The 'must have' game of the Wii has arrived, at least that's how it is being billed. Last night, hundreds of people lined up at several stores nationwide across the UK to get a chance to win goodie bags and prizes - but most importantly get their hands on a copy of the game 24 hours before the official launch (which is today).
So let's assume that you've just got your copy today and that straight after work, school or college/uni, you slip it into your Wii and away you go. You're faced with ... ?
So let's assume that you've just got your copy today and that straight after work, school or college/uni, you slip it into your Wii and away you go. You're faced with ... ?
One of the darkest and most potentially upsetting intros to any Mario game, ever! Hah hah - we love it already! Keep going!
Galaxy is a very key term in SMG. Gone is the simple progression from level 1-1 to 1-2, replaced with the Super Mario 64 approach that we know and love. From a galactic hub position, Mario has access to several galaxies that in turn contain many mini levels in the form of planetoids to roam. These planetoids differ from galaxy to galaxy - like the Mario worlds of old they are themed and each present their own dangers and delights. You unlock further galaxies as you go and of course, there's secrets.
Stars are back in a big way; the game is full of them and you'll be using them to jump, hyperspace, everything. Our first impressions of the game are that the water looks lovely (at least when it's in pools or rivers), that everything good about Super Mario 64 is here, but none of what caused Mario Sunshine to stumble - only what made it magical. In short, it's a Mario 64 sensation and the controls will feel very similar. This is a strong plus point indeed, and already we see Galaxy becoming a Mario title for the ages to remember fondly.
Nintendo have perhaps unwisely removed player control from the camera; sometimes you can move it but much of the time, this isn't possible. Whilst this simplifies things, it also removes a manual aspect of control that we miss. On this one, it's boo hiss I'm afraid
he music constantly steals from past Mario titles. Orchestrated versions of several classic tracks can be heard in whatever strange dimension you may find yourself, even surfing a river through open space on a manta ray's back. This is a lovely nod to the past and some of the most addictive little ditties reappear in greater glory. We couldn't be happier!
In terms of a learning curve, Galaxy will please all ages and abilities with a simple to grasp control system and a gentle curve of advancement that should keep anyone busy enough - but not swallowed up too often. A family title this certainly is, but there's plenty for the retro and traditional gamer here as well.
In terms of a learning curve, Galaxy will please all ages and abilities with a simple to grasp control system and a gentle curve of advancement that should keep anyone busy enough - but not swallowed up too often. A family title this certainly is, but there's plenty for the retro and traditional gamer here as well.
It's addictive, fun, colourful, just-one-more-level-ish and it deserves to be talked about again in a much fuller review. That will happen, but until then? Rest assured that if you have ever enjoyed any adventure or platform game in your life, Galaxy is going to glow in your collection. It's early to say such and it may be foolish to some, but this is going to be one of the greats on the Wii. We're sure of it. I am dusting off the 5/5 score ...
