Even though I think Super Mario Sunshine is still my favorite 3D Mario game up to this entry, I can honestly say that Super Mario Galaxy was an absolute joy. It returned to the more traditional Mario setting of different worlds. Each galaxy is its own unique mini world and it is rather breathtaking. Sunshine was limited, though grounded, in the land of Isle Delfino so it was nice to see them return to their roots here. This didn’t take away from any story either, it actually helped quite a lot in that regard. Rosalina and the Lumas are easily one of my favorite video game stories ever.
Let’s break this game down though, because I feel like there’s a lot to unpack. Firstly, Super Mario Galaxy changes a lot within the franchise. As with every new Mario game, the mechanics have been shifted a bit and you’ve got yourself a different companion. No longer will you be able to use F.L.U.D.D. to carry you places. Instead, you’ll be blessed to have your trusty Luma and its Star-Spin along for this journey. This allows you to break crystals, attack enemies and even jump a little higher than normal. It certainly helps with some platforming moments too, but it is not nearly as handicapping as F.L.U.D.D. can be.
The mechanics are actually very different from the previous titles here, and it works given the environment of the game. Each galaxy has this orbital feel to it that makes it more like being in space. There’s just something so wild about starting a long jump and orbiting around the whole planet and landing where you started. It was a bit jarring at first, but it finally clicks and can be appreciated. It really brings these galaxies to life and makes this game feel huge. This, combined with less handicapping, kept me on my toes and provided a decent challenge in some of the later galaxies. I enjoyed F.L.U.D.D. but nothing beats nailing a section with just Mario. It is just so rewarding.
Rosalina has become my favorite Mario character to date, and it was nice to see Mario meet someone new and help them along his way. Their relationship really depended on each other throughout the whole game and seeing it through is so satisfying. I enjoyed the backstory with her and the Lumas and I just fell in love with her. I don’t want to spoil anything but trust me, it’s a heartfelt story worth living.
Everything about this game felt massive. From the galaxies themselves to the traversals between them, Nintendo knew Mario was in space and wanted you to feel that. I know there’s still only 120 power stars, but the game is enormous. There’s plenty of galaxies to explore, enemies to fight and platforms to jump on. On top of that, you see toads exploring those galaxies and it just makes things even more grand. The whole mushroom kingdom is on this adventure with you while you find Peach and assist Rosalina. The full orchestral music also brings so much depth and heart to this game and helps further drive in the size of this world. It’s easily the best Mario soundtrack of the three I’ve played so far.
Super Mario Galaxy was a wonderful experience that I will cherish forever. As with every Mario game I’ve played, I was not disappointed at all. Moving forward I can only assume that I will feel the same about the next entries and I am eager to get to them. I enjoyed getting every single power star and exploring every inch of all of these galaxies. I can only imagine everyone felt the same as I did seeing as how this game is the only 3D Mario game with a sequel. However, only time will tell if one can steal Sunshine’s #1 spot for me or not. Regardless, I am confident that I will enjoy every second of these adventures.
