Everything you need: unbiased reviews, product specs and great deals.
|
Super Mario Galaxy for Nintendo WiiBRAND NEW and SEALED Nintendo Wii Game.Note: Can be played on the Nintendo Wii Only.Backed by a 45-day guarantee.ESRB Rating: E -...
Read More
BRAND NEW and SEALED Nintendo Wii Game.Note: Can be played on the Nintendo Wii Only.Backed by a 45-day guarantee.ESRB Rating: E - EveryoneGenre: Action AdventureFeatures: Become Mario as he traverses gravity-bending galaxies traveling in and out of gravitational fields by blasting from planet to planet. Players experience dizzying perspective shifts as they run upside down through wild alien worlds that need to be seen to be believed. Whether you're surfing on a ray across an ocean in the clouds rolling on a ball through a treacherous garden or floating in a bubble over a poisonous swamp there's no limit to the cosmic challenges you'll encounter! Shake it! Controlling Mario is as simple as can be with the Wii Remote and Nunchuk. Move Mario with the Control Stick and shake the Wii Remote to perform a spin move or cue Ring Stars that launch you to and from planetary objects.
Minimize
|
|
82 Reviews from Epinions.com
|
Super Mario Galaxy Computer Game
Nintendo was built upon the shoulders of the franchises like the lovable plumber Mario. This time around, Mario has to save the day by conquering mini-missions amidst a colorful galaxy of obstacles and baddies to ultimately save "Princess Peach" from the evil clutches of the nefarious "Bowser" - who resembles a Gamorean Guard from "Return of the Jedi."
So I was in my local game store to trade in some Wii games that we no longer play. Since my step kids mentioned Mario, I asked the sales guy, "Which Mario game is the best for Wii?" He promptly suggested Super Mario Galaxy. Looking at the back of the game's case, I started reminiscing about the old days of playing the very first Mario game. I bought my used copy for $30. Games that have little replay value (once beaten) are better purchased used anyway.
Boy, this Mario guy sure has progressed over the years. Plain ol' running, jumping and pouncing in a two-dimensional setting have been augmented by spinning, wall-jumping, super pouncing, swimming, climbing, flying and swinging on vines - all in a three dimensional world. This game is so full of vivid colors and wonderfully animated graphics that it's sure to delight any younger gamer. While the Mario series has always been aimed at the younger demographic, older gamers have loved the endearing series because of its fun gaming factor. It's not just a "run n' shoot" kind of game. There are strategies involved and you really have to time your moves and solve problems. I mean, other than kids and dedicated Mario fans, this game is sure to trip out the medically altered. Did I say that out loud?
What I Like: It's really a fun ride and the story can draw you in. Sort of like one part old school Mario mixed with a pinch of newer franchises like Sonic.
What I'm On the Fence About: The use of the nunchuk's joystick for Mario's movement is not as precise as it could be. I died a few times because I accidentally walked of an edge of something. Mario's in space, yet doesn't need a space suit or breathing apparatus? Can you see some potential student trying to become an astronaut... "But Mario never needed a space suit." I mean, what kind of message is this game sending to the kids? (snicker)
What I Don't Like: The fact that players are FORCED to read through laborious cut scenes. When a player creates his or her character and starts the game (six maximum), sitting through all of that narrative stuff can be torture. The other thing that can be annoying to some is that a lot of time is spent upside down and sideways. People have complained that it makes them disoriented and anxious - like my wife.
Graphics: Super colorful and super Japanese (in a good way). While the graphics are luscious to look at, they pale in comparison to the definition on other consoles. Meaning, if and when Nintendo makes a higher resolution console, the graphics will probably be mind-bending. I attribute this to the amount of data space on each game disc required for the physical interaction.
Game Play: Super fun as you are immersed in a wacky universe filled with puzzles, problems to solve, odd terrain to navigate, moves to learn, stuff to collect, monster to beat - all in a quest to save a princess. I like that getting from star to star or to the different galaxies is accomplished with shooting stars and transporters. Hopping back and forth to the different places (in order to find everything) reminds me a bit of Ratchet & Clank.
Controls: The Wii-Mote and Nunchuk are used. The nunchuk's joystick controls movement while the Wii-Mote controls the game's settings, jumping and shooting. Shaking either the nunchuk or the Wii-Mote controls spinning. It's straight forward enough and once you start the game, it teaches you the moves and adds more as you progress.
Music: Again, geared more for the kids but it's not as annoying as it could have been for adults. It's really there to encourage the player and enhance the world you're playing in.
Sound Effects: More toward the cartoon feel, but nothing annoying.
Replay Value: I can honestly say that my family has enjoyed playing this game and still reaches for it from time to time. Once the game has been beaten, though, there's little incentive to play it any longer. I wish there was a multiplayer mode or head to head challenges - even an online game would be nice.
Look for Super Mario Galaxy 2 to be released soon.
Please check out my other Wii-related reviews:
Nintendo Wii Console System
GAMES:
Wii Fit
Wii Sports
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Pinball Hall of Fame for Wii
Showtime Championshop Boxing
Wii Sports Resort
Game Party
Jeep Thrills
ACCESSORIES:
Nintendo Wii-Mote
Nintendo Nunchuk Controller
Racing Wheel for Wii
Generic Wii Fit Balance Board Rechargeable Battery Pack
Silicone Cover for Wii Balance Board
The Hefty Plumber Rides Again
| Author's Rating: |
|
Pros: great graphics, fun play, great for the family
Cons: disorienting at times, joystick movement isn't terribly accurate, little replay value once beaten
The Bottom Line:
The best Mario game for the Wii - so far. Solid 4.5 stars
Nintendo was built upon the shoulders of the franchises like the lovable plumber Mario. This time around, Mario has to save the day by conquering mini-missions amidst a colorful galaxy of obstacles and baddies to ultimately save "Princess Peach" from the evil clutches of the nefarious "Bowser" - who resembles a Gamorean Guard from "Return of the Jedi."
So I was in my local game store to trade in some Wii games that we no longer play. Since my step kids mentioned Mario, I asked the sales guy, "Which Mario game is the best for Wii?" He promptly suggested Super Mario Galaxy. Looking at the back of the game's case, I started reminiscing about the old days of playing the very first Mario game. I bought my used copy for $30. Games that have little replay value (once beaten) are better purchased used anyway.
Boy, this Mario guy sure has progressed over the years. Plain ol' running, jumping and pouncing in a two-dimensional setting have been augmented by spinning, wall-jumping, super pouncing, swimming, climbing, flying and swinging on vines - all in a three dimensional world. This game is so full of vivid colors and wonderfully animated graphics that it's sure to delight any younger gamer. While the Mario series has always been aimed at the younger demographic, older gamers have loved the endearing series because of its fun gaming factor. It's not just a "run n' shoot" kind of game. There are strategies involved and you really have to time your moves and solve problems. I mean, other than kids and dedicated Mario fans, this game is sure to trip out the medically altered. Did I say that out loud?
What I Like: It's really a fun ride and the story can draw you in. Sort of like one part old school Mario mixed with a pinch of newer franchises like Sonic.
What I'm On the Fence About: The use of the nunchuk's joystick for Mario's movement is not as precise as it could be. I died a few times because I accidentally walked of an edge of something. Mario's in space, yet doesn't need a space suit or breathing apparatus? Can you see some potential student trying to become an astronaut... "But Mario never needed a space suit." I mean, what kind of message is this game sending to the kids? (snicker)
What I Don't Like: The fact that players are FORCED to read through laborious cut scenes. When a player creates his or her character and starts the game (six maximum), sitting through all of that narrative stuff can be torture. The other thing that can be annoying to some is that a lot of time is spent upside down and sideways. People have complained that it makes them disoriented and anxious - like my wife.
Graphics: Super colorful and super Japanese (in a good way). While the graphics are luscious to look at, they pale in comparison to the definition on other consoles. Meaning, if and when Nintendo makes a higher resolution console, the graphics will probably be mind-bending. I attribute this to the amount of data space on each game disc required for the physical interaction.
Game Play: Super fun as you are immersed in a wacky universe filled with puzzles, problems to solve, odd terrain to navigate, moves to learn, stuff to collect, monster to beat - all in a quest to save a princess. I like that getting from star to star or to the different galaxies is accomplished with shooting stars and transporters. Hopping back and forth to the different places (in order to find everything) reminds me a bit of Ratchet & Clank.
Controls: The Wii-Mote and Nunchuk are used. The nunchuk's joystick controls movement while the Wii-Mote controls the game's settings, jumping and shooting. Shaking either the nunchuk or the Wii-Mote controls spinning. It's straight forward enough and once you start the game, it teaches you the moves and adds more as you progress.
Music: Again, geared more for the kids but it's not as annoying as it could have been for adults. It's really there to encourage the player and enhance the world you're playing in.
Sound Effects: More toward the cartoon feel, but nothing annoying.
Replay Value: I can honestly say that my family has enjoyed playing this game and still reaches for it from time to time. Once the game has been beaten, though, there's little incentive to play it any longer. I wish there was a multiplayer mode or head to head challenges - even an online game would be nice.
Look for Super Mario Galaxy 2 to be released soon.
Please check out my other Wii-related reviews:
Nintendo Wii Console System
GAMES:
Wii Fit
Wii Sports
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Pinball Hall of Fame for Wii
Showtime Championshop Boxing
Wii Sports Resort
Game Party
Jeep Thrills
ACCESSORIES:
Nintendo Wii-Mote
Nintendo Nunchuk Controller
Racing Wheel for Wii
Generic Wii Fit Balance Board Rechargeable Battery Pack
Silicone Cover for Wii Balance Board
Back to all reviews
