Well, I didn't want to post a lot about this game in the progress topic, instead saving my opinions for when I could deliver a full verdict.
Story:
Mario must rescue Princess Peach from Bowser's clutches after he kidnaps her yet again. The catch? Bowser has discovered the power of intergalactic travel, stripping a space observatory of its energy. Because of this, Princess Rosalina finds herself stranded with her "children," the star-like Lumas. Mario must help the inhabitants of the observatory and rescue Peach before Bowser uses his new-found power in a way that endangers not only the Mushroom Kingdom, but the entire universe.
Level Design:
The Observatory functions like Delfino Plaza and Peach's Castle from previous Mario games: players are given multiple portals to worlds, called galaxies in this game. Galaxy designs range from the basic (lava galaxy, ice galaxy, underwater galaxy) to the bizarre (a galaxy with floors that constantly move and change, a galaxy made of sweets, etc.). Visually, there aren't any bad designs, and every area fits the art style Mario games are known for: bright, colorful, and visually impressive through its own interpretation of the environment.
The biggest issue I had with level design was also one of this game's outstanding features: gravity. One main element of certain galaxies was where "gravity" pulled Mario, such as when jumping between two planets. Based on Mario's orientation on the planet and the position of the camera, control changes so that different directions move him toward the camera or away. When Mario is on the "side" of a planet, sometimes he'd make tight circles while I tried to figure out which direction to push him. Also, while it's a bit nitpicky, sometimes Mario would fall to his death despite there being no "down" or the presence of a black hole (this game's version of the bottomless pit). In any rate, he died regardless of how well the programmers followed these rules. This issue didn't detract from my control of Mario, which was my greatest concern with this game.
Gameplay:
This game requires both the Wii Remote and the Nunchuk attachment. Mario can move around with the Nunchuk joystick and jump with the A button on the remote. All of Mario's jumps from his previous 3D platformers, Super Mario 64 and Mario Sunshine, are present for use. Two huge changes have been added, though. Using the Wii Remote, players can collect star bits by pointing at the screen where they are floating. These bits can be fired at enemies with the B button or used as currency to buy pathways to new planets. A second player can also join in this game, only being limited to collecting and shooting the star bits.
The other huge change is Mario's new ability to perform a spin attack. By shaking the Wii Remote, Mario can do a powerful spin attack that can dizzy nearby enemies or give him an extra height boost in jumps. This move is, hands-down, the most frequently used move during the game (surpassed only by running and basic jumping, Mario series staples). While it wasn't a bad thing, it showed a lack of creativity in an otherwise creative game. I mean, this move solves so many of the puzzles presented that it's not even funny.
There are a few challenges where the Wii Remote is used differently to control objects that Mario rides or handles. While these can be difficult, the controls are receptive in the way they should be. It truly is a matter of player skill.
Music:
The soundtrack, played by the "Mario Galaxy Orchestra," is fitting for the theme: space exploration. A few songs from previous Marios are composed with electronic instrumentation. The songs aren't awe-inspiring or remarkable in any way, but (more importantly) they aren't irritating. They accomplish the ultimate goal of video game music: filling in the background. What is there is good; it's just not great.
Replay Value:
Replay value is comparable to the other 3D Marios: once you get the stars, you can redo the challenge, but there's not a whole lot there as far as changing circumstances. There is ONE detail that adds a small bit of replay challenge to the game, but I don't want to spoil the surprise. The challenges that are difficult should keep you coming back until you collect all of the stars needed to get Rosalina back on her way.
Final Thoughts:
I was ready to write this game off as soon as I saw the videos for it. I'm glad I didn't, though. While I wouldn't say this is the best Mario game since Super Mario 3, I will say that it is the best Mario game since 64 and Sunshine. The only way I could see this being a better game would be more challenging puzzles. What's hard is hard, but I'd like to see more of it.
Rent: Yes (Highly recommended if you're still reluctant)
Own: Yes (There's enough game here to warrant a purchase)
Share: No (2nd player aspect is too limited)
Story:
Mario must rescue Princess Peach from Bowser's clutches after he kidnaps her yet again. The catch? Bowser has discovered the power of intergalactic travel, stripping a space observatory of its energy. Because of this, Princess Rosalina finds herself stranded with her "children," the star-like Lumas. Mario must help the inhabitants of the observatory and rescue Peach before Bowser uses his new-found power in a way that endangers not only the Mushroom Kingdom, but the entire universe.
Level Design:
The Observatory functions like Delfino Plaza and Peach's Castle from previous Mario games: players are given multiple portals to worlds, called galaxies in this game. Galaxy designs range from the basic (lava galaxy, ice galaxy, underwater galaxy) to the bizarre (a galaxy with floors that constantly move and change, a galaxy made of sweets, etc.). Visually, there aren't any bad designs, and every area fits the art style Mario games are known for: bright, colorful, and visually impressive through its own interpretation of the environment.
The biggest issue I had with level design was also one of this game's outstanding features: gravity. One main element of certain galaxies was where "gravity" pulled Mario, such as when jumping between two planets. Based on Mario's orientation on the planet and the position of the camera, control changes so that different directions move him toward the camera or away. When Mario is on the "side" of a planet, sometimes he'd make tight circles while I tried to figure out which direction to push him. Also, while it's a bit nitpicky, sometimes Mario would fall to his death despite there being no "down" or the presence of a black hole (this game's version of the bottomless pit). In any rate, he died regardless of how well the programmers followed these rules. This issue didn't detract from my control of Mario, which was my greatest concern with this game.
Gameplay:
This game requires both the Wii Remote and the Nunchuk attachment. Mario can move around with the Nunchuk joystick and jump with the A button on the remote. All of Mario's jumps from his previous 3D platformers, Super Mario 64 and Mario Sunshine, are present for use. Two huge changes have been added, though. Using the Wii Remote, players can collect star bits by pointing at the screen where they are floating. These bits can be fired at enemies with the B button or used as currency to buy pathways to new planets. A second player can also join in this game, only being limited to collecting and shooting the star bits.
The other huge change is Mario's new ability to perform a spin attack. By shaking the Wii Remote, Mario can do a powerful spin attack that can dizzy nearby enemies or give him an extra height boost in jumps. This move is, hands-down, the most frequently used move during the game (surpassed only by running and basic jumping, Mario series staples). While it wasn't a bad thing, it showed a lack of creativity in an otherwise creative game. I mean, this move solves so many of the puzzles presented that it's not even funny.
There are a few challenges where the Wii Remote is used differently to control objects that Mario rides or handles. While these can be difficult, the controls are receptive in the way they should be. It truly is a matter of player skill.
Music:
The soundtrack, played by the "Mario Galaxy Orchestra," is fitting for the theme: space exploration. A few songs from previous Marios are composed with electronic instrumentation. The songs aren't awe-inspiring or remarkable in any way, but (more importantly) they aren't irritating. They accomplish the ultimate goal of video game music: filling in the background. What is there is good; it's just not great.
Replay Value:
Replay value is comparable to the other 3D Marios: once you get the stars, you can redo the challenge, but there's not a whole lot there as far as changing circumstances. There is ONE detail that adds a small bit of replay challenge to the game, but I don't want to spoil the surprise. The challenges that are difficult should keep you coming back until you collect all of the stars needed to get Rosalina back on her way.
Final Thoughts:
I was ready to write this game off as soon as I saw the videos for it. I'm glad I didn't, though. While I wouldn't say this is the best Mario game since Super Mario 3, I will say that it is the best Mario game since 64 and Sunshine. The only way I could see this being a better game would be more challenging puzzles. What's hard is hard, but I'd like to see more of it.
Rent: Yes (Highly recommended if you're still reluctant)
Own: Yes (There's enough game here to warrant a purchase)
Share: No (2nd player aspect is too limited)
