Wii Hands-On: Super Mario Galaxy

Far out! We play the best of the Wii. Detailed impressions, screens and THE best video coverage to follow.

In 1996 Nintendo re-introduced its mascot to the world in a whole new way with Super Mario 64 -- in 3D with 3D control. Since then only one true sequel has emerged, Super Mario Sunshine. Unfortunately for the millions of eager fans anticipating its arrival, Sunshine came up short in many departments, including the all-important fun department. Fast forward to 2006 and the launch of a new Nintendo console even more revolutionary than Nintendo's 64-bit 3D machine. What's this? A new Mario game?!

Super Mario Galaxy is a game built to take advantage of all the things that make Wii so special. Set on planets, asteroids, spaceships, and various floating debris in space, Galaxy literally gives Mario a whole new spin as he goes from place to place, rock to rock collecting stars and stomping foes on a mission to rescue -- well, you know the story.

One might be skeptical at first. "Mario in space? Really?" But it works. Having played through the E3 demo multiple times we can say without a doubt that this is a ture Mario sequel to be excited about. The player is instantly sucked into an inviting, colorful game environment that is as varied as anything ever made by the hand of Miyamoto.

[Update, June 5: Six new screens added]

Spinning the motion sensitive Wii-remote under certain star launchers propels Mario into space and onto another mini-level. These levels range from Mushroom Kingdom-like green pastures to Sonic the Hedgehog-style industrial planets and everything in between. Speeding through space to the next location is always a rush because the game is not predictable, you never know what to expect. Ice worlds? Check. Floating castles? Check. This element of variety and surprise was one of the things sorely lacking in Sunshine with its endless tropical environments. Welcome back.

Pointing the Wii-remote at the television causes a small colorful icon to appear on-screen. The precision of this is amazing. The cursor is used throughout the game to manipulate on-screen items. For example, you may need to shoot Mario out of a slingshot. To do this you would simply move the cursor over the item, press the trigger button, and move the slingshot to the exact angle you want to fire from. Let go and FWAAAP! Amazingly accurate.

Mario hasn't lost his old moves this time around either. Backflips, crouch-walking, side-jumps, spins, and several other yet-to-be unveiled abilities will be at your disposal as you trek through the stars. And with the Wii controller it all feels oh-so-good.

Graphically, Galaxy is the best-looking Wii title so far. Presented in 480p 16x9 widescreen the game truly impresses and should be a testament to the potential of the Wii despite the console's not-so-secret lack of horsepower. Mario proves that HD set owners will not be disappointed when they plug in their Wii. The demo we played had a very polished feel.

The only concern of ours is level size. In the demo you typically spend between 8 seconds and 1 minute on a planet before star-warping to the next. Hopefully the final game will feature some larger worlds to give players a breather from the fast pace.

Mr. Miyamoto wouldn't deny that the game could be a Wii launch title, but went on to promise that it would be ready within 6 months of the Wii's release if not. We hope Nintendo takes its time with this one -- as it could very easily be a system-seller and an instant classic forever loved by Mario and Nintendo fans the galaxy over. Get on your red M cap, Mario has truly returned.

Carl Johnson
Executive Editor, Kikizo