GC 2007: Mario Galaxy Updated Impressions (IGN)

We catch a glimpse of the levels Nintendo doesn't want you to see.by Daemon Hatfield August 24, 2007 -

Here at GC 2007 we were disappointed to find out Nintendo was showing the same build of Super Mario Galaxy it had on display at E3 this year. At least, it was the same build on the surface. The same four levels (Star Dust Galaxy, Prehistoric Piranha, Honey Bee Galaxy, and Gateway Galaxy) were officially playable in Nintendo's press lounge. However, someone tipped us off that at the title screen, a code could be implemented with the Wiimote that would unlock two new levels. Sure enough, after implementation we had unlocked Beach Bowl Galaxy and Cookie Factory Galaxy.

Fearing for our lives, we jumped into Cookie Factory as fast as we could, hoping Nintendo's PR handlers hadn't noticed. As you might expect, the level is made up of platforming over different types of chocolate, caramel, and mint. This was some of the most classic platforming we've seen in Galaxy, yet. A trail led us through a tunnel where the ground was constantly moving and we had to proceed while maneuvering gaps and electric buzzers. Eventually we made it out into the open where a series of large cakes hovered in air. We made our way over the trail of desserts towards a large cake at the end -- but that was when a Nintendo representative came over and reset the Wii. We were warned that we would be removed from the press lounge if we were caught playing the "secret sixth level" again.

Although it was fleeting, it was great to see something new and we can report that the Cookie Factory level looks as good, if not better, than what we had already seen. This is one Wii game that can proudly stand next to the best-looking Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 games. Of course, we weren't done playing, so read on for updated impressions of the Star Dust Galaxy and Prehistoric Piranha levels.

Mario blasts into Star Dust Galaxy and lands on a floating gear-like object. After navigating through a series of gravity stars he comes to three small planetoids hovering near one another -- close enough for Mario to jump between them. The gravity effects are really impressive and you'll find Mario is pulled towards whichever heavenly body he is closest to. Star shards must be collected from these three planetoids, after which a star launcher appears and Mario is sent through an even longer series of gravity stars. While moving from star to star is a simple matter of pointing at your destination with the Wiimote and hitting A, it is possible to gain too much momentum if you try to jump too far ahead and Mario can become lost in space. There are also asteroids that don't come in the shape of a sphere, and these seem to have a much lower gravity so that Mario can fall off into the void.

Eventually Mario comes to a planet where members of the Mushroom Kingdom are frozen in ice. After setting them free with Mario's spin attack the Astro Mushroom comes close enough for our hero to jump to. This leads to the amazing "appearing blocks" platforming section that we raved about at E3.

The Prehistoric Piranha level finds Mario landing on a grassy area filled with some unfamiliar enemies that will latch on if he gets too close. A wooden bridge curves under the planet, but of course gravity keeps Mario safely on his feet. The camera is very smart and zooms after Mario wherever he goes. One wonders if the open space environment of Galaxy was a means of dealing with that pesky camera, one of the few complaints that can be made of Mario 64.

The wooden bridge turns into a stone bridge that leads to a haunted-looking castle. A star launcher sends Mario to a planetoid where he must collect star shards while avoiding boulders that are filled with what looks like molten lava. Once they are all collected another star launcher sends Mario to a lima bean planetoid where a piranha plant has made its nest. Dispose of the plant and a vine will grow, which leads to a bigger lima bean. Players spin the Wiimote to send Mario zipping along vines. It's one of those Nintendo touches that really feels good to control.

Eventually Mario crashes onto an egg jutting out of a small planetoid. A tail pops out of the shell and the egg begins moving around. Giving the tail a whack will send it careening into the shell, shattering it and revealing the Prehistoric Piranha, who reminds us of Petey Piranha in Super Mario Sunshine.

We could go on and on about Super Mario Galaxy, but you really only need to know one thing: it's awesome. Nintendo has been stingy about doling out details on Mario's latest adventure, but it is a near-certainty that the wait will have been worth it come November.

http://wii.ign.com/articles/815/815428p1.html

Good for us Wii owners. can't wait to see that game in my AOC 32" in 480p widescreen. -stares into the nothingness-

Pobla....do you like flame wars? Do you like to see legions of HD fans come in and skewer you or one of your most anticipated games? There is already a thread about the OMG Galaxy pictures. This could easily go in there to support that argument.

that's what we wanted to hear

suck on that Hus

See Pobla...here it comes now.  Two threads about the same thing with the same players getting all riled up.

hey hey, he did the opposite to me once

 Nop... Just posting n IGN's article... which points out the fact that SMG's graphics are next-gen... I'm not attacking the PS3 or the X360

Neos....either you feed the trolls.  Or you are a Troll.  Which is it?

There is already a thread for this.  And you didn't even provide any commentary.  Just link and paraphrase.  No need to post a wall of text for one silly little quote.

 neither of them.

i just wanted some revenge