In 1996, Mario fans were treated to his first 3-D platforming adventure, Super Mario 64, which set the bar for basically every 3-D platformer since. In 2002, they were given Super Mario Sunshine, which was, in my opinion, nowhere near the standard 64 set. In 2007, Nintendo released Super Mario Galaxy for the Wii, which was received very well by both critics and fans, and is often called the best 3-D Mario game ever. Does it deserve this prestigious title? Has 64 really met its 3-D match? Let's find out as we take a look at PLUMBERS IN SPACE...I mean Super Mario Galaxy.

Graphics
   The graphics for this game really impressed me, especially considering this was released early on in the Wii's life-span. It's not realistic, but then again I don't think Mario games need to be, in fact it's a little on the "cartoony" side. I don't mean this in a bad way though, as I think this is the perfect way to approach Mario. It has enough texture in some cases that you can actually see Bowser's individual scales, or Mario's overalls denim texture.

Sound
   I really like the music in this game, in fact it may be my favorite Mario soundtrack ever. I especially like the music in the Star Festival stage and Gusty Garden Galaxy. It's all very beautifully orchestrated and composed. I can't think of a single track in this game that I didn't like.

Addictiveness
   It's Mario, enough said. But seriously, this game is rather hard for me to put down once I start playing, then when I do put it down, I want to pick it right back up. I am currently working on getting every star in the game, but I got most of them...before Nintendo replaced my Wii

Story
   Most Mario games stick with the typical "Bowser kidnaps Peach, Mario rescues Peach, that's it." This game, however takes that story and adds a lot more. This time, Bowser kidnaps Peach so that she can see his "Galactic Empire". Mario is taken into space with them and is knocked out by a Magikoopa that I assume is Kamek. He is rescued by the Lumas, star children that live with their guardian, Rosalina. Rosalina explains that their observatory is low on power because Bowser has all the Grand Stars. Mario must collect all the Grand Stars in order to restore the observatory to its full power.

Depth
   Like most Mario games, especially the 3-D ones, this game has a LOT of levels, or in this case, galaxies. Some of these galaxies only have one mission. These can range anywhere from Ray Surfing to rolling around on a ball. Most galaxies contain at least 3 Stars plus some hidden ones. There are 120 Stars in the game total, so prepare to sit down for quite a while.

Difficulty
   Like most Mario games, once you get the hang of the controls, it's pretty easy. However, there are some sections that are out to absolutely destroy you be it a puzzle level or just a really hard platforming sections, but these all make for a good challenge and actually add fun to this already amazing game.

Gameplay/Controls
   Again, not included in the actual scoring system here, but it really needs to be. The controls for this game are very smooth and easy to master. You can move Mario with the Control Stick and press the A button to jump. Aiming the Wiimote at the screen and pressing the B button will shoot a Star Bit, which can be used to knock out enemies or hit certain objects. Pressing the Z button makes Mario crouch, pressing Z while moving, then quickly pressing A will allow you to do the Long Jump. Simply jumping after pressing Z will allow Mario to do a back flip. And by the way, you can move while crouching, it actually looks pretty funny. Shaking the Wiimote or Nunchuck will make Mario spin, enabling him to break certain objects or flip over certain enemies.In all essentials, take 64's controls and enhance them about 10 times over and you've got Galaxy's controls.

Overall
   Overall, I think this is definitely one of the best Mario games out there, if you're looking for a game to play on your Wii that you can play for hours, this game is perfect for you. With the best control I've ever known in a 3-D Mario game, an actually somewhat in-depth story, and one of the greatest soundtracks in video game history, I'm not afraid to give this game a 9.5 out of 10. Now if only I could get Galaxy 2... Well until next time, this is Itachi9695 and I'll see you later, maybe a Skyward Sword review...yeah that sounds good. Peace out.

There are Mushrooms in space
Princesses in space
Giant pseudo-turtle like alligator creatures that breath fire in space
Piranha plants in space

And the most important of all
Dinosaurs in space (in galaxy 2)

xmiguel4x : Yeah, all that too 

I would have to agree that the Mario Galaxy's are the ultimate Mario games ever. Mario galaxy 1 and 2 are insanely hard to beat since there are so many different ways to beat the level. The prankster comets are soooooo difficult especially the purple coin ones in Mario galaxy two. I have 3 favorite Mario games of all time. Super Mario world which is the best retro game ever in my opinion and then super Mario galaxy one and two which are the best 3d type Mario games ever. What impressed me is that in Mario galaxy 2 there is a secret level that is really hard to unlock and has a rainbow road type stage in the game. I was so impressed with the graphics and difficulty level. Its a difficulty that is fun not annoying like some games. If anyone has ever reached the final stage in galaxy two its awesome. Its hard but best of all there is an awesome part of it that you ride Yoshi during. Best Mario games ever. I really am hoping they come out with a galaxy 3.

Hally : This is all really convincing me to buy Galaxy 2, but since I just got some B-day money, I should be able to get it soon

I would definitely recommend buying the game. I was glad I got it as soon as it came out. Its got even more too it then the first game. Right now I have collected all the stars, beat the final stage one way. However I now need to collect a bunch of star bits to unlock the final prankster comet which will be on the final stage. Apparently the prankster comet stage is way harder because you have to beat the grandmaster galaxy without getting hit even once . I haven't unlocked that comet yet.

bombchu link : perfectly understandable, the story book wasn't my favorite thing either, but I took it one chapter at a time so it wasn't that bad, plus I'm personally indifferent about Lumas, don't hate them, but I don't love them either, but I see where you're coming from