The Mario Game I’ve Played and Never Completed, But My Favorite Mario Game Since 2007
I know, I know – there have probably been titles after Super Mario Galaxy that have been significantly better, but this reflection is not about that. I want to dive into this gem of a title and explore why it affected me the way it did, and discover if others might have felt the same way. I’m not an avid Mario fan so I haven’t played much of the games, but Super Mario Galaxy is a title that made me appreciate the series much more than I did before.
Releasing in 2007, Super Mario Galaxy garnered critical acclaim worldwide. It was the first Mario game that I had experienced that had a focused story-line as well as variation in gameplay. After some reflection, I realize that the only reason I still have an avid interest in Mario games is because of this game. Now of course I only came to the realization of that after playing the game a couple of times when I was older, but 7-year-old me knew something was in this game that made it shine from the rest. It also led to me buying a Nintendo Switch so that I could have access to future Mario titles like Super Mario Odyssey…and I’m still waiting for that price drop Nintendo.
Before writing this article, I decided to revisit the game to refresh my memory. I’m fortunate to still have my Nintendo Wii still up and running after over 10 years, as well as still having the game – so I couldn’t pass up the opportunity.
Like many people that play games, we also rage-quit and leave them midway. It may be because our brains can’t comprehend what the game wants us to do, or because it’s simply too hard. I was sort of in the in-between, but I simply loved this game too much to let it go. I revisited the game again a few years later, and them again; and then finally left it because of a lack of interest.
But I still love this Mario game, why?
Building Up From Your Roots
Super Mario Galaxy is a game that uses a captivating storyline as well as a beautiful soundtrack to draw in its players, coupled with great game design and variation to always surprise the player. This was a Mario game unlike any other that I had ever seen. Granted I had never owned a Nintendo console prior to the Wii (except for the handhelds), but whenever I heard the words “Super Mario”, the word “platformer” always came into my head. Now while I do love platformers, it’s just not enough to captivate me unless you do something else that adds to the experience.
Super Mario Galaxy did that to me more than any other Mario game did, and more than any other Nintendo Platformer did for me quite frankly.
This game is so beautiful
My first-time experience with the game was overwhelming, especially since the Wii’s motion controllers always attracted me. The story, gameplay, visuals and fresh approach all managed to get me invested in this game, never allowing any space for boredom since each level (or galaxy) provided something new and unexpected. I couldn’t wait to get to the next galaxy in the Star System because there was just so much of variation that kept me hooked. Sure, this was still a “Save The Princess” situation, but that’s fine! Give me a “Save The Princess Situation” and I’ll take it! Just build up more in it, and that’s what Super Mario Galaxy did for me.
I’m coming Princess, and this time I’m more motivated!
The Hub World
The beginning itself felt like a new approach towards the famous game series. It opened like this was the start of something new, something different; I was excited. Then came in the introduction of new characters, new worlds, and the music…it felt like you were prancing about in a beautiful dream. Did I talk about how serious this game was too? One minute I’m running through a festival that’s going on that involves shooting stars and happiness, and the next minute, Bowser comes rolling in on his flying boat and trapping mushroom citizens in crystals while he kidnaps the Princess.
You have my attention, Nintendo.
13 Years Later
This game managed to retain its core values of being a Mario game while still bringing out something new and completely different from your regular Mario game, and I loved it. I loved the story, I loved the characters, I loved collecting stars and traversing through different galaxies; and this article is probably just going to turn into me gushing about this fantastic Mario title.
I think I’ll stop now.
Alas, I never could finish the game in my childhood years. However, as I’m typing this reflection, I’m just itching to jump back in. Only took me 13 years, but at least I won’t rage-quitVS. Super Mario Bros. (Arcade) joins the Super Mario Multiverse for MAR10, 2020: celebrating the history, inspiration, imagination, and joy of Super Mario! now (I hope). I hope this little reflection helped spark at least some interest towards this underrated Mario title. Now, my fellow Mario fan, pick this excellent title up and explore the galaxies and stars with our favorite Italian plumber; I certainly want to.
The Z Note Mage is an aspiring screenwriter who longs to write his own animated series and video game. You will find him either cooped up on his laptop sweating drops of blood on a draft he’s stuck on or immersed in the worlds of entertainment. He also loves apples, pears and running long distances. Here’s his Twitter, he loves being stalked.
Wahoo! You are a Super Reader! But the adventure doesn’t stop here… There’s more of this project in another castle! This article is just one level in an entire Super Mario Multiverse, a galactic collaboration between writers around the world sharing a bit of our hearts and memories about our favorite Mario games. Visit the Center of the Multiverse to see more:
Galaxy is my favourite Mario game also. I even prefer it to Galaxy 2. It just gets absolutely everything spot on – it is a real gem of a game!