What parents need to know
Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2, as the name suggests, is a compilation that brings together Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2, two platformers starring the Italian plumber originally released for Wii, in 2007 and 2010, respectively.
In this three-dimensional adventure, Mario must rescue Princess Peach from the clutches of Bowser (surprise), this time in an intergalactic adventure. Aided by Rosalina, a mysterious figure who watches over the cosmos, Mario explores spherical planets and galaxies in search of stars that will allow him to venture into the depths of the cosmos and face the fearsome Bowser, made giant by the power of the famous stars.
Both titles are 3D platformers, even if the playgrounds are smaller. Unlike a Super Mario 64 or a Super Mario Odyssey which offers us to explore large environments in search of secrets, Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 offer us levels that will test our platforming and combat skills.
This Switch/Switch 2 edition offers some additions over the original Wii versions. First, the soundtrack for each of the tracks is made available on their home screen. Super Mario Galaxy 2 also gets a new storybook that delves deeper into the story of Rosalina and the Lumas.
But obviously, the biggest improvement is at the visual level. While the original games were in 480p, the Switch version offers games in 1080p, and the Switch 2 pushes the resolution up to 4K, all at 60 frames per second. The textures have also been enhanced.
Details
Level of experience required
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Evaluation
There is a little bit of cartoonish violence (Mario jumps on the heads of enemies, sends them flying with his fists), but the violence is far from realistic and suitable even for the youngest.
Nothing to report.
There is a little bit of text to read, but you can do without it and progress in the game.
Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 is presented as a children’s tale. The valiant hero must save the princess and protect the weakest, and he does so with courage and honor.
Aside from the levels at the end of each of the two titles, Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 are two pretty easy games. An assist mode, which gives more life and allows us to survive falls in the holes make the game really accessible to beginners.
There’s no additional monetization (aside from amiibo compatibility, figures that give away items that are completely superfluous in the game), but the base game is, in our opinion, way too expensive.
Local game modes
It is possible to play Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2, and listen to their soundtracks. A second player can join the game. The second player has a more limited role: he can slow down enemies by pointing at them with the cursor, and pick up objects and star shards.
Online Game Modes
None.
Expansions/Add-ons (DLC)
None.
Our opinion
Let’s start with the flowers: the Super Mario Galaxy duology is among the best titles in the legendary Super Mario franchise, and this re-release on Switch and Switch 2 is the best version of it.
Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 have never looked so good. At the time, Mario’s two adventures were some of the best experiences on Wii, but they were clearly held back by the console’s limited capabilities. This reissue unlocks their full potential.
Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 compare admirably to current games for two titles aged 15 and up.
On the other hand, this version of Galaxy 1 and 2 is not without its flaws.
It should be remembered that these Mario adventures were developed for the Wii, a console that relied heavily on motion controls , especially the pointer in this case.
Switch consoles recreate the pointer as best they can with the controller’s gyro function. It works pretty well, but it’s still pretty rough, because the console has no way of really figuring out where your joy-con controller is pointing. The result is that you often have to reset the position of your cursor. Fortunately, this is done quite easily with a simple press of the R button.
On the other hand, in portable mode, it’s a different story. The pointer function is replaced by touch on the touch screen. It’s the best solution in the circumstances, but it’s still quite uncomfortable, especially when you also have to press buttons quickly. Super Mario Galaxy 2, with its levels using Yoshi’s long tongue, particularly suffers from this control scheme.
We must also obviously mention the price of this Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 set. At $99.99 CAD (69.99 euros), the bill is steep for two titles that are approaching two decades. We know that Nintendo doesn’t like to lower the price of their games, even if they are several years old, but here they continue to push the limits. Nintendo sold these two games for $19.99 CAD about ten years ago with its Nintendo Selects line. Do the visual improvements justify a $30 increase per game?
Let’s say the mushroom is hard to swallow.
Still, if you’ve never tried these legendary titles, you won’t be disappointed. In our opinion, Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 are the two titles where three-dimensional Mario games have truly come of age. Even today, they are among the best platform games of all time.
But like Mario, you’ll have to raise a lot of money.
Note: A code has been given to us for critical purposes. Our opinion is entirely our own.
