KEY POINTS:
Nintendo's generation-crossing poster boy, moustached plumber Mario, gets blasted into space for his outing on Wii - and it could well be the best Mario game ever.
And one of the nicest looking games so far in Nintendo history on the Wii.
Wii is fast becoming synonymous with the word fun - and Super Mario Galaxy (Nintendo, G) sure delivers it.
The story isn't the most important thing in Mario games. This time Bowser kidnaps Princess Peach along with her entire castle, and Mario must collect "Power Stars" and "Grand Stars" to get her back - yet again.
It's the fun had in saving the Star people and in doing it that matters.
The miniature "planets" you can visit are just crazy. For one, Mario encounters a honeycomb galaxy and has to put on a bee suit to sting people in the face.
There are some completely 'out there' unique worlds where the Nintendo mantra is strongly demonstrated. The 40-odd galaxies are accessed by using the Comet Observatory that acts as the hub to each galaxy with its own quests.
The controls are seamless and so easy - so long as you can run upside down and use the Wii controller with the nun-chuk.
Using the Wii control, Mario can hop, jump and spin unlike ever before. Collecting the 120 "Star bits" scattered around the galaxy is one of the best parts. Point the Wiimote as the bits fly past you and they get collected into your "wallet" and you can then shoot them.
An example of the Wii innovation here is found in a galaxy where Mario races atop a powerful manta ray through the water. You use the tilt of the remote to control the direction.
You'll enjoy the vibrant looks of this game, which seems to really make use of the Wii's visual possibilities (also runs in 480p and 16:9 widescreen) and as always the music and sound are superb.
More good news in that you can take a mate along for the fun using another Wiimote for a two-person semi-co-op adventure.
This is one of the best platformers ever making full use of the Wii's control system.
Did I mention how much fun it was?
MadGamer Rating 9.5 / 10
