Nintendo defined 3D gaming with Super Mario 64. Released for the N64 back in 1996, this masterpiece did everything right, and did it first. This perfection has been copied by every 3D platformer since then though none have matched its unique feeling. Fans have yearned for a sequel to Super Mario 64; and since then Nintendo has given them Luigi’s Mansion and Super Mario Sunshine. Just the gameplay of these left fans with a taste that said “It’s good, but it’s not what I want.” Beggars can’t be choosers, but Nintendo has a reputation in customer satisfaction which they intend to keep with the release of Super Mario Galaxy, their spiritual sequel to Super Mario 64.

As the term “spiritual sequel” implies, Super Mario Galaxy is not a true sequel, but the feeling of a sequel is there. This time around, instead of going to different worlds, Mario will be hopping from planet to planet; each with their own distinct theme (ice, fire, super sized, etc). The microverse that Mario will be exploring is dictated by gravity, and how you can manipulate it. For example, while on a small spherical planet, Mario will travel on that planet alone which the camera will follow. No matter how high or far he jumps; Mario will fall back onto that same planet. However, if certain star hoops are jumped through Mario will be blasted with enough force to break away from the previous planet’s gravitational pull and into another’s. If Mario’s trajectory is off though, then he will be sucked into a black hole, Galaxy’s equivalent to the series’ bottomless pits. Mario’s “health pie” will return as well, but will only start with 3 portions to be added on to later in the game.

Mario moves very similar to his previous outings, utilizing butt stomps, back flips, and long jumps to get the job done and save the princess (again). Bringing new potential to the table, Galaxy will use the Wii’s motion sensing capabilities to the fullest. The nunchuck’s analog stick is used to control Mario’s locomotive movement while the A button on the Wiimote is used to jump. This is where things get interesting. Whereas in other 3D Mario titles all you needed was the standard “run and jump” buttons, Galaxy’s unique outerspace premise has given more leeway to the developers’ creativity in gameplay and, more importantly, intuitive control. If the B button on the Wiimote is held down during gameplay, then a start pointer will appear which can be used to manipulate certain objects in the game world, from dragging stuff to creating an interstellar bridge for Mario to cross. Other movement related controls include climbing poles, which now require you to shake the Wiimote as if actually shimmying.