By Damian Seeto
Copyright futurefive
With the popularity of both the Switch and Switch 2 consoles, Nintendo has decided to re-release a lot of games from its back catalogue. As announced at Nintendo Direct a few weeks ago, the company has now re-released Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 for Switch consoles.
Some gamers may already know Super Mario Galaxy was already re-released for the Switch a few years ago as part of the Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection. However, this game collection was a limited time release, and it is not available anymore.
Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 is a proper game release as it’s not going to be pulled off retail or digital shelves anytime soon. The game has been released for the Switch, but it’s playable for Switch 2 owners too via backwards compatibility. Let’s dive in to see how this Switch version performs compared to the original Wii versions.
Graphics and performance
It goes without saying that the original Wii console was underpowered back in the day. The maximum resolution for Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 was only 480p in 2007 and 2010, respectively.
The PS3 and Xbox 360 came out around the same time and managed to output games in HD. The only blessing in disguise was that both Wii Mario games still ran at 60fps.
Thankfully, the Switch and Switch 2 versions get a resolution bump. You can now play the game at 720p via handheld mode on Switch, and 1080 while the console is docked. Switch 2 owners can play the game at 1080p handheld, and 4K while it’s docked.
All versions run at 60fps, and the graphical upgrades look colourful and awesome. The higher resolution textures are instantly noticeable compared to the Wii versions.
New features
While Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 are the same games as they were several years ago, Nintendo still managed to add some newer features for Switch and Switch 2 owners.
For starters, there is an Assist Mode added to make the games easier for beginners and kids. Mario now has double the health, and his health can be replenished when he’s just standing still. Not to mention, only his health is decreased when he falls to his death. Usually, you lose an entire life without Assist Mode.
The controls have also been improved for gamers who hate the Wii remote. You can attack using the Y button, and the touchscreen is used for other functions like collecting crystals or using Yoshi’s tongue.
Autosave is also a new feature to have for modern gamers. Back in my day, you had to manually create your own save data. Even before that, we had to buy memory cards before save data was stored on hard drives!
Overall gameplay
Both Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 are excellent 3D Mario games because they introduce some innovative gaming mechanics. Like in the first game, Mario can get a power-up where he mimics the abilities of a bee. In another ability, he can become a ghost and phase through walls.
Super Mario Galaxy 2 adds Yoshi to the mix, and he can swallow or spit out enemies using this reptilian-like tongue. All the levels take place on different galaxies, and in order to continue, Mario needs to collect as many Power Stars as possible.
The gameplay isn’t too challenging, and most bosses can be beaten by hitting them three times. The levels never get too repetitive and boring because each stage is unique and usually introduces a new game mechanic for you to learn.
Even though both Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 are excellent games, the sad part about this re-release is that it’s quite expensive. You’d think Nintendo would offer a discount for games that were released in 2007 and 2010, but they didn’t.
Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 on the Switch go for $99.00 NZD. It’s slightly cheaper than a new release Switch 2 video game, but the price should have been much lower since this is a remaster more than a remake.
Overall thoughts
This re-release of Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 is excellent because it features better graphics and easier gameplay for beginners. The only real downside is that it’s pricey. Hopefully, the game goes down in price in the coming months to justify its purchase.
Verdict: 8.0/10