Super Mario Galaxy 2 is the sequel to one of the best games you will ever play, this means it has a lot to live up to and i am pleased to tell you it matches the brilliance of the first game, even exceeding it in certain areas. Some of the most creative and Imaginative level designs you will ever see in a video game are beautifully brought to life with the vibrant bold colours. The immense variety of enemies, power-ups, and worlds make this a truly unique expirience and sets this game apart from any other 3D platformer on the Wii, maybe even the world.
Super Mario Galaxy 2 uses the same game engine, same controls, and same basic concept which made the first game such a hit with fans around the world. The developers found out what did and did not work with the first game and they have managed to use this to create another masterful game which offers one of the most fun and fulfilling experiences of our generation.
The original Super Mario Galaxy was a game built on creativity, everything felt unique and looked marvellous. They took the traditional 3D platformer and turned it into a perfect example of what games should be about. Players had the ability to roam standard Mario-style levels to miniature planetoids with their own orbital gravity, while still utilizing the same familiar gameplay mechanics.
It's clear from the start that Nintendo has put allot of focus on the structuring of Super Mario Galaxy 2 in attempt to provide satisfaction for everyone, including the new "Expanded audience" which would have had their first real taste of a Mario game in the highly appreciated New Super Mario Bros Wii. This is immediately obvious from the way that Galaxy 2 starts, beginning players off on their journey with a strict 2D tutorial to get them used to the mechanics, it feels allot like New Super Mario Bros and past games. This little touch is the type of small detail which Nintendo manages to do so well with it's Mario franchise and the fans are sure to be delighted with it. After the tutorial is over Nintendo let go and give the player the freedom to explore this fantastic game in 3D.
The shift in presentation is also applied to the game's progression. The team behind Galaxy 2 simplified the way players are able to move between the worlds in the game, making it feel much more like the maps in the old Mario games and it feels much better this way. The game is a drastic change from Super Mario 64 where the goal was to explore until you found your next mission, everything here is a much more streamline experience and unlike the first Galaxy you are unlikely to become disjointed if you stop playing for a few days and return. Super Mario Galaxy was an extremely impressive game however it's one disappointment was the overwhelming hub-world, thankfully everything is now perfected and fans will be getting a much simpler but effective system.
The game is not easy and can be very challenging even for experienced players but what it does do very well is it assists players who need the help. For example, there are TV monitors which explain how specific tasks should be carried out and there is also the "play for me" mode to help players in need. The "play for me" mode is ripped right out of New Super Mario Bros Wii and works like this, if you die too many times then Rosalina (from the original Super Mario Galaxy) will appear and ask you if you need any assistance. While this may seem strange that a game will play it'self for you and complete the mission, it's actually a really smart idea. It stops any frustration when stuck on a level and keeps the game fluid and the players experience going. There is a downside as expected though if you choose to take the easy way out, when you ask the game to play for you the golden star in the level will appear bronze and everyone will be able to see you took the easy way out. So while it might seem cheap, it is still a great addition and it will test the patience of many players in search of the illusive golden star.
The game remains just as fun and enjoying as the first with it's focus on beautiful colourful and imaginative locations and great design, throwing any realistic element out the window. You will pretty much do the same as any other Mario game, platform through the delightful environments in search of your golden star. Nintendo have refined Mario's controls so he feels much easer and natural to control. Nintendo seem to always understand what the fans want, Mario can easily punch an enemy out the way but it he deals with him the traditional Mario way then the player will be rewarded with a coin. These small details are what make this game such a fan-friendly experience and really create an experience which feels rewarding.
Allot of the fantastic and beautifully designed levels in Super Mario Galaxy 2 are based off of concepts for the original game. levels that turn upside down and allow you to walk on the ceiling as the gravitational pull changes, others will have you dodging rocks that twist around molten lava, and a checker'd floor which keeps changing it's panels are just some of the well thought out level designs the game offers. The levels have all been enhanced to feel unique and completely new and fresh from the last. The variety in this game is simply amazing, there must have been some very creative minds behind the games locations because not one feels or looks similar to any other and this level of detail is what makes this game outstanding.
The designers show just how passionate they are about the Mario franchise with the inclusion of classic Mario 2D-style platforming levels which make New Super Mario Bros Wii look like a third-party budget title. The game can change from a 3D angle into the old school 2D style and it's one of my personal favourite thing's about the game.
As if all we had so far was not enough, we finally have Yoshi back as well. He is handled with much more care and attention than back in the days of Mario Sunshine. Yoshi offers a different dimension to gameplay, when controlling Yoshi players have the ability to tongue lash at objects or hooks using the Wii remote's pointer capabilities. This fits well and never feels awkward or out of place as you're constantly pointing at star bits with the pointer controls.
The only disappointment is Yoshi is restricted to certain levels in certain galaxy's which makes you're experience with him short but sweet. I would have liked allot more time with him since he is one of the best characters and offers a great deal of fun new elements to the gameplay. In certain areas you will be able to inflate Yoshi like a balloon and reach high places which would otherwise be out of reach as well as float across large distances. Yoshi also has a light power which illuminates invisible platforms which don't exist without using Yoshi's power, in other words you can't just jump out and land on an invisible platform.Mario also has allot of new powers in this adventure, my personal favourite is The Cloud Suit. It's a great idea which allows players to create up to three temporary "cloud platforms" by shaking the Wii remote.This allows Mario to use the new platform to either get higher, cross water, cross molten lava, or just reach a hidden star or coin. Even his new Rock Suit, which is essentially just a "roll up into a ball attack" is used in extra challenges like the hidden bowling techniques that you'll stumble upon later in the game.
This is where the game exceeds, although it might be designed to feel easy for anyone to play and come away with a rewarding sense of satisfaction, it's real reward is for those "completionists" out there who scavenge each level for any hidden detail. Every one of the game's Galaxies has a comet coin which will unlock different challenges within the established level designs. The game doesn't force you to do any of the extra challenges, however those who do will be rewarded with more than they expected. When the option to gain more of these devious, brilliant, beautiful, creative levels opens up who wouldn't want to go the extra mile.
The first game did receive criticism for it's camera system, mainly because it was the only weak point to the game, this time around though the camera has improved allot. In Super Mario Galaxy 2 you can use the D-Pad to move the angle if you need to but to be honest the game handles the camera flawlessly.
Mario Galaxy 2 returns with co-op and even improves on this area as well. At any point in the game a second player can turn on the Wii remote and help the other player by snagging missed star-bits, as well as anything that is out of reach for player one. This really isn't needed because you won't miss much but it's just extremely fun to share this experience with a friend, even taking turns on who plays the levels with Mario.
There is no doubting that Super Mario Galaxy 2 is a true testament to the Wii's technology, showing off the best visuals we have ever seen in a Wii game, the same can be said for the soundtrack. This time around the soundtrack is even more intense with far more orchestral and studio recordings than it's predecessor.
Anyone who is looking for a story should look in another direction, yet again with Mario it's another simple, fight Bowser, and rescue Peach tale. The Mario franchise has never been about telling a story, it's always been about pure addictive fun at it's best.
Super Mario Galaxy 2 is the best game on the Nintendo Wii 9.5/10
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