Super Mario Galaxy 2 -- Initial Impression.

Next up for me will be Super Mario Galaxy 2 for the Wii. Super Mario Galaxy 2 was developed by Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development Tokyo. Super Mario Galaxy is a first, a 3D sequel within the same generation of hardware. Nintendo has never done that for the Mario series before. The Nintendo 64 only saw Super Mario 64 and the GameCube only saw Super Mario Sunshine. From the time I've spent with the game thus far I can say it's pretty much more Super Mario Galaxy, and that's a good thing. There are some changes of course. They've removed the hub world and replaced it with the New Super Mario Bros. style level select map. New suits like cloud Mario and rock Mario add new abilities to the list of moves alongside returning ones like fire Mario, bee Mario, boo Mario, and spring Mario. They've also added Yoshi back into the mix. Which is a truly welcome addition in my book. The story doesn't matter as the Princess has been kidnapped again. If fact Miyamoto has gone on record saying the story of Super Mario Galaxy 2 has been toned down compared to the truly bizarre metaphysical crap of Super Mario Galaxy. The graphics seem to be improved upon from Super Mario Galaxy. The display is true widescreen. It's taken Nintendo years to get there, but it seems they at least understand that much now. The music seems to be the same high quality as the original. I've gotten the impression that Super Mario Galaxy 2 starts off a bit tougher than the original as well. I'm not saying it's approaching difficult or anything, it's more like you're dumped right into the heart of the game from the start. Let's see what I think once I've reached the purple coin levels and the like. So far so good with Super Mario Galaxy 2. It seems to be just what a sequel should be. More of the same with refinements and better graphics.