whip as you toy around with Yoshi's tongue. Strange as it may sound, but the introduction of Yoshi into a more important role in a 3D Mario game is a helpful serving of fun, with a side of childlike wonder.
Unlike in Super Mario Sunshine, Yoshi's role is much bigger than it has been in a Mario title. The lovable green dinosaur isn't thrown into platforming puzzles so that Mario can stride along for the ride. No, his abilities coincide with that of Mario's and become integral to the level's end. You'll be partnering up with Yoshi as you battle the game's many bosses (a number higher than that of the previous title) and discover new worlds. In retrospect, Yoshi's appearance in Mario Galaxy 2 isn't a mere gimmick to be disappointed with.
As with Yoshi, Mario isn't alone in the power-up department. Carryovers like the Bee, Boo, and Spring Mushrooms, along with the classic Fire and Rainbow power-ups, share the level spotlight with Mario's new abilities. These new additions include Rock Mushroom, Cloud Flower, and the Spin Drill, the latter being one of the game's most intuitive platform and puzzle-solving tools. The Rock Mushroom gives Mario the ability to roll into a Goron-esque ball (albeit with a flick of the Wiimote like many of these after mentioned abilities) and the Cloud Mushroom allows our plumber to reach new heights with the assistance of clouds.
Each power-up is unique and integral to each environment, but being in control is what makes them fun to use and manipulate. The control of Rock Mario, at times, may feel sluggish, but it makes up for it with the various obstacles related to the suit. The same approach goes for the Spin Drill and the Cloud Mushroom, which are both welcome additions to a world that has seen its fair share of strange power-ups.
As mentioned previously, Mario Galaxy 2 has the same engine as its predecessor, but it doesn't deter itself so much as to being called an expansion. Visually, Mario Galaxy 2 proves that there's power to be taken advantage of with the Wii's processor. The amount of detail that Nintendo puts into each world is still astonishing for a Wii title. Now we know the game's predecessor is basically similar, but don't let that make you think that it's streamlined. Mario Galaxy 2 certainly has its credentials as a visual opus. The colors blend well the various flora and creatures, while the outer distance makes one feel that Mario is an intergalactic traveler. The game reminds us of what the Wii is capable of doing, and Nintendo has painted a canvas of beauty and cosmic dreams.
Mario Galaxy 2 is also harder, faster and most certainly stronger in terms of gameplay. The game has the same basis of gameplay ingenuity, which focuses on platforming around 3D planets (technically called galaxies, but wouldn't it be the other way around?). Traversing from each small planetoid to the next is easier than ever, without making you want to hurl. The implementation of this design allows for different mechanics such as launch star pads and pull stars to benefit you as you reach the end.
The size and scope of these levels is split between small and ridiculously large, as you navigate Mario through each of their treacherous obstacles. These means of slowing down our hero aren't just the usual Bullet Bill or Goomba but the ever-so-forceful use of gravity. When this mechanic was thrown into Mario's world, it changed the way we controlled the mustached plumber. Sure, you can argue the mechanic was introduced in Rachet & Clank, but it was limited. Galaxy took the notion of gravity a step further, whereas its sequel expands upon its intentions of creating grand planetoids and galaxies. That alone is what makes the game a pure, vintage package: the level design.
Throughout the game's six worlds (not including the secret world), you'll never encounter a level that looks the same or recycles a similar projection layout; it's unique, but pleasing to stand around to take in all the atmosphere that was crafted together. For months Nintendo told us that Galaxy 2 would be harder, along with an inclusion of the Super Guide (a.k.a. the Cosmic Guide). Well, they weren't kidding. The game's difficulty starts off as a way to teach newcomers to get in tune with its mechanics. Take the opening portions of the game, which are shown on a 2D perspective: As the player progresses, the training wheels are taken off and the player is then thrown into the 3D world. It's a great addition that's able to make someone in Nintendo's casual demographic get familiar with the game while not disrupting the game's flow.
The difficulty further into the game is ranged from simple to downright hair-pulling, but in a good way, mind you. Nintendo was wise to make Galaxy 2 a much harder experience for those looking for a challenge. Each jump, group of enemies and boss battle present the player with a plethora of scenarios where anything can ensue. Galaxy 2 is the gamer's type of title; one that begs for another attempt and one that makes you feel accomplished after collecting that beloved piece of starship fuel. Don't let frustration get the best of you with this game; the increased difficulty is there to keep the experience unique.
The harsh difficulty may turn off newcomers, but the inclusion of the Cosmic Guide and subtle hint system (each level will usually have these hint systems to help the player with an obstacle, but they can be ignored) helps. However, be forewarned, as using the Cosmic Guide will allow the Rosalina-controlled Mario to complete a level, but you will be punished (so to speak) with a bronze star. This alone won't detract players from labeling the game as dumbed-down like some thought with the similar guide in NSMB:Wii.
Even after you complete the final bout with Bowser (70 stars will do, a fair increase from 60 in the previous game), you still have a total of 242 stars (120 for the first run. 120 green stars on the second run, plus two secret stars) to collect to have that 100 percent completion. Aside from collecting power stars, there's the addition of comet coins, which are scattered through each galaxy. Collecting each of these coins is vital to unlocking prankster comet levels (speed runs, one-hit only levels, and coin challenges), so be on the lookout if you want to collect every single power star.
Musically, Mario Galaxy 2 is ecstasy to the ears. Koji Kondo and famed composer Mahito Yokota piece together a galactic, yet beautiful score that is both new and familiar for longtime fans. The sounds of Yokota's orchestra give Galaxy 2 its otherworldly feel, while sticking to the conventional Mario touch. It's purely sweeping, but catchy from the heart. Remixes of favorite tunes are ever-present and blend well when the next level's tempo is high on woodwind or percussion instruments. At times, the music seems too epic or grandiose and may seem to belong at and the end or beginning, but that's its purpose. The game's score is meant to complement itself on the grandiose scale, while bringing Mario's world to a new perspective. All in all, like its predecessor, Mario Galaxy 2 knows how to keep your ear tuned for each world.
"What you see is what you get" seems to be the appropriate saying for Super Mario Galaxy 2. A game that was first assumed to be nothing more than just a copy-and-paste sequel is now one of the best Mario offerings in years. It's Nintendo complete recipe of how to make a great Mario title, but with an added emphasis on level design and gameplay mechanics. Surely enough, at this point, you may think that this has become a constant plug for the Mario franchise. To be frank, Mario Galaxy 2 is that good and is that great of a sequel to come along in my many years of gaming. At first, this was planned as an added expansion-esque title, but like any Mario title, the wondrous ideas began to accumulate early in development.
Great sequels to Mario titles are few and far between in terms of when we see them during the same console generation. With Mario Galaxy 2, we finally have our Majora's Mask of platforming adventure (sans the dark storyline). The game takes the same stunning graphics engine from the first title and builds upon the foundation of what makes this genre timeless. Super Mario Galaxy 2 is not just a great Wii title; it's the best game on the Wii period. Once in a while, we're treated to witnessing lighting striking twice with a series of video games. With Mario Galaxy 2, we witness the new standard of platform design, and the continued evolution of the industry's most-beloved character. It's not just a perfect sequel to a great game, it's a game that takes the platforming genre to new heights and shoots for the stars.
Final Score: A
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