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Friday 25 January, 2008
SUMMARY
I don’t have much more to say after playing Super Mario Galaxy a second time. For the most part, it was a continuation of the same experience. I got through another level or two. Luckily most of the storytelling took place in the beginning of the game, and I didn’t have to sit through more of it.
It had also become easier for me to use the controller, although with gravity changing as much as it did, I was still baffled in some places. There was one part where Mario went from being right-side-up to upside-down and I had to make him jump in the right places without falling. I kept screwing up on this.
The variety of challenges in different levels is nice. It kept me entertained and feeling like the game had something fresh to offer.
DESIGN
In part, the design of Super Mario Galaxy seems like a 3D update of the first games. While improving the graphics for the sequel, the creators also had to add some new elements to the game, while at the same time using familiar elements from the old games. Though many elements reflected the old games, they felt completely different. This was especially true because they are navigated using the new Wii controller, and because they are 3D.
The idea of putting the game on a series of “galaxies” was interesting. This allows the game a nice level of variety and some interesting opportunities for the creation of the various levels. The gravity dynamic was also an interesting twist- it definitely made the game harder to navigate and gave it a whole new feel.
The game was fun, but I think I’d still choose the old Mario game over it. Retro simplicity is sometimes a good thing. But overall, Super Mario Galaxy is a good update.
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