Is Super Mario Galaxy a Masterpiece in Video Game History? | Part 2 of 2
Imaginative gameplay, breathtaking visuals, and unforgettable music ...
Hey Fellow Gamers!
This is the second part of our article about one of the most outstanding games within this video game genre. Check out part 1 in case you missed it: Super Mario Galaxy - A Masterpiece Part 1/2
💡 Not interested in Super Mario or Nintendo? Just stick around for my next newsletters, covering different genres and platforms. Also, you might find something interesting in my article archive: Video Game Stories
Okay, now let’s dive into the remaining chapters:
So Many Distinct Environments
A key feature of Super Mario Galaxy is its diverse environments. Unlike Super Mario Sunshine on the Gamecube, which sticks to tropical settings, Galaxy offers a cosmic playground where every level is a new and exciting place.
From fiery lava planets to icy landscapes, the game embraces variety, keeping players engaged and eager for what's next.
While a constant change of landscapes and themes is not entirely new to the Super Mario franchise - Super Mario Bros. Wii had Mario travel through worlds of clouds, mountains, and forests, to name a few - this is the first time players can explore different environments outside of a back-and-forth 2D game.
Super Mario Galaxy is so special because it has the familiar box-smashing and coin-collecting, but now Mario can run in more directions, move through bushes to find hidden Star Bits, fly every which way in a bubble, and so much more. Like the endless universe featured in the game, Mario has an expanse of opportunities for movement and exploration at his disposal.
The game's design is built on discovery. You never know what to expect when entering a new galaxy, as each one challenges you with different mechanics and obstacles.
This lack of thematic consistency is intentional, ensuring that the gameplay stays fresh and encourages players to think creatively. As players encounter new galaxies, they will learn new moves to help Mario explore and practice certain techniques as they move through planets to prepare for the final boss on certain levels.
The Role of Space
While Super Mario Galaxy offers a wide range of settings, space itself serves as the unifying element that ties the game together. Space is not just a backdrop; it's an integral part of the experience. It provides a sense of scale and wonder that is both awe-inspiring and humbling.
As you traverse the galaxies, you're reminded of the vastness of the universe and Mario's small yet heroic role within it. We are reminded that Mario’s pursuit of Princess Peach and Bowser’s obsession with power and domination are happening inside an indifferent universe that expands to infinity, regardless of who holds the power of the Grand Stars.
While that can make both objectives seem insignificant, it shows just how remarkable Mario’s mission is - in the face of the never-ending cosmos, Mario remains focused on his task to do the right thing and save the universe from Bowser. The game captures the feeling of being both a tiny speck in the cosmos and a crucial player in the unfolding story.
I never felt this so strongly as when I would fall off a planet that did not have unrelenting gravity and get sucked into the black hole waiting below. In these instances, we watch Mario spin around before getting pulled into nothingness. It was an oddly somber ending compared to the bright colors and whimsical characters I had just been interacting with.
This perfect balance of infinity and Mario’s humanness amongst fantastical worlds and their inhabitants defines the essence of Super Mario Galaxy.
Rosalina’s Story: A Touch of Melancholy
In a surprising twist for a Mario game, Super Mario Galaxy introduces a subplot that adds emotional depth to the adventure. Rosalina, the mysterious guardian of the Comet Observatory, shares her story with players through storybook-like cutscenes. This narrative explores themes of loss and finding one's place in the universe.
Rosalina's tale is similar to The Little Prince. However, it adds a layer of emotion to the game that we haven’t seen before. Her touching story about losing her mother and finding a new family among the Lumas is not part of any level and doesn’t reward Mario with any coins, stars, or 1-Up mushrooms. It is simply a rich addition to the narrative that encourages players to stop and think about the significance of Rosalina’s experience.
Like Mario, Rosalina was thrust into the cosmos and away from her home planet by chance. They have both traveled outer space in search of a loved one - Rosalina was searching for her mother, and Mario is searching for his Special One, as Rosalina calls Peach. Unlike Rosalina, though, Mario is still active in his quest, whereas Rosalina has become content with her place in the stars.
In this game, the female character was designed to add depth to the Mario universe. Unlike the past princesses, she's more than just a maiden in despair. Her backstory contrasts with Mario’s to show players what could become of Mario if he does not rescue Peach and encourages them to care about the Comet Observatory and its residents.
A feature about Rosalina’s story that I really loved was that we did not get everything in one go; her background was revealed in a storybook fashion when Mario stepped into the Library on the Comet Observatory. Players unlock a new chapter with every few stars they earn and have to return to the Library to hear a little bit more of the story. Reading about her chapter by chapter as I made my way from galaxy to galaxy and enjoyed the presence of the Lumas added sentimentality to the experience of the game.
Rosalina has since become a beloved character, appearing in many other Mario games and spin-offs.
Super Mario Galaxy’s Legacy in the Mario Universe
Super Mario Galaxy is a masterpiece in the Mario series, often considered one of the greatest games of all time. Its innovative gameplay, stunning visuals, and memorable soundtrack have left a lasting impact, inspiring game designers and players alike. But where does it fit among the other Mario Jump and Run games?
Ranking Among Super Mario Titles
In the Mario game rankings, Super Mario Galaxy stands alongside classics like Super Mario 64 and Super Mario World. These games are celebrated for their groundbreaking design and influence on platforming. Galaxy took what its predecessors had done and expanded it, introducing mechanics and imagery that pushed platformers to new heights.
Super Mario Galaxy 2, released in 2010, built on the original's success, refining its mechanics and adding even more creative levels while preserving the wonder and exploration elements of the first game. Together, these titles represent a high point in the Mario series, showcasing endless possibilities in game design.
Awards and Recognition
Super Mario Galaxy received widespread acclaim and numerous awards, including the BAFTA Games Award for Best Game in 2009. It sold over 12 million copies worldwide, becoming one of the best-selling Wii games. Its influence can be seen in later Mario titles, like Super Mario Odyssey, which continues the themes of exploration and discovery.
Conclusion: A Timeless Adventure
Super Mario Galaxy is more than just a game; it's a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the limitless potential of imagination. With stunning visuals, groundbreaking mechanics, a rich storyline, and an unforgettable soundtrack, it holds a special place in the hearts of gamers worldwide.
It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of the Mario series and a reminder of the magic found in video games. The game holds warm memories for me that I will cherish forever.
As players journey through the galaxies, they experience a symphony of sights, sounds, and emotions that resonate on a personal level. The game invites players to embrace the unknown, explore the universe's wonders, find empathy for the different people and creatures they meet, and embark on an adventure beyond the ordinary for love and for the greater good.
Even more than a decade later, this game’s features hold water even as developers continue to push boundaries year after year in gaming. The interface, levels, and visuals do not feel outdated or tired. Rather, the opposite: Super Mario Galaxy retains a freshness and excitement that cements it in history as a masterpiece of wonder and creativity, a timeless adventure that will continue to inspire and captivate for generations.
Thanks for reading, and keep playing,
Ana and Michael
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I love Galaxy!!! Started it late in life but it's mind blowing that this came out at that time. I can see how it really changed platformers