Super Mario Galaxy is the game that made me love video games.
It wasn’t the first game I played, or even the first Mario game (that honor goes to Mario Kart Wii), but it was the first to make me see games as an art form. It’s been over 15 years since I first sat down to play it at the tender age of 4 years old, but that first play session is burned into my brain. The transition from a quiet, somber storybook into a joyous festival instantly invokes a sense of childlike wonder and turns the remotely interested into the completely invested. Then, Bowser’s attack on the Star Festival and Mario’s defeat lets veteran Mario players know this adventure will be something special, while also making the basic elements of Mario clear to new players.
Speaking of basic elements, Gateway Galaxy is a fantastic tutorial. The Star Bunny segment seamlessly introduces the game’s gravity mechanic, as well as the concepts of bushes, pipes, and craters. Rosalina’s introduction introduces a sense of mystery and quiet contemplation, and the next few planets establish the game’s phenomenal sense of epic adventure and even more gameplay elements: spinning, crystals, Launch Stars, Star Bits, enemies, Black Holes, Star Chips, Flip Switches, and electricity. And all this culminates in the rescue of the Grand Star, giving 4-year-old willn46 his first chance to save the universe and make it back home to the beautiful Comet Observatory.
But even beyond its importance to me, Mario Galaxy is simply an incredible 3D platformer. Right from the outset, Mario controls like a dream. Every input is immediately taken into account, with jumps, ground pounds, and everything in between being perfectly tuned to just feel good to use. But I’d be remiss not to mention the crown jewel of Mario’s moveset: the Spin Move. Not only is it a fantastic use of the Wii’s motion controls that feels both significant and unobtrusive (unless you have a disability that renders the controls unusable for you, in which case I am incredibly sorry), it’s also an incredibly versatile tool that’s easy to use, but has nearly limitless potential. First and foremost, the momentum-halting midair jump lets players easily recover from mistakes and adjust their positioning on the fly, giving newer players a safety net that eases them in to platforming in a 3D space. Additionally, the extra jump is great for getting places that seem just out of reach, horizontally or vertically, enabling the game to set up interesting platforming challenges and fun opportunities to skip past sections if the player is good enough. But the Spin Move isn’t just for platforming; it’s also the player’s primary means of interaction with the game. It’s used to defeat enemies, break objects, collect shells, swim faster, and so much more, and every interaction is completely intuitive (Ceave Gaming has a great video on this exact topic).
I’ve seen some people criticize the Galaxy games for not having as much movement tech as other 3D Mario games. While, yes, the movement here is much simpler than 64, Sunshine or Odyssey, I actually think it works to the game’s benefit. Not only is it much easier to learn, requiring the player to understand a few basic moves rather than a plethora of complex maneuvers, but the more limited moveset lets the game be carried entirely by its level design.
And said level design is top-notch. Like 64 and Sunshine before it, Galaxy spreads its 120 stars across multiple worlds for the plumber to tackle. But it trades their handful of levels holding a few collectibles for a supercluster of memorable locales, each one bearing a unique mechanical, visual and auditory identity. Fully committing to Sunshine’s separation of individual objectives lets the designers get the most out of a single Galaxy by introducing multiple ideas while still maintaining the level’s core themes, and splitting up the action across multiple planets allows for great variety within missions as well as between them. Plus, the introduction of mid-level checkpoints allows for longer levels that don’t feel like they drag on and gives the designers more time to play with a level’s gimmicks. The more linear level design even means the game’s limited camera rarely feels limiting. And the generous amount of Power Stars gives players plenty of freedom in choosing which levels to tackle.
This would all mean nothing if the levels themselves were boring, but luckily they couldn’t be further from that. Galaxy takes basic level tropes like Ice, Beach, and Desert levels and pushes them to their absolute limits: combining ice and fire mechanics in a lava-skating course, hiding the path to a deadly obstacle course behind an underwater cave, and navigating sand streams and tornadoes across an ocean of quicksand. And that’s not even mentioning the more original levels, like HoneyHive Galaxy, BattleRock Galaxy, or Toy Time Galaxy. Besides a few stinkers like the ball-rolling levels and some of the race levels, the level mechanics on display are consistently excellent in a way I think is only matched by this game's own sequel. Interesting obstacles like altered gravity, throwing Bob-Ombs, and launching from Sling Pods are expertly paced and explored to the fullest. Cool enemies like spinning tops, bugs that need to be ground-pounded, and giant eels combined with interesting spins on classic enemies like Goombas and Boos work wonders both from a mechanical and aesthetic standpoint. Plus the bosses are great tests of skill, utilizing a level’s mechanics in their battles on top of being tests of basic skill. Power ups are pretty fun too (besides the spring), with their own unique attributes, interactions with level gimmicks, and hazards to deal with.
And do I even need to mention the visuals and music? The artstyle is vibrant, yet the locales are consistently stunning, with great attention to detail both in the actual levels and in background elements. The character designs are excellent, both with how returning characters look and how the new characters perfectly fit in with Mario while still standing out. Plus, there are tons of cool little details and secret areas that, while they may be a little pointless, give the levels tons of personality. But even more impressive is the game’s music. The confident, orchestral themes give the game an almost cinematic feel, and yet each one perfectly fits within the level and the Mario series. There are so many standout pieces in this regard, like Good Egg Galaxy, BattleRock Galaxy, and Buoy Base Galaxy. However, the game also knows when to be more subdued and reflective, with pieces like Space Junk Galaxy and Gateway Galaxy.
And on that note…besides sparking my love of video games, there’s another reason this game means so much to me.
Back in late 2016, I made some mistakes. The details are personal, but long story short, I was a stupid 12-year-old who took his friends for granted and ended up losing them all. And for the entire month of November, going to school was absolute Hell for me because of it. In every class, I would argue with people, get teased, or get laughed at, and since a lot of it was my fault, I didn’t want to ask any teachers or my parents for help. Luckily, Thanksgiving Break rolled around eventually, and I was home safe. But at this point I realized something horrible: I had no one to turn to. All my friends left me because of my egotism, and my parents wouldn’t understand enough to help me. For that entire week, I was more or less left to think about my actions, angry at myself and at the people who hurt me. I didn’t know if I could go on, and before long, my mind went to some…dark places.
Then, on Sunday, the day before I had to go back to school, I thought I would boot up Mario Galaxy so I could at least have a little fun. I played around a little, going through some of my favorite levels, not really accomplishing much. But I enjoyed it. The game didn’t judge me. It didn’t try to hurt me. It didn’t care what I did. It was just there for me, and it was there to make me happy.
And…suddenly, I wasn’t alone anymore.
Not only did that moment save my life, not only did it bring me out of the hole I dug for myself, but it made me realize the true power of a good video game. Some people might say video games are silly little things, that they’re hunks of digital junk to give to a kid so they’ll shut up for a bit. But I think they’re more than that. Like any form of art, they can lift a person up, give them a new perspective on life, and help them move forward even when nobody else will. That moment is why I wanted to become a game designer. Because I wanted to help someone feel like someone cared for them, the same way Super Mario Galaxy helped me. Sometimes, when you’re feeling hopeless, that’s the only message you need to hear:
“Thank you so much for playing my game.”
It wasn’t the first game I played, or even the first Mario game (that honor goes to Mario Kart Wii), but it was the first to make me see games as an art form. It’s been over 15 years since I first sat down to play it at the tender age of 4 years old, but that first play session is burned into my brain. The transition from a quiet, somber storybook into a joyous festival instantly invokes a sense of childlike wonder and turns the remotely interested into the completely invested. Then, Bowser’s attack on the Star Festival and Mario’s defeat lets veteran Mario players know this adventure will be something special, while also making the basic elements of Mario clear to new players.
Speaking of basic elements, Gateway Galaxy is a fantastic tutorial. The Star Bunny segment seamlessly introduces the game’s gravity mechanic, as well as the concepts of bushes, pipes, and craters. Rosalina’s introduction introduces a sense of mystery and quiet contemplation, and the next few planets establish the game’s phenomenal sense of epic adventure and even more gameplay elements: spinning, crystals, Launch Stars, Star Bits, enemies, Black Holes, Star Chips, Flip Switches, and electricity. And all this culminates in the rescue of the Grand Star, giving 4-year-old willn46 his first chance to save the universe and make it back home to the beautiful Comet Observatory.
But even beyond its importance to me, Mario Galaxy is simply an incredible 3D platformer. Right from the outset, Mario controls like a dream. Every input is immediately taken into account, with jumps, ground pounds, and everything in between being perfectly tuned to just feel good to use. But I’d be remiss not to mention the crown jewel of Mario’s moveset: the Spin Move. Not only is it a fantastic use of the Wii’s motion controls that feels both significant and unobtrusive (unless you have a disability that renders the controls unusable for you, in which case I am incredibly sorry), it’s also an incredibly versatile tool that’s easy to use, but has nearly limitless potential. First and foremost, the momentum-halting midair jump lets players easily recover from mistakes and adjust their positioning on the fly, giving newer players a safety net that eases them in to platforming in a 3D space. Additionally, the extra jump is great for getting places that seem just out of reach, horizontally or vertically, enabling the game to set up interesting platforming challenges and fun opportunities to skip past sections if the player is good enough. But the Spin Move isn’t just for platforming; it’s also the player’s primary means of interaction with the game. It’s used to defeat enemies, break objects, collect shells, swim faster, and so much more, and every interaction is completely intuitive (Ceave Gaming has a great video on this exact topic).
I’ve seen some people criticize the Galaxy games for not having as much movement tech as other 3D Mario games. While, yes, the movement here is much simpler than 64, Sunshine or Odyssey, I actually think it works to the game’s benefit. Not only is it much easier to learn, requiring the player to understand a few basic moves rather than a plethora of complex maneuvers, but the more limited moveset lets the game be carried entirely by its level design.
And said level design is top-notch. Like 64 and Sunshine before it, Galaxy spreads its 120 stars across multiple worlds for the plumber to tackle. But it trades their handful of levels holding a few collectibles for a supercluster of memorable locales, each one bearing a unique mechanical, visual and auditory identity. Fully committing to Sunshine’s separation of individual objectives lets the designers get the most out of a single Galaxy by introducing multiple ideas while still maintaining the level’s core themes, and splitting up the action across multiple planets allows for great variety within missions as well as between them. Plus, the introduction of mid-level checkpoints allows for longer levels that don’t feel like they drag on and gives the designers more time to play with a level’s gimmicks. The more linear level design even means the game’s limited camera rarely feels limiting. And the generous amount of Power Stars gives players plenty of freedom in choosing which levels to tackle.
This would all mean nothing if the levels themselves were boring, but luckily they couldn’t be further from that. Galaxy takes basic level tropes like Ice, Beach, and Desert levels and pushes them to their absolute limits: combining ice and fire mechanics in a lava-skating course, hiding the path to a deadly obstacle course behind an underwater cave, and navigating sand streams and tornadoes across an ocean of quicksand. And that’s not even mentioning the more original levels, like HoneyHive Galaxy, BattleRock Galaxy, or Toy Time Galaxy. Besides a few stinkers like the ball-rolling levels and some of the race levels, the level mechanics on display are consistently excellent in a way I think is only matched by this game's own sequel. Interesting obstacles like altered gravity, throwing Bob-Ombs, and launching from Sling Pods are expertly paced and explored to the fullest. Cool enemies like spinning tops, bugs that need to be ground-pounded, and giant eels combined with interesting spins on classic enemies like Goombas and Boos work wonders both from a mechanical and aesthetic standpoint. Plus the bosses are great tests of skill, utilizing a level’s mechanics in their battles on top of being tests of basic skill. Power ups are pretty fun too (besides the spring), with their own unique attributes, interactions with level gimmicks, and hazards to deal with.
And do I even need to mention the visuals and music? The artstyle is vibrant, yet the locales are consistently stunning, with great attention to detail both in the actual levels and in background elements. The character designs are excellent, both with how returning characters look and how the new characters perfectly fit in with Mario while still standing out. Plus, there are tons of cool little details and secret areas that, while they may be a little pointless, give the levels tons of personality. But even more impressive is the game’s music. The confident, orchestral themes give the game an almost cinematic feel, and yet each one perfectly fits within the level and the Mario series. There are so many standout pieces in this regard, like Good Egg Galaxy, BattleRock Galaxy, and Buoy Base Galaxy. However, the game also knows when to be more subdued and reflective, with pieces like Space Junk Galaxy and Gateway Galaxy.
And on that note…besides sparking my love of video games, there’s another reason this game means so much to me.
Back in late 2016, I made some mistakes. The details are personal, but long story short, I was a stupid 12-year-old who took his friends for granted and ended up losing them all. And for the entire month of November, going to school was absolute Hell for me because of it. In every class, I would argue with people, get teased, or get laughed at, and since a lot of it was my fault, I didn’t want to ask any teachers or my parents for help. Luckily, Thanksgiving Break rolled around eventually, and I was home safe. But at this point I realized something horrible: I had no one to turn to. All my friends left me because of my egotism, and my parents wouldn’t understand enough to help me. For that entire week, I was more or less left to think about my actions, angry at myself and at the people who hurt me. I didn’t know if I could go on, and before long, my mind went to some…dark places.
Then, on Sunday, the day before I had to go back to school, I thought I would boot up Mario Galaxy so I could at least have a little fun. I played around a little, going through some of my favorite levels, not really accomplishing much. But I enjoyed it. The game didn’t judge me. It didn’t try to hurt me. It didn’t care what I did. It was just there for me, and it was there to make me happy.
And…suddenly, I wasn’t alone anymore.
Not only did that moment save my life, not only did it bring me out of the hole I dug for myself, but it made me realize the true power of a good video game. Some people might say video games are silly little things, that they’re hunks of digital junk to give to a kid so they’ll shut up for a bit. But I think they’re more than that. Like any form of art, they can lift a person up, give them a new perspective on life, and help them move forward even when nobody else will. That moment is why I wanted to become a game designer. Because I wanted to help someone feel like someone cared for them, the same way Super Mario Galaxy helped me. Sometimes, when you’re feeling hopeless, that’s the only message you need to hear:
“Thank you so much for playing my game.”
It had been far too long since I played Super Mario Galaxy, and I fear the in-between time hurt my original perception of this game.
Sometimes a game is so good, you play it once and never go back to it because there’s really no need. It’s the greatest game ever, everybody knows it, everybody says it. That’s how I remembered Galaxy, the untouchable holy grail of games. The best 3D Mario, a near-impossible task, and yet… my return proved me otherwise.
I will say that out of any and every Wii game, you’ve probably got the best looking and sounding one on your hands. An incredible visual appeal backed by booming strings, glaring synths, somber piano, it has it all. This colorful, expansive world Nintendo built in this game is beautiful. Damn near brings a tear to my eye thinking about how perfectly crafted it is.
However… I feel like anyone giving this game a mass amount of credit for its soundtrack and level design has not played Ape Escape 3, because I legitimately think there are ripped off ideas all over. The way the toy levels play out, the music in them, the doors and their opening animations, the style of beach levels, I can’t help but wonder if Nintendo also knows that Ape Escape 3 is arguably the best 3D platformer of all-time. They saw the space levels and said, “Yep, let’s make a whole game with that idea.” At least they used a phenomenal game to take inspiration from.
I also despise this fixed camera at times. Playing as a shadow for 1/4th of the entire game is not appealing to me, just let me move the camera on my own without any help. Sometimes I got knocked off of platforms because of weird enemy placement and poor camera work. Plus these enemies have some straight up bullshit animations that kick you all over the place on tight platforms and send you into a black hole. Not really sure what was going on with that throughout the game, because I don’t recall any other 3D Mario game being like that. Or the slow feeling movements of all of the water levels, and the confusing controls of pressing A or spinning to gain speed. Even Mario 64 felt smoother with its water controls.
What I do love is the fact you can leave a level or straight up just an entire galaxy to get a star elsewhere, because some of these levels are some real work to get through. During some of the second half of the game my enjoyment plummeted and I felt like I was just tasked with chore after chore of beating a bunch of levels I was no longer having fun in. Luckily it wasn’t the whole B side, but it was enough to make me sit back and evaluate if I’m just playing too much, or I actually don’t like what’s going on.
When I think of Mario Galaxy, I don’t think of largely problematic game design, but on my replay of it, certain areas of this game definitely could’ve been made better. Still, Mario Galaxy remains one of the best Wii platformers to this day. While I can’t say I love it as much as I used to, I’d go back to it without hesitation. It’s definitely flawed, and not the masterpiece everyone claims it to be, but even the worst 3D Mario game is in a league of its own. 8/10.
Sometimes a game is so good, you play it once and never go back to it because there’s really no need. It’s the greatest game ever, everybody knows it, everybody says it. That’s how I remembered Galaxy, the untouchable holy grail of games. The best 3D Mario, a near-impossible task, and yet… my return proved me otherwise.
I will say that out of any and every Wii game, you’ve probably got the best looking and sounding one on your hands. An incredible visual appeal backed by booming strings, glaring synths, somber piano, it has it all. This colorful, expansive world Nintendo built in this game is beautiful. Damn near brings a tear to my eye thinking about how perfectly crafted it is.
However… I feel like anyone giving this game a mass amount of credit for its soundtrack and level design has not played Ape Escape 3, because I legitimately think there are ripped off ideas all over. The way the toy levels play out, the music in them, the doors and their opening animations, the style of beach levels, I can’t help but wonder if Nintendo also knows that Ape Escape 3 is arguably the best 3D platformer of all-time. They saw the space levels and said, “Yep, let’s make a whole game with that idea.” At least they used a phenomenal game to take inspiration from.
I also despise this fixed camera at times. Playing as a shadow for 1/4th of the entire game is not appealing to me, just let me move the camera on my own without any help. Sometimes I got knocked off of platforms because of weird enemy placement and poor camera work. Plus these enemies have some straight up bullshit animations that kick you all over the place on tight platforms and send you into a black hole. Not really sure what was going on with that throughout the game, because I don’t recall any other 3D Mario game being like that. Or the slow feeling movements of all of the water levels, and the confusing controls of pressing A or spinning to gain speed. Even Mario 64 felt smoother with its water controls.
What I do love is the fact you can leave a level or straight up just an entire galaxy to get a star elsewhere, because some of these levels are some real work to get through. During some of the second half of the game my enjoyment plummeted and I felt like I was just tasked with chore after chore of beating a bunch of levels I was no longer having fun in. Luckily it wasn’t the whole B side, but it was enough to make me sit back and evaluate if I’m just playing too much, or I actually don’t like what’s going on.
When I think of Mario Galaxy, I don’t think of largely problematic game design, but on my replay of it, certain areas of this game definitely could’ve been made better. Still, Mario Galaxy remains one of the best Wii platformers to this day. While I can’t say I love it as much as I used to, I’d go back to it without hesitation. It’s definitely flawed, and not the masterpiece everyone claims it to be, but even the worst 3D Mario game is in a league of its own. 8/10.
One of the best 'classic' 3D Marios (along with Galaxy 2). Truly a culmination of everything that Mario 64 started, and a great send-off to the style until Odyssey reinvents it. I love this one more than Galaxy 2, in part due to Rosalina's Space Station and the tiny pieces of story surrounding the game, even though I recognize that the core platforming is even further improved in 2. That said, you can't go wrong with either. Also, this is the origin of Gusty Garden Galaxy, one of the best Mario tracks ever composed.
Man this game is pure joy for me. Every time i play this game i cant help but smile the worlds, the music. To me this is what peak mario is
one of the best platformers
idk what else to say
I am very biased towards this game. It made my childhood. No other game comes anywhere close to this game. It is in my honest opinion the best game ever made. Full stop.
The concept alone is still so wild, Mario jumping around from planet to planet in space. I got this at a bargain price for my Wii U having never played it when it originally released, and it had not lost any of it’s shine. I loved shooting from planet to planet through launch stars, I think Bee Mario is such an underrated power-up and the orchestral soundtrack with plenty of bopping tunes is still one of the best. Not many Mario OST’s that have music this grand and dramatic, haha.
It can be a tad gimmicky with its levels, but I personally didn’t mind these too much, and always had at the very least a decent bit of fun with them!
Funnily enough, the story and the atmosphere surrounding these story beats really pulled me in on this one. Yeah, story in a Mario game, who cares about that? I apparently do, and Rosalina’s little bedtime story as well as the ending to the game really left me quite surprised with how much more it immersed me in the game world, where Mario is usually full steam ahead with bombastic fun. Here there’s moments that are more subdued and calm, with even a slight melancholic tone to it, which felt oddly fitting for a game set in the vastness of space.
In either case, anyone and everyone owe it to themselves to give this one a go.
It can be a tad gimmicky with its levels, but I personally didn’t mind these too much, and always had at the very least a decent bit of fun with them!
Funnily enough, the story and the atmosphere surrounding these story beats really pulled me in on this one. Yeah, story in a Mario game, who cares about that? I apparently do, and Rosalina’s little bedtime story as well as the ending to the game really left me quite surprised with how much more it immersed me in the game world, where Mario is usually full steam ahead with bombastic fun. Here there’s moments that are more subdued and calm, with even a slight melancholic tone to it, which felt oddly fitting for a game set in the vastness of space.
In either case, anyone and everyone owe it to themselves to give this one a go.
A masterclass in 3D platforming. Mario continues to control like a dream, the devs went above & beyond to create some truly wacky, imaginative & memorable settings to explore & that utterly magnificent orchestral OST is the stuff of legends. It's no wonder this game led to a direct sequel. Taking Mario platforming to space set the stage for one of his all-time best adventures.
Worth it to 100% my favorite childhood game. There was just something about Mario being in the final frontier that has and always will make me feel like a kid again from now to forever...especially the solemn backstory on Rosalina too
Hearing this ost will always make me smile.
This game has huge nostalgic value for me so before replaying it I was sure it's gonna be 5 stars for me.
Now that I've replayed it to 100% I've realized that I never finished this game as a kid and stopped somewhere around the bedroom dome although I've played it for an ungodly amount of time.
Either I was lazy or very bad at this game.
Interesting to see was, that the first levels I still actively remembered felt almost perfect to me.
I sincerely had so much fun with them, but as I progressed through the game and the levels became more and more unfamiliar I started to see all the flaws this game has.
The nostalgia wore off and I was able to experience this game unbiased.
One of the most frustrating parts was the camera combined with the unprecise controls especially the second after swapping gravity, but also the level design felt somewhat lazy towards the end.
Some worlds even felt like a fan-made game instead of AAA Mario designs.
What still surprises me is how good this game looks for an 2007 Wii title.
This game looks absolutely peak and overshadows even some newer Switch titles.
You also have to give them credit for their creativity and execution of a very complex idea for that time. Who would have thought putting Mario into space would make such an instant classic.
The normal ending after saving Peach goes pretty hard as well. Didnt expect a depiction of an everything-devouring black hole that leads to a new big bang creating a new universe in a Mario game.
Without nostalgia, this is a solid 4-star game but you gotta give it some credit for influencing my childhood that much so it gets 0,5 stars nostalgia bonus.
This game has huge nostalgic value for me so before replaying it I was sure it's gonna be 5 stars for me.
Now that I've replayed it to 100% I've realized that I never finished this game as a kid and stopped somewhere around the bedroom dome although I've played it for an ungodly amount of time.
Either I was lazy or very bad at this game.
Interesting to see was, that the first levels I still actively remembered felt almost perfect to me.
I sincerely had so much fun with them, but as I progressed through the game and the levels became more and more unfamiliar I started to see all the flaws this game has.
The nostalgia wore off and I was able to experience this game unbiased.
One of the most frustrating parts was the camera combined with the unprecise controls especially the second after swapping gravity, but also the level design felt somewhat lazy towards the end.
Some worlds even felt like a fan-made game instead of AAA Mario designs.
What still surprises me is how good this game looks for an 2007 Wii title.
This game looks absolutely peak and overshadows even some newer Switch titles.
You also have to give them credit for their creativity and execution of a very complex idea for that time. Who would have thought putting Mario into space would make such an instant classic.
The normal ending after saving Peach goes pretty hard as well. Didnt expect a depiction of an everything-devouring black hole that leads to a new big bang creating a new universe in a Mario game.
Without nostalgia, this is a solid 4-star game but you gotta give it some credit for influencing my childhood that much so it gets 0,5 stars nostalgia bonus.
I mean it's Mario Galaxy
It’s a good Mario game, but I can’t agree that it’s the “best of all time”
Still, there’s not much I can say that has not been said, it’s just a good game with a really incredible gimmick.
(And the Wii-Mote usage is fine)
Still, there’s not much I can say that has not been said, it’s just a good game with a really incredible gimmick.
(And the Wii-Mote usage is fine)
One of the greatest Games I've ever played
Easily the best in the series
I am gonna be totally honest: I think I personally prefer Galaxy 2 over 1. I like how it takes a lot of the aspects of the first title and refines them while also adding more unique and fun challenges and gimmicks (plus Yoshi).
But even despite my bias... I will not the deny that Galaxy 1 feels like a way more magical experience. ANd that because it has something that any other Mario game is able to express: melancholy and (in a way) existentialism.
Mario galaxy puts you into this ambitious universe, full of incredibly creative galaxies, orchestrated masterpieces and places full of enduring fun and adventures. Other Mario games are full of these moments, and the solid movement and gameplay makes the whole experience flow perfectly: You get pumped whenever you enter Good Egg or Gusty Garden, and you turn a smile on your face whenever you jump into Honeyhive or Beach Bowl Galaxy......
But the game is not afraid to have levels like Gateway Galaxy, or Space Junk Galaxy.... which are just.... a set of rocks... floating in space, with the giant vastness of the universe on the horizon... with a music that can make you feel relaxed but also melanconic..... for a mario game, shots likes those reminds you...... how little we are in the universe. And how our actions, days and overall life do not make that big of a difference in the grand scheme of the world as we know it......
Contrast like those makes Mario Galaxy one of the games that will stuck in your head for the longest time. It's a title that is able to convey joy, and bubbly gimmicks and gameplay formulas that makes you replay it obver and over again... but also has these shots, these small moments in between that speak to your soul..... no wonder I rememeber crying multiple times when I first played this game.
It's a magical experience that everyone should try at least once. Mario Galaxy is a masterpiece like no others!
But even despite my bias... I will not the deny that Galaxy 1 feels like a way more magical experience. ANd that because it has something that any other Mario game is able to express: melancholy and (in a way) existentialism.
Mario galaxy puts you into this ambitious universe, full of incredibly creative galaxies, orchestrated masterpieces and places full of enduring fun and adventures. Other Mario games are full of these moments, and the solid movement and gameplay makes the whole experience flow perfectly: You get pumped whenever you enter Good Egg or Gusty Garden, and you turn a smile on your face whenever you jump into Honeyhive or Beach Bowl Galaxy......
But the game is not afraid to have levels like Gateway Galaxy, or Space Junk Galaxy.... which are just.... a set of rocks... floating in space, with the giant vastness of the universe on the horizon... with a music that can make you feel relaxed but also melanconic..... for a mario game, shots likes those reminds you...... how little we are in the universe. And how our actions, days and overall life do not make that big of a difference in the grand scheme of the world as we know it......
Contrast like those makes Mario Galaxy one of the games that will stuck in your head for the longest time. It's a title that is able to convey joy, and bubbly gimmicks and gameplay formulas that makes you replay it obver and over again... but also has these shots, these small moments in between that speak to your soul..... no wonder I rememeber crying multiple times when I first played this game.
It's a magical experience that everyone should try at least once. Mario Galaxy is a masterpiece like no others!
It's a great game but not a memorable Mario game. It has some pretty good platforming and the levels all do their job, but in all honesty, the only thing I can remember from paying this are that the bosses were a good time, the big queen Bee, and Throwback Galaxy.
OH! The music is great here, I can listen to the soundtrack any day. But that's about it here, not my favorite Mario game for sure..
OH! The music is great here, I can listen to the soundtrack any day. But that's about it here, not my favorite Mario game for sure..
This game is almost a masterpiece. The hub world is better than 2's, but I just have more time in 2 so I am biased
Playing this as a kid was magic. This is why the wii was made. This game is so much concentrated fun it might as well be lethal to someone under 13.
Beautiful soundtrack with with my all time favorite aesthetic for a Mario game. Is it the best Mario? Probably not. But everything combines together in such a magical way that no other Mario game does for me.
perfect. if the japanese race had to be judged on their merits, this would be one of their shining examples.
mario bout to freeze in the darkness of space like arnold from that episode of magic school bus
Super Mario Galaxy is an intergalactic adventure that bursts with creativity and platforming brilliance. Leaping between planetoids with unique gravity fields turns familiar mechanics upside-down, delivering a fresh and exhilarating experience. The vibrant visuals, catchy soundtrack, and delightful level design create a sense of wonder and excitement from start to finish. While on the easier side for experienced platformer fans, Super Mario Galaxy is undoubtedly a joyful masterpiece packed with Nintendo's signature charm.
GOAT!!!
VERY solid game. Exactly what 3D Mario should be.
Only gripe are some the comets. Seriously, the "speed" comets are NEVER a challenge, and it's just replaying the damn star again. Same with the Daredevil ones, but to a lesser extent because SOME (not all) are genuine challenges.
Oh, very lame final reward too. But eh, I wasn't gonna do it anyways.
Only gripe are some the comets. Seriously, the "speed" comets are NEVER a challenge, and it's just replaying the damn star again. Same with the Daredevil ones, but to a lesser extent because SOME (not all) are genuine challenges.
Oh, very lame final reward too. But eh, I wasn't gonna do it anyways.
Pode ser o fator nostalgia que me faz lembrar tão bem desse jogo? sim, pode ser, mas eu lembro de me divertir muito nele e também ser o primeiro que fiz o tal do 100%.
São estrelas, são casas, são desertos e voos sem asas. Ao som de orquestras diversas , criam energias dispersas que param sempre no mesmo destino. Um destino sonhador que te diverte e inspira.
Mario será sempre um papel branco no qual desenhas esse destino da forma infinita que só a criatividade sabe desenhar. Galaxy (1 e 2) é para muitos esse pico. Há qualquer coisa de muita giro em ver o mano a voar de planeta para planeta, ao som de musica do crl e plataforming do crl. Que ganda caralhão que tem este Mario sim senhor. É bom, todos sabem que é bom, e se não sabes? Vai te foder. Joga.
Mario será sempre um papel branco no qual desenhas esse destino da forma infinita que só a criatividade sabe desenhar. Galaxy (1 e 2) é para muitos esse pico. Há qualquer coisa de muita giro em ver o mano a voar de planeta para planeta, ao som de musica do crl e plataforming do crl. Que ganda caralhão que tem este Mario sim senhor. É bom, todos sabem que é bom, e se não sabes? Vai te foder. Joga.
I gotta replay it cause i really do not remember much.
I did love it as a kid!
I did love it as a kid!
If this game was just a blank screen with Super Mario Galaxy's soundtrack playing, it would still be a ten.