Anyone pick up Super Mario Galaxy 2 yet?

[videogameking26]

I got mine coming from Amazon on Tuesday morning, the $20 game credit was just too good to pass up on. Loved the first and can't wait to finally start the sequel after work tuesday!.

[megasdkirby]

Got mine of Amazon as well. Still, the $20 credit has yet to appear, though.

When it does, I will be using it on Alan Wake. :)

[Muscelli]

Lucky for me the the street date was broken and I have been playing it for a bit. Fun game.

[BetaWolf47]

Gah, didn't know it came out today. Shows how out of tune I am with the current gen! IGN seems very fond of this. Galaxy 1 is still one of my favorite games since the 16-bit era. I cannot wait.

[megasdkirby]

Galaxy 1 is still one of my favorite games since the 16-bit era. I cannot wait.

The game was released on the Wii, not during the 16bit era. :p

[Gamingking]

The game was released on the Wii, not during the 16bit era. :p


He said SINCE the 16 bit era not during it. I'll be getting a copy today.

[joshnickerson]

Picked it up at Best Buy (had $35 in Reward Zone coupons, so why not?), and they also had a Nintendo rep there showcasing the game. I played it for a bit and it's definately harder than the first game, as I died several times in the Yoshi level, whereas death was a rare occurance for me in the original game.

Yoshi is a fun addition, though I kept forgetting I had to point to enemies to lick them up, not just simply press B (that cost me a couple of lives). I'm sure I'll get used to that quickly though. Can't wait to get into this one tonite.

[Mayhem]

Got my copy earlier, pity I have to wait until Tuesday to play it...

[Richter Belmount]

Your mom picked it up

[Urzu402]

I picked it up around 11 AM -12 PM ish. It's awesome, better than the first.

[imanerd0011]

I was waiting at Gamestop for their 9 a.m. opening. I had a long drive home yesterday so I wasn't able to play it until around 6 p.m. I beat world 1 last night and am absolutely LOVING it so far!

[jonebone]

This game is ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE! It will literally blow your mind, this will probably go down as my favorite Mario game of all time. It blows Galaxy 1 away entirely, it is about as dramatic of a change as SMB3 is from SMB1 on NES. It's THAT powerful.

Powerups are great, and so far all of the objectives are actually fun! I'm about 25 stars into it (mid of World 2) and nothing has been repetitive yet. No "collect 100 puple coin" crap, all diversified and fun objectives. Boss fights are beautifully done and difficulty feels just right so far... I'm sure it'll ramp up towards the end.

As an adult, I barely have time to beat games these days, let alone try to 100% them. But this is one that I will definitely try to 100%.

A++++++++++ to Nintendo. This game is a system seller, even this late into the system's lifespan.

[LiquidPolicenaut]

I might try this just out of curiosity but I just didn't like the first Galaxy for some reason. *shrugs* I guess I'm in the minority here...

[Streetball 21]

Picked it up on Sunday morning, and this game is awesome. It's way better than the first Mario Galaxy game so far.

[Press_Start]

Best damn game I've played in a while. Reminds me why Nintendo is the boss of video games. Picked up my pre-order yesterday and already in World 3.

There's just one problem.....no Rosalina! :bawling:

[SpaceHarrier]

There's just one problem.....no Rosalina! :bawling:


Who needs her when you have an obese floating Grimace mocking you the whole journey? :P

I played 8 hours the first day, got 50 stars so far. Surprised by the sheer variety of the levels, not that I should be, first one was great too. The levels range from just-as-easy-as-the-first to curse-word-max-combo-plus-smashed-controller frustratingly difficult.

One thing though..

Stupid monkey needs to die. I'll likely not be collecting those stars..

[whoisKeel]

This game is ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE! It will literally blow your mind, this will probably go down as my favorite Mario game of all time. It blows Galaxy 1 away entirely, it is about as dramatic of a change as SMB3 is from SMB1 on NES. It's THAT powerful.

Powerups are great, and so far all of the objectives are actually fun! I'm about 25 stars into it (mid of World 2) and nothing has been repetitive yet. No "collect 100 puple coin" crap, all diversified and fun objectives. Boss fights are beautifully done and difficulty feels just right so far... I'm sure it'll ramp up towards the end.

As an adult, I barely have time to beat games these days, let alone try to 100% them. But this is one that I will definitely try to 100%.

A++++++++++ to Nintendo. This game is a system seller, even this late into the system's lifespan.

Man that's great news if they got rid of the purple coin collecting type stuff...that was my least favorite bit of mario galaxy.

Girlfriend did pick this up today and I only got to play the first two stages (10-15min). Seemed good, but didn't get to play enough to form an opinion. (Not like I won't like a Mario game) Yoshi is welcome.

[Urzu402]

*spoilers*




the purple coins are not gone.

[pepharytheworm]

*spoilers*




the purple coins are not gone.

I am glad they aren't. They aren't the most fun but they really hone your platformer skills, plus you don't have to do them if you don't want.

[heybtbm]

It will literally blow your mind

Like Scanners (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HY-03vYYAjA)?


Anyway, I picked up the game today and played enough for the first 3 stars. This game is a little challenging already. Still, pretty fun so far.

[videogameking26]

Played for a few hours tonight after work, love everything about it and being a huge fan of the genre...I'm in love with this and love the addition of Yoshi, man can it be challenging at some points and I only have 12 stars so far.

[GrandAmChandler]

Game. Of. The. Year. (http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/wii/supermariogalaxy2)

That is, unless Halo Reach, Dead Rising 2, or Fallout New Vegas don't blow my mind somehow.

Forget Super Mario Galaxy 1, this is not SMG 1.5. This is THE game to have on the Wii. It's that. Damn. Good. I refuse to give any details away, it's something every Mario fan needs to experience.

/me applauds Nintendo for not taking the easy cash out with this one. :hail:

-GAC-

[poloplayr]

Played for just an hour or so but I am loving, loving, loving it!!!
This is truly one of those very rare games that I truly want to finish 100%.

[BetaWolf47]

No wonder most other first-party titles haven't been that great lately. Nintendo put almost all of its resources into one game!

[Rob2600]

Game. Of. The. Year. (http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/wii/supermariogalaxy2)

98 out of 100, based on 27 critic reviews. Nice!

[SpaceHarrier]

I'm at the final boss now.. maybe I will wait to beat it, I don't want it to end! The most frustrating thing I can say about this game is that there are so many wonderful one-offs that it makes me want more of each. More Fluzzard, more "sliding" levels, more retro... more more more. Sometimes I just marvel at the way some of these levels function, just so creative!

I like how the slide level and yoshi "pepper" galaxy are basically big double-barreled flippin-birds-up EFF YOUs to Sonic the Hedgehog.

"We can do this too, now what you got?!"

I'm surprised Mario didn't run through a loop. Awesome.

[heybtbm]

98 out of 100, based on 27 critic reviews. Nice!

According to Kotaku, SMG2 just inched out Zelda: OOT for best reviewed game of all time.

[Cornelius]

So I take it someone that hasn't played SMG1 should not let that be a barrier to playing this one?

[Mayhem]

So I take it someone that hasn't played SMG1 should not let that be a barrier to playing this one?
In part, I wouldn't say it should. I'd only comment that you'll find it easier to get into if you have played the original (much of the same mechanics apply) and that SMG2 is generally harder than the original overall.

[Rob2600]

Based on all the reviews and all of the comments about brilliant level design, suits, etc., is it safe to say Super Mario Galaxy 2 is the 3D equivalent of Super Mario Bros. 3?

[Tempest]

I picked it up yesterday and got around to playing it this morning. I'm only a few levels in (towards the end of the first world) but so far it's pretty much exactly the same as SMG with the addition of Yoshi thrown in. Not that this is a bad thing, but I was expecting a little more originality. Other than the drill (was that in the first one?) I haven't run into any of the new suits, but even those aren't all that interesting from what I've read.

I really wish Nintendo would make more games like Super Mario Wii, these 3-D Mario games drive me nuts. I just can't get into them like I used to.

Tempest

[Urzu402]

I picked it up yesterday and got around to playing it this morning. I'm only a few levels in (towards the end of the first world) but so far it's pretty much exactly the same as SMG with the addition of Yoshi thrown in. Not that this is a bad thing, but I was expecting a little more originality. Other than the drill (was that in the first one?) I haven't run into any of the new suits, but even those aren't all that interesting from what I've read.

I really wish Nintendo would make more games like Super Mario Wii, these 3-D Mario games drive me nuts. I just can't get into them like I used to.

Tempest

I don't get why you would expect it to be Original its Super Mario Galaxy 2 that number means its not going to be all too original. It does include some one offs that arent in the original.

[BetaWolf47]

I like how the slide level and yoshi "pepper" galaxy are basically big double-barreled flippin-birds-up EFF YOUs to Sonic the Hedgehog.

"We can do this too, now what you got?!"

I'm surprised Mario didn't run through a loop. Awesome.
It kind of reminds me of the Fludd-free levels of Super Mario Sunshine. The Pepper level would actually make a great basis for a 3D Sonic game.

[Rob2600]

Is this really a level in SMG2?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiRKP5zJqQE&fmt=18

[Tempest]

I don't get why you would expect it to be Original its Super Mario Galaxy 2 that number means its not going to be all too original. It does include some one offs that arent in the original.
Most sequels I've played have the same basic premise and gameplay as the original but have a whole new set of original ideas and graphics to keep it fresh. So far the game has played more like an add-on pack than a sequel. I actually read that they were originally going to call it Super Mario Galaxy 1.5 at one point during its development which seems to fit (IMHO anyway).

Tempest

[Rob2600]

So far the game has played more like an add-on pack than a sequel. I actually read that they were originally going to call it Super Mario Galaxy 1.5

Hmm. According to GameSpy's review:

"This amounts to way more than the Super Mario Galaxy 1.5 you expected."

Game Informer's review:

"Super Mario Galaxy 2 throws something new at you nearly every single level"

GamePro's review:

"Galaxy 2 is a constant deluge of fresh ideas that are successful"

Gamespot's review:

"It never rests on its laurels for a second, constantly presenting new objectives and mechanics to push you to never before seen places."

IGN's review:

"it's not a 'me too' experience -- a significant majority of this sequel is brand new."


So, is it fresh and new or is it SMG 1.5?

[Tempest]

Hmm. According to GameSpy's review:

"This amounts to way more than the Super Mario Galaxy 1.5 you expected."

Game Informer's review:

"Super Mario Galaxy 2 throws something new at you nearly every single level"

GamePro's review:

"Galaxy 2 is a constant deluge of fresh ideas that are successful"

Gamespot's review:

"It never rests on its laurels for a second, constantly presenting new objectives and mechanics to push you to never before seen places."

IGN's review:

"it's not a 'me too' experience -- a significant majority of this sequel is brand new."


So, is it fresh and new or is it SMG 1.5?
So far other than Yoshi I haven't seen anything fresh OR new. Like I said I haven't gotten one of the new suits yet, but I think there are only three (cloud, rock, and one other).

Tempest

[whoisKeel]

At the end of world 2 now, and the variety is really starting to pick up. I liked both rock mario and cloud mario, especially rock mario. Dash yoshi is fun, but I couldn't beat the stage yet. I still really like the drill level. The bird flying stage was OK. I'm finding the stomp challenge...challenging. I think the flip switch "think before you shake" is my favorite after the drill level. It's true, every stage is different. Not that I thought Galaxy 1 was lacking in variety either.

[GhaleonsDeadMyFriend]

I never made it through the first one, although it was fun. Won't bother with the second one. The Wii isn't really a 1-player console, for me anyway. I know that will ignite a rage inside some of you, but, that's my $0.02.

[MeTmKnice]

Rock Mario FTW!

[Tempest]

I'm almost through the fourth universe now. It still feels like SMG 1.5, but I'm having fun. I'm starting to get annoyed with falling off those little platforms because the camera angle changes on my without warning. I swear to god Mario must drink because that man can't run in a straight line to save his life!

Tempest

[heybtbm]

Star Count Update:

54 and counting. Only 188 to go.

I'm fairly certain I'll never get the "crush the crabs with Boulder Mario" star. The first of many very difficult ones, I'm sure.

[megasdkirby]

My copy from Amazon still has not arrived. :(

Need to contact them again, since I was told to wait until today.

:(

[imanerd0011]

Star Count Update:

54 and counting. Only 188 to go.

I'm fairly certain I'll never get the "crush the crabs with Boulder Mario" star. The first of many very difficult ones, I'm sure.

Once you get a hang of it, that one is fairly easy. There are some difficult stars, but honestly, I thought that SMG1 was harder. The purple coin stages as well as bouldergeist prankster and the lava prankster were very very hard!
The hardest star in SMG2 is the one in double time. I forget what it is called, but you'll know it when you get there. LOL


My copy from Amazon still has not arrived. :(

Need to contact them again, since I was told to wait until today.

:(

Damn man, that's brutal. You should have just picked it up as soon as it came out at Gamestop (or Walmart) and then returned the one that came in to the same place. That way you wouldn't have had to wait so long.

[YoshiM]

I finally got a chance to crack open the plastic on this. At first I played it late at night, when I was pretty dead tired (just put my daughter to bed and should have done the same for myself) and I was having problems staying awake. "Man, is this what's to be expected?" I asked myself. Action games usually wake me up. Saturday I got more game time in and I was wide awake.

Verdict so far: I'm indifferent. It's not bad but it just feels rather, I dunno, same-y. Yes it is a sequel but as someone else mentioned, Mario games of the past had enough change to make it worthwhile. I think it might have to do with the combination of new changes on top of graphical/audio overhauls. Galaxy 2 just feels like I downloaded some DLC for Galaxy 1.

I know I'm way early in the game and it sounds like things really kick up the dirt later on, but I'm the kind of person that needs a game to hook me right away to keep me playing rather than slog through stuff to "get to the good parts". So I dunno, I'll probably pick at this game to get a star here and there.

[Tempest]

I finished this over the weekend. I haven't gone through the Secret Galaxy that opens up when you're done because the new galaxies require ridiculous amounts of stars to access. I don't have the patience to go through and collect all 120 stars, the game wasn't that good and several of the missing stars are insanely frustrating to get rather than fun. I'm not 12 anymore, I don't have time for such things these days.

I give this game a solid MEH. It's fun, but it's still just a SMG add-on pack. That and Mario seriously needs to shut the hell up. After an hour of playing I can't take all the "Woo hoo's" anymore. Although the ultimate in annoying is that damn blobby Grimace looking thing that keeps telling you to take a break after you die. If only you could kill it, but as we all know nothing can kill the Grimace.

Tempest

[SpaceHarrier]

If only you could kill it, but as we all know nothing can kill the Grimace.

Tempest

Eventually cholesterol will..

I'm at 92 stars and the difficulty is finally starting to ramp up. I honestly think the final castle/boss was easier than the first Mario Galaxy. I still hate that chimp but I've beaten a couple of those stages.

I'm pretty lazy when it comes to 100% completion but I'd like to get all 120 for once so I can do the second 120 star challenge (and you need 110 stars just to unlock the last secret level!!)

[placebo]

I'm at 56 stars and really enjoying it. I've had a few difficult levels, but managed to beat them with a little perseverance and swearing.

[imanerd0011]

Eventually cholesterol will..

I'm at 92 stars and the difficulty is finally starting to ramp up. I honestly think the final castle/boss was easier than the first Mario Galaxy. I still hate that chimp but I've beaten a couple of those stages.

I'm pretty lazy when it comes to 100% completion but I'd like to get all 120 for once so I can do the second 120 star challenge (and you need 110 stars just to unlock the last secret level!!)

Wait until you get to the green stars. I'm at 236 right now, and two of the ones left seem almost impossible. The other two I just can't find.

[portnoyd]

Beat Mario Galaxy 1 finally (was at 63 stars for 2 years and then brought it up to 110 before calling it quits) so I started Mario Galaxy 2.

The game's great. Yoshi's controls are so ridiculously good. I was hesitant thinking that it would be awkward, but it was anything but.

So far the stages have been longer and the checkpoint flags were a nice addition I never knew I wanted. The design has been still top notch and levels have been inventive and not as routine as others have said. The Drill Top and Cloud Mario were highly enjoyable to use.

Just finished World 1. The removal of the oversized hub and the world map was also a nice surprise. Can't wait to play through this one.

[Xexyz]

This game was awesome. I really enjoyed the 1st one last year and managed to get all 120 stars (didn't feel like getting the same 120 as Luigi just to get the 240 total...). Maybe it's just the fact that I was able to get all the stars in the first one, but I didn't really find SMG2 to be any more challenging than the original. I'm currently at 126 and plan on going for the 114 other green stars. I do like how you're getting new stars this time around, although I was hoping the prankster comets would lead to more speed run and purple coin challenges. Instead it's more like a hide & seek exploration chore.

[BetaWolf47]

Well, I've been playing this game about a week. I was excited and anxious to finally play it. I must say, I'm slightly disappointed. For everything that it does better than Super Mario Galaxy 1, it messes something up.

What it don't like is that there's too many cheerful and colorful levels compared to Galaxy 1. Galaxy 1 had a great balance between "happy and colorful" and "climactic and epic" levels.
Second, the game takes too long to build up. Almost nothing really wowed me before the 4th universe, besides the castle levels. It feels like Nintendo is intentionally holding back until the final worlds. Galaxy 1 wowed me from beginning to end. This has been the most disappointing thing so far.
Also, the music is disappointing. I've come across three good tunes so far. Everything else seems like mediocre remixes of Gusty Garden Galaxy. Some music also feels out of place in certain galaxies. This is a less significant point than the others, but it's still a problem.

All in all, it's still a good game. The powerups and Yoshi are very well implemented. However, being a Mario fan almost since I was born has left me with high standards as to what deserves a perfect 10.

[SpaceHarrier]

Just finished up the last of the 120 green stars. What a fun challenge! Brings all those memories of childhood easter egg hunts back to life!

Anyone who is still on the fence or is thinking about buying this game and isn't a 100% completionist type (like me.. lazy, I know) just trust me, you want to get the comet medals on your first run through! I ended up playing practically the whole game twice through just so I could get to the green star challenge. This is sad to admit, but this was the first Mario game where I've gotten even the first 120 stars. Something about it compelled me..

Ultimately I found the first game slightly more charming and liked the overall level designs more, but I found MG2 way more addictive and replayable.

[portnoyd]

Finished playing Galaxy 2. Got 120 yellow stars + + all medals + 3 green stars. Just no desire to hunt for random green stars.

The game's fantastic. Challenging, not hard at times and the design is better than the first. Having 2 or 3 yellow stars per Galaxy is quite nice. Keeps each Galaxy from becoming played out.

10/10.

[MachineGex]

I can't believe I have not gotten this game yet. I loved the first one(as well as most Mario games), but I don't like spending $50 on a new game. Unfortunately, it will probably be $50 for the next year or two. Anyone got a copy they want to trade, send me a PM?

[Tempest]

Unless you REALLY loved SMG 1 and want more of the same, I wouldn't say SMG 2 is worth the $50. I'd wait for it to come down in price (if that ever happens) or get it used. $50 just seems like way too much for an over glorified expansion pack.

Tempest

[imanerd0011]

I can't believe I have not gotten this game yet. I loved the first one(as well as most Mario games), but I don't like spending $50 on a new game. Unfortunately, it will probably be $50 for the next year or two. Anyone got a copy they want to trade, send me a PM?


You should have gotten it yesterday at Gamestop during the buy 2 get 1 free deal. It sells used for $40, so if you bought 3 $40 games (lots of good Wii titles in the $40-45 range) it would effectively cost you around $27 each.

[JLukas]

I completed the game 100% a few days ago and had a blast, highly recommended! The difficulty level is just right. The final yellow stars can be quite tough but are still a lot fun. Perfect Run really highlights this, it looks impossible at first but with enough practice it can be beaten and a very rewarding experience.

The green stars were the weakest part, IMO. While some were clever, there were just too many in spots that required a blind jump and/or awful camera angles - Flipsville 3, Shiverburn 2, Boo Moon 1, Hightail Falls 2, etc.

[videogameking26]

I can't believe I have not gotten this game yet. I loved the first one(as well as most Mario games), but I don't like spending $50 on a new game. Unfortunately, it will probably be $50 for the next year or two. Anyone got a copy they want to trade, send me a PM?

Man just look on ebay as my close friend snagged him a brand new copy sealed on there for $35 shipped....I'm sure you can find a copy less than $52.99 including tax in stores.

[jonebone]

Finished playing Galaxy 2. Got 120 yellow stars + + all medals + 3 green stars. Just no desire to hunt for random green stars.

The game's fantastic. Challenging, not hard at times and the design is better than the first. Having 2 or 3 yellow stars per Galaxy is quite nice. Keeps each Galaxy from becoming played out.

10/10.

Pretty much my exact experience. I stopped playing this one over a month ago but I finished with 120 gold stars and about 13 green ones before I dropped it for good.

10/10 highly recommended.

[Jorpho]

Oh look, there's still an SMG2 thread here. It has taken me this long to get both the game and the Wii in the same place so I can finally have a whack at it. (I have to wonder if Nintendo ever plans on releasing it as a budget title at this point.)

I wanted to ask how many people really went after those blasted Green Stars. It seems like one of those timesinks that would be useful for enduing a prison sentence, and I'm guessing there's not really any substantial reward at the end either.

[RP2A03]

I wanted to ask how many people really went after those blasted Green Stars. It seems like one of those timesinks that would be useful for enduing a prison sentence, and I'm guessing there's not really any substantial reward at the end either.

While getting all the green stars can be a bit tedious at times, it is totally worth it.

[SpaceHarrier]

I really enjoyed every moment of the green star hunt. The only star I need is the very, very last one, #242. Probably going to be needing it for quite awhile LOL

[Jorpho]

Yes, I think I am stopping at 241. Screw you, number 242! You're not going to get my sanity!

I confess that I had to stop and look at a couple of videos for those green stars, because some of them – while easily found – seemed quite impossible to get (namely Bowser's Galaxy Generator, Boulder Bowl, and Starshine Beach, but most of all Rainbow Rollercoaster). SMG1 was never this difficult. Luigi's Purple Coins is mildly taxing in comparison.

[RP2A03]

Yes, I think I am stopping at 241. Screw you, number 242! You're not going to get my sanity!

I confess that I had to stop and look at a couple of videos for those green stars, because some of them – while easily found – seemed quite impossible to get (namely Bowser's Galaxy Generator, Boulder Bowl, and Starshine Beach, but most of all Rainbow Rollercoaster). SMG1 was never this difficult. Luigi's Purple Coins is mildly taxing in comparison.

Surely I'm not the only one who found Luigi's Purple Coins to be only moderately challenging.

[Jorpho]

Augh, it was tormenting me. Haunting my dreams! How much sanity did I sacrifice getting that last star? How easily shall I fall prey to the cultists when they come knocking?

I suppose it really isn't that bad; it's just a matter of figuring out how to do it consistently, particularly the fourth section – which I did, eventually. I think. I did need to watch a video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpGjKEt8wmw) to clue me into taking the middle approach in the final section rather than going to the left, which might have saved me a few hours of useless struggle. In the end, my recorded death count stands at 668 (which probably misses an extra fifty or so that I did not bother to save), with a total play time of over 40 hours. I am positive this really matters to everyone. :p

If I had to pick a favorite galaxy, it would probably be the Slimy Spring, just because of that extraordinarily nifty way you spend the whole level going through this dark tunnel, and then the music cuts out as you emerge up into the sunlight. Quite brilliantly done.

[The Clonus Horror]

Had just started playing this when it first came out, then had to sell a bunch of stuff to pay for a medical emergency. I am just now able to play it again.

[thegamezmaster]

I liked the first one and to me this is like the first but with a few new twists. But all in all I like it and am happy with it.