The Tempest

Issue date: 11/28/07 Section: Entertainment

Media Credit: MCT Services Mario takes on Bowser in 'Super Mario Galaxy.'

It took a year, but "Super Mario Galaxy" is finally available for the Wii. Needless to say, it was worth the wait.

The game is a return to form for Mario after the letdown of Super Mario Sunshine for the Nintendo Gamecube.

This is finally the game that the Nintendo Wii was built for. Even with its numerous party and mini games, the Wii has yet to have that standout game that utilizes the Wii's potential. The Wii no longer has that problem with this release.

The story of Galaxy retains many familiar elements of the Mario mythos with Bowser again being the main antagonist to Mario. The story takes a different turn when Bowser kidnaps Princess Toadstool and takes her into space. Mario is then recruited by a new character Rosalina, to help save her friends. It's up to Mario to once again save the day and to stop Bowser.

The gameplay of "Galaxy" is a sight to behold. The graphics are crisp and clear making the game enjoyable to watch. The controls are fun to play, with the Wii making full use of its abilities.

A welcome addition are the different suits that Mario can wear. For those familiar with "Super Mario Bros. 3," the addition of the suits added a whole new depth of gameplay to the series. While the Super Mario Bros. 3 introduced the Raccoon Suit, Tanooki Suit, and Hammer Bros. Suit, "Galaxy" offers a Boo Suit, Bee Suit, and Spring Suit.

If you've played "Super Mario 64," the fundamental drive of the game was to collect stars. With "Galaxy," the drive of the game is to also collect stars, with the intent to collect enough stars to power up the rocket to advance to face Bowser.

The different levels are a welcome addition. The different galaxies that Mario encounters add to the variety and depth.

The multiplayer aspect of the game is slight, with the addition of an additional Wiimote to help the first player collect stars. It's not much, but it helps add depth to an already in depth game. The addition of another player helps make the game easier.

The inclusion of Luigi is a welcome addition. Seeing the Mario Bros. in action is a great sight.

With so many positives in the game, it's hard to pinpoint a particular weakness. However, the difficulty greatly increases after collecting 60 stars. Once that occurs, the difficulty is ramped up, making the experience difficult to play. The difficulty prior to collecting the 60 stars is easy. However, once you achieve that feat, the difficulty changes so abruptly you have to be ready for the change. It's not too disconcerting, but it's still enjoyable to play.

Throughout the years, Mario has been an industry standard. With "Super Mario Galaxy" it is a return to greatness for the portly plumber. This is a must have for the Wii and video games in general.

Four out of Four Stars
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