Super Mario Galaxy Wii

Released on 16/11/2007

• Super Mario Galaxy Review

  In space, everyone can hear you go "Wahoooooooooooo!"

  We used to be full of such wide-eyed wonderment, such hope of discovery. Back before mankind reached for the stars, we would stare wistfully into the black.

  “What’s up there?” we would say. “It could be anything! Imagine!”

  And we imagined wondrous things and celebrated in the creation of art, and music, and literature. And we probably did a little dance.

  Then we built space rockets and breached the sky. And in space we found much dust and many, many rocks. And some men with thick glasses and lab coats went “Hmmmm…” quite a lot. And we were all like “What?” and the men in lab coats said “Fascinating…” and so we were like “WHAT?” and they explained why it was so fascinating, but really it wasn’t fascinating at all.

  Now, if we had found crazy space penguins who surf on space manta rays, conversed with space-faring intelligent mushrooms, and gone upside-down ice-skating on a donut-shaped mini-moon, maybe we’d still be excited about the possibilities.

  The setup of Super Mario Galaxy is pretty simple. It's Super Mario. In Space.

  The real joy of Super Mario Galaxy is that it engages that sense of wonder which we’ve lacked for so long. As you sit down to start a session, you find yourself thinking “What will I find next? What absolute craziness can I discover?” and you find yourself salivating at the prospect because for the first time ever you have absolutely no idea.

  Normally your imagination has its limits imposed by basic rulesets – even if that limit is merely that you know you’re expecting something in three dimensions with something approaching normal gravitational behaviour, and a clear idea of up and down. Sure, in games you can often be wondering what you’ll see next - but you’ve always got a rough outline. It can’t be anything. But in Super Mario Galaxy it really can, and usually is.

  The setup of Super Mario Galaxy is pretty simple. It's Super Mario. In Space. After Princess Peach is kidnapped by a now space-faring Bowser, Mario finds himself in a deep space observatory inhabited by star-folk known as Lumas. One of these creatures imbues Mario with the ability to fly through space unharmed, and he sets off on a mission to rescue captive power stars hidden throughout the universe, take out Bowser and rescue the princess once again.

  In doing so Mario is flung from galaxy to galaxy on an adventure where the fun just doesn't stop. It's unrelenting. It's like being repeatedly smacked in the face with a lump of refined joy.

  The often innovative game design itself is perfect at best and inspired at worst - free roaming yet so tightly paced that while the game goes at your speed it's never lacking in impetus or direction. Each "galaxy" in the game is a cluster of planetoids or other floating items in space, linked together in a thematic sense (such as the "FreezeFlame Galaxy" - a mixture of hot and cold elements) - and housing one or more elusive power stars. Each planetoid can be tiny or huge and may contain enemies to defeat, collectibles to grab, or tasks to perform in order to progress.

  Objects in space

  Travel can be by leaping from the gravity pull of one floating platform to the next, by using the wiimote to grab onto distant pull-stars, using sticky sling pods to spak Mario (it's the only "word" that works, trust me) across space to the next platform, using giant flowers to float in wind currents or turning him into an awesome white-gloved helicopter-plumber hybrid - and that's just for starters. Launch stars and sling stars are especially fun, watching Mario approach new destinations from the air (often slingshotting around other planets on route) as he gracefully glides past a series of stunning backdrops.

  New abilities are welcome - Mario can now turn into a Bee, a Boo (ghost) and a mustachioed spring (!), while other power ups unlock Ice Mario and the old favourite Fire Mario. All are superbly integrated into the gameplay, as are the zelda-style Boss encounters which pop up with reasonable frequency.

  Despite the massive amount of moves and new abilities to get to grips with, Super Mario Galaxy controls impeccably - the myriad wiimote-wiggling actions needed to play do not harm the experience in the slightest - if anything they enhance it. This is Nintendo showing the world that their "gimmick" is no such thing and does allow for games with significantly more depth than that displayed in Wii Sports. As a showcase for the motion-sensing abilities of the Wii Super Mario Galaxy is nigh-on perfect.

  Once again Nintendo's decision to keep the Wii somewhat underpowered compared to its more expensive rivals is proven to be a smart move - graphics these days are about design not detail, and Super Mario Galaxy's vision, design and general look are nothing short of phenomenal. It's possible nothing on the more powerful Xbox 360 or PS3 has looked this mind-blowingly captivating in 2007. The soundtrack, meanwhile, is one of the best and most diverse we've ever heard, packed with new stuff as well as reworked versions of familiar childhood themes.

  Now, I must take a moment to reprimand those of you who think you’re too mature for a game like this. Is jacking lowriders and whacking street-punks really any more grown up? Super Mario Galaxy is completely suitable for the kids, it’s true (so fret not, parents) – but to assume there’s nothing there for the older gamer is folly.

  Super Mario Galaxy is the game of the decade. At least.

  Reason being - this isn’t childish. It’s mad. Playing Super Mario Galaxy is a journey into the collective imagination of the world’s most terrifyingly insane creative team. It’s Alice in Wonderland meets The Mighty Boosh, in space, while Aldous Huxley does the Macarena wearing a ghillie suit. And it's not terrifying because there’s any darkness to the tone, there’s not even a hint – this is terrifying because of the sheer scope of the lunacy on display. How can anyone be this mental?

  The bright primary colours and perky soundtrack do not signify an intended child-only audience in this any more than they do in, say, Yellow Submarine. Super Mario Galaxy is trippin’, as they say - a genuine masterpiece of surrealism and absurdism.

  Eating barriers for breakfast
  

  Super Mario Galaxy is the product of everything Nintendo has learned during its thirty years as the visionary leader of the videogame form. It never puts a foot wrong, and there is nothing that can easily be criticised about it - even if you're looking for it. It breaks so many barriers we're not sure where Nintendo can possibly take Mario, or any series, next. It seems the only limit to what Nintendo can achieve is defined by the screen through which you view your gaming and the only way to top this would be to smash that barrier, and actually pull your physical self into a bizarre universe of adventure and discovery.

  So. Come back in a couple of years to get clarification on this point, but...yep, I'm going to say it - Super Mario Galaxy is the game of the decade. At least. Maybe it's time to return our collective gaze to the heavens.

  Oh, and thank you, Nintendo.

  GAME's Verdict

  

  • Busting with energy and fresh ideas.
  • Puts a stupid grin on your face and keeps it there.
  • Quite possibly the greatest videogame ever made. No, really.

  

  • Where the heck does Nintendo take Mario next?
  • Struggling now...
  • Erm, the game doesn't come with, like, free money or anything.

  Review by: Jonny Austin
  Review Published: 21.11.07

  Published: 21/11/2007

• Super Mario headed for the 3DS

  It's obvious, but it's still good to hear: Nintendo's already working on a Super Mario game for the 3DS. Phew!

  The news came from Mario's daddy, Shigeru Miyamoto, speaking on Iwata Asks - thanks, Eurogamer. The legendary designer announced, "In the interests of adopting new technology for the Super Mario Bros. tradition, I am now making a new Super Mario Bros. game for the Nintendo 3DS system."

  He didn't offer any further details, but he did expand on a comment of Mario co-creator Takashi Tezuka's, suggesting that Mario must always be family friendly. "I think Tezuka-san is exactly right about making something that families can enjoy together," he said, "but I also think it's important to always use the most advanced technology for Mario in order to create something no one has ever seen before. Of course, it's important to make sure people still say things like "Falling down the holes is the most fun!" but something new is necessary for other aspects of the games, and it's those new elements that make a Super Mario Bros. game what it is."

  With no news of a date, this is one we're probably going to have to wait for - but it will be worth it.

• What has Mario got planned in 2012?

  2011 has been a fantastic year for gaming most recognisable face, Nintendo Mario, and 2012 looks set to be another. From platforming to kart racing, tennis, Olympic sports, role playing and party games, the portly yet agile plumber is clearly a highly versatile character who can do it all. Here, GAME takes a look back at a couple of the best Mario games from this year, in case you missed them, and looks ahead to some of 2012 undoubted highlights.

  3DS hasn exactly been lacking in quality games in its first year on the market, but the arrival of Super Mario Land 3D (3DS) in November and the launch of Mario Kart 7 earlier this month have really made the portable console a must own system. Mixing the best elements of older Mario games with new ideas and technology, the former is perhaps best described as a blend of the more straightforward, accessible 2D Super Mario Bros. games for Wii and DS and Wii more challenging 3D Super Mario Galaxy titles. Its magical worlds are essentially made up of left to right dashes through obstacle courses, which see players running, jumping, hovering and gliding to master the environments with the aim of reaching a flagpole at the end of each level. With simple, intuitive controls, it instantly accessible and there always a clear path to completing each stage, usually littered with coins to collect, question blocks to bump and enemies to stomp. But Mario can also wander around a little in the game 3D environments, and only explorers and the most skilled players will locate all of the secret areas, items and unlockables ingeniously hidden away in the expertly designed levels.

  Mario Kart 7 is another must-play title for newcomers and series veterans alike, mixing old and new to great effect too. It offers 16 new courses and 16 classic ones from older MK games for players to compete on, all based on environments and characters from Nintendo Mushroom Kingdom. The best showcase of the console's 3D screen yet, theye absolutely gorgeous to look at and just as well designed, featuring exciting new airborne and underwater sections to compliment the on-track action. With basic accelerate, brake, fire and jump buttons, the game easy enough that anyone can pick it up and play instantly, but itl take months of practice to master the multi-route tracks, learn all of the shortcuts and become an online karting king.

  Looking ahead to 2012, Mario will be joined by a host of Nintendo stablemates as well as characters from Square Enix popular Dragon Quest series in January release Boom Street (Wii). A Monopoly-style board game that challenges players to play the real estate and stock markets to win,here are 27 characters to choose from 13 from Mario games, 13 from Dragon Quest and your Mii and over 15 boards based on memorable areas from each series, with different shapes and layouts providing loads of replay value. Players race around the board trying to accumulate wealth and hit a target value while buying, selling and trading property to see who can be the first to cash out, and with both beginner and advanced settings, it could be the perfect game to get the family huddled round the telly on those cold winter nights.

  Mario Tennis (3DS) also looks set to be a smash hit next year. If previous games in the series are anything to go by, itl do its best to nail the balance between realism and zany, fast-paced tennis action starring all of your favourite Mushroom Kingdom characters, as well as a few surprise ones. Wee expecting a mixture of tactical tennis gameplay, special moves and plenty of mini-games that should make a great title for Mario and sports fans alike.

  Mario and friends, including Sega favourites like Sonic the Hedgehog, will keep things physical in Mario & Sonic At The London 2012 Olympics on the Nintendo 3DS, which launches in February 2012. Players will go for gold in over 50 Olympic events that make full use of the handheld different control methods, serving up a wide variety of ways to play. Competing for the top of the podium alone or in head-to-head games with friends, players will frantically slide the Circle Pad round and round to row, tilt the system to keep their balance on the beam, and blow into the microphone to keep breathing at the right time while swimming.

  Also in 2012, players will see the moustachioed, genre-hopping plumber embark on an exciting new role playing adventure in Paper Mario also on the Nintendo 3DS. It will feature frantic, turn-based battles set in a colourful and varied 3D world that takes in weapons, locations and items from Mario past and present,. It will also require clever strategic use of a range of ability-giving stickers, which can be used to carry out attacks on enemies or to fill in missing parts of the levels.
  

  Published: 21/12/2011

• Popcorn and Joysticks - GAME goes to the movies!

  
  

  With Prince of Persia returning to consoles in the very same month the Hollywood version hits the big screen, what better excuse to look back at how others have fared when games and films overlap?

  

  Prince of Persia

  The Game: Nimble, athletic acts of derring-do played out against a colourful Arabian Nights backdrop since 1989. The graphics have changed, but gameplay still focuses on the simple pleasures of swishy swordplay and stunts that laugh in the face of physics.

  The Movie: Based on the 2003 game, The Sands of Time, this shamelessly entertaining romp captures the daredevil thrills of the game perfectly, while inserting appropriate amounts of character and story. The yummy Jake Gyllenhaal and the yummier Gemma Arterton supply the eye candy and witty banter, while Ben Kingsley camps it up as the villainous Vizier.

  Verdict: Since the original game was inspired by Errol Flynn's swashbuckling antics, Prince of Persia was always ripe for the movie treatment. Thankfully, they got it right.

  

  Street Fighter

  The Game: The fighting fan's franchise of choice for over twenty years, this venerable series continues to go from strength to strength with the superbly balanced refinement of Super Street Fighter IV, released last month. Crazy characters with sublime gameplay - it doesn?t get much better than this.

  The Movies: Oh dear. The 1994 movie version is terrible, but has at least taken on a certain cheesy charm over the years, if only for the bizarre pairing of Jean Claude Van Damme as Guile and Kylie Minogue as Cammy. The laughably bad 2009 movie slipped past cinemas and went straight to DVD, more dull than demented. For a truly faithful film experience, fans should stick to the Street Fighter II anime.

  Verdict: Bizarre characters smashing each other to a pulp should be perfect B-movie fodder, but the lack of plot combined with dense backstory keeps tripping Street Fighter up.

  

  Ghostbusters

  The Movie: A seminal combination of action, comedy and horror, the 1984 original is still one of the most enjoyable and quotable blockbusters around. The 1989 sequel repeats the formula to disappointing effect, but the cast manage to keep things lively even as the story droops into slimy sentimentality.

  The Game: There have been several Ghostbusters games over the years, but it wasn't until 2009 that we got something that truly recaptured the movie's unique tone. Having Dan Ackroyd and Harold Ramis on script duty helped, but getting the notoriously reluctant Bill Murray to return was a real coup. Strip away the fan-pleasing scenarios and dialogue and it's just another corridor shooter, but a shamelessly entertaining one all the same.

  Verdict: It took twenty five years, but the result was an affectionate game that expanded and honoured its source material rather than just exploiting it.

  

  Super Mario Bros

  The Games: Really? You need this explaining? The most successful videogame franchise in history. A catalogue of nigh perfect game design. A series that continues to inspire and innovate, whether its New Super Mario Bros on the DS or Super Mario Galaxy 2 on the Wii. If you hate Mario, you have no soul. That?s science, people.

  The Movie: Urgh. Look away, children! Taking the bright, inviting worlds created by Miyamoto and drowning them in an oily mess of techno-grunge architecture and smug 1990s blockbusterisms, this is one of the worst films ever made. Bob Hoskins has the moustache and dungarees, but the film bears no resemblance to the games, either in quality or intent. Horrible.

  Verdict: Burn it with fire. The perfect videogame hero, Mario simply doesn't translate to live action. Never try this again, Hollywood.

  

  Resident Evil

  The Games: Bombastic sci-fi horror with a parade of tough cops and military types creeping around mansions and secret labs trying - and spectacularly failing - to contain the monster-making T-Virus. Since Resident Evil 4 the games have become more about action than atmosphere, much to the annoyance of some fans.

  The Movies: Well, they've got the sci fi and horror bits, and key characters from the games crop up occasionally, but this surprisingly hardy series exists more as an alternate off-shoot from the games than a literal translation. The lack of blood and guts is the number one complaint from fans used to brain-bursting headshots.

  Verdict: Both are as daft and camp as each other, but apart from sharing a title and some characters, there's not much connection between the two. Harmless dumb fun.

  

  Tomb Raider

  The Games: Posh girl Lara Croft travels the globe, locating ancient relics, battling supernatural forces and shooting endangered species while wearing the very latest in bottom-and-boob hugging outfits. Some would say her appeal has dimmed in recent years, as developers struggle to find new ways to do the same old thing, but she's still a force to be reckoned with.

  The Movies: All the pieces are there, but the fact that both the Angelina Jolie-starring efforts have been average (and that's being generous) suggests that you need more than an ass-kicking babe and exotic locations to make a good movie.

  Verdict: The movies are accurate enough in translating all the important elements of Lara to the big screen, but her exploits are inevitably more interesting when you're controlling every leap and scramble.

  Published: 18/05/2010

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