Well, it’s finally here. Almost a year after the Wii’s launch, the epic and system-defining title Super Mario Galaxy is on store shelves and in my console, and so far, it’s living up to every expectation.

I’ve only put a few hours into the game as of yet, but every minute has been fun. The level designs are wonderful and creative. I was surprised that instead of every world or galaxy adhering to the same geographic theme as in past Mario titles, the levels encompassed many different terrains. Some are out in space, some have you clinging tight to the ground. It’s different, but I like it.

I’m also very happy with the variety of gameplay. Most of the game has you running, jumping, and flying from world to world, it’s true, but Super Mario Galaxy has more to offer than the standard platformer. There are races against your evil doppelganger, time challenges, ray surfing, ball rolling, and new planets and galaxies appearing all the time.



The throwbacks to classic Mario games of the past just warm my heart. Most of these come in the form of sound effects or background music remixed from the NES titles and always make me smile.

The Wii controls work like a dream with Super Mario Galaxy. The motion-sensitivity, though used minimally, feels very natural and not at all tacked on. This is the first straight Mario platformer that I haven’t played with a standard controller, but I’m not missing it.

This is really a must-have title for any Wii owner. It offers hours upon hours of fun and it takes Nintendo’s premiere franchise to the next level. It’s really like Galaxy has taken all the best elements of previous Mario games and put them all together in a completely new location. I’m loving every part of it, and I can’t wait to play some more.