Games

Best of 2008 | 07 | 06 | 05
Advanced Search

Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.

Super Mario Galaxy

EMAIL PRINT wii

9.1 User Score:

Universal acclaim

Based on 73 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 882 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game >

Game Info

Publisher: Nintendo

Developer: Nintendo

Genre(s): Action, Platform

Players: 2

ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

Release Date: November 12, 2007

Summary

[Metacritic's 2007 Wii Game of the Year] The ultimate Nintendo hero is taking the ultimate step ... out into space. Join Mario as he ushers in a new era of video games, defying gravity across all the planets in the galaxy. When some creature escapes into space with Princess Peach, Mario gives chase, exploring bizarre planets all across the galaxy. Mario, Peach and enemies new and old are here. Players run, jump and battle enemies as they explore all the planets in the galaxy. Since this game makes full use of all the features of the Wii Remote, players have to do all kinds of things to succeed: pressing buttons, swinging the Wii Remote and the Nunchuk, and even pointing at and dragging things with the pointer. Since he's in space, Mario can perform mind-bending jumps unlike anything he's done before. He'll also have a wealth of new moves that are all based around tilting, pointing and shaking the Wii Remote. Shake, tilt and point! Mario takes advantage of all the unique aspects of the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controller, unleashing new moves as players shake the controller and even point at and drag items with the pointer. [Nintendo]

Also On Metacritic

GAMES: Super Mario 64

Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central GameFAQs GameSpot Guide

Also On The Web: Official Website Predict this Metascore

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100

Deeko

It's rare to play through a perfect game or one that nears perfection, but Galaxy definitely fits that mold.

Read Full Review >

100

GamePro

Super Mario Galaxy raises the bar in terms of what can be achieved on the Wii. Galaxy is the kind of game that you're going to want to take your time with because there is just so much to do in the game. This is the first game in a long time that I've actually gone back and replayed levels just for fun. It's everything you loved about Mario 64 and nothing you hated about "Super Mario Sunshine."

Read Full Review >

100

Eurogamer

Where Galaxy matches "Mario 64" is not quite in its quality of execution - alongside the brilliance of some stars are others which fall a bit flat, and there isn't the overall sense of implacable perfection that that game had - but in its confidence and originality.

Read Full Review >

100

PALGN

Super Mario Galaxy is without doubt the finest game Nintendo have produced this decade - endorsements don’t come much stronger than that.

Read Full Review >

100

GameSpy

If you enjoy playing the best, then you absolutely need to play Super Mario Galaxy. It's our favorite Wii game this year, and a strong contender for the best game of the year.

Read Full Review >

100

Game Revolution

It’s got megatons of style, inventiveness, playability and replayability…and all the while, it still manages to feel like sunshine, candy and the glory days of 3D console videogaming yore.

Read Full Review >

100

GameTap

There’s such a great deal of diversity throughout Super Mario Galaxy’s level design that it’s hard not to get excited when a new area opens, knowing that there’s a whole new set of puzzles and obstacles designed around the theme of the level...It’s because of these moments that Super Mario Galaxy generates a consistent level of excitement throughout the entire experience that few games can replicate.

Read Full Review >

100

NintendoWorldReport

A giant leap for the platforming genre. Freed from the shackles of traditional 3-D platforming, the game is much more than just "Mario 64" set in space. I never thought I’d describe a Mario game as “epic," but that’s exactly what it is.

Read Full Review >

100

Yahoo! Games

Super Mario Galaxy is a reminder that games don't have to be ultra-violent, make clever social statements or ride the marketing machine to succeed. They simply have to be fun, and you'd be hard pressed to find one as genuinely enjoyable as Mario's latest.

Read Full Review >

100

Gaming Age

Super Mario Galaxy is an out of this world experience that is spectacularly amazing in every imaginable aspect. It creates a constant sense of wonder that manages to permanently transplant a grin on my face while playing. Even when I died I was smiling. No game has ever done that to me before and it's truly a testament to how perfectly fine-tuned it is.

Read Full Review >

100

G4 TV

Mario Galaxy is one of those charming, perfect achievements that remind you why Nintendo saved our pastime in 1985 and has reinvigorated it in 2007 with the Wii and the best game made yet for the system. Hell, this is better than "Super Mario 64," not as revolutionary, but a better game. Do yourself a favor, play it and smile.

Read Full Review >

100

Armchair Empire

The game comes together so well and with so much polish and fun, that Wii owners should not let Super Mario Galaxy slip them by.

Read Full Review >

100

Play Magazine

As redefining an experience as "Super Mario 64" was, and we can all remember how that game made us feel, Super Mario Galaxy is the most profound game since "Super Mario Bros." defined action gaming on the NES. There’s something almost transcendental about SMG.

Read Full Review >

100

Hardcore Gamer Magazine

What I've been experiencing since first putting this game in my Wii is the culmination of several lifetimes of game design mastery by its creators. [Dec 2007, p.40]

100

Thunderbolt

The multi-surfaced design is a refreshing take on an otherwise stale gaming genre. The simple, responsive controls and steady learning curve ensure that any gamer, be they the child who gets this for his or her birthday or the weathered gaming vet, can sit down and give this game a spin.

Read Full Review >

100

Total Video Games

A decade on from "Mario 64" and Miyamoto delivers another landmark title, one that almost grips the term 'instant classic' with both hands tightly right from the off. Innovative level design, original gameplay, the best graphics and soundtrack on Wii to date, and the return to form of the first true superstar of videogames (sorry "Pac-Man") means that Galaxy will no doubt be looked back upon in years to come with the same level of veneration as "Mario 64" is today.

Read Full Review >

100

WHAM! Gaming

The game is so consistently fresh, it's desperately hard to stop playing.

Read Full Review >

100

Edge Magazine

Since the end of the N64 era, as Nintendo has explored new pastures and methodically tended old ones, it’s been easy to forget the times when every major release from the company felt like this. It’s a bravura piece of design that pulls off stunts no one else has even thought of. [Christmast 2007, p.76]

100

NTSC-uk

Mario has not grown older, but younger with time: more slender, more supple, more graceful. It is as if the boundaries of the genre have become transparent, allowing a unique light to shine forth. Super Mario Galaxy will influence gaming perceptions, sure to replenish any lost passion. It will frequently hug your inner child, evoke tears of joy and tug at the heart. It is everything we have always desired, more than we could possibly have dreamed.

Read Full Review >

100

DailyGame

Super Mario Galaxy is a Wii masterpiece and the gameplay is out of this world. Don't be a Koopa; try out what may be the best Wii game yet.

Read Full Review >

100

AceGamez

Mario Galaxy is a recipe you'll love and it's good for you too, in the sense that it'd be good for you to play a proper title for a change, one that should stay fresh and in your collection forever.

Read Full Review >

100

Maxi Consolas (Portugal)

It’s probably closer to perfection than most of the games that we’ve played this year. You just can’t miss an experience that’s pure fun and can put a smile on your face from start to finish. Buy it, borrow it... just play it. [Dec 2007]

100

PTGamers

A game that reaches for the stars and can touch the stars, with flawless execution at every level, could only be considered something: perfect. This is the stuff videogames are made!

Read Full Review >

100

Video Game Talk

It offers addictively fun gameplay, beautiful visuals and music, and delivers some truly memorable moments that will shock and surprise you. If you own a Wii, this is your Holy Grail and without a doubt should be for centerpiece of your software library.

Read Full Review >

100

The Wiire

This game sets the standard for family interaction. Allowing a second player to control the star pointer as a means of easing them into the gameplay, or just to allow another person to share in the experience, works brilliantly.

Read Full Review >

100

Zentendo

Near flawless package. Gameplay, visuals, sound, presentation and overall value and fun are off the charts.

Read Full Review >

100

Gameplayer

The genius of Super Mario Galaxy is that its basic game design solves every problem that’s ever existed with a platform or adventure game.

Read Full Review >

100

Cubed3

It makes you think, it makes you smile and it compels you to play just one more level. Flat out, the most addictive platform game ever created, if not one of the most addictive games ever created.

Read Full Review >

100

GotNext

There is no higher point in Mario platforming than this, and given the height of galactic situations, only something far off the spectrum like Super Mario Micro or Super Mario Universe ad nauseam could possibly topple it in terms of scale and evolution in game design.

Read Full Review >

MEGamers

Mario Galaxy is one of the games you will talking about in 20 years, saying yes I played that one on my Wii.

Read Full Review >

Console Monster

Galaxy warps you back to when you were a child, charming you with its simple, imaginative gameplay, amazing level design and tremendous amount of variety—all the while sticking to the core Mario formula that we all know and love.

Read Full Review >

Jolt Online Gaming UK

It’s the game that shows just how powerful and capable the machine is of producing incredible games. It’s the game that at long last tops "Super Mario 64" as the finest platformer of them all. But, most importantly, it’s the game in which we can finally make Mario look like a bee.

Read Full Review >

Extreme Gamer

Super Mario Galaxy will go down as one of the greatest games of all time. It brings innovation to the table, while keeping true to the roots of what makes a platforming experience fun.

Read Full Review >

IC-Games

Super Mario: Galaxy is certainly the Wii’s strongest title yet and few would disagree that it’s also one of the best games Nintendo have ever produced. If you are lucky enough to own a Wii then this is one title you shouldn’t miss out on. It really is that special.

Read Full Review >

Gaming Target

Super Mario Galaxy is the best game on the Wii, period.

Read Full Review >

GameZone

Clear your schedules gamers, this is it – the kind of masterpiece, showpiece, and trophy game that we wait years to obtain.

Read Full Review >

GameTrailers

It's a perfect blend of the established and unexpected, and a finely crafted piece of software that will infect your subconscious and make you dread dropping the controller. The accessibility, ingenuity, variety, quality, and quantity are impeccable. The only real uncertainty is how much you'll allow it to take over your life.

Read Full Review >

Game Informer

Once that nostalgic music rings out and Mario leaps into the air, all your complaints instantly vanish. This is, in my opinion, the best Mario game since the NES classic, Super Mario Bros. It innovates in a genre that we had thought we had seen everything from, and in doing so delivers some of the most entertaining gameplay to date.

Read Full Review >

Console Gameworld

A true evolution of the platforming genre and one of the best videogames to come out in a long time.

Read Full Review >

AtomicGamer

If there's only one Wii game that you buy this year, make sure that it is Super Mario Galaxy.

Read Full Review >

Nintendojo

Super Mario Galaxy is arguably the best game on Wii to date and is a must-have for almost everyone.

Read Full Review >

NZGamer

Galaxy really is as good as you have been hearing; if you are a Nintendo fan, this is simply essential.

Read Full Review >

Electronic Gaming Monthly

Where series like "Zelda" are starting to stagnate, Mario continues to innovate and impress. [Jan 2008, p.84]

IGN AU

Rapturous. There is simply no better word to describe this game. It’s a joy to play from start to finish; jam-packed full of both inventive new ideas and nods to Mario past, with a difficulty curve that climbs slowly and steadily.

Read Full Review >

Games Master UK

A Mario classic - it's rare to find a game so consistently brilliant. A wondrous journey. [Christmas 2007, p.44]

NGamer UK

Super Mario Galaxy is one of those rare games that makes children of us all, that'll have you straight on the phone to your gaming comrades, throwing out terms such as 'best game in years' or - gasp! - 'Mario 64 beater.' [Christmas 2007, p.32]

Official Nintendo Magazine UK

Simply put, if you've long been dreaming of a game that actually makes the most of the Wii's powerful graphics processor then your dreams have come true. Super Mario Galaxy will not only rock your socks, it will blow your actual feet clean off, leaving you with a set of comedy stumps that you can use to pretend you're a marauding pirate. [December 2007, p.72]

IGN

One of the greatest platformers I have ever played, Wii's best game, and an absolute must-own experience. And to me, this odd trek through space really does feel like the true sequel to "Mario 64."

Read Full Review >

Cheat Code Central

The graphics in Super Mario Galaxy are simply outstanding. The level design is loaded with fluffy and colorful shapes, sharp and bright colors, and lots of detail.

Read Full Review >

Kombo

However, despite these shortcomings, it's nearly impossible not to celebrate the exceptional design that backbones Galaxy. This encompasses everything from the controls to the level design to the music – not to mention everything unconventional or traditional in between.

Read Full Review >

Gamer 2.0

This may not be Mario’s first appearance on the Wii, but it is definitely his best so far. Super Mario Galaxy may be Mario’s best adventure since he was last jumping on the Super Nintendo over a decade ago.

Read Full Review >

n-Revolution Magazine UK

Quotation forthcoming. [Issue#16]

Game Positive

Super Mario Galaxy is not only the best game on the Wii, but it's one of the best games ever made. Few titles have quite the level of pure creativity mixed with "wow" moments like Galaxy does.

Read Full Review >

Play.tm

Galaxy opts for a slow strong confident delivery rather than the showy tricks of its impostors. This may mean it takes a little while before you are really convinced. But, spend a little time and we are sure that you will be coming back again and again, just to be reminded of what it takes to make a great platform game in every sense of the word: running, jumping and exploration.

Read Full Review >

Pelit (Finland)

Super Mario Galaxy is full of imagination and character. It looks and sounds great and the controls are both versatile and accurate. The only negative is the low difficulty during the first half of the game. Even with that it’s still the best platformer since Mario 64. [Dec 2007]

Destructoid

This is the first game on the Wii that I can recommend without hesitation to gamers of any stock, from any background -- a truly must-own title...And though there's little in the way of "innovation" of the genre, it's the refinement of the genre that solidifies Galaxy as the most essential platforming experience yet created.

Read Full Review >

Gamers Europe

After quarter of a century he's still fat, still round, and still bouncing on the ground. And still the greatest.

Read Full Review >

Nintendo Power

The diverse gameplay elements and sheer platforming joy will keep you mesmerized. [Holiday 2007, p.78]

Da Gameboyz

Super Mario Galaxy is by far one of the best games on the Nintendo Wii to date.

Read Full Review >

ZTGameDomain

With its simple, yet addicting gameplay and amazing visuals, Super Mario Galaxy is by far the best game available for the Wii, along with the best Mario title released in years.

Read Full Review >

Worth Playing

It's the best Mario's been in years and perhaps his very best game ever. The combination of great level design, fantastic graphics, easy-to-learn controls, glorious soundtrack and just the overall wonderful presentation make Super Mario Galaxy a real winner.

Read Full Review >

GamerNode

Easily the best game on the Wii, and arguably the best Mario adventure to date.

Read Full Review >

1UP

Galaxy proves that Mario matters just as much today as he did 25 years ago, and that makes him one of a kind in this medium. But don't play Galaxy simply because Mario is the timeless godfather of gaming. No, play Galaxy because it's fantastic.

Read Full Review >

GameSpot

The stellar presentation and fantastic level designs combine to make Super Mario Galaxy the Wii's game to beat and one of Mario's greatest adventures yet.

Read Full Review >

Computer and Video Games

Galaxy's real success is in its ability to surprise, which it does consistently from start to finish. Just when you think Nintendo's out of ideas you're blasted off to another world that's even crazier and more creative than the last.

Read Full Review >

My Gamer

This may not be Mario’s first Wii game, but it is definitely his best.

Read Full Review >

GameShark

Underwhelming multiplayer is easily overlooked; however, issues with the camera are harder to forgive. Maintaining simple control over the view or providing a faultless automatic camera is a must for platform games and Super Mario Galaxy falls flat in this regard. Everything else works wonderfully.

Read Full Review >

The Onion (A.V. Club)

The only word to describe fighting Bowser with an orchestral score in the background is "badass."

Read Full Review >

Game Almighty

Excellent graphics, gameplay and variety are definitely SMG's strengths, though it's certainly not perfect. The game may feel a little too easy for most gamers, as you only need to collect 60 stars to complete it and many of the boss battles are very simple. Also, the auto-camera, which functions great most of the time, does have a few hiccups at certain points.

Read Full Review >

GameCritics

I’m glad that after 20 years, Nintendo can still make something old feel new again.

Read Full Review >

games(TM)

Nintendo has crafted a platform game that, while not as technologically pioneering as its grandfather, is, level for level, more fun to play than "Mario 64." [Dec 2007, p.128]

GameDaily

The at-times awkward Wii-mote controls and a tacked-on co-op mode keep the game from reaching perfection, but gravity-bending levels still manage to keep the game fresh from start to finish, while familiar characters and soundtrack hit all the right nostalgic notes.

Read Full Review >

VideoGamer

In the hands of anyone who's been longing for a true sequel to Mario 64, Super Mario Galaxy could well be the game of the year, but for me the latter half struggles to match the creativity and moments of magic experienced during the opening.

What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 9.1 (out of 10) based on 882 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Andy H gave it a10:
This game ate my weekend. I started playing it on my housemate's Wii on Friday afternoon, the next thing I know I've got four stars left to go and it's 3AM the following Monday. I commend any game that can charm and immerse me so deeply I go over 48 hours without using the toilet and I don't notice.

Patrick P gave it a10:
There will likely never be another Wii game that will come close to the sheer amount quality, polish, and brilliance of Super Mario Galaxy. With nearly flawless controls, excellent design work, a superb soundtrack, and the most incredible graphics you'll find on the system, this is as close to perfect as games come.

Jordan G gave it a10:
This game blew me away from start to finish. It's original and unique, easy to pick up but can be played for hours on end. It is the perfect balance of Mario style platforming combined with buckets full of new gameplay elements. Possibly the greatest Mario game ever. Even if it wasn't the first ever 3D Mario game, a factor that caused many a gamer to shiver in abslute joy, it had an impact on me unlike any other game. Best game on Wii? Yes.

James b gave it a10:
Just Brilliant! I have to admit i first thought this game sucked as hell and they raped Mario because they tooked all of his atacks away , the only thing you can do is spin around and my first thought of the music was just BAH and putted it so quick as possible out. And i played super mario 64 and Super mario sunshine(And found all of his stars in both games, yeah!) where you have lots of attacks and further so you can understand my reaction about this change.. But then i picked it up again and play it further and further and when you get used to the sound it sounds pretty well though. And the game itself is also a much better then my first impression, you have maybe less attacks but sooo more power ups those who are so much fun by the way. And i'm happy that the controls are the same or even better then the other mario games, it's just so much fun to jump around with mario and explore each galaxy! And then the special remote not to forget, it's veeeery handy and well done and a nice adjective to the game. Whole the game together it's just again a very nice Mario game and to my opnion, those are the best games! So i've got a new favorite game<3

Luigi gave it a10:
As one of the only people I know to 100% complete the game, I know that this is one of the most fun, action packed games I have ever played. With 120 levels across around 40 different galaxies, this game has nearly everything a Mario fan could possibly want, and then some.

Andrew M gave it a2:
Boring gameplay, abysmal story, , unnecessary prophecies and gimmicks, oh, and Mario fans are going to attack people that don't like the new Mario games? This game has it all!

Félix D gave it a10:
I'm gonna tell you this right now; everyone who gives a note that is less than 8/10 should not be playing video games, because they don't play games for fun. You see, Super Mario Galaxy is a Mario game. Mario games are made to be fun, and this one sets the proportions of fun to a whole new level. Let's just start off with the gameplay; Being the best feature of Super Mario Galaxy, it shows simple, yet perfectly responsitive controls. There are even hidden moves which can be useful for the hardcore players out there. Then, there's the graphics, which are absolutely insane beyond belief. I never expected a Mario game to look so good AND have a perfect, 60 frame per second graphical orgasm for the Wii. What about the music? A perfect balance between completely new orchestrated songs and old-school synthetised remixes of old Mario songs. Let's not forget the 120 stars to collect with Mario, THEN the same 120 stars to collect again, but this time with Luigi, which makes the game harder as he slides easily if you let him go. Bottom line, Super Mario Galaxy is the perfect Mario game, and in my oppinion, no other game can produce as much emotion and epicness as this game.

Games

Sony

Microsoft

Nintendo

Other Platforms

Upcoming &Recent Releases

Super Mario Galaxy

Game Info

Summary

Also On Metacritic

What The Critics Said

What Our Users Said

Upcoming &
Recent Releases