Super Mario Galaxy - Max Out Review

Many Mario titles are often referred to as the standard to which new games must meet. Take for example, Donkey Kong, Super Mario Bros, and Mario Kart 64. They are the games that set the genres themselves. Now, Super Mario Galaxy was no exception following its release in 2007, when it took the gaming world by storm, winning itself the Game of the Year Award from IGN, GameSpot, Nintendo Power, GameTrailers, Edge and Yahoo! Games. Here is a review on Super Mario Galaxy, showing how it’s such an awesome game.

Released: 1st November 2007

Obviously, as with many Mario games, the developers used the same old story to drive the game play. Peach is captured by Bowser once again with the premise that she will somehow be useful to him whilst he attempts to create his own galaxy to rule the universe. By far not the most original plot but seeing as how Nintendo managed to incorporate it into the galaxy scale, it doesn’t do too badly. Several new characters are introduced, such as Rosalina, a star princess; and Lumas, small glowing star shaped beings with cute little eyes. They help Mario along his way to save the Princess from the evil Bowser and his minions. The story, which takes around 20-30 hours to complete the first time round, and that’s trying to get every coin and “Star bit” around! However, just completing the game up to here would be cheating yourself of game play gold. In order to fully complete the game you must find all 120 stars in the game with Mario and then find them all again with Luigi and his unique properties. Bowser must be defeated at least four times before you unlock the final Grand Finale Galaxy and then proceed to complete the game.

Storyline: 8/10

The graphics in this game are completely breathtaking, and it is by far one of the best looking games on the Wii to date. Every single, twinkling star, rolling rock, “Star bit” or Goomba has been crafted by the developers to look stunning from every angle. In each unique game world, I was more than happy to just run and jump around, admiring the handiwork and creative art on show. Each galaxy is unique, and there are many, many galaxies to explore.

Graphics: 9/10

Once again, Nintendo have delivered on the audio side of gaming with an astounding soundtrack to go with Super Mario Galaxy. From awe-inspiring themes to tense, suspenseful pieces, underwater magical music to the remixed classics from the old games, there’s something in it for everyone. Mahito Yokota did a fine job on composing the huge range of melodies (81 tracks) for the game’s numerous worlds. The soundtrack won many critic awards including "Best Design in Audio" from the U.K.'s Edge Magazine. All in all, this game’s sound track is just brilliant, and even if it was just that, I would still highly recommend it.

Music and Sound: 10/10

Mario’s 3D game play returns from Super Mario Sunshine, and you control him with the Nunchuk, jumping with the A button and spin-attacking by shaking the Wii Remote. This is a game which shows why the Wii works so well with Mario, and platformers in general, as the controls are flawless. The Wii Remote is used to control any spin-stars you come across to traverse across levels from planet to planet. This game sees the introduction of the Star Pointer, used to shoot collected “Star bits” at enemies to stun them. “Star bits” are also used as a sort of currency in the hub world, and can be used to pay Hungry Lumas to unlock secret galaxies. It also takes an integral part of the game play. In some levels you must used the Wii Remote to pull yourself along using “Pull Stars”. Others require you to use it like a fan to blow Mario, who is in a bubble, along a course. Power-ups return from previous games such as the Fire Flower and the Starman, but new ones are also available such as the Spring, Bee or Boo Suit. These new power-ups add new ways to play the game and are very fun to use! The level design is insanely creative, and each level left me thinking “Wow! That was fun!” Particular worlds in particular such as “Loopdeswoop” were extremely fun and brought a break from the usual game play with a mini game type level. However, the gravity-bending physics is what really stands out as each level sees Mario traverse across a galaxy, consisting of many weirdly shaped celestial objects, each with their own gravitational field. Therefore, players must use their skill to move Mario around planets, whether it be upside-down, back to front and sometimes inside planets. The Nintendo team sure messed around with gravity in this game, and it’s is extremely fun and enhances the overall game play. Mixed with 2D elements as well, this game has everything in it!

Gameplay: 10/10

Mario’s galactic adventure is purely sensational. From the outstanding graphics to the beautiful soundtrack and genius-inspired game play, Super Mario Galaxy is a masterpiece.

Rating: 10/10

Nice review here!

Too bad I wouldn't play a Mario game, and you can't rate it 10/10

What?? No ten out of ten???!!! It's my favourite game of all time?!"

It's not a 10/10 tho

I don't think any game is worth 10/10

Well Super Mario Galaxy got a 10/10 from gamespot. And IGN. GTA got a couple of tens from them too. For me 10/10 means that it is just awesome beyond belief... but it can have flaws... e.g. SMG is on the Wii, which has reduced graphical capabilities, BUT with the perfect controls. It all balances out.