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Super Mario Thwii
Product: Mario Games
Company: Nintendo
Date: 07/19/2007
Avaliable On:

Nintendo is often accused of overusing it’s plump, Italian mascot and, while that may be the case, the games usually turn out to be some of the year’s biggest and best sellers. In the coming months, Mario is slated to appear in at least five games. In addition to appearing in Super Smash Bros. Brawl (which failed to make an appearance at this year’s E3) and Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games, Mario will also appear in his own solo adventure, the much awaited Super Mario Galaxy, while finding the time to play soccer in Mario Strikers Charged and race in Mario Kart Wii.

Super Mario Galaxy is arguably one of Nintendo’s biggest upcoming releases. Gameplay follows the same general model as Mario 64, so much so that Nintendo has taken to referring to it as the first “true follow-up to Mario 64.” Levels require moving from the beginning to the end; only you’ll have to blast around between multiple mini-planets to do so. Each planet contains a series of tasks that you must complete in order to unlock the star icon that will launch you to the next area. Part of the challenge is figuring out what tasks you need to complete. In one, you might have to collect silver stars while in another you’ll have to catch rabbits or stomp on an invisible enemy.

Both the Wii-mote and Nunchuk are used for controls. The analog stick on the Nunchuk moves Mario around while (C) and (Z) center the camera and butt-stomp respectively. Pointing the Wii-mote at the screen produces a star-shaped pointer which, when you press (B), allows Mario to interact with objects. Hitting a bell will produce collectable musical notes; you can also wave it around star fragments to collect those. Though NES nostalgia would suggest moving the Wii-mote up causes Mario to jump, it is instead handled with the (A) button while moving the Wii-mote results in a spin attack or, if he’s in the air, a little extra airtime.

Visually, Super Mario Galaxy is easily the best looking Wii game. The game uses the same familiar Mario style along with some nifty special effects. Planets range in both size and shape. Some are round, while others have odd outcroppings or aren’t round at all. One planet is even shaped like a giant apple (complete with a caterpillar). Planets also differ in looks; one may look like a grassy meadow, another will look like it was carved out of wood and another looks like something from the Vegas strip.

Mario can walk on all “sides” of each planet, making the constant reorientation part of the challenge. The camera is locked into position, though you can recenter it if the angle gets a little too crazy.

Mario Strikers Charged, which ships later this month, is a follow-up to Super Mario Strikers and places Mario and the gang in a frantic game of soccer.

After selecting a captain from the major Mario characters, you build a team using the “lesser” characters, like Bones or Toad. Games take place on a soccer pitch, though each has its own hazards. On one field, games take place during a wind-filled rainstorm. Wind will knock characters back and, if they get too close to the edge, knock them off completely. Every field has some type of hazard that you’ll have to contend with.

Gameplay is very fast. The analog stick on the Nunchuk moves your selected character while pressing (C) uses power-ups. Pressing the D-pad on the Wii-mote pulls off moves, while (A) and (B) pass and shoot. Characters can also use special moves that use the Wii-mote in various ways.

Up to four players can take part in games while two players can go head-to-head online.

Though it wasn’t shown in playable form, Nintendo also announced that Mario Kart Wii was in development and would be out early next year. Visually the game carries the same look as Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, though with a slightly sharper look. The announcement trailer showed off several familiar racers, including Mario, Peach, Yoshi and Baby Mario. One notable detail is that, unlike Double Dash!!, all characters were in their own karts rather than doubling up.

Another announcement in regards to Mario Kart Wii is that the game will feature online support.

Mario Strikers Charged is scheduled for release at the end of the month while Super Mario Galaxy ships in early November. No concrete release information has been announced for Mario Kart Wii other than it will ship with a special wheel attachment.

Starscream aka Ricky Tucker

GameVortex PSIllustrated