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Growing up, I didn't have a Wii console. Certainly, I tried Wii Sports plus various major releases when visiting family and friends during the 2000s decade, but I never had a Wii of my own, causing me to overlook some great entries in Nintendo’s iconic franchises.

One of those games included Super Mario Galaxy, including its successor, has been freshly updated and transferred to the Nintendo Switch. The first one got incorporated in 2020’s limited-edition collection Super Mario 3D All-Stars. I appreciated the chance to experience what many consider a top-tier Mario adventures created. I was quickly sucked in, and can definitely say it lives up to nearly two decades of hype. However, it’s also made me realize how happy I am movement-based inputs mostly stayed in the past.

Initiating Galactic Exploration

Similar to most Mario adventure, Super Mario Galaxy starts when Bowser nabbing the princess including her home. His fleet of pirate-like space ships take her among the stars, throwing Mario through space as this happens. Mario meets charming cosmic creatures known as Lumas and meets Rosalina aboard her comet ship. She assigns Mario with finding power stars to fuel the cosmic base so they can chase after the villain, then players gain freedom to go exploring.

Galaxy's navigation system is a joy, and all it took experiencing a couple levels to recognize how it receives such praise. It seems recognizable for those who tried Mario's 3D adventures, and the mechanics are approachable and straightforward as Nintendo typically delivers.

Gravity-Defying Gameplay

As astronomy fan, the backdrop aligns with my preferences, and it allows for Super Mario Galaxy to play with planetary forces. Orbital stages enable Mario to circle repeatedly about them similar to Goku following Bubbles in popular series. With nearby platforms, Mario can leap across and get snatched via planetary attraction by neighboring objects. Other platforms feature flat circular shapes, and often feature goodies on the underside, where you may not think to look.

Meeting Familiar Faces

The enjoyment from playing Super Mario Galaxy after nearly two decades includes knowing familiar faces. I was unaware Rosalina first appeared within this title, nor that she served as the adoptive mother to stellar beings. Prior to this experience, she simply represented a frequent choice Mario Kart World character selection. Similarly with Penguins, alongside whom I liked swimming during an early beach level.

Motion Control Challenges

The only real drag during this adventure today are the motion controls, employed for collecting, aiming, and shooting cosmic pieces, vibrant items found across galaxies. Playing on handheld mode required angling and turning the device to aim, seeming somewhat awkward. Gyroscopic elements feature heavily within various navigation areas, needing users to point the star-shaped cursor at platforms to drag Mario to them.

Missions entirely needing gyroscopic features perform optimally with independent remotes enhancing accuracy, such as the ray-riding stage at the start. I haven't typically been supportive of gyroscopic gameplay, while they didn't improve notably effectively in Super Mario Galaxy. Thankfully, if you get enough stars from other levels, these movement-based stages can be wholly skipped. I attempted the stage requiring Mario guiding a large sphere across a path filled with gaps, then quickly abandoned following single try.

Classic Nintendo Magic

Apart from the clunky Wii-era control schemes, there’s really nothing to criticize in Super Mario Galaxy, and galactic environments provide enjoyment to navigate. Even as standouts such as Odyssey appeared subsequently, Super Mario Galaxy stays among the finest and most inventive Mario games around.