Super Mario Galaxy 2 Reader Review

Mario has been around now since the dawn of modern gaming, a reliable beacon that shows us both where the industry came from and where it is going. Last year's New Super Mario Bros Wii was a brilliant look into the past, whereas this title takes what was great about Super Mario Galaxy and runs with it.

The controls are just as responsive and intuitive as before, easy to learn but very hard to master. The new power ups working just as well as those of the last game.

The graphics are incredible compared to most other Wii games, bright bold and not a hint of blocky textures or chugging frame rates.

Indeed running around with Mario is a joy, the desire to throw him around the levels and characters diminishes not one bit. If anything this is more fun than the first game, which had to introduce the idea and controls, this gets right into it and never lets up with smart levels and ideas. It's been said before but it's worth repeating, entire (well scoring, well loved) games could be made with the ideas that are given one or two airings then thrown away to move onto the next. You'll see retro throwbacks, remixes of music, clever witty and thoughtful concepts mixed together with the kind of artistry that reminds you of just why Nintendo has survived so long in this cut throat industry.

Now to a side point... if you are male and your girlfriend isn't that into games you will love Super Mario Galaxy 2. Firstly the always cute Yoshi is back and used in his best performance since Super Mario World, and if that doesn't get her switching on the Wii then there is the excellent simplified two player mode. Player two can help out and collect stars, battle enemies, and happily no longer causes Mario to jump awkwardly when not needed. It is such a brilliant idea I cannot believe more games haven't adopted it, non-gamers and kids can feel part of the game without being overwhelmed by buttons or enemies. It seems better worked in here than on the first Galaxy too.

Some people have complained that Galaxy 2 is simply a remake or extension of the first one, that is ridiculous. You surely cannot play through this game and genuinely think it is the same as the first one. It would be like complaining that Street Fighter IV is a bit like Street Fighter II, or Gran Turismo 5 has a few of the same cars and circuits as Gran Turismo 4.

For me this is the best Mario game ever. Better than Super Mario Bros 3, better than Super Mario World, better than Mario 64. It might even be the best thing Shiguru Miyamoto has put his name to, and there can be no higher accolade than that.