Super Mario Galaxy

Super Mario Galaxy, planned for release on November 12, 2007, will be the latest addition to the list of available games for the Nintendo Wii. Keeping with tradition, this new Super Mario game will give gamers a true feeling of joy as they follow Mario across time and literally space in search of the beloved Princess Peach. Using the weightlessness of his surroundings, Mario is able to “reach new heights” with an extraordinary jumping ability and other awesome moves that will leave Super Mario fans breathless, including Mario’s new “Bee Suit” which morphs Mario into a bee.

Mario also has the opportunity to prepare for Halloween as he dawns a “Boo Suit” giving him the abilities of the ghost-like creatures from previous games but also carrying the side effect of having to avoid light to maintain this new form. Gamers will be amazed by unbelievable graphics as they join Mario as he embarks on his quest from plant to planet in search of the kidnapped Princess Peach. Watch as he gathers items from each completely rounded surface and uses those items to crush those who have so unjustly wronged him. Each planet has a different gravitational pull which affects Mario’s jumping ability and can even pull Mario from midflight onto a planet with all sorts of fiends trying to spoil his journey.

On many of the planets Mario is faced with the task of collecting “Star Chips” to be used to create a “Star Ring”. Gamers will also be treated to the traditional task of collection up to 120 stars from 6 themed areas and 40 galaxies by defeating enemies and besting each task laid before them. Super Mario Galaxy also features a cameo appearance by the “ever so nasty” Bowser and a surprise guest by the name of Princess Rosetta. Similar to Mario 64 and Mario Sunshine, the power meter returns as Mario’s life force with only three sections as opposed to the traditional eight from earlier games but still causes Mario to lose a life when it reaches zero. Mario has been given a second “oxygen” meter which actually monitors the amount of time Mario can spend under water and consistent with the health meter, Mario meets his demise when this meter reaches nil. The bottomless pits have been replaced by black holes in this outer space adventure and are hidden beneath the surfaces of the planets and placed randomly throughout space.

Super Mario Galaxy is a must have title priced at MSRP: $59.99. Both the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controller are required for this game. But gamers may also need plenty of free time, snacks, and drinks to make it through this epic adventure. This game is definitely on my wish list for the holiday season.