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Growing up, I missed out on owning Nintendo's Wii system. Sure, I played Wii Sports plus various major releases during visits to loved ones and acquaintances during the 2000s decade, but I never had a Wii of my own, meaning I missed out on some great entries from Nintendo's beloved series.

One of those games included Super Mario Galaxy, which, along with its sequel, was recently remastered then adapted for Nintendo's hybrid system. The initial release was also included within the 2020 special compilation Super Mario 3D All-Stars. I welcomed the opportunity to try viewed by fans as one of the best Mario adventures created. I was quickly sucked in, and can definitely say it fulfills nearly two decades of hype. Nevertheless, it’s also made me realize how happy I am movement-based inputs have largely remained in the past.

The Cosmic Adventure Begins

Similar to most Mario quest, Super Mario Galaxy starts when Bowser capturing Mario's royal friend including her home. His fleet of spacecraft resembling pirates carry her into outer space, throwing Mario into the galaxy in the process. Mario encounters charming cosmic creatures called Luma plus Rosalina atop her Comet Observatory. She tasks Mario with collecting stellar objects to fuel her spacecraft so they can chase after Bowser, and then we’re set free to go exploring.

The game's jumping mechanics is a joy, needing just experiencing a few missions to understand why it maintains excellent reputation. Players will notice similarities among veterans of a 3D Mario, and the controls remain accessible and natural following Nintendo's style.

Unique Movement Systems

Being cosmic enthusiast, the backdrop is right up my alley, and it allows for Super Mario Galaxy to have fun with gravity. Spherical platforms enable Mario to circle repeatedly about them similar to Goku chasing after Bubbles on King Kai’s planet. When they’re close together, players can transfer getting captured by the gravity of a nearby platform. Different stages are flat discs, typically including goodies on the underside, in unexpected locations.

Revisiting Beloved Personalities

The pleasure in experiencing this game 18 years later includes knowing familiar faces. I didn't realize Rosalina first appeared in this game, and that she became the maternal figure to stellar beings. Prior to this experience, to me she was just a frequent choice Mario Kart World roster option. Similarly with Penguins, alongside whom I liked swimming during an early beach level.

Motion Control Challenges

The main inconvenience while experiencing Galaxy in 2025 involves motion features, employed for collecting, aiming, and shooting cosmic pieces, colorful objects found across galaxies. Using portable mode involved moving and adjusting the device for targeting, proving slightly cumbersome. Gyroscopic elements are prevalent in various navigation areas, where you have to aim the cosmic indicator toward structures to attract Mario toward them.

Levels that wholly require the motion controls are best played using separate controllers improving control, such as the ray-riding stage at the start. I’ve never been supportive of gyroscopic gameplay, while they didn't improve particularly smoothly throughout Galaxy. Fortunately, if you get enough stars through different stages, these gyroscopic sections may be completely avoided. I attempted the stage where Mario has to navigate a large sphere around a course filled with gaps, then noped out following single try.

Enduring Gaming Quality

Except for the cumbersome older control schemes, there's virtually nothing to dislike in Super Mario Galaxy, and its space-set levels offer pleasure to discover. While impressive games such as Odyssey launched later, Super Mario Galaxy remains one of the best and innovative Mario titles available.