super mario galaxy 2

Nintendo single-handedly sculpted the platform game genre throughout the history of gaming. Ever since they introduced Mario Bros on the NES, they controlled the evolution of platform games where others could only follow in Nintendo's footsteps. The arrival of the Wii saw a new step in this evolution, one that even sparked a sequel to quench the thirst of crazy platform fans everywhere. That sequel is Super Mario Galaxy 2.

box art of Super Mario Galaxy 2

With every console upgrade the Mario games have expanded in scope. No idea what Nintendo is planning next, but no doubt Galaxy will be pretty hard to top. This game sees Mario travelling between galaxies and planets (small ones though), even inside single stages. This concept allowed the designers plenty of freedom to experiment with the level designs, an opportunity they used to maximum effect. Every single level is unique, which goes a very long way to avoiding repetition and level boredom (something most platform games are suffering from).

How you'll experience this game will depend a lot on whether you've played the first Mario Galaxy game. The mechanics and general concept are pretty much the same, so if you've had prior experience this will make the start of Mario Galaxy 2 a lot easier. I myself never played the first Galaxy game, so I really needed some time to learn how to navigate between planets, working around the sometimes strange and unnatural perspectives in each level and getting used to the controls.

For a novice the game knows a rather steep learning curve, but it does force you (subtly) to get the hang of the basics rather quickly. The game keeps a perfect balance between providing a challenge and forcing players to learn new tricks which can be used to find bonus levels and open up new parts of the stages. It's a bit odd, but it wasn't until the very last stages in Galaxy 2 that I felt I had really mastered the game.

screen caps of Super Mario Galaxy 2

If you fear that Mario Galaxy 2 might still be a little too easy, Nintendo made sure you don't need to worry about longevity. There are 242 stars to collect in total, each star taking up at least a minute or 3 to reach. To get the final star, I spent no less than 2.5 hours slaving away at the final level. All stages contain one or two normal stars and one prankster star. These stars are unlocked by collecting prankster coins, one hidden away in each level. Once you have collected all the gold stars in the regular game, a whole new set of green stars is added which allow you to enjoy each stage on a different level.

The regular stars are usually not that difficult to get to, but the prankster stars require you to finish a level meeting certain requirements (time, not taking damage, ...) which is a whole lot harder to do. Finally, the green stars are hidden in the most unlikely places and are often notoriously hard to reach. Luckily they make a soft sparkling noise, so make sure you listen well when setting out to find them.

Visually the game is superbly executed, rich in color and extraordinarily detailed. You do need to be able to appreciate the colorful, somewhat child-like visual style, but that's just part of the whole Mario charm. The same goes for the soundtrack, which is jolly, upbeat and fun, but might strike a false note if you're expecting anything stylish, or at least something more serious. It's somewhat of an acquired taste, definitely amongst more hardcore gamers, but if you take it for what it is, it houses a surprisingly depth in visual detail.

promotion art of Super Mario Galaxy 2

Not only the level design is varied, the different Mario morphs really add something to the gameplay. There are quite a few different forms (I believe the boulder one is my favorite), each of them aptly developed and receiving enough playtime as to become something more than just simple diversions. And if you like other players to join in, there's a nifty two player co-op mode where the second player can help out collecting power-ups, coins and gems. It's also possible to keep obstacles from getting in your way, even stopping enemies in their tracks.

The main game itself (ie, get to Bowser and kick his ass) isn't too difficult to beat and should be doable for most regular gamers. Collecting all the stars, especially those located in the bonus levels, is an entirely different challenge that will demand a lot from your platforming skills. I'm sure that people who've finished the first Galaxy game will have a serious advantage and will move through the game a lot quicker, but if you fall in fresh there are some rather tough challenges hidden away in this game.

Having spent a lot of time getting all there is to get, I can safely say that Nintendo's Mario series is still on top of the game. It's a perfect platform game that doesn't get stale, is extremely varied and boosts the game time up to RPG-like levels. There are some small nitpicks (like why the camera isn't controllable in all places), but those are minor and have almost no impact on the overall enjoyment. Excellent stuff.

Don't forget to check the nice gameplay trailer.