August 10th, 2007 by AlmightyMax
Gravity
The main theme of Super Mario Galaxy is gravity, and it is easy to see why. Mario Galaxy boasts an impressive physics engine, where every planet has its own level of gravity. After you leap out into space, the planet whose pull is greatest at your location will become your landing site. Hardcore plumber fans need not worry; there are occasional black holes that will ensure your death if you mistimed a jump so things won’t become too easy.
Some rooms even have changing gravity; for example, in one room you can walk from one wall to another by walking onto a ramp. Other areas briefly transport you into a side-scrolling area where the gravity isn’t too stable. You may find yourself running on the ceiling only to fall back to the floor within seconds.
Mario’s Arsenal
Power-ups have always been abundant in Mario games, and Super Mario Galaxy looks to be no exception. Along with series staples like life-replenishing coins and 1-UP Mushrooms, Galaxy includes many new power-ups like the tentatively named Bee Shrooms and Boo Shrooms. These new mushrooms will give Mario new powers, like the ability to fly and climb certain surfaces until you get hit by water (Bee Mario) or the ability to pass through certain objects like in Super Mario 64 (Boo Mario).
Along with the new mushrooms, there are items called ‘Star Shards’, which can either give Mario 1-UPs, as mentioned above, or provide ammo for another one of Mario’s new skills. A ‘Shooting Star’ accompanies Mario throughout the game and it can use Star Shards as projectiles to stun enemies. Mario’s shooting sidekick can also help him interact with the environment in a number of ways. For instance, it can latch Mario onto bungee plants or freeze lesser enemies. The Shooting Star can also be controlled by a friend picking up the second Wiimote of your Wii, offering a limited but fun co-op mode for Mario Galaxy.
Mario’s main method of attack and defense is a Spin Attack activated by shaking the Wiimote. The Spin Attack is very useful; not only can it let Mario plow through weak enemies, but it also allows him to deflect enemy fire. One of the game’s boss battles puts Mario up against a squid-like creature dwelling in lava. The monster shoots rocks at Mario, which he must deflect, only to have it shoot back at Mario with added force (not unlike Ganondorf’s Lightning attack in numerous Zelda games). Eventually the creature will succumb and Mario will be able to collect the Star.
Wii owners, take note of Super Mario Galaxy. The beautiful integration of new technology with old-school Mario platforming will make one hell of a gorgeous game. November can’t come soon enough.
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