Super Mario Galaxy Wii (Nintendo Wii)

It's no secret that the Wii is starved of the Nintendo magic that had kept gamers going for so many years, but Super Mario Galaxy is a veritable feast that the casual and hardcore alike can satiate themselves on.Galaxy steps up as a true contender to Mario 64's throne and whilst it cannot hope to replicate the magic, awe and genre defining magnificence of the Nintendo 64 classic it still throws in a superb performance that finally gives gamers a worthy successor to the original.Taking the 3D platformer into space opens up many new angles of approach for Nintendo to work their magic on. Most levels contain smaller planets that are travelled between using launch stars, allowing new approaches to puzzle design and exploration. Walking off the edge of a platform for the first time only to find yourself walk around to the underside is an unfamiliar treat, especially when death would be the usual expected outcome. Control in these moments can sometimes be an issue as perspective and directions change. It takes a while to get used to and isn't always intuitive but thankfully this is a small gripe that only rarely prevents a hit to the play experience. Restraint has been shown in the use of motion control. Jumping and movements are still thankfully kept on buttons and the analogue stick with the remote used sparingly for attacks and to shoot gems, that can be collect in the levels, at enemies. Too many games are released where motion control is either an after thought or and over-used gimmick. Nintendo are still the lead runners in showing the best application for the device.The difficulty for the most part is fairly low but consistent. Whether a case of pandering to the casual crowd or not, I'm not sure, but anyone with experience of the genre should not have any trouble progressing. Saying that, there are some brilliant levels that require maddeningly tight reflexes and precision jumps that show in some areas, the hardcore need only apply. These levels are really where the game's old school platform roots shine and are immensely satisfying (and relieving) to complete. There is an option for a second player to join in using the remote pointer to help the other player out. This makes it a good family game for parents to play with young children as the interaction of the second player is useful but does not get in the way of the main player's actions.It is a shame that Nintendo don't focus more on their core franchises (or create some new ones) as Galaxy shows just how good Nintendo are at creating magical experiences with superb level design. The game constantly feels fresh and the challenges varied with very little repetition in between. Hunting out all 120 stars is as entertaining as it was in Mario 64 whilst avoiding the choreish nature of blue coin hunting seen in Mario Sunshine.The game appeals to all ages and abilities, satisfying the experienced and the inexperienced alike. More importantly with so many games coming out with 15-18 certifcates it's great to finally have a game out that kids can play that isn't some insipid Disney inspired cash in dross. There are plenty of moments of genius and with extra suits and a few side-levels that change up the whole experience there is constant motivation to keep playing and see what's around the next corner. It is safe to say it's the best game on the Wii but also one of the best games of this generation, totally essential.

I've seen Mario grow up.When he was climbing those ladders in the fiendishly difficult Donkey Kong, I was more addicted to Scramble.When he had his own series of console and arcade outings with his less famous brother, I was playing on my Spectrum, my Amiga or my PC.I tried platformers. I tried them repeatedly as people incessantly raved about them. I never enjoyed them. So I never really looked at any for years. They were OK for 20 minutes or so, but then I'd get frustrated and give up and go play Quake 2 online and realise why I hated platform games.Then, in February, I bought a Wii, because I thought they looked cool and seemed to redefine what video gaming was all about. And I was right. But I still didn't try any platform games. Coz they're booooring.Last week I was looking through Amazon with my 5 year-old son, trying to decide which Wii game we were going to get for Christmas.I was drawn to Mario Galaxy, God knows why, so I did a little research. It looked like a good game and seemed to be a departure from your standard platform fare, so tentatively I ordered it.It arrived yesterday and I haven't left it alone since!it's awesome. The level design is pure inspired genius. The control couldn't be done on anything other than the classic remote/nunchuck pairing the Wii offers, but it's totally unobtrusive. It feels natural and easy.The variety offered in the levels is stupendous and each planet has its own character. But more than anything this game provides you with that feeling of utter magic only Nintendo seem able to create. It implores you to try that last level again, because you KNOW you can do it, and anyway if you can't you KNOW it's gonna be a load of fun trying.I can't say this loudly enough... "I LOVE THIS GAME!!!OnE11!"I'm going to play this game to the very end. And when I do I'll start again. Then I'll cry because it's finished and it's very likely a game like this won't come along again for a long time.Buy it.If you have a Wii, this is the ONLY game that you simply MUST buy.Do it.

The item only had a few scratches but the disk and everything else was in perfect condition. I Recommend