Max Frequency

Super Mario Galaxy Notes

Warning

Spoilers below!

Super Mario Galaxy

Stats

  • Started Playing: 10/3/24
  • Beat:
    - 10/19/24 (105 Stars and Credits)
    - 10/20/24 (120 Stars and Luigi)
  • Total Playtime: 15~20 hours

Legacy

  • The first Wii 3D Mario. Koizumi’s first Mario? Birth of the Course Clear 3D era.
  • There is a sense of wonder attached to this game. It’s from this era of Nintendo’s Blue Ocean. There’s experimentation by letting a new team tack on the biggest IP. There’s the fulfillment of long held ideas with globe/sphere traversal. Things don’t seem possible at first blush that coalesce in a profound way.

Overall

  • The pace feels slightly slow. Sure, I am going for every star. I am curious how Galaxy 2 feels given its galaxies have fewer stars, but more galaxies.
  • There is no rotation of the pointer on Switch. Novelty has been lost. 😢
  • The galaxies are usually 3-6 stars. The stars/levels are little gardens to explore spaces ideas mechanics. Galaxy 2 is supposed to be much faster 2~ stars. So more rapid iteration and new spaces. I wonder how that change will feel.

Story

  • Bowser stole grand stars and Peach. Gonna make his own Galaxy. Stop him.
  • Captain Toad and his brigade’s first appearance! Tune in tow!
  • Rosalina origin story
  • I think I just blew up the universe and recreated it.
  • The absolute drama of “Watch and weep!”

Gameplay

  • There is nothing like a long jump around a planet. The delight and satisfaction.
  • Camera has some jank.
  • Ideas (the four step teaching kind) are like items in a Zelda dungeon. They unlock the solution to the platforming challenge.
  • The second dome really opens up options and level choice, if you are collecting every star. Good early variety, if one chooses.
  • Comet Types
    • Speedy Comet - Speed Run a level
    • Daredevil Comet - Fight a boss/complete a level with 1 HP
    • Fast-Foe Comet - Enemies move faster
    • Cosmic Comet - Race Dark Mario
    • Purple Comet - Find 100 Purple Coins in a level
  • Pull stars are so delightfully kinetic.
  • The Switch Joy-Con gyro pointer is laggy/jittery at times. Pay attention in Galaxy 2 to compare pointer smoothness.
  • Is “Sinking the Airships” a 3D SMB3 level?
  • I do not like the flowers being timed at all
  • Checkpoints are surprisingly generous.
  • Function over form. Space allows for form to be free.
  • The Bowser fights have such a satisfying flow. Tight, simple, fun.
    • They have a cadence that is chef kiss good
  • I wish Sea Slide was more than races so far (three stars)
  • Spring Mario and Bee Mario feel like Banjo transformations
  • Why do the lives not save status?! This is dumbo.
  • Not a fan of how the purple comet bounces around. Just exist at all levels at once please.
    • Also, I have to beat the game AGAIN after getting 120?

Music/Sound Design

  • Full orchestra. GOAT.
  • Chanting Bowser fight. Chills I say, chills!!

Graphics

  • Cinematic. Cutscenes crop in/go wide screen. There is a flare to it.
  • Every jump between platforms and planets. Mario’s spread arms and flight is sublime.
  • Not bound by "reality." Expression is freeform in a way.
  • Is the watermelon texture in Bubble Blastoff Deep Dark Galaxy the same as DKJB?
  • Is there a more beautiful Mario game?
  • I don’t care for the color tint that comets add to levels. It’s oppressive.

World

  • I like the way the stars split the galaxies. You get to explore the whole thing, but in chunks. A guided, thematic tour. Like a gallery or exhibit. Miniature gardens themed together.
  • Open Zone Galaxies
    • Honey Bee Hive Galaxy is an “open zone.”
    • Beach Bowl Galaxy