2 Hour Review: Super Mario Galaxy

In short? Meh.

Since Mario went 3-D, Super Mario games have followed a pattern: collect stars (7 in each level) to gain access to new areas, all while keeping levels entertaining and fun. Defeat three-hits-to-win bosses. Save the princess.

Mario 64 was the first game. It was such a change from 2-D Super Mario World. It revolutionized platform gaming.

The second 3-D Mario game, Sunshine, added a water pack to shoot things with and shoot yourself off the ground. It was an interesting change that fans didn't like. It didn't change the game much, but at least it was a change. I liked it. I just didn't like the return to collecting 7 stars in each level. There wasn't anything new. But two games of the same title on the same console usually are pretty similar.

So when Galaxy came out, I was expecting something different. What I knew: tiny planets to run around 360 degrees on, collecting tiny "star bits" to shoot at enemies by pointing at the screen with the Wii-mote. So far, this sounds really cool. The only thing I didn't know was how the game was supposed to progress.

Suprise! Collect stars to gain access to knew areas. The thing I was getting tired of.

In all fairness, I'm only 8 stars into the 100 possible stars game (though you apparently don't need them all, like other games). I'm going to play the whole game through because, well, it's a Mario game. Their fun. They are good challenges for hand/eye coordination. The levels are usually very creative, inventive, and beautiful. Their classic without even trying.

So far, the 360-degree levels are a lot to deal with. Hopefully, as I get used to it, the game will keep throwing me new things to do and ways to do them. I guess only time will tell.