Super Mario Galaxy

About Super Mario Galaxy

Super Mario Galaxy is a side-scrolling adventure platformer developed by Nintendo. Released on October 2, 2025, for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, it’s the second port of the 2007 Wii classic. This standalone version adds Assist Mode for co-op and expands Rosalina’s Storybook with extra content. Players guide Mario through 22 galaxies, collecting Power Stars to unlock new worlds. The game blends traditional platforming with zero-gravity levels, whimsical art, and iconic Mario charm. It’s a polished reimagining of a beloved title, tweaked for modern hardware while retaining its core joy.

Gameplay

The game revolves around collecting Power Stars across galaxies, each with unique physics and challenges. Mario uses wall jumps, spins, and limited double jumps to navigate floating islands, candy worlds, and asteroid fields. Assist Mode lets players take turns or team up, with one controlling Mario and another using the second Joy-Con for hints or power-ups. Levels often require precise timing and creative physics, like bouncing on enemies or using portals. A typical session mixes exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving, with 10, 15 minute levels. The control scheme is tight but dated by modern standards, relying on analog sticks and button-mashes for special moves.

What Players Think

Critic score is 92%, user score 85%. 65% of players complete the main story, with 22% unlocking 100% of content. Average playtime is 12 hours, but completists spend 20, 30. Community moods are “playful” (82%), “whimsical” (78%), and “challenging” (70%). One review called it “a masterclass in platforming design, though the lack of modern accessibility options is a stumble.” Achievements include 120 total, with 50 tied to Storybook pages. 43% of players report frustration with Assist Mode’s uneven balance.

PlayPile's Take

Super Mario Galaxy is a must-play for fans of classic Mario and platforming purists. The 120 achievements offer replay value, but the $59.99 price tag feels high for a port. While the core gameplay remains fresh, dated controls and optional co-op limitations may deter newcomers. It’s not essential if you’ve played the original, but worth it for the refined mechanics and charm. Prioritize if you enjoy tight platformers with a sprinkle of stardust.

Storyline

Every hundred years, a huge comet flies by in the skies above the Mushroom Kingdom. One year, that comet filled the entire sky, and from it fell a stream of shooting stars. The Toads scooped up the Star Bits and brought them to the castle, where they were reborn as a great Power Star. It was a happy time in the Mushroom Kingdom. Then one night Mario received a letter... “Dear Mario, I’ll be waiting for you at the castle on the night of the Star Festival. There’s something I’d like to give you. from Peach” With invitation in hand, Mario headed off to the castle just as the Star Festival was getting into full swing. Surrounded by Toads gleefully trying to catch falling Star Bits, Mario was looking forward to the night’s festivities. But then, something happened...