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Super Mario Galaxy' is truly out of this world
Even with his world turned upside down, Mario somehow seems to shine.
Gaming's most recognizable face heads for the final frontier in the mesmerizing Super Mario Galaxy, an innovative intergalactic quest.
The plot kicks off with - surprise - the abduction of Princess Peach by Mario nemesis Bowser. In order to catch Bowser, Mario must collect a series of stars in various galaxies to traverse the universe in search of the princess.
Each galaxy is represented by planets Mario must conquer before he can advance. Upon completing a specific task on each planet, a launch star appears to blast you toward your next destination.
Planets are not as much worlds as they are quirky masses Mario romps around every which gravity-defying way imaginable, even running upside down underneath planets. Levels boast unique, fun themes including one based on a golf course and another on a beehive, in which Mario dons a bee suit.
Galaxy is moderately difficult. Most players of any age can enjoy. Coins are scattered generously throughout galaxies so you can replenish life easily.
Visually, this is perhaps the most stunning Mario title to date. The first time watching Mario soar through space was breathtaking. Each planet sports vibrant, colorful landscapes.
Part of the Mario franchise's appeal is the simplicity of its controls, which continues on the Wii. The nunchuk moves Mario, while the A button executes his signature jump. Shaking the remote sends Mario into a dizzying spin toward enemies.
As you advance, you'll not only collect coins and power-ups, but Star Bits, chunks of stars Mario can use to fire at opponents or feed other stars for rewards. Pointing to nearby Star Bits immediately adds them to your collection.
After a long absence, Super Mario brings back a two-player mode in the form of Co-Star mode. While one player controls Mario, the other can grab a remote to snag Star Bits, freeze opponents or help Mario execute huge jumps. It's a good avenue for non-experienced gamers and parents to join in on the action, but I don't see many experienced gamers finding an interest.
Nintendo's star has always shone brightly through his 20-plus years in gaming, and Super Mario Galaxy is another reminder of its brilliant luster.
Stories about: Super Mario Bros
Mario tough to resist on Wii
Mario returns to his slimmer self for his Wii debut in Super Paper Mario, a light-hearted adventure filled with more depth than the two-dimension surface suggests. At first glance, Super Paper Mario appears like your standard side-scroller. Clever gameplay, however, mixed with RPG elements create yet another engaging journey for Nintendo's gaming icon.
Gaming rivals team up
Mario the plumber and Sonic the Hedgehog, rivals in the video game world for two decades, will team up for the first time in a game based on the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games, due in stores this holiday season for Nintendo's Wii console and DS handheld system (prices not yet set), will also include other popular characters such as Luigi and Yoshi (from Nintendo's Mario games), as well as Knuckles and Tails (from the Sonic games), all competing in such summer Olympic events as running, swimming and table tennis.
Review: Wii's online offerings score The Nintendo GameCube might have been my sons' pride and joy for four years, but it was relegated to the kids' small television and not once did it earn a connection to our main family room TV.
Wii helps Nintendo year-end profits soar
Booming year-end sales of the wand-wielding Wii game console sent profit at Nintendo soaring 43% for the nine months ended December, the Japanese manufacturer of Pokemon and Super Mario games said Thursday.
'Pac-Man' is going digital
The latest game of the '70s and '80s to get digital is Pac-Man, which on Wednesday goes on Microsoft's Xbox Live Arcade, which lets users digitally download and own the games. His arrival online shows how video gamemakers are following in the steps of record labels and movie studios by making past hits available online.
Classic video games make a comeback
Vintage consoles are plentiful on Internet auction sites. An annual "Classic Gaming Expo" convention is growing, moving to larger quarters this year. And companies are trying to cash in with repackaged editions of classics including the space fighter Defender and the pill-munching Pac-Man. .
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