After the release of Super Mario Galaxy in 2007, the Nintendo legend and possible God of Gaming, Shigeru Miyamoto decided to put into action a follow-up to the popular Wii platformer. Rather than make a sequel he decided he would just release a new and improved Mario Galaxy with some new features, entitled ‘More Super Mario Galaxy’ but during the development process it was clear that there was plenty of room and material to make a sequel to the game and this week Europe finally can get its hands on a copy of the highly anticipated platform game.
Plot
Peach has invited Mario to attend the Star Festival and while Mario hurries on his way, his arch nemesis Bowser once more is plotting to ruin Mario’s plans and to conquer the Mushroom Kingdom. On his way Mario a lost Luma who grants him the ability to spin, however Bowser has already put his plans in motion, at a gigantic size, he invades the Mushroom Kingdom, kidnaps Princess Peach and travels into space to begin establishing his empire at the centre of the universe. It is up to Mario to travel after the dastardly villain in Starship Mario and together with the help of a Luma called Lubba and his trusted sidekick Yoshi, he must stop Bowser and rescue the other missing Luma.
Gameplay and new features
Super Mario Galaxy 2 will feel a lot like the prequel in gameplay. A 3D platform game, Mario has to navigate his way around planets, each with their obstacles and gravitational pull; he will need to move sideways and upside down to manoeuvre his way through each stage, some of which will even force Mario back into 2D days. From the hub of Starship Mario, you will be able to access the six worlds (with a seventh secret world available to be unlocked) and tackle each world all of which have different challenges and goons and as you progress from world to world you will find each stage getting more and more difficult. The hub of the space ship will also change as you progress through the game, with new areas unlocking and expanded as you make your way through the story.
Using the Wii Remote and Nunchuk you will have to guide Mario across the planets, once more using the Star pointer to collect ‘Star Bits’ as well as tackle enemies. Mario has his usual arsenal of skills including his long jumps and wall jump ability and many of the skills he learned in the first Mario Galaxy will also make their comeback including the spin move, which allows the plumber to beat his enemies down with powerful spinning melee attacks Mario’s power ups also from Mario Galaxy are also set for their reappearance, you will be using your Bee, Boo and Spring Mushrooms once more as well as the Star Bits and Sling Stars to get Mario through each stage as quickly as possible. As well these Mario gets some new boosts which will help him on his quest, including the Rock Mushroom, a drill and a Cloud Flower.
Multiplayer and characters
The multiplayer option gets some improving in Super Mario Galaxy 2, upgraded from the prequel. Taking control of a Luma, called ‘Assist Luma’, a friend can help you collect items such as coins and bubbles or they can even help you defeat the enemies on screen.
Luigi will also be playable like the prequel, unlocking him at the start of every level and completing it will unlock a ‘Ghost Luigi’ which you can race for a better completion time. Mario’s dinosaur companion, Yoshi also gets in on the action. Mario is able to ride Yoshi, swing across pitfalls with Yoshi’s tongue and boost the green little dinosaur with different power ups depending on the type of fruit Yoshi eats.
Super Mario Galaxy 2 is released in Ireland and the rest of Europe on the 11th of June.
