My first 3D Mario game, and one of my favorites. Formative experience, loved the different galaxies and worlds, and the bit of story given through Rosalina and her diary was quite compelling, though I didn't understand it much.
The Comet Observatory was my Peach's castle for those that grew up with Mario 64, really enjoyed running to the different domes, wondering what the green launch star was, and exploring the dark areas even before they were unlocked. Twirling up the slope and getting to the engine room before it was unlocked is a core memory. And hearing how the music developed after beating Bowser the first and second time was magical. Only regret is that they gave you the Red Power-up star way too late - and that it didn't really control that well (that Gateway purple coins was tough). Would've been great to use that earlier in the observatory to fly through everywhere, getting the five hidden 1-Ups.
Still remember how difficult it was to complete 100%, getting so many Game Overs on Sweet Sweet Galaxy and Loop-de-loop Galaxy on my first playthrough. And then even more so in the challenge Green star trial galaxies. But finishing all the stars, including the comets, and then replaying the whole game again as Luigi was thrilling. Replayed it multiple times over the tenure of the Wii.
Replayed it again in 2021 as part of the 3D All Stars package, and that's one of the only games I've used double joy-cons as the default best way to play.
The soundtrack is seared into my memory. Gusty Garden of course, but also the observatory, Battlerock, Buoy Base, Toy Time, and even the credits. Loved this game.
The Comet Observatory was my Peach's castle for those that grew up with Mario 64, really enjoyed running to the different domes, wondering what the green launch star was, and exploring the dark areas even before they were unlocked. Twirling up the slope and getting to the engine room before it was unlocked is a core memory. And hearing how the music developed after beating Bowser the first and second time was magical. Only regret is that they gave you the Red Power-up star way too late - and that it didn't really control that well (that Gateway purple coins was tough). Would've been great to use that earlier in the observatory to fly through everywhere, getting the five hidden 1-Ups.
Still remember how difficult it was to complete 100%, getting so many Game Overs on Sweet Sweet Galaxy and Loop-de-loop Galaxy on my first playthrough. And then even more so in the challenge Green star trial galaxies. But finishing all the stars, including the comets, and then replaying the whole game again as Luigi was thrilling. Replayed it multiple times over the tenure of the Wii.
Replayed it again in 2021 as part of the 3D All Stars package, and that's one of the only games I've used double joy-cons as the default best way to play.
The soundtrack is seared into my memory. Gusty Garden of course, but also the observatory, Battlerock, Buoy Base, Toy Time, and even the credits. Loved this game.
NOWITSREYNTIME17
4 months ago