The "Retro Game Reviews" forum, which includes Retro Game Reviews, has been archived and is now read-only. You cannot post here or create a new thread or review on this forum.
This thread has been linked to the game 'Super Mario Galaxy'.
Wii’s powerhouse title has finally hit the UK and with all the hype surrounding it, there was always the worry it wouldn’t meet these unbelievably high expectations. All those concerns went right out the window as soon as I started the opening level and ran all the way around a huge sphere full of electric beams and goombas. Super Mario Galaxy is one of if not the best games you will play this year. End of discussion.
Story has never been a focal point nor a big deal when it comes to any Mario game. During a festival in the Mushroom Kingdom celebrating the passing of a spectacular comet Princess Peach is yet again kidnapped and yet again the culprit is Bowser. But this time the huge reptile has taken the battle into space and this is where the game separates itself from so many platforming wanabees out there.
While this is a platformer, Nintendo haven’t followed the guidelines much when it comes to their latest effort. While Mario’s moves still remain intact (he can run via the analogue, jump with the A button and perform other various wall kicks and butt bashers with timing and specific manoeuvring, he has acquired some new abilities too. For one instead of punching and kicking or using the FLUDD like past Mario games Mario can now use a spin as his primary form of attack. To do this requires a simple shake of the remote. However there are a few more instances where you need the Wii’s capabilities elsewhere like to aim at star bits and pick them up or throw fireballs at enemies. What is great is how the motion controls aren’t shoved down your throat but only added where needed.
But here is where things get weird. Unlike other platformers you’ll find yourself not only exploring large flat areas, but also smaller spheres that could be orbited in seven seconds. It’s this variety in design that makes the game such a joy to play. Shooting from sphere-like planet to a giant donut rock and then later making your way through a huge bowl of water and then ending up having to dive, dip and dodge your way through an underground sand temple 2D style is both surprising and an absolutely fantastic experience throughout. And furthermore gravity plays a big impact on the game with jumping between planets causing the bigger gravity field to pull you in. When it looks like there is nowhere else to move all it could take is a jump and you will be pulled toward another planet where more obstacles lay ahead.
Unlike the good but not great Super Mario Sunshine that stuck with the sunny beach-like environments throughout the adventure, Galaxy is free to explore any surrounding it wants due to it’s crazy and indescribable nature. One minute you could be in the usual areas like a desert or snow galaxy and the next it could be somewhere as unexpected as a child’s toy room or a level made entirely of sweets. That’s partly what makes this game such a joy to play through. Not only due to the amazing visuals, nor the outstanding music that accompanies each level but the excitement of discovering a new galaxy and seeing what new obstacles it holds.
The layout is not too dissimilar to that of Super Mario 64 and Sunshine in that you have a hub area and open up new levels the more stars you collect. While some galaxies are only played the once some will need to be revisited in order to collect every star you won’t mind as different paths will open up every time meaning you won’t need to retrace your steps too much. As well as the usual platforming affair there are also a few instances that revolve more around Wii usage.
Tilting the Wii remote left and right to control a manta ray over a giant suspended water track or holding it upright and moving it around to guide a giant ball with a balancing Mario atop (a la Monkey Ball) definitely break up the whole running and jumping bits but don’t feel as fun or as polished.
Nintendo have included a two player mode which while very very basic is still good fun. While one of you will control Mario like normal, the other can use the pointing ability to collect star bits and stun enemies. It definitely makes the game slightly easier and can provide incentive to get your family, girl/boyfriend involved so it’s definitely worth having a go.
The game is absolutely beautiful and again another area in which Super Mario Galaxy is untouched by any other Wii title. Everything looks so smooth and bold yet boasts some unbelievable detail we all thought the Wii wasn’t capable of. When it comes to the sound it gets even better. Somewhat of a rare occurrence in video games is a fully orchestrated soundtrack that only gets better as you progress through the game. From the “Good Egg Galaxy” through “Gusty Garden Galaxy” and right to the final level itself this game very rarely puts a foot wrong. The sounds themselves are also great. While Mario sounds... well like Mario, old noises such as the power-up jingle make an updated return and have never sounded better.
Those of you concerned about the length of the game need not worry as like its predecessors, Galaxy boasts a large 120 stars to collect each taking at least a good five or so minutes to complete. Technically you can complete the game with only half the objectives finished which can be done in around fifteen hours. But explore every nook and cranny collecting every power star and you’re looking at over thirty hours. Add to that a hidden secret that can lengthen that lifespan by thirty more hours and you have one of the longest Mario games yet.
Now Super Mario Galaxy isn’t a perfect game (then again what is?) and there are a few small faults you may find with the game. For one the camera, while great 99% of the time does take some getting used to and can get caught on walls and objects. The difficulty is also a little on the easy side at times during the initial sixty stars. But when it comes to the final forty odd the difficulty will ramp up. Both of these are such small things that it won’t matter at all so don’t worry.
I guess you could say Super Mario Galaxy’s biggest flaw is that at some point it has to end. It is in no way a short title but after playing the games outstanding forty or so galaxies you are left wanting more. It is without a doubt the best Wii game available, nomination for game of the year and even game of the decade. No hesitation, go and buy this masterpiece now.
97%
Story has never been a focal point nor a big deal when it comes to any Mario game. During a festival in the Mushroom Kingdom celebrating the passing of a spectacular comet Princess Peach is yet again kidnapped and yet again the culprit is Bowser. But this time the huge reptile has taken the battle into space and this is where the game separates itself from so many platforming wanabees out there.
While this is a platformer, Nintendo haven’t followed the guidelines much when it comes to their latest effort. While Mario’s moves still remain intact (he can run via the analogue, jump with the A button and perform other various wall kicks and butt bashers with timing and specific manoeuvring, he has acquired some new abilities too. For one instead of punching and kicking or using the FLUDD like past Mario games Mario can now use a spin as his primary form of attack. To do this requires a simple shake of the remote. However there are a few more instances where you need the Wii’s capabilities elsewhere like to aim at star bits and pick them up or throw fireballs at enemies. What is great is how the motion controls aren’t shoved down your throat but only added where needed.
But here is where things get weird. Unlike other platformers you’ll find yourself not only exploring large flat areas, but also smaller spheres that could be orbited in seven seconds. It’s this variety in design that makes the game such a joy to play. Shooting from sphere-like planet to a giant donut rock and then later making your way through a huge bowl of water and then ending up having to dive, dip and dodge your way through an underground sand temple 2D style is both surprising and an absolutely fantastic experience throughout. And furthermore gravity plays a big impact on the game with jumping between planets causing the bigger gravity field to pull you in. When it looks like there is nowhere else to move all it could take is a jump and you will be pulled toward another planet where more obstacles lay ahead.
Unlike the good but not great Super Mario Sunshine that stuck with the sunny beach-like environments throughout the adventure, Galaxy is free to explore any surrounding it wants due to it’s crazy and indescribable nature. One minute you could be in the usual areas like a desert or snow galaxy and the next it could be somewhere as unexpected as a child’s toy room or a level made entirely of sweets. That’s partly what makes this game such a joy to play through. Not only due to the amazing visuals, nor the outstanding music that accompanies each level but the excitement of discovering a new galaxy and seeing what new obstacles it holds.
The layout is not too dissimilar to that of Super Mario 64 and Sunshine in that you have a hub area and open up new levels the more stars you collect. While some galaxies are only played the once some will need to be revisited in order to collect every star you won’t mind as different paths will open up every time meaning you won’t need to retrace your steps too much. As well as the usual platforming affair there are also a few instances that revolve more around Wii usage.
Tilting the Wii remote left and right to control a manta ray over a giant suspended water track or holding it upright and moving it around to guide a giant ball with a balancing Mario atop (a la Monkey Ball) definitely break up the whole running and jumping bits but don’t feel as fun or as polished.
Nintendo have included a two player mode which while very very basic is still good fun. While one of you will control Mario like normal, the other can use the pointing ability to collect star bits and stun enemies. It definitely makes the game slightly easier and can provide incentive to get your family, girl/boyfriend involved so it’s definitely worth having a go.
The game is absolutely beautiful and again another area in which Super Mario Galaxy is untouched by any other Wii title. Everything looks so smooth and bold yet boasts some unbelievable detail we all thought the Wii wasn’t capable of. When it comes to the sound it gets even better. Somewhat of a rare occurrence in video games is a fully orchestrated soundtrack that only gets better as you progress through the game. From the “Good Egg Galaxy” through “Gusty Garden Galaxy” and right to the final level itself this game very rarely puts a foot wrong. The sounds themselves are also great. While Mario sounds... well like Mario, old noises such as the power-up jingle make an updated return and have never sounded better.
Those of you concerned about the length of the game need not worry as like its predecessors, Galaxy boasts a large 120 stars to collect each taking at least a good five or so minutes to complete. Technically you can complete the game with only half the objectives finished which can be done in around fifteen hours. But explore every nook and cranny collecting every power star and you’re looking at over thirty hours. Add to that a hidden secret that can lengthen that lifespan by thirty more hours and you have one of the longest Mario games yet.
Now Super Mario Galaxy isn’t a perfect game (then again what is?) and there are a few small faults you may find with the game. For one the camera, while great 99% of the time does take some getting used to and can get caught on walls and objects. The difficulty is also a little on the easy side at times during the initial sixty stars. But when it comes to the final forty odd the difficulty will ramp up. Both of these are such small things that it won’t matter at all so don’t worry.
I guess you could say Super Mario Galaxy’s biggest flaw is that at some point it has to end. It is in no way a short title but after playing the games outstanding forty or so galaxies you are left wanting more. It is without a doubt the best Wii game available, nomination for game of the year and even game of the decade. No hesitation, go and buy this masterpiece now.
97%
There have been no replies to this thread yet.
Wii’s powerhouse title has finally hit the UK and with all the hype surrounding it, there was always the worry it wouldn’t meet these unbelievably high expectations. All those concerns went right out the window as soon as I started the opening level and ran all the way around a huge sphere full of electric beams and goombas. Super Mario Galaxy is one of if not the best games you will play this year. End of discussion.
Story has never been a focal point nor a big deal when it comes to any Mario game. During a festival in the Mushroom Kingdom celebrating the passing of a spectacular comet Princess Peach is yet again kidnapped and yet again the culprit is Bowser. But this time the huge reptile has taken the battle into space and this is where the game separates itself from so many platforming wanabees out there.
While this is a platformer, Nintendo haven’t followed the guidelines much when it comes to their latest effort. While Mario’s moves still remain intact (he can run via the analogue, jump with the A button and perform other various wall kicks and butt bashers with timing and specific manoeuvring, he has acquired some new abilities too. For one instead of punching and kicking or using the FLUDD like past Mario games Mario can now use a spin as his primary form of attack. To do this requires a simple shake of the remote. However there are a few more instances where you need the Wii’s capabilities elsewhere like to aim at star bits and pick them up or throw fireballs at enemies. What is great is how the motion controls aren’t shoved down your throat but only added where needed.
But here is where things get weird. Unlike other platformers you’ll find yourself not only exploring large flat areas, but also smaller spheres that could be orbited in seven seconds. It’s this variety in design that makes the game such a joy to play. Shooting from sphere-like planet to a giant donut rock and then later making your way through a huge bowl of water and then ending up having to dive, dip and dodge your way through an underground sand temple 2D style is both surprising and an absolutely fantastic experience throughout. And furthermore gravity plays a big impact on the game with jumping between planets causing the bigger gravity field to pull you in. When it looks like there is nowhere else to move all it could take is a jump and you will be pulled toward another planet where more obstacles lay ahead.
Unlike the good but not great Super Mario Sunshine that stuck with the sunny beach-like environments throughout the adventure, Galaxy is free to explore any surrounding it wants due to it’s crazy and indescribable nature. One minute you could be in the usual areas like a desert or snow galaxy and the next it could be somewhere as unexpected as a child’s toy room or a level made entirely of sweets. That’s partly what makes this game such a joy to play through. Not only due to the amazing visuals, nor the outstanding music that accompanies each level but the excitement of discovering a new galaxy and seeing what new obstacles it holds.
The layout is not too dissimilar to that of Super Mario 64 and Sunshine in that you have a hub area and open up new levels the more stars you collect. While some galaxies are only played the once some will need to be revisited in order to collect every star you won’t mind as different paths will open up every time meaning you won’t need to retrace your steps too much. As well as the usual platforming affair there are also a few instances that revolve more around Wii usage.
Tilting the Wii remote left and right to control a manta ray over a giant suspended water track or holding it upright and moving it around to guide a giant ball with a balancing Mario atop (a la Monkey Ball) definitely break up the whole running and jumping bits but don’t feel as fun or as polished.
Nintendo have included a two player mode which while very very basic is still good fun. While one of you will control Mario like normal, the other can use the pointing ability to collect star bits and stun enemies. It definitely makes the game slightly easier and can provide incentive to get your family, girl/boyfriend involved so it’s definitely worth having a go.
The game is absolutely beautiful and again another area in which Super Mario Galaxy is untouched by any other Wii title. Everything looks so smooth and bold yet boasts some unbelievable detail we all thought the Wii wasn’t capable of. When it comes to the sound it gets even better. Somewhat of a rare occurrence in video games is a fully orchestrated soundtrack that only gets better as you progress through the game. From the “Good Egg Galaxy” through “Gusty Garden Galaxy” and right to the final level itself this game very rarely puts a foot wrong. The sounds themselves are also great. While Mario sounds... well like Mario, old noises such as the power-up jingle make an updated return and have never sounded better.
Those of you concerned about the length of the game need not worry as like its predecessors, Galaxy boasts a large 120 stars to collect each taking at least a good five or so minutes to complete. Technically you can complete the game with only half the objectives finished which can be done in around fifteen hours. But explore every nook and cranny collecting every power star and you’re looking at over thirty hours. Add to that a hidden secret that can lengthen that lifespan by thirty more hours and you have one of the longest Mario games yet.
Now Super Mario Galaxy isn’t a perfect game (then again what is?) and there are a few small faults you may find with the game. For one the camera, while great 99% of the time does take some getting used to and can get caught on walls and objects. The difficulty is also a little on the easy side at times during the initial sixty stars. But when it comes to the final forty odd the difficulty will ramp up. Both of these are such small things that it won’t matter at all so don’t worry.
I guess you could say Super Mario Galaxy’s biggest flaw is that at some point it has to end. It is in no way a short title but after playing the games outstanding forty or so galaxies you are left wanting more. It is without a doubt the best Wii game available, nomination for game of the year and even game of the decade. No hesitation, go and buy this masterpiece now.
97%
Story has never been a focal point nor a big deal when it comes to any Mario game. During a festival in the Mushroom Kingdom celebrating the passing of a spectacular comet Princess Peach is yet again kidnapped and yet again the culprit is Bowser. But this time the huge reptile has taken the battle into space and this is where the game separates itself from so many platforming wanabees out there.
While this is a platformer, Nintendo haven’t followed the guidelines much when it comes to their latest effort. While Mario’s moves still remain intact (he can run via the analogue, jump with the A button and perform other various wall kicks and butt bashers with timing and specific manoeuvring, he has acquired some new abilities too. For one instead of punching and kicking or using the FLUDD like past Mario games Mario can now use a spin as his primary form of attack. To do this requires a simple shake of the remote. However there are a few more instances where you need the Wii’s capabilities elsewhere like to aim at star bits and pick them up or throw fireballs at enemies. What is great is how the motion controls aren’t shoved down your throat but only added where needed.
But here is where things get weird. Unlike other platformers you’ll find yourself not only exploring large flat areas, but also smaller spheres that could be orbited in seven seconds. It’s this variety in design that makes the game such a joy to play. Shooting from sphere-like planet to a giant donut rock and then later making your way through a huge bowl of water and then ending up having to dive, dip and dodge your way through an underground sand temple 2D style is both surprising and an absolutely fantastic experience throughout. And furthermore gravity plays a big impact on the game with jumping between planets causing the bigger gravity field to pull you in. When it looks like there is nowhere else to move all it could take is a jump and you will be pulled toward another planet where more obstacles lay ahead.
Unlike the good but not great Super Mario Sunshine that stuck with the sunny beach-like environments throughout the adventure, Galaxy is free to explore any surrounding it wants due to it’s crazy and indescribable nature. One minute you could be in the usual areas like a desert or snow galaxy and the next it could be somewhere as unexpected as a child’s toy room or a level made entirely of sweets. That’s partly what makes this game such a joy to play through. Not only due to the amazing visuals, nor the outstanding music that accompanies each level but the excitement of discovering a new galaxy and seeing what new obstacles it holds.
The layout is not too dissimilar to that of Super Mario 64 and Sunshine in that you have a hub area and open up new levels the more stars you collect. While some galaxies are only played the once some will need to be revisited in order to collect every star you won’t mind as different paths will open up every time meaning you won’t need to retrace your steps too much. As well as the usual platforming affair there are also a few instances that revolve more around Wii usage.
Tilting the Wii remote left and right to control a manta ray over a giant suspended water track or holding it upright and moving it around to guide a giant ball with a balancing Mario atop (a la Monkey Ball) definitely break up the whole running and jumping bits but don’t feel as fun or as polished.
Nintendo have included a two player mode which while very very basic is still good fun. While one of you will control Mario like normal, the other can use the pointing ability to collect star bits and stun enemies. It definitely makes the game slightly easier and can provide incentive to get your family, girl/boyfriend involved so it’s definitely worth having a go.
The game is absolutely beautiful and again another area in which Super Mario Galaxy is untouched by any other Wii title. Everything looks so smooth and bold yet boasts some unbelievable detail we all thought the Wii wasn’t capable of. When it comes to the sound it gets even better. Somewhat of a rare occurrence in video games is a fully orchestrated soundtrack that only gets better as you progress through the game. From the “Good Egg Galaxy” through “Gusty Garden Galaxy” and right to the final level itself this game very rarely puts a foot wrong. The sounds themselves are also great. While Mario sounds... well like Mario, old noises such as the power-up jingle make an updated return and have never sounded better.
Those of you concerned about the length of the game need not worry as like its predecessors, Galaxy boasts a large 120 stars to collect each taking at least a good five or so minutes to complete. Technically you can complete the game with only half the objectives finished which can be done in around fifteen hours. But explore every nook and cranny collecting every power star and you’re looking at over thirty hours. Add to that a hidden secret that can lengthen that lifespan by thirty more hours and you have one of the longest Mario games yet.
Now Super Mario Galaxy isn’t a perfect game (then again what is?) and there are a few small faults you may find with the game. For one the camera, while great 99% of the time does take some getting used to and can get caught on walls and objects. The difficulty is also a little on the easy side at times during the initial sixty stars. But when it comes to the final forty odd the difficulty will ramp up. Both of these are such small things that it won’t matter at all so don’t worry.
I guess you could say Super Mario Galaxy’s biggest flaw is that at some point it has to end. It is in no way a short title but after playing the games outstanding forty or so galaxies you are left wanting more. It is without a doubt the best Wii game available, nomination for game of the year and even game of the decade. No hesitation, go and buy this masterpiece now.
97%