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Super Mario


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Super Mario Galaxy is a 2007 video game released for the Wii. It is 3D platforming title in the Super Mario series, indirectly following after Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario 64 DS. It was re-released as a Nintendo Selects title in 2011 and as a digitally downloadable title for the Wii U in 2015. In China, Super Mario Galaxy was released for Nvidia Shield in 2018.

The main gimmick with Super Mario Galaxy is that the game takes place in deep space. Most of the game's courses consist of many small planets and planetoids, with some as big as real-life planets. The game has 121 Stars to collect, although the player will have to go through the first 120 Stars twice (once as Mario and once as Luigi) to unlock the 121st and final Star.

Plot[]

Endingscene

Toad Town, where the game starts and ends.

Every hundred years a huge comet (Grand Star) flies by in the skies above the Mushroom Kingdom. One year, that comet filled the entire sky, and from it fell a stream of shooting stars. The Toads scooped up the Star Bits and brought them to the castle, where they were reborn as a great Power Star. That night Mario received a letter:

"Dear Mario, I'll be waiting for you at the castle on the night of the Star Festival. There's something I'd like to give you." — from Peach.

With invitation in hand, Mario headed off to the castle just as the Star Festival was getting into full swing. Surrounded by Toads gleefully trying to catch falling Star Bits, Mario was looking forward to the night's festivities.

Before he reached Peach's castle, Bowser attacked the Toads with his airships and froze them in crystals. He "invited" Peach to the creation of his new galaxy and warped into space with her castle to the center of the universe. When Mario tried to save her, a Magikoopa named Kamek broke the airborne path to the castle causing Mario to fall into an unknown land.

Mario later woke up on a small grassy moon and met three Star Bunnies who promised to tell Mario where he was if he caught them. When he did, they took him to meet Princess Rosalina, who told Mario that the universe was in great peril after Bowser had attacked her "ship", the Comet Observatory, and stole the Power Stars, including the seven Grand Stars. Without them, the Comet Observatory was doomed. Rosalina asked Mario to rescue the Grand Stars in order to defeat Bowser, who took Peach to the center of the universe. Mario then started his journey across the galaxies, freeing Power and Grand Stars. Once five of the Grand Stars were collected, the Comet Observatory became a starship and was able to take Mario to the center of the universe.

There he defeated Bowser in his brand-new galaxy, retrieved the last Grand Star, and rescued Princess Peach. Without this Grand Star, the sun of Bowser's near-complete galaxy went supernova and became a gigantic black hole. Everything in the universe began to fall into the black hole. The Lumas from the Comet Observatory, including the Luma who had faithfully accompanied Mario, sacrificed themselves in order to neutralize it. The Lumas attacked the black hole's singularity, and it soon disintegrated in a massive explosion. Mario appeared in front of Rosalina, who had somehow managed to save him from the cataclysm. She told him that "this was not the end, but a new beginning for the universe," and that "the universe was an endless cycle, but one that never repeats itself exactly the same way each time." She then rewinds history and creates a New Era for the Mario universe.

Mario later awoke in the Mushroom Kingdom near Peach's castle. He saw everyone he'd met throughout his adventure celebrating, while Bowser and Peach sat next to him. When he looked into the sky, he noticed a green light of a new galaxy. "Welcome! Welcome, new galaxy!" Mario exclaimed, as the camera zoomed out into space, revealing that the whole universe had been merged into one giant galaxy (although the galaxy Mario saw in the sky is not shown). If the player continues with the file, Rosalina will say if all 120 Power Stars are collected, the player can travel the new world. If the player has finished the game with 120 stars, after the credits Rosalina and a group of Lumas appear on the planet Mario started on at the beginning of the game. Rosalina says, "I will watch over you from beyond the stars," and flies off to the Comet Observatory. Then the white baby Luma is shown to be alive, now residing on the small planet. Finally, if the player has just beaten the game with 120 Stars with Mario, a Luigi tab will appear with him saying: "Super Luigi Galaxy!".

The Luigi Story goes exactly the same as Mario's. Even the Luigi in Mario's story is still Luigi. When the player has defeated Bowser and continues with the Luigi Story, Rosalina will again say if Luigi collects all 120 stars, the player can travel to a new world. When the player collects 120 Stars, the player can travel to Grand Finale Galaxy, the new world and the same new galaxy Mario saw in the ending movie. This galaxy is parallel to the Mushroom World. This explains why there are two Luigi's. The 121st, and final star can be found here.

Luigi Comparisons[]

In Super Mario Galaxy, and in its sequel Super Mario Galaxy 2, Luigi is a playable character (see Luigi Story above). Comparing Luigi with Mario and his "twin", Luigi runs faster and jumps higher than Mario does. But a disadvantage about him is that he has slightly lower traction than Mario. He is also taller than Mario, but shorter than the Non-Playable Luigi.

Characters[]

Playable[]

Supporting[]

Non-Playable Characters[]

Enemies[]

New[]

Returning[]

Bosses[]

Transformations[]

Super Mario Galaxy introduces new transformations and only reuses the Fire Flower power-up from previous games (with the Rainbow Star replacing the Star from the other games). These transformations include:

Galaxies and Missions[]

Gate

Gateway Galaxy

Boo's Boneyard Galaxy*

Grand Star Rescue Gateway's Purple Coins Racing the Spooky Speedster

Terrace

Good Egg Galaxy

Honeyhive Galaxy

Dino Piranha A Snack of Cosmic Proportions Bee Mario/Luigi Takes Flight Trouble on the Tower
King Kaliente's Battle Fleet Dino Piranha Speed Run Big Bad Bugaboom Honeyhive Cosmic Mario/Luigi Race
Purple Coin Omelet Luigi on the Roof Honeyhive's Purple Coins Luigi in the Honeyhive Kingdom

Loopdeeloop Galaxy

Flipswitch Galaxy

Surfing 101 Painting the Planet Yellow

Sweet Sweet Galaxy*

Bowser Jr.'s Robot Reactor

Rocky Road Megaleg's Moon

Fountain

Space Junk Galaxy

Battlerock Galaxy

Pull Star Path Kamella's Airship Attack Battlerock Barrage Breaking into the Battlerock
Tarantox's Tangled Web Pull Star Path Speed Run Topmaniac and the Topman Tribe Topmaniac's Daredevil Run
Purple Coin Spacewalk Yoshi's Unexpected Appearance Purple Coins on the Battlerock Battlerock's Garbage Dump
Luigi under the Saucer

Rolling Green Galaxy

Hurry-Scurry Galaxy

Rolling in the Clouds Shrinking Satellite

Sling Pod Galaxy*

Bowser's Star Reactor

A Very Sticky Situation The Fiery Stronghold

Kitchen

Beach Bowl Galaxy

Ghostly Galaxy

Sunken Treasure Passing the Swim Test Luigi and the Haunted Mansion A Very Spooky Sprint
The Secret Undersea Cavern Fast Foes on the Cyclone Stone Beware of Bouldergeist Bouldergeist's Daredevil Run
Beachcombing for Purple Coins Wall Jumping Up Waterfalls Purple Coins in the Bone Pen Matter Splatter Mansion

Bubble Breeze Galaxy

Buoy Base Galaxy

Through the Poison Swamp The Floating Fortress The Secret of Buoy Base

Drip Drop Galaxy*

Bowser Jr.'s Airship Armada

Giant Eel Outbreak Sinking the Airships

Bedroom

Gusty Garden Galaxy

Freezeflame Galaxy

Bunnies in the Wind The Dirty Tricks of Major Burrows The Frozen Peak of Baron Brrr Freezeflame's Blistering Core
Gusty Garden's Gravity Scramble Major Burrow's Daredevil Run Hot and Cold Collide Frosty Cosmic Mario/Luigi Race
Purple Coins on the Puzzle Cube The Golden Chomp Purple Coins on the Summit Conquering the Summit

Dusty Dune Galaxy

Honeyclimb Galaxy

Soaring on the Desert Winds Blasting Through the Sand Scaling the Sticky Wall
Sunbaked Sand Castle Sandblast Speed Run
Purple Coins in the Desert Bullet Bill on Your Back
Treasure of the Pyramid

Bigmouth Galaxy*

Bowser's Dark Matter Plant

Bigmouth's Gold Bait Darkness on the Horizon

Engine Room

Gold Leaf Galaxy

Sea Slide Galaxy

Star Bunnies on the Hunt Cataquack to the Skies Going After Guppy Faster Than a Speeding Penguin
When It Rains, It Pours Cosmic Mario/Luigi Forest Race The Silver Stars of Sea Slide Underwater Cosmic Mario/Luigi Race
Purple Coins in the Woods The Bell on the Big Tree Purple Coins by the Seaside Hurry, He's Hungry

Toy Time Galaxy

Bonefin Galaxy

Heavy-Metal Mecha Bowser Mario/Luigi Meets Mario Kingfin's Fearsome Waters
Bouncing Down Cake Lane Fast Foes of Toy Time
Luigi's Purple Coins The Flipswitch Chain

Sand Spiral Galaxy*

Bowser Jr.'s Lava Reactor

Choosing a Favorite Snack King Kaliente's Spicy Return

Garden

Deep Dark Galaxy

Dreadnought Galaxy

The Underground Ghost Ship Bubble Blastoff Infiltrating the Dreadnought Dreadnought's Colossal Cannons
Guppy and the Underground Lake Ghost Ship Daredevil Run Revenge of the Topman Tribe Topman Tribe Speed Run
Plunder the Purple Coins Boo in a Box Battlestation's Purple Coins Dreadnought's Garbage Dump

Melty Molten Galaxy

Matter Splatter Galaxy

The Sinking Lava Spire Through the Meteor Storm Watch Your Step
Fiery Dino Piranha Lava Spire Daredevil Run
Red-Hot Purple Coins Burning Tide
Snow Cap Galaxy*
Star Bunnies in the Snow
Planet of Trials
Rolling Gizmo Galaxy Bubble Blast Galaxy
Gizmos, Gears, and Gadgets The Electric Labyrinth
Loopdeeswoop Galaxy Grand Finale Galaxy
The Galaxy's Greatest Wave The Star Festival
Center of the Universe
Bowser's Galaxy Reactor
The Fate of the Universe

(*) = Unlocked by feeding a Hungry Luma.

Cast[]

Role English Actor Japanese Actor
Mario Charles Martinet Kōichi Yamadera
Luigi Yasuhiro Takato
Princess Peach Samantha Kelly Yuri Shiratori
Toads Makoto Tsumura
Bowser Kenny James Kenji Utsumi
Bowser Jr. Catey Sagoian Chika Sakamoto
Rosalina Mercedes Rose Megumi Toyoguchi

Trading Cards[]

The game featured its very own Trading Card game. It was an expression of a celebration for the game's release. The card game features 5 types of cards: Regulars, Trivias, Foils, Standees and FunTats.

Mistakes[]

A few misprints were made in the cards, these include:

  • One of the cards has a misspelling, on the Home to Dino Piranha card, it reads, "Home to Dino Pirahna".
  • Another one of the cards has a misspelling, on the Baron Brrr card, it reads "Baron Brr".
  • Another one of the cards has completely misnamed Kingfin, naming him as "Bonefin".
  • The artwork on the Piranha Plant Card is actually a Prickly Piranha Plant due to there being no artwork for a regular Piranha Plant in the game.

Reception[]

Super Mario Galaxy has received critical acclaim, becoming the sixth-highest-rated game of all time on review aggregator Metacritic with an aggregate score of 97 out of 100 based on 73 reviews.[1][2] Before review-aggregate website GameRankings shut down in December 2019, it was listed as the highest-rated game with at least 20 reviews,[3] having a 97.64% ranking based on 78 reviews.[4]

The visuals and presentation were the most praised aspects of the game. Chris Scullion of the Official Nintendo Magazine asserted that the graphics pushed the Wii to its full potential, and stated that its visual effects and large playing areas would constantly astound the player.[5] Jeremy Parish from 1UP.com noted that despite the Wii's limitations, the visuals were "absolutely impressive", especially when modified at a higher resolution.[6] Computer and Video Games's Andrew Robinson opined that Nintendo favored gameplay over graphics, but thought Super Mario Galaxy "got both perfect".[7] Margaret Robertson of Eurogamer called the visuals an "explosion of inventiveness", stating that the game's detail is only matched by its mission design ingenuity.[8] Andrew Reiner of Game Informer approved of the game's portrayal of water and particle effects, but noted the visuals were in similar detail to Super Mario Sunshine.[9] Patrick Shaw from GamePro opined that the game takes full advantage of the Wii's capabilities, both in terms of presentation and control schemes.[10]

Regarding the presentation, Game Revolution's Chris Hudak thought that Super Mario Galaxy was a "next-gen reincarnation" of Super Mario 64, stating the game was polished, engaging and evocative.[11] Alex Navarro of GameSpot commended the colourful and vibrant level details, animations and character designs, saying that "there simply isn't a better-looking Wii game available". Furthermore, Navarro praised the game engine's ability of keeping frame rate drops to "infrequent bouts".[12] Bryn Williams of GameSpy asserted that the game had the best visuals on the Wii, saying that the graphics "are out of this world" and that its wide range of colours produces "better-than-expected" texturing.[13] A reviewer from GamesRadar stated that "words simply can't describe" the game's visual concepts.[14] Louis Bedigan from GameZone thought the visualisations from Super Mario Galaxy contrast from the blocky characters of previous Super Mario games, praising the planet designs as beautiful and everything else as "pure eye candy".[15] Matt Casamassina of IGN thought Super Mario Galaxy was the only game that pushed the Wii console, stating it combines "great art" with "great tech", resulting in what he described to be "stunning results".[16] David Halverson of Play opined that the game was "supremely" polished and featured "gorgeous next-gen" graphics.[17]

The gameplay, in particular the gravity mechanics and use of the Wii Remote, was also praised. A reviewer from Famitsu commented on the game's tempo, believing it was "abnormally good" and that the different variations in level design and difficulty gradually "builds things up".[18] A reviewer from Edge praised the game's use of the Wii Remote, stating the control schemes were more subtle and persuasive as opposed to the "vigorous literalism" of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.[19] Scullion was initially sceptical about using the Wii Remote as a pointer, but admitted that "within mere minutes it felt like we'd been doing this since the days of Mario 64". Scullion also thought that the game's strongest aspect was the "incomparable" gameplay.[5] Parish praised the fluctuating gravity that was featured in the game, stating that it "makes even the wildest challenge feel almost second nature".[6] Robinson similarly commended the gravity, saying that the different uses of the game's gravitational pulls allows the scale to grow to "genuinely draw-dropping proportions".[7] Robertson regarded the use of gravity as an "explosion of inventiveness".[8] Reiner thought that the game reinvented the platform genre for the seventh generation of video game consoles, stating that Super Mario Galaxy was both nostalgic and new by breaking the laws of physics.[9]

Shaw asserted that the new gameplay mechanics reinvigorated the Super Mario franchise, and summarised by saying it was the best title since Super Mario 64.[10] Similarly, Hudak thought that the game was a reincarnation of Super Mario 64, whilst stating that the variety of gameplay had a "signature Miyamoto style".[11] Navarro said that the level designs were "top flight in every regard" and also praised the game's introduction of suits, adding that they brought a "great dimension" to gameplay.[12] Williams opined that the game's "shallow" two-player mode did not add anything to the overall experience. He did praise the various gameplay components and the use of both the Wii Remote and Nunchuck, stating that the setup was "pinpoint accurate".[13] A reviewer from GamesRadar thought that the control scheme had a fluid response that improved over the controls of its predecessor, Super Mario Sunshine.[14] Regarding the controls and world designs, Bedigan stated that both aspects are "close to perfection as a game can get".[15] Casamassina found the gameplay mechanics, in particular varying physics, as "ridiculously entertaining". He also regarded the motion control as being well implemented, stating that the player would appreciate the change of pace that the levels offer.[16] Halverson particularly commended the innovative controls, saying the Wii Remote and Nunchuck was "at its finest" and that it was difficult to imagine playing it in another fashion.[17]

The soundtrack and audio were well received by critics. Scullion believed it to be the best out of any Super Mario game, declaring that each track matches the environments featured throughout the game.[20] Parish considered the orchestrated music superior to the visuals, saying that the dynamic sounds were "quintessentially Mario" yet uncharacteristically sophisticated.[6] Reiner stated that the orchestrated soundtrack was beautiful as well as nostalgic,[9] with Robinson similarly citing it as "amazing".[7] Navarro praised the modernised orchestrated soundtrack, stating that it was both excellent and "top-notch".[12] Williams thought the game featured the best sound on the Wii, stating that original soundtrack would "go down in history" as Nintendo's best first-party effort.[13] A reviewer from GamesRadar stated that Super Mario Galaxy featured the finest orchestral bombast ever heard in a game.[14] Bedigan asserted that the soundtrack was "another step forward" in video game music, praising the music as moving and breathtaking.[15] Casamassina judged the game's music "so exceptional" and "absolutely superb", summarizing that it had the best music out of any Nintendo game to date.[16] Hudak criticised the "traditional Mario-esque" lack of voice acting, despite admitting that if the game did feature voice acting it would "probably seem lame and wrong".[11]

Fan Reception[]

WatchMojo ranked Super Mario Galaxy at the #4 spot in their "Every 3D Super Mario Game Ranked" video over on MojoPlays (following behind Super Mario Odyssey (#3), Super Mario 64 (#2), & Super Mario Galaxy 2 (#1)).[21]

Trivia[]

  • This is the first 3D Mario game in the franchise to be "Course clear" styled.[22]
  • This is the first 3D Mario game to include the Fire Flower, as well as its transformation. It also marks the first 3D Mario game to feature Invincible Mario.
  • This is the first fully 3D Mario title to feature a numbered sequel, Super Mario Galaxy 2.
  • The game uses certain elements inspired by the 2000 GameCube tech demo, Super Mario 128.
  • This game had a completely new game engine made for it.
  • This is the first appearance of Rosalina in the Mario series.
  • The low-battery sound effect for this game is reused in the Wii version of Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat. Additionally, the same icon is shown but the P1 icon isn't present.
  • This is the first 3D Mario game for the Wii.
  • This is the first 3D Mario game to receive a sequel.
    • Super Mario 64 was supposed to receive a sequel for the Nintendo 64DD, but was cancelled due to the failure of said add-on.
  • Due to a mix-up involving GameStop, the automated phone message sent to those who preordered the game stated Super Mario Galaxy to be rated Mature by the ESRB.[23]
  • Super Mario Galaxy became the 3rd best-selling Mario game on the Wii, right behind New Super Mario Bros. Wii and Mario Kart Wii.

Gallery[]

Hat mario To view Super Mario Galaxy's
image gallery, click here.


References[]

  1. "Metacritic's Best Reviewed Games". Metacritic. Archived from the original on 31 March 2016. Retrieved 4 January 2012.
  2. "Super Mario Galaxy for Wii Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on 22 January 2009. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
  3. "Reviews and News Articles". GameRankings. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 4 December 2019. Retrieved 20 May 2010.
  4. "Super Mario Galaxy for Wii". GameRankings. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on 28 December 2019. Retrieved 4 July 2015.
  5. 5.0 5.1 Scullion, Chris (December 2007). "Super Mario Galaxy review". Official Nintendo Magazine. Bath: Future plc (23): 72–77.
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 Parish, Jeremy (2 November 2007). "Super Mario Galaxy review". 1UP.com. Archived from the original on 15 November 2008. Retrieved 14 March 2008.
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 Robinson, Andy (6 November 2007). "Super Mario Galaxy review". Computer and Video Games. Future plc. Archived from the original on 6 February 2008. Retrieved 29 May 2016.
  8. 8.0 8.1 Robertson, Margaret (7 November 2007). "Super Mario Galaxy review". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on 22 March 2016. Retrieved 12 November 2007.
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 Reiner, Andrew. "Super Mario Galaxy". Game Informer. Archived from the original on 4 March 2008. Retrieved 7 March 2008.
  10. 10.0 10.1 Shaw, Patrick (6 November 2007). "Review: GamePro Loves Super Mario Galaxy!!!". GamePro. Archived from the original on 18 September 2008. Retrieved 18 November 2007.
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 Hudak, Chris (12 November 2007). "Super Mario Galaxy review". Game Revolution. Archived from the original on 21 August 2008. Retrieved 9 January 2008.
  12. 12.0 12.1 12.2 Navarro, Alex (7 November 2007). "Super Mario Galaxy Review". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 19 December 2013. Retrieved 21 January 2014.
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 Williams, Bryn (8 November 2007). "Super Mario Galaxy Review". GameSpy. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 11 March 2008.
  14. 14.0 14.1 14.2 "Super Mario Galaxy review". GamesRadar. Future plc. 9 November 2007. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 29 May 2016.
  15. 15.0 15.1 15.2 Bedigian, Louis (12 November 2007). "Super Mario Galaxy Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on 13 November 2007. Retrieved 4 April 2009.
  16. 16.0 16.1 16.2 Casamassina, Matt (7 November 2007). "Super Mario Galaxy Review: The greatest Nintendo platformer ever made?". IGN. Archived from the original on 15 May 2012. Retrieved 17 November 2007.
  17. 17.0 17.1 Halverson, Dave. "Super Mario Galaxy review". Play. Archived from the original on 18 June 2009. Retrieved 4 April 2009.
  18. "Super Mario Galaxy ratings". Famitsu (in Japanese). 26 October 2007.
  19. "Super Mario Galaxy review". Edge online. Future plc. December 2007. Archived from the original on 9 June 2012. Retrieved 29 May 2016.
  20. Scullion, Chris (December 2007). "Super Mario Galaxy review". Official Nintendo Magazine. Bath: Future plc (23): 72–77.
  21. MojoPlays (WatchMojo). (2019). Every 3D Super Mario Game Ranked. YouTube. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  22. Figure created by Nintendo to convey the design philosophy behind the 3D Super Mario games (2017).
  23. Super Mario Galaxy - rated Mature?!

External links[]

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