GameSpot: Super Mario Galaxy 2 Review

GameSpot writes: "Super Mario Galaxy 2 is simply an outstanding game. It never rests on its laurels for a second, constantly presenting new objectives and mechanics to push you to never before seen places. Even the two-player mode offers new abilities and delights, making it even more fun to play with a friend by your side. Everything is so well designed and so entertaining that it's easy to get sucked into this world for hours. Super Mario Galaxy 2 is so phenomenal that it's difficult to imagine where Mario could possibly go in the future. But that's hardly your concern now. Mario proves that he is still the king of fun".

[skynidas]

Damn... Another 10

[-Alpha]

Definite GOTY at this point. It's getting flawless all across the map.

It's too bad a large majority of N4G users wont be able to play it. If this was a PS3 or 360 game the temperature would be through the roof for this article.

I am 110% proud for this game. Just a clean, simple, light-hearted fun game with no excess gore, violence, etc.

I think LBP2 will be the main competitor. I have to say, 2010 has blown my mind and we're only in May!

[hybridtheory12]

I agree. Its GOTY. HOWEVER, i think SOME sites *cough* gametrailers *cough* will not give it GOTY because it didnt stay in their system long enough but its a solid 10. Kinda like the mw2 over uncharted 2 situation from last year. *shudders*

[Chug]

I actually just bought a wii so I could play NSMB, Muramasa, and Galaxy 2, Other M when they come out.
It's hard to find the time owning all three systems but it's nice having the option of playing all the great games.

[Anon1974]

And yet, I didn't like it. Not saying that others won't..if you liked the first game it sounds like you'll love this game, but I tried and tried and just couldn't get into it. For me, the Wii-mote has always been a barrier to enjoyment. One of the things I loved about Super Mario Bros Wii was that it didn't rely on the motion control and played more like a regular game.

Playing the first Mario Galaxy I just couldn't help but feel the magic was gone somehow. It didn't have the charm of the old Super Mario 64 (and don't get me started on Mario Sunshine. ugh!). I wanted to like the game but a couple of hours into it I just wasn't having any fun. I can't quite put my finger on it but I just found it....boring.

I thought I may have simply outgrown platformers because I felt similarly about the new Ratchet and Clank games but then LittleBigPlanet came along and my wife and I played that game to death.

I think for me it might just come down to the Wii-Mote. I hated everything about the Wii-mote. I tried and tried but ultimately it was simply too buggy for me to enjoy anything I would normally play. I tried SMG, Zelda, Metroid, Medal of Honor, Ravin Rabbids. The only game that got any play on my Wii was World of Goo and when a co-worker made me an offer for the whole works one Christmas I had to admit I had no interest in touching my Wii and sold it off.

I've always been a big Nintendo fan but I can't help but feel this gen they just abandoned the core gaming audience. They're doing great and more power to them, but I miss the days when I used to look forward to what Nintendo had to offer.

[BryanBegins]

@Darkride:

Are you serious? You didn't like SMG because of the (almost non-existant) motion control? lol This is ridiculous. The motion controls in this game were very rare, and all of them were correctly implemented.

Too bad you are a gamer that can't live up with his time. If gamers in the 90's have been like you, I guess we wouldn't have rumble, dual analog stick or anything new. You can hate the Wii for Wii Sport (though I enjoyed Wii Sport a lot). But for SMG, this isn't justified.

Btw, I own all three consoles and I can say without any hesitation: for me, Super Mario Galaxy was the best game this gen. It is the game I had the most fun playing. Nothing repetitive. The sequels looks even better.

[Anon1974]

I'm sorry, I just hate the Wii-mote. I've never actually hated a controller before the Wii-motte but even the little bits in SMG where you had to aim around the screen I felt ruined the flow of the game for me and left me frustrated with how inaccurate the Wii-mote could be, especially when you're dealing with the edges of the screen.

I think it's funny you mentioned Wii Sports because I enjoyed Wii Sports more than I did SMG. Mostly because of the multiplayer aspect added some fun to the game. When you're competing against someone else using the same controls it's not as frustrating when you're trying to do something by yourself.

Again, I'm not trying to take anything away from the Wii. I don't care if you game on the Wii or play nothing but flash games, I consider all gamers kindred spirits. I'm just sharing my thoughts about Super Mario Galaxy and the Wii in general. It was the same with with Zelda TP. I wanted to like them, I gave them hours of my time but at the end of the day I just wasn't having fun with them.

[ReservoirDog316]

Haha, imagine, I preordered SMG2 on amazon because of the $20 credit. Figured it was a pretty good deal. Little did I know it would reach platforming perfection.

And you're so right, 2010 has brought me ME2, RDR and SMG2 so far. And I still need to get Heavy Rain and FFXIII. And with LittleBigPlanet 2, MGS PW, Batman AA 2, Agent and even Epic Mickey (remember that?) possibly coming out this year, jeez.

2010 is a year for the history books.

[BryanBegins]

@Darkride:

I don't know what's wrong with your Wiimote pointer, but mine is very accurate. Actually, I'm surprised. For me, if there is ONE improvement the Wii provided to videogames and that will likely last for more generation, this is exactly the pointer! The motion controls themselves add most of the time little to nothing. But having the pointer allows a lot more games and variety of games.

Anyway, everyone can have his opinion. I fully enjoyed SMG and wasn't expecting the sequel to be so well received.

[Unicron]

Yeah Alpha, this is amazing. And the fact that its basically a recycled game, even more so. That is NOT a dig on Galaxy, I think if strong design can show through above that, it's an even further testament to a skilled team.

But oh the things I could say about reviewer inconsistency right now =)

[-Alpha]

Hehe, review scores are always troubling when it comes to consistency. Truth be told I know there are a lot of people that have issue with it, but I've never properly understood them. Perhaps you can explain them to me. Personally I just look at the review content. Scores are arbitrary. For me I'm usually on board for games 7.0+

I'll be skeptical with lower scores and review content, but the best way to judge is through playing the actual game.

For me though, money is tight so I cling to demos, reviews, etc.

Anyways I feel a little dumb now for getting a 360. Truth be told I'm being ungrateful. I've wanted to play Halo and am enjoying it but the Wii would have made a great alternate console. 360 and PS3 are pretty similar anyway.

Problem with buying a Wii at this stage I find is that with rumors of a new console coming out I best save my money. Additionally it ticks me off that I bought a 360 with all these rumors about a slim model. Ugh. This hobby is so expensive.

[Imperator]

Definitely GOTY contender. Two more days.

[Army_of_Darkness]

the only other game that could compete with this would have to be LBP2!! not really a fan of that either but, you can do it!

[Ult iMate]

LBP2 will be bashed for what SMG2 is praised now - "it's a sequel!! and even more - it's a sequel of a PS3 game, so we are not impressed, like, at all!!!"

[xskipperx82]

I'm counting the seconds to Sunday

[Imperator]

That makes two of us. The game is gonna be awesome.

[eagle21]

Flawless victory. ;)

[skare13]

I think the hatting fanboys maybe all cried out. So maybe they won't comment on this review.

[eagle21]

lol, they can cry me a river...this game is coming Sunday to millions of homes. :)

[mikepmcc]

It would be truly tragic if SMBW sold more than this...knowing parents they probably think one Mario game is enough for the year, and they might not go for it.

[mikepmcc]

IGN-10
Gamespot-10
GamesRadar-10
Edge-10
1up-10
The Escapist-10
Giant Bomb-10

Huh...maybe it's time to pick up a Wii.

[Homicide]

I'm picking mine up next week. The first Mario Galaxy game is, imo, the best game this gen, and I'm sure the second one is going to be a solid follow-up.

[playstation_clan]

dust of the wiis and lets play, I love mario since the beginning. Good for nintendo, I hope this wins GOTY with lbp2 to shove it Microsoft and stop making shooters

[qface64]

damn so many 10's i had no diea
you can bet if its not a 10 its either a 9 and up

[Fel08]

Well, time to dust off my Wii, and enjoy this amazing game.

[Mista T]

another Mario game, once you played one, you've played em all

No game is perfect, that is my belief, only a game near perfect is possible

I grew up with Mario I haven't been into it for a long time, but I know many will enjoy this. Happy gaming!

[cutelittleoshawott]

Gamespot's first ten in 2 years. For this to get a ten from Gamespot or Edge, two sites with sometimes harsh reviews is a masterpiece the way I see it.

[raziel6430]

that plumer did it again....sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eettttttt

[raziel6430]

HEY LETS ALL PLAY MARIO....

[Vizion26]

If you're going to buy a Wii also pick up Monster Hunter 3. It's definitely worth the dough since it's a good 50 - 100 hour game.

[raziel6430]

bring on the fox,next

[kesvalk]

and the pink glutton too...

[Kaotik1]

So I wonder how much Nintendo is paying reviewers for these scores on a rehash

[JonnyBigBoss]

I'm sure it's fun but I'm 23. I stopped playing Mario ages ago. Good job to Nintendo but the Wii just wasn't type. I don't drink tea, I smoke cigars.

[Darkfocus]

Just because it doesn't have blood and gore doesn't mean it can't be good. I'd really suggest you pick up the first galaxy it's cheap now and I can almost guarantee you'll like it as long as your not too immature to accept that family friendly games can be great too.

[yippiechicken]

Oh look! jleack is all growed up now! How cute! :)
Seriously dude, you're missing out on a lot of fun. BTW, I'm 46 and still love gaming so much that I have all three systems. Are you going to outgrow that some day too? You're going to get old WAY before your time with an attitude like that. Loosen up a bit and try something if you're "sure it's fun".

[dizzleK]

i think its unfair to jump on him. i'm 32, i stopped liking mario years ago too, i've played them all before. i don't find fun in "simple" games anymore, i crave things like shin megami and heavy rain, stuff that stimulates my brain and my emotions, not just my nostalgia factor. i need a storyline and character development, something mario utterly lacks. i don't think i have "mature" tastes, i just demand more from my games than something like mario provides..

[eagle21]

Jleak...I'm not trying to call you out but:

You seem to promote LBP2 which looks like Sesame Street at times. Also Ape Escape was recently an article you "couldn't wait" to play a new sequel to. That let's me know you are just a anti-mario fan because Mario is better than both of those games and you don't want to accept it. :)

[Gr81]

Check Mate! That's hilarious, pulled his boxers down in front of Times Square.

Honestly, most of the N4G posters are like him; Nintendo does something "rehash, bad, no innovation, more of the same" Sony does something "Can't wait, greatest ever etc" He's also prolly one of those who hated Motion Control until "gasp!" Sony unveiled Move.

Typical. I thought certain games and gaming icons were sorta universally accepted as quality. I mean the fact that Mario or Zelda is still relevant over 20 years later! Is a testament to exquisite game design. To see 'gamers' all of a sudden hate on Mario of all characters, shows me they have reached a new low.

And for those with sense, you can make out the gamer, the fan, and the viral marketers. Galaxy 2 gets a 10 and all of a sudden everyone who hates Mario start spitting venom like a cobra.

Which is ironic, if I hated something, I'd steer clear of it. But the funny thing is I don't go into news that doesn't interest me. So you won't see me post in a PS360 section. I am really indifferent to those junior pc's.

But you can bet your bottom dollar some trolls will always post first in Nintendo news to talk $hit about games they've never played, or a system they never owned..how pathetic.

[tunaks1]

wow jleack,
just wow

[Ivan Drago IV]

To all you people that are saying they will just now buy a Wii because of galaxy 2 getting 10s. ok so your saying games that score a 9 arent good enough? Its just confusing as to why some of you tools would choose to buy a Wii now just because a mario sequel gets perfect scores..

So Mario galaxy got 9.75 and that didnt compel you to buy a wii but somehow mario galaxy 2 gets a 10 and all of a sudden all you people say you want to buy a wii now all of a sudden lol. Yea makes perfect sense.. NOT

[Ivan Drago IV]

Yea my wife owns a wii and frankly unless a game has a compelling multiplayer component i dont buy it.. there are very very few exceptions such as Heavy Rain GOW3..

The last mario game i played was mario sunshine, i was 18 at the time and i couldnt finish it because i got very bored with it halfway through.

[Darkfocus]

sunshine wasn't that good imo(not bad just not great). you should try galaxy I wasn't a fan of sunshine and never finished it either but galaxy is a lot better and one of the few wii games I still play.

[hatchimatchi]

i love mario sunshine

[dan_chan89]

time to wipe the dust off the wii i guess!

[lowcarb]

Good job Nintendo! I might pick it up later to see if it meets the hype but honestly will decide for myself. There are just way to many games getting high scores this generation.

[JANF]

tWow! enough said

[subzero-08]

I can't wait until June when I get this game. It's gonna be great.

[Michael-Jackson]

I can't help it to think that GameSpot checks out IGNs review before posting theirs.

MGS4 10
SMG2 10
Uncharted 9.5 - well 9.5s are kinda rare coming from GameSpot.

GOTY contender indeed.

[Kakihara]

I swear on my non existent children's lives that I'm not a Nintendo fanboy, in fact the closest I've ever got to a Wii is watching other people play it at a party but I have to say ... This game does look like a contender for G of the Y. I'm happy to see charm, heart and soul prized over realistic graphics and gun variety. Of course if Littlebigplanet 2 does come out by the end of the year I'll forget all about this little plumber guy but as of now I'm desperate to play this beautiful looking game.

[rakunado]

Gamespot a 10 too...

Seriously, I'm wondering there must be alot more to this game then what many ppl call "nostalgia bias".

I feel ashamed Mario Galaxy 2 was overlooked by me, all i could see was tunnel vision with Halo Reach and Gran Turismo 5. My last two purchases were Red Dead Redemption(Awesome), Alan Wake(Good) and Monster Hunter Tri(which is going very slow) and I thought we would be going through a little drought period until september, how wrong I was. [Pumps myself up for more Mario!!!]

[condorstrike]

yep, truly all systems are finally stepping up to the plate this year, so glad I own all 3 systems, now if only my wife would take out the garbage...:)

btw: when I play Galaxy, nostalgia is the last thing in my mind, if Mario wasn't there; it would be a whole new ip, and Nintendo improving that recipe= GOTY.

[Ninjamonkey82]

Hope it gets goty i aint got a wii atm. I play my PS3 and xbox but im 30 y/o and i know where true gaming really started and for games like this to be still going so strong.

[saimcheeda]

Game of the year and i think it could become the best game of all time. Too bad for God of War III which is my GOTY!

[BrutallyBlunt]

Looks amazing and it just goes to show how having the best hardware doesn't mean everything.

[tunaks1]

Nintendo proves once again technical limitations mean jack sh!t

[jalen247]

Mario is the best.

[mp1289]

thats what happens when fanboys trash on ps3 exclusives. Nintendo silently delivers.

[bigjclassic]

the sequel to the best game this entire gen, and it will get tons of hate for no reason by "hardcore gamers" anyways, onto a 12 hr SMG2 session after work.