mashedbuttons blog: Gaming + Community

I'm a 30 year old gamer, so I'm a bit ol'skool when I review SMG here. Before I review: Yes, I DO know the differences between all 2D/old Mario games and 3D/Super Mario 64 and Sunshine. Yes, Super Mario 64 (SM64) was very fun and SMG has been compared to SM64... And, where everyone else says SMG is SM64's sequel (in essence), I feel SMG is somewhat disappointing in the gameplay area (namely) compared to SM64, but not as bad as Super Mario Sunshine.Ok, so what score would I give SMG? Well, for a quick comparison, I think SM64 when it was released years ago was around a 9.3+.. (Today, after replaying it some more, it is still a 9.0+..) I think this game (Galaxy) isn't a 0, nor is it a 10... In fact, I think all 10+/10 reviews are way off, (maybe written by Nintendo fanboi's, girlz, reviewers whom want to get in good graces with Nintendo, perhaps?).But, since I am none of the above: I think it is a solid 8, or 8.4 in my opinion. What can I say about it that someone else hasn't already? I think the graphics are very nice and probably the best part of this game.. (and the wii-mote control scheme is nice too).. However, the game itself is sorta far from perfect. So, what keeps this from being a 9 or 10? Mandatory lessons, dialogue, star feeding or tutorials that are largely un-necessary (namely, the 2-part manta ray lesson isn't skippable) and the sometimes sluggish or (early in the game) upside down camera is annoying.This game is great for younger gamers (and people new to gaming), but if you've played any 8-bit or 16-bit mario games, this may leave you that feeling of wanting more fun and better gameplay. It will feel only vaguely familiar to SM64 players in that, yes, it is Mario and the analog thumbstick and A button make Mario move and jump, and some of the tried and true enemies are back. Yet, many of the levels of Galaxy seem to have the harder difficulty and feel of the boss levels within Super Mario 64.. "See Mario jumping around on lego-like pieces and ramps" (Bowser levels) difficulty in SM64 is very similar to any of the regular planets and levels of SMG .. But, mainly where SMG is lacking is in the gameplay, physics, feel, and scarcity of power-ups. The new gravity is okay and the game is really very shiny with spectacular particle stars all, but it adds so little fun to the game, I think many reviewers overlook or ignore Galaxy's imperfections.. Things like the camera can be one of the more irritating things. As well as the less than helpful new gravity, dialogue and tutorials doesn't always equate to fun. The bottom line is: I'll take the Wing Cap anyday over the Bee-suit power-up! Anyone feel like watching Mario buzz around the screen, a la Univision? It's fun, for a little while. After playing it, all I can ask, really, is: Is it REALLY you Mario?! Or, are you only in disguise and actually Chespirito-ooo?!?!