Super Mario Galaxy 2 Shines-A Review

Super Mario Galaxy 2 is the direct sequel to the 2007 Mario-in-space video game. Exclusively for the Wii, the Mario games are the standard for platforming. Nintendo doesn't disappoint with Super Mario Galaxy 2. The game is similar enough for fans of the original, but provides enough differences to keep gamers engaged. It's available now and is rated E for everyone.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 Gameplay
Instead of the space station hub in Galaxy, Mario and a crew of Lumas travel on a spaceship shaped like Mario's head. When the ship travels to the different worlds, a mapping system similar to the one in SuperMario Bros 3 is used. This streamlines the travel to the levels, although I do sort of miss the variety of houses, stars, and surprises of the space station hub. The second player pointer star is improved. Instead of just collecting star bits or holding down enemies, the second player can pick up coins and give them to Mario. They can also spin and attack.

There are a total of 242 stars to collect. The game has a nice, even mix of boss fights and tedious, fun, all platforming levels. Some levels feel straight out of the first Galaxy. There are six worlds to explore, not including a secret one. Mario has returning power-up including Fire, Bee, and Ghost. New power-up like Rock Mario, Spin Drill, and Cloud Mario add to variety to the game. Also returning is blue Pull Stars, gravity changing arrows, and the balance ball. In certain galaxies, like Rightside Down, the game switches between 2D and 3D. In galaxies like Haunty Halls, Luigi is a playable character.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 New Features
While the mechanics of the game are taken from the original, Galaxy 2 has plenty of new tricks. The biggest new feature is Yoshi. Playable early in the game, Yoshi is able to defeat enemies and grab Pull Flowers, which operate like Pull Stars. Yoshi has his own power ups including the spicy pepper Dash. This power up makes Yoshi run extremely fast and almost out of control. Playing with Yoshi alters the game. I sometimes wished I didn't need Yoshi, especially in one Bowser Jr Grand Star battle. Yoshi would get hit and either run around like crazy or retreat back into his egg, making you backtrack to retrieve him.

Other new features can be used to help players who get stuck in levels. The Cosmic Guide is a blue Rosalina figure who appears after you die several times. Approach her and she'll ask if you want help. By help, the game will take over and complete the level for you. Mario will not receive a Gold Power Star, just a bronze one. Bronze stars do count towards your count, but in order to get the proper Power Star, you must complete the level yourself. Another helping feature is the TVs scattered through certain galaxies. They will give you a hint on how to do a certain part of the level. The "hint" consists of showing you exactly what to do. The help and hints are a nice idea for younger gamer or inexperienced gamers. The good thing is the game doesn't force them on you.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 Replay Value
Only 120 stars are needed to beat the game. Once the game is over, 120 different stars appear in the worlds. There is also the secret world to unlock, plus comet coins to collect. The game is long, extremely difficult at times and there are plenty of worlds and galaxies to explore. For me, Mario games are one of the few series that stand the test of time. Galaxy 2 be can replayed years from now and still feel fresh and challenging.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 is a must have for any Mario or Wii fan. The game is versatile and difficult enough to satisfy hardcore gamers. At the same time, it also helps inexperienced gamers who might have problems with the tougher levels. While sometimes I wanted to ditch Yoshi, overall the gameplay is fun, challenging, and addicting. Galaxy 2 is nothing short of a masterpiece I will play over and over.

Sources:

Personal experience