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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 23, 2007

System: Nintendo Wii
Publisher: Nintendo

Reviewer's rating: ****

ESRB rating: Everyone

Game type: 3-D platform

Kind of like: "Super Mario 64"

Best feature: An amazing diversity of challenges.

Worst feature: Why is Princess Peach always surprised when Bowser kidnaps her?

The bottom line: The developers of "Super Mario Galaxy" took all of the magic of "Super Mario 64" and found a way to catapult it beyond the stratosphere.
Game systems usually have a "defining game," and the Nintendo Wii's is here. "Super Mario Galaxy" simply is the game to own if you have a Wii. And if you don't, it's a phenomenal reason to buy one.

Intrepid Mario must once again save Princess Peach from Bowser. This time, the challenges take Mario to a host of different worlds.

The worlds in "Galaxy" really are magical: there are spheres of water, a land made of floating apples inhabited by giant worms, a floating battle station, fleets of ships, a land of giant bees, fields of space junk and so much more.

Nintendo found a way to use the wireless remote without changing the fundamental gameplay of Mario. He still runs and jumps using a joystick and buttons - the stick is the one on the Nunchuk. However, shaking the Wiimote launches a spinning attack, activates certain objects and throws shells. It's a terrific fusion of familiar play and the Wii's technology.

This game uses the system from "Super Mario 64," where completing tasks gives you stars that are used to unlock more areas. This gives the game some linearity while allowing you to decide which of at least a few worlds you'd like to see next.

Doug Buel

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