Although they’re certainly fantastic games, it’s unfortunate that a couple of minor control issues and a high price point hinder the release of Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 on the Nintendo Switch. They’re top-notch 3D platformers, nonetheless, and absolutely worth playing if you never have.
Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2
Developer: Nintendo
Price: $100
Platform: Nintendo Switch
MonsterVine was supplied with a Switch code for review.
I played a lot of Super Mario Galaxy back in the day when it first came out, but I actually never got around to checking out Super Mario Galaxy 2. With that in mind, it becomes easy to understand why I’d immediately be interested in checking out the two games’ rerelease on the Nintendo Switch, as both are lauded as some of the best 3D platformers ever. This remains true to this day, although these ports admittedly have a couple of nagging issues that prevent them from being perfect.
I’m going to separate this review to cover both games’ qualities in a bit more depth, then provide a brief summary of my impressions of the total collection afterward.
Super Mario Galaxy
Super Mario Galaxy is a fantastic game from top to bottom. The stages are creative, the movement feels largely satisfying, and the new power-ups (well, as new as an 18-year-old game’s power-ups can be) are incredibly creative. Whether you’re turning into a bee or gaining the ability to make clouds beneath you, each of the new forms is a blast to use.
I love the Comet Observatory as a hub, as it’s a pretty beautiful space setting that ties all of the stages together nicely. Rosalina’s a great character, so it was neat to revisit where she originated. The little bits of story included through Rosalina’s Storybook also provide you with some fun lore, if that’s your thing.
One thing I forgot about Super Mario Galaxy is that the mobility is slightly more limited than I expected. I wish the Super Mario Sunshine dive were still present here, but replacing it with a spin works pretty well. This is in part because the spin is implemented so well into the level design, allowing you to shimmy up plants and knock over enemies, making it an essential feature.
Overall, there’s nothing that’s not great about Super Mario Galaxy. The controls and stages have all aged gracefully, the characters are delightful, and there’s a lot to collect if you’re looking for a longer platforming experience.
Super Mario Galaxy 2
Super Mario Galaxy 2 improves upon the original in almost every way. The transition from the Observatory as a hub to the smaller Starship Mario had me a bit worried. Still, the Starship is just as full of personality and silly little details that really add to the experience.
Stages are laid out on a map, with progress being limited by blockades that require a certain number of stars to pass. Like the first game, the various levels feature creative themes and abilities, making every stage a joy to play through. There’s so much effortless charm present, especially thanks to the addition of Yoshi as a wonderful complement to Mario. He plays exactly as you’d want him to in 3D, with a lot of the levels being made specifically to ensure using Yoshi is as enjoyable as possible.
I think the only thing I struggled with in Super Mario Galaxy 2 was the gyro controls, which were necessary for some stages. This is especially bad in handheld mode, which has you tilting the entire console well beyond visible range, which can be pretty annoying when you’re trying to be precise.
The primary issue that negatively affects both of these games is their high cost. I remember when the Wii versions of both titles were a cool $20 years after they were released. So, to then rerelease them a decade plus later for so much more, despite minimal changes, feels a little strange. If these were new games, I’d understand the pricing better, but these came out two console generations ago, so charging so much for each comes off as excessive.
Both games feature gorgeous soundtracks that have, without a doubt, held up, and the colorful visuals and character designs are among the series’ best. Controlling Mario (outside of the aforementioned issues) is a blast and super responsive, and there’s always something else to do in both games as you get further and further into the titles.
The Final Word
There’s no doubt that Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 are excellent games, just as they were when released. This Switch release is a bit off with its pricing and some of the controls in Super Mario Galaxy 2, but the games at the center of it all are brilliant as a whole.
MonsterVine Rating: 4 out of 5 – Good
