Remember the days when Nintendo would launch a system with a Mario game? I do. I’ve never gotten used to not playing a Mario game on the first day I play a new console. It didn’t feel right with the Gamecube and it still doesn’t feel right with the Wii. But thats me.

I understand the reason behind Nintendo’s new way of thinking however. A console has to show on day one that its not a system made for your little brother. I get that and it makes sense. Its just weird is all.

I will say that the wait was worth it. The final game is polished and a blast to play. Being a big fan of Super Mario 64 I expected a lot from this game and it delivered.

Let delve into that then shall we?

Presentation & Graphics: Fundamentally this is very reminiscent of Super Mario 64 and Mario Sunshine . But all the little touches added along with the spectacular level designs and textures serve up an absolute visual feast for your eyes. Whenever I shot around and out to a galaxy theres always one or two graphical points that really stand out. And during my approach that touch gives me such an incredible sense of anticipation, I had forgotten what that felt like, and its fun. Games like this show that even though the Wii isn’t designed to be a graphical monster like the competition, the visuals they can create are outstanding nonetheless. 4.5 of5

Sound And Music: This soundtrack is incredible. Nintendo can always pump out a great mix of orchestrated Mario music and classic sound effects from games of yore. Hopping around the universe just gets better when you feel  exhilarated yet comfortable.  5of5

Gameplay: I’m sure that there will be people out there who will turn their nose up at the Nunchuk controls. Those people need to get with it. Navigating the galaxies with the new control style is as fun as hell. There can be some slight issues when the view shifts 180 while jumping that can throw people off. But aside from that I have no complaints. As stated before the level design is as good as I’ve ever seen it in a 3D platformer and Mario’s new array of suits and costumes are as clever as ever.  4.5 of5

Multiplayer: The fact that there is even a multiplayer aspect to speak of is impressive enough (I sure as hell didn’t see one coming). When I found out that player two can collect and fire star bits during the whole thing, I just thought it was a great and unexpected thing. Right up there with the whistles in Mario 3. Fun (maybe it was mentioned in the game manual - I never read those things - huh). 4 of5

Lasting Appeal: There is no way you can start this game and not see it through to the end. It has the same ‘wheee’ factor as previous entries while at the same time not clinging to past games to keep your interest. You love to see what happens next until theres no more to see. Then you just might find your self starting over again. Play it. You’ll see.
4 of5

Final Word: This could have been called ‘Bob’s Juicy Space Adventure’ and you would still need to play it. A must have for anyone lucky enough to have a system. Stop reading this right now and go pick up a copy for yourself. Then get onto the site again because you never know whats gonna be posted next.

Then play the game because your gonna be playing it for some time.

Durka.

Overall: 4.5 of5