With an entire universe to explore there’s little chance of getting bored with the scenery in Super Mario Galaxy 2, but do these new locations hold any real surprises for veterans of the series? Grab your Thermos flask and woolly hat, because we’re about to find out in this part of our Super Mario Galaxy 2 review.
Read our Super Mario Galaxy 2 review
Super Mario Galaxy 2 review
Super Mario Galaxy 2 review: What’s new and different?
Super Mario Galaxy 2 review: Mario’s new powers
One of the most ingenious aspects of the first Super Mario Galaxy was the setting – by placing Mario in space Nintendo’s talented designers were able to concoct a stunning assortment of diverse worlds for him to explore. Super Mario Galaxy 2 continues this trend, featuring just as much invention and innovation as its forerunner.
How you actually access these levels, or “galaxies” as they’re referred to in the game, is a little different this time around. The central ”hub” concept – which was born in the genre-busting Super Mario 64 and has been an ever-present feature of all 3D Mario titles up to this point – is nowhere to be seen. In its place is a more traditional 2D map which takes inspiration from the retro adventures on the NES and SNES.
You still have to collect stars in order to progress, however; at certain points you’ll find that you can’t move forward on the map because you don’t have the prerequisite amount of these shiny trinkets. Whenever this happens you’ll need to return to previously visited galaxies and attempt secondary challenges. This opens up what is arguably one of the most impressive elements of Super Mario Galaxy 2: when you re-play a level you’ll find that the game forces you to approach from an entirely different angle, making each galaxy seem like an entirely fresh experience.
Many galaxies boast a boss battle at their conclusion, and these are just as inspired as the levels themselves. Some require you to utilise newfound powers or special items while others merely ask that you patiently watch your opponent’s pattern of movements before committing yourself to a counter-attack. Like all good Mario boss encounters, the epic fights in Super Mario Galaxy 2 are both demanding and exceptionally rewarding.
The sheer variety of locations available in Super Mario Galaxy 2 is stupefying, putting to rival titles to shame. Take Puzzle Plank Galaxy, for example. A massive, mind-bending conundrum suspended in deep space, this pocket of planets features jigsaw puzzles and other challenges which require Mario to bash various blocks into their correct configuration. It’s like a Rubik’s Cube has suddenly been thrown into Mario’s universe and he’s expected to solve it.
Then there’s the Flip-Swap Galaxy, which showcases a devious network of platforms which rotate whenever Mario performs a spin manoeuvre. At first the level is fairly straightforward and having control over the orientation of the platforms is handy, but towards the end the player is expected to flip them whilst in mid-air and avoiding the unwanted attention of enemies and other deadly obstacles.
Meanwhile in Wild Glide Galaxy you’re able to hitch a ride with a friendly bird. Control of this feathered companion is achieved by gently tilting the Wii Remote in different directions to perform graceful dives and turns; it’s one of Super Mario Galaxy 2’s more gentle moments but is still intensely enjoyable.
One particularly memorable level even directly references a previous – and quite notable – Mario title, right down to the visuals and layout of the stage. We’ll not divulge any more information than that in case we spoil the surprise, but suffice to say that diehard fans are likely to rank it as a stand-out moment in Super Mario Galaxy 2’s already overflowing catalogue of high-points.
Read our Super Mario Galaxy 2 review
Super Mario Galaxy 2 review
Super Mario Galaxy 2 review: What’s new and different?
Super Mario Galaxy 2 review: Mario’s new powers
