Video Game Review: Super Mario Galaxy 2 for Nintendo Wii

I had known about Super Mario Galaxy 2 for quite some time, but avoided purchasing it because as much as I love Mario based video games, I hate that they come out with high end prices attached to them.

With luck on my side, Best Buy decided to finally give me my reward e-certificate, that I had waited for awhile for them to issue. I knew exactly where my money was going even before I got it. It was a toss up between Super Mario Galaxy 2, and Lego Harry Potter for the PS3. Seeing that I did not like Lego Indiana Jones 2 all that much, I went with the plumber.

The Plot:
 
Like any Mario video game, we start off with everything looking all hunky dory, up until Bowser makes his presence known by wrecking things, and kidnapping our princess. Super Mario Galaxy 2 is not any different, the same plot never grows old though.

Our quest begins at the princess castle, but we are quickly brought into space, where Bowser is hiding with Peach. Our job is to rescue her.

Game Play & Controls:
 
Game play is pretty gnarly in Super Mario Galaxy 2, with the exact same controls and set up as the original Super Mario Galaxy Wii game.

You jump pressing the A button, and swing the Wii Mote in order for Mario to do a spinning punch. The controls are easy, and they are easy to remember, even for when your character learns new special moves or jumps.

Game Play is as equally enjoyable. Mario is hurdled through space like mini boards and puzzles, which vary from very easy, to severely complex.

Most of the levels are round little planets that Mario must complete in order to advance. Each little planet is so interesting though, like boards that have you running upside down, and all around. It can definitely cause the eyes to get dizzy, but that is what makes it so fun and unique.

The one issue I had with the original Super Mario Galaxy, was how difficult some of the boards got early on. The same issue ring true in this version of the game as well, however if you get stuck, and keep dying, a spirit guide will come and guide you through the difficulty. It's sort of like a built in cheater, which younger children will appreciate.

Music & Sounds:
 
Music and sounds in Super Mario Galaxy 2 matches perfectly to the type of humming and rhythms you would expect from any other Mario video game, however this title adds a cool spaced vibe and tone to each soundtrack you hear.

Graphics:
 
The graphics in Super Mario Galaxy 2 match up perfectly as well to what you would expect to find in a Mario game. The colors are bright and vibrant, and every other level adds really neat 2D side scrolling, with some areas making use of full 3D scenery that Mario can travel through.

Nintendo Wii, and Nintendo in general has never been known for stunning graphics, but this is what makes it unique and different; that definitely is not a bad thing.

Overall:
 
Super Mario Galaxy 2 is a really fun game, and can be played by anyone, children as well as adult gamers will find this one pleasing. It offers younger gamers an easy to complete game thanks to the guide, and for adult gamers some areas offer some really hardcore battles. Its a bunch of fun, and I would highly recommend this one, not just for a rental, but a full purchase.