Game Review: Super Mario Galaxy
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What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this game is an enjoyable
adventure for just about any age. Younger kids may have more
difficulty with some of the challenges, but if they play in the
Co-Star Mode, they can join with a more experienced player in a
series of simple tasks. Inexperienced parents could also use
this mode as a way to play the game with more experienced
children because on the Wii, you don't have to know a complex
set of controls.
Families can talk about how this latest Mario release compares to previous titles. Is this the best ever? Mario first debuted in the 1980's. What's been the secret to Mario's longevity and what is it about Mario games that make them so appealing?
Common Sense Media Review
He's a console icon and the most recognizable face in video
games. As if that weren't enough, he can now add space traveler
to his impressive resume.
Mario blasts into orbit in the highly-anticipated SUPER MARIO GALAXY, an exhilarating space odyssey that takes the Super Mario franchise to the next level.
As with most adventures in the franchise, Mario sets off to rescue Princess Peach after longtime-nemesis Bowser swipes both the princess and her castle. Mario later meets Rosalina, a watcher of the stars, who wants Mario to grab stars to power her ship. In return, she offers to assist in the search for Peach.
Mario searches for these stars in a myriad of cleverly designed galaxies. The planetary systems are based on a variety of objects from a golf course to a beehive, and in the latter, Mario buzzes around in a bee suit.
Perhaps the greatest sight is Mario soaring through space as he vaults from planet to planet. Visually, Galaxy is arguably the best-looking of the Super Mario titles. Landscapes are full of color and life.
Mario packs his signature set of moves, from the simple jump to a dazzling spin. Galaxy also unveils a few motion-control tricks courtesy the Wii. Shaking the remote executes Mario's dizzying spin. You'll also point to collect Star Bits used to fire at enemies.
An intriguing addition to the franchise is the Co-Star Mode, which allows a second player to join in at any time. Using only the Wii remote, a player can collect Star Bits, freeze enemies, or assist Mario in super-high jumps. It's very easy to pick up, and could become a great outlet for inexperienced gamers and parents to join in on the fun.
Super Mario Gallaxy doesn't have the realistic graphics or complex controls of some of the other blockbuster 2007 releases, but Super Mario Galaxy is equally as engaging and fun.
For other fun adventures on the Wii, check out Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure and Super Mario Paper . Other recommended Super Mario games include: New Super Mario Bros. for the Nintendo DS, Mario Strikers Charged for the Wii, and Super Mario Strikers for the GameCube.
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
