There's no franchise quite like Super Mario, but even among the rich and prestigious pedigree of this foundational video game series, Super Mario Galaxy 2 stands in a league of its own. Now that the space-faring platformer is a whopping 15 years old, it's worth examining and celebrating it in the context of Nintendo's other big-budget releases, as it's a remarkably unique project.
Released in 2007, Super Mario Galaxy was the first 3D Mario game for the Nintendo Wii, following Super Mario Sunshine on the GameCube. It's somewhat hard to believe given the massive leaps in graphical fidelity and ambition between each entry, but Mario Galaxy is actually only the third 3D platformer in the Super Mario franchise—its cultural significance being a testament to the prestige of the series as a whole. As its name suggests, Super Mario Galaxy takes players to the stars, integrating a number of unique level concepts, traversal mechanics, and upgrades, making it a breath of fresh air for even the most seasoned Mario players. But then, just three years later, something else happened that would solidify its uniqueness in the Mario oeuvre: Super Mario Galaxy 2 came out.
The Super Mario Bros Movie 2 Should Include These Two Classic Characters
Two classic characters must be included in The Super Mario Bros Movie 2 to keep the franchise moving forward.
To This Day, Super Mario Galaxy 2 Is the Only Direct 3D Mario Sequel
Super Mario Galaxy 2 Further Capitalizes On an Iron-Clad Premise
While many still prefer the first game, it's hard to deny that Super Mario Galaxy 2 has some clear advantages over its predecessor. The sequel's strengths can mostly be attributed to the wealth of new content and fresh ideas brought to the table: Super Mario Galaxy 2 has more power-ups, more levels, and new mechanics, including a mountable Yoshi, who has his own applicable upgrades. It's not just more of the same, either, as Super Mario Galaxy 2 is more difficult and fast-paced than the first game, with a greater abundance of tightly designed, challenging platforming levels in contrast to its predecessor's more expansive, exploration-focused environment design.
By sticking to the formula established by the first Super Mario Galaxy without being totally beholden to it, Super Mario Galaxy 2 manages to be a must-play for fans of the first game, maintaining its singular charm, art direction, and gameplay philosophy, while also feeling fresh and original. Super Mario Galaxy is a strong candidate for the best execution of the 3D Mario formula, so there's wisdom in milking its premise for all that it's worth. But of course, Super Mario Galaxy 2's very existence raises an interesting question about the 3D Mario series as a whole.
Should There Be More Direct Sequels Like Super Mario Galaxy 2?
Super Mario Galaxy 2 speaks to the success of the first game, but many gamers would argue that Super Mario Odyssey, Super Mario 64, or Super Mario Sunshine are superior titles; everyone has an opinion about which 3D Mario game is the best. Put another way, one might wonder why it is only Super Mario Galaxy that got a direct sequel, while Nintendo has taken a one-and-done approach with all other entries in the series.
Maybe future 3D Mario games will take a note out of Galaxy's playbook and directly build on what came before them. There haven't been any confirmed reports about a Super Mario Odyssey follow-up, but maybe Nintendo could take this direct-sequel approach again. Odyssey, much like the first Galaxy game, still has a lot of potential for growth and experimentation, so although new ideas are always worth exploring, revisiting broader concepts can be just as rewarding—Super Mario Galaxy 2 is undeniable proof of this.
Super Mario Galaxy 2
- Released
- May 23, 2010
- ESRB
- E For Everyone due to Mild Cartoon Violence
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo EAD
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
- Engine
- Super Mario Galaxy Engine
- Multiplayer
- Local Multiplayer
- Franchise
- Super Mario
WHERE TO PLAY
Join the one and only Mario as you journey to mind-blowing planets where all-new pitfalls and perils await you, in Super Mario Galaxy 2!
It is time once again for the Stardust Festival, held once every hundred years when the Mushroom Kingdom is showered in shining stardust. Receiving an invitation from Princess Peach, Mario heads for the castle accompanied by a stray star child he found wandering the cosmos. But when Mario arrives at the castle, it's already too late. Bowser has harnessed the power of the stars and whisked Peach away. An epic cosmic quest to rescue Peach is about to begin... Delve deeper into space than ever before as Mario and Yoshi embark on an amazing new adventure. With scores of wildly creative galaxies to explore, all-new power-ups to grab and the freedom to play alone or get a helping hand, saving the day has never been so much fun! Climb to new heights or bowl over the bad guys as Cloud Mario and Rock Mario, and use Yoshi’s unique skill-set to soar, sprint and swing amid the stars.- Genre(s)
- Platformer
- Platform(s)
- Wii
- How Long To Beat
- 13 1/2 Hours
