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| From: Nintendo
Category: Video Games
List Price: $49.99
Buy Used: $31.00
You Save: $18.99 (38%)
New (51) Used (57) from $31.00
Avg. Customer Rating:  357 reviews
Sales Rank: 32
Platform: Nintendo Wii
ESRB: Everyone
Media: Video Game
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Batteries Included: No
Age: 5 - 20 years
Operating System: Nintendo Wii
Shipping Weight (lbs): 3
Dimensions (in): 0 x 0 x 0
MPN: WI-RVLPRMGE
UPC: 045496900434
EAN: 0045496900434
ASIN: B000FQ9QVI
Release Date: November 12, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
 The Definitive Mario Masterpiece. November 15, 2007
13 out of 14 found this review helpful
Every once in a while, a game comes along that instills a giddy, gleeful feeling to those that play it. Super Mario Galaxy does this and so much more, unlike any other game I can remember. SMG is nothing but pure fun, it's as simple as that. It is the sum of all the Mario greatness through the past few decades and manages to ultimately stand at the pinnacle of Nintendo's many creations.
Without giving much away, SMG is, in many respects, a homage to the wonderful Super Mario Bros. 3. There are certain sequences in the game and melodies which will immediately spark that awesome nostalgic feeling from playing the Nintendo classic from 1990. However, Super Mario Galaxy is its own juggernaut of a game, offering gameplay that transcends pretty much every video game out on the market, past and present.
The gameplay is tight, smooth, and just creates a magical experience. I should really emphasize the "magical" part of the last sentence. SPM is so charming and vibrant, it's almost magical. The various galaxies that Mario traverses are all very diverse and detailed. Some of the things that you can do with Mario will bring a big smile to your face as these are the things that can only be experienced in this Nintendo fantasy land. One of the engrossing elements is the ability to use the Wiimote to point at the screen and capture star bits. Mario Galaxy is the type of game that even after logging in many hours going through the galaxies, it never gets old. There is simply too much charm and innovation throughout the entire game.
The music, from the beginning, is very impressive and brings so many memories flooding back. You can tell that the music was created and used carefully to ensure that it would further engross the player in the Mario universe. The main theme that plays in the background of the primary area is a wonderfully orchestrated piece that I have still yet to be tired of.
Super Mario Galaxy is just all about having a good time. For those that have grown up with Mario, then this is pretty much a flawless gift from Nintendo. Memories will flood back through the astounding gameplay, characters, environments, and music. There are many times when my jaw was on the ground at how engrossing this game is. Super Mario Sunshine may not have fully been able to capture the magic of Super Mario 64 but I can safely say that not only does Super Mario Galaxy capture the brilliance of Mario 64, it eclipses it. This is the ultimate platformer, and the ultimate Mario game. You don't really need to read any reviews for this game, it's just too good by its own standing.
True next-gen gaming. The king has returned in arguably his best outing yet. November 12, 2007
16 out of 18 found this review helpful
When Mario first stepped into the third dimension almost a decade ago he forever revolutionized gaming and spawned a legion of imitators and admirers. At that time Nintendo set the standard for 3D camera and animation systems, analog controls, open ended worlds and a host of other novel trimmings. Since then the likes of Sonic, Crash, Jak & Daxter, Banjo, Ratchet and Clank, Sly Cooper, Rayman and even Mario himself (in the form of fan-service Sunshine) have tried and failed to equal his stunning 3D debut. With Super Mario Galaxy you get the same sense of wonder and magic that came with both Mario 64 and the 2D titles that preceded it - perhaps even more so...
While the 'next-generation' of gaming has been upon us for over a year now few titles have exceeded the bigger-and-shinier-is-better variety. Gears of War had gorgeous visuals and an original twist with its duck and cover gameplay. Bioshock offered a unique premise, strong narrative and impressive setting. Ratchet and Clank, Heavenly Sword and Lair all look quite nice but ultimately offer little novelty. Moment to moment, pound for pound, Mario Galaxy is true next generation gaming. You haven't played this game before. While Nintendo could have easily released a retro happy mish-mash of a game with some waggle controls for good measure they've clearly upped the ante by releasing a gem of a game which not only pushes the boundaries of Mario experience but video games in general.
The first thing you notice when hopping into Galaxy is the spherical world model. Ratchet and Clank this is not. If anything it bears more resemblance to the Little Prince and his planetoid adventures. The developers have done some remarkable things with this idea. If Mario 64 was about getting Mario into the third dimension then Galaxy is about warping your sense of space and challenging possibility within it. Your perspective constantly shifts; at times you're "upside down" for extended periods only to realize that the ceiling has become the floor, the ocean has become the sky etc. Gravity is often in flux and you'll be amazed at where you end up (and how you got there). Each of the game's seemingly endless scenarios play out in imaginatively detailed worlds that burst with life. Everything is so wonderfully paced that it constantly feels like the game is reinventing itself along the way.
The Wii controls complement the action nicely and don't at all feel gimmicky or tacked on. Using the Remote pointer for example to collect stars (in place of coins) is clever and intuitive. The overall difficulty of the game has been reworked. It's easier to die now - but 1up's are also more abundant. Expert players can excel and novices will still have a good time. On top of all this the music is incredible. For the first time Nintendo has chosen to record a live orchestra. If ever there were any doubt that Nintendo fashions itself as 21st century Disney look no further than the score. Like pretty much everything else featured here, it's the stuff of magic.
2007: A Super Mario Odyssey November 12, 2007
17 out of 20 found this review helpful
It has been well over 20 years since the red-capped plumber started his very own adventure. But even after several console and handheld systems later, he is still proving that he is the most recognizable character in the video game world. Back in 1996, Mario made his 3D debut with Super Mario 64, which revolutionized 3D gaming and platforming as we now know it. Super Mario Sunshine on the GameCube further reaffirmed his top status. And now comes his triumphant return on Nintendo's Wii with Super Mario Galaxy. A lot of skepticism came about when first hearing about playing Mario on the Wii. But any previous doubts will immediately be pushed aside the moment you start playing. In the end, it is pure fun and this is a game that progresses the series while still staying true to its roots.
It will be the Star Festival soon, and Princess Peach has invited Mario back to her castle to enjoy the festivities. However, Bowser and his minions foil the event by once again kidnapping the princess. It will be up to you as Mario to not only rescue Peach, but to also recover the power stars to restore the galaxies. The minute you start up the game, you are almost instantly placed right into the action. You'll soar through dreamy worlds, starry skies, and alien planets throughout outer space while defying gravity and meeting all sorts of characters. You can tell Nintendo really let their imagination run wild here. Mario also has more transformations in this game than any other game since, being able to become Fire Mario, Ice Mario, and Rainbow Mario just to name a few. Familiar faces including Goombas, Piranha Plants, and Boos all make a return here as well.
With the controls of the gameplay, Nintendo has once again proved that no one knows their own hardware better. Using both the Wiimote and the Nunchuk to control is done in an almost flawless fashion. Anyone familiar with the controls of Mario 64 or Sunshine will certainly feel at home here, but newcomers should have no problem getting accustomed. The gameplay stays responsive and intuitive even while controlling Mario from various directions (sideways, upside down, etc.). The camera is also one of the best in a 3D platformer, and is a vast improvement over the previous 3D Mario games where your view often gets stuck or is simply in the way. There is also a 2-player option called Co-Star Mode in which one player controls Mario and another collects star bits. It just further adds to what cooperative fun a single-player game could be.
The graphics, despite how simplistic they may be, fit the game's overall image very well. It stays in the tradition of the Mario series while not looking completely backward by today's visual standards. These are among the most creative worlds yet imaginable. The music is also very appropriate for the game's atmosphere which perfectly accents the action, and longtime Mario fans will be happy to know that a few tunes from the older games make a comeback here. Even the classic sound effects can be heard and all these nostalgic elements make the game even more enjoyable for the player. Everything about it makes you feel comfortable while you're exploring each world and it all comes together as a well-rounded interactive experience.
Any fan of the Mario series or Nintendo's games should be able to enjoy Super Mario Galaxy, as well as newbies. But I would also recommend it to anyone who just wants a straight-up title that fuses together the best elements of exploration and action. It isn't overly lengthy and nor is it made to be extremely difficult, which means players of many ages can easily get into it. The only problem would be getting used to the sensitivity of the controls, but one should adjust quite quickly enough that it won't hinder gameplay. Also, if you're playing the game around other people, it might be dizzying or disorienting for those who are watching Mario running upside down. These minor issues aside, it still remains simple, enjoyable, and you can pick it up and just play. As one of the best games to come out in a long while, Super Mario Galaxy fully reinforces Nintendo's philosophy of just simply putting the fun back in gaming.
The "Super Mario 64" for the Wii November 13, 2007
9 out of 10 found this review helpful
Without a doubt, this is THE game to get for your Wii. While the Wii has recently acquired a great selection of games (with more on the way pre- and post-holiday season), there are very few must-haves. Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Guitar Hero III, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, WarioWare Smooth Moves... and soon, Smash Bros. But I own all of those games, plus much of the rest of the higher end Wii software collection, and Galaxy is without a doubt the best game of the lot. Upon purchasing it, I didn't stop playing for six hours with the exception of the short break where I changed the batteries in my Wiimote. (Caution: addicting)
If you don't own a Wii, this is the game that could change your mind as far as purchasing one. The controls are instinctive, and use every single aspect of the Wii's controls to their fullest. Not only are you using the buttons and joystick, you're shaking the 'mote to perform special attacks and you're aiming the 'mote at the screen to collect items and shoot enemies. And many of the "bonus" levels require you to use the Wiimote in new ways, like the level where you're surfing and are controlled solely by the left/right tilt of the remote. Or the level where you're balanced atop a ball and control the action much like you would in the Wii's version of Monkey Ball.
If you're like I was, afraid that after Mario 64 Nintendo couldn't match their old standards of re-defining gameplay (Super Mario Sunshine seemed to point to that), then worry not. Super Mario Galaxy is, without a doubt, the best video game I've played since my SNES days (and, to be fair, back then I was 12, so maybe my judgment wasn't as clear). Galaxy isn't so difficult that you can't get into it, nor is it too easy that you can't enjoy it due to frustration. Plus, there are so many extra levels beyond "beating the game" that a true fan could easily put as much time in the extras as they did rescuing the Princess in the first place.
In short, this is a game I'd recommend to gamers of all ages and skill levels. If you doubt the quality of the game, just remember this was slated to be released at the Wii's launch a full year ago, but was held back in production to get everything just right. In my opinion, it was well-worth the wait.
Nintendo's masterpiece! November 14, 2007
11 out of 13 found this review helpful
Super Mario Galaxy is one of those games you have to buy simply because you own a Wii, because having any Nintendo console (home or handheld) and not owning part of the main Super Mario series is pretty darn near to self-deprivation. So, with reading a shockingly minimal amount of the hype surrounding this game, I pre-ordered and purchased it. I brought it home, and after a brief system update, I was utterly blown away by this incredible creation Nintendo made.
Super Mario Galaxy is, without a doubt, the greatest game on the Wii, the greatest in the Mario series, and quite possibly the best action platformer ever made. Everything from the graphics to the mostly orchestrated music to the actual gameplay itself is virtually perfect.
The 3D Mario games began with Super Mario 64 and continued with Super Mario Sunshine. However, those two games featured busy levels with several missions each...all within the same area (finding stars to move on to new worlds). While that provided incentive to keep playing each level over and over again, it got redundant because nothing was different. It was more like playing an RPG sometimes. What I love about Galaxy is that each level (or galaxy) has three separate and distinct levels, so you're not doing the same thing again and again. Because of this, the game doesn't drag or get tedious...it just keeps getting better. And with 40 vastly different galaxies and a possibility of finding 120 stars, this is more like a 3D Super Mario World, complete with new power-ups and suits for Mario to use.
The graphics...oh my goodness the graphics! I had already succumbed to the thought that the Wii will never measure up graphically with the other next-gen systems. But with Metroid Prime 3, and now this game, it's clear that we're starting to see what this console is capable of! The textures are flawless, the water effects are incredible, and there is no slowdown, flicker or drag at all. Moreover, the galaxies are detailed and colorful, making this the prettiest game you'll ever see! The music is the best of the series. Most of it is fully orchestrated, and it's nice to hear familiar tunes sound so much bigger and expansive. The controls are fun, though not as focused on motion sensing as other games. However, this is not needed in this game, and I'm glad that eloquent control schemes aren't forced on us simply for the sake of showing off (see Lair for PS3!). But the parts that do take advantage of the Wii remote are fun, quirky and extremely enjoyable!
Simply put, this is a must-own title. I simply can't remember the last time I was addicted to a game like I am now. I played for hours on the first sitting and had to rip myself away from it to get some sleep! If you have a Wii, you'll be doing yourself a disservice if you pass this one up.
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The Nintendo Wii goes on sale on Sunday, November 19. Thanks to the inclusion of the simple--but infectiously fun--Wii Sports game, the Wii is the first console in recent memory that lets you have fun straight out of the box. Still, there are a few key Wii accessories you'll want to pick up to maximize your Wii experience--especially if you're buying it as a gift.
Extra controllers: Like all recent consoles, the Wii ships with just a single controller (well, one two-part controller: one Wiimote, plus one nunchuk). But the real fun of the system is playing the head-to-head Wii Sports games such as tennis and boxing. To do so, you'll need at least one extra set of controllers--and again, that's one Wiimote ($28.99) plus one nunchuk ($12.99). The Wii supports as many as four, but just the one extra controller set should suffice--at least for Christmas morning.
Rechargeable batteries: The Wiimote takes two standard AA batteries. They're included--with the Wii, and with the sold-separately version of the controller mentioned above--but avid players may find the juice draining pretty quickly, especially if they keep the nunchuk attached (it draws its power from the Wiimote). Instead of buying an endless stream of costly AAs, consider investing in a set of rechargeables. You can score a charger and four rechargeable nickel-metal-hydride batteries for less than $25.
GameCube controllers: The Wii is fully backwards compatible with the Nintendo GameCube, but there's a catch: to play the GameCube games, you'll need a GameCube controller ($15.99). You can even go wireless with the Nintendo WaveBird ($59.99). If you already have a GameCube, your existing controllers will work just fine--just plug them in to one of the four ports underneath the flip-up panel on the Wii's topside. GameCube controllers should also work with the Wii's "Virtual Console" games--which saves you the trouble of having to buy a Classic Controller.
GameCube memory cards: One other annoyance when playing GameCube games: your progress can only be saved to GameCube memory cards, not to the Wii's internal memory or to an SD card (we're hoping Nintendo fixes this with a future firmware update). Like the controllers, your old GC cards will work just fine--there are two slots right next to the GameCube controller ports. If you don't have any onhand (and you want to save your games on GC titles), you'll need to spring for a $26.90 (2GB) memory card.
Wii Points: One of the big attactions of the Wii is its Virtual Console, which lets you purchase classic games that originally came from the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), the Super NES, the Nintendo 64, the Sega Genesis, and the TurboGrafx16. By the end of 2006, at least 30 titles should be available, including Donkey Kong (NES), Super Mario 64 (N64), and Sonic the Hedgehog (Genesis). To purchase the downloadable titles, you'll need to use a Nintendo currency known as Wii Points (similar to the Microsoft Points on Xbox Live), which currently have an exchange rate of 100 points per U.S. dollar. You can buy Wii Points directly through the console's online store, or use prepaid cards (2000 Wii Points) available in various denominations.
SD card: If you're close to filling the Wii's built-in 512MB of storage with your Virtual Console games, you can always expand your available space with an SD card. Nintendo sells its own, but any run-of-the-mill card will do. Fairly spacious 1GB cards are available for less than $20--even less with mail-in rebates--and they'll work in plenty of other gadgets as well.
Wireless access point: In addition to the downloadable Virtual Console games, the Wii offers online "channels," including news, weather, and even an Opera Web browser (head-to-head online gaming is said to be coming sometime in 2007). You can get online for free via the Wii's built-in Wi-Fi. To do so, of course, you'll need a nearby wireless access point or router. Alternately, you can plug the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector into any nearby PC on a wired network, and the Wii--plus your Nintendo DS--will be able to use it to get online instead.
Component video adapter: The Wii doesn't have the graphical horsepower to handle high-def graphics, but it can do DVD-level 480p video, which will look considerably better on large HDTVs. To see the Wii's games in 480p, you'll need Nintendo's proprietary component video adapter, which should run about $20. |
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www.seeker-wii.com | |
