IGN: Super Mario Galaxy 2 Review

Not since the days of the Nintendo Entertainment System has Nintendo been so committed to the Super Mario franchise on its current generation console: 2007 was the year that Nintendo revamped the 3D Mario design with Super Mario Galaxy, and just six months ago the company rebooted the 2D design with New Super Mario Bros. Wii. Just a short wait later, Nintendo's returned to its first Wii Mario game to give it a second go: there is so much creativity, variety and challenge poured into this sequel. 2007 Super Mario Galaxy was brilliant, but 2010's Super Mario Galaxy 2 is absolutely amazing.

[Strange_Evil]

Wow a 10!!! Great looking forward to it.

[MerkinMax]

I wish I had a Wii...

[Danteh]

holy sh!t Mario keeps raping everyone!

I only use my Wii for Mario Galaxy and Zelda Wii, but I guess it's worth it ;)

[Danteh]

to all the people below, you just don't get it

If you are a new gamer (this gen) you may whine about this getting a 10, but if you aren't, you'll know that no one messes with Mario

So yeah even though I much favor the PS3, this and Zelda Wii will probably be the best games this gen ^^

[ryuzu]

I do have a Wii and while SMG1 was great and I'm sure this is also great a perfect 10 across the board from IGN gives us a valuable insight into their reviewing system.

Let's take 1 point - Graphics = 10. Now the Wii is basically last gen hardware so by definition, it cannot compete graphically with current gen consoles.

However, IGN have given SMG2 a 10. This means that IGN must review games in the context of their platform. SMG2 is not competing with PS3/360 release, but only against other Wii releases.

Expanding that thought, it means that 360 and PS3 games are reviewed against games on their own platform and so it follows that review scores for IGN have no cross-platform relevance.

So, before everyone flips on SMG2's excellence, remember this is a Wii game, and great as it is, it cannot be compared to other platforms. To put it another way, if this were released on 360/PS3 (ignoring the obvious IP issues for the moment), then it would not be a 10 game...

r.

[Seferoth75]

@ryuzu, that is one of the dumbest comments I have ever read. You lack any knowledge of gaming history.

[badz149]

bwahahaha...there's a thin line between totally blind and a fanboy! maybe that's why fanboys are always blind! Mario might plays better but looks better? come on, 480p vs pixar quality 720p 60fps nuff said!

[Lizam]

Seriously???

Since when does a games graphics only be determined by resolution and hardware capabilities? Ever heard of artistic design? Please, tell me that SMG2's art design isn't f'ing beautiful.

[callahan09]

@The10thRider:

"it looks better than ratchet and clank for PS3 anyway."

No it doesn't. Come on, now.

http://wiimedia.ign.com/wii...

http://numbthumb.files.word...

A Crack in Time is gorgeous. Mario Galaxy 2 looks great for a Wii game, but it definitely can't stand up to Ratchet & Clank on PS3.

[callahan09]

REALLY? A disagree? That's just pathetic. It's FACTUAL that Ratchet & Clank A Crack in Time has better visuals than Mario Galaxy 2. Give us a break here. I posted screens to support my point, you can't look at those screens and not see the difference in visual quality and detail.

[nycredude]

@callahan

You can't argue with kids man. They all think they are the only one right. Obviously this kid hasn't played Rachet on the Ps3. Such a retarded statement imo. Mario was great back in the day when I was freaking 12 but seriously is stale. IGN have already lost all credibility adn continue to lose more. 10 for graphics! Yeah ok.

[shadow2797]

I can't say this is a GOTY, or whether or not it deserves a 10 in any category. But after watching that video review, if I had a Wii, this is the first game I would buy. That speaks volumes, imo.

[Anon1974]

I can't believe some people are coming on here and complaining Mario received a 10 for graphics just because it's on the Wii. What the hell is wrong with you people? When reviewers reviews games, they don't say "Ok folks! Crisis is a 10 and everything shall be judged based on that."

If I read a review for a game on the Wii, I want to know how it compares to other Wii games, or how it fits in with it's particular genre. Do you reviewers look at DS games and think that every single DS game should get a 2 for graphics because it's not as pretty as Ratchet and Clank?

Give your head a shake. There's two games that make me regret selling my Wii. This game and Super Mario Brothers.

[Homicide]

For those questioning a 10 for graphics, can you name me another game that looks better than Super Mario Galaxy 2?

It's hilarious how many of you are downplaying this game. Just face it, it's an incredible game just like the first one.

[ChickeyCantor]

Callahan,

People disagree, because they are talking about ART-STYLE.
Sure the Ps3 is able to produce better shaders, but i have to say the art-style of galaxy/2( from characters(like NPC behavior/animations) to worlds) is much better looking than that game you mentioned( and yes i have played R&C on the PS3).
Its the art-style, not so much the output and render capabilities.

[ALFAxD_CENTAURO]

Buy the game and emulate the game in you PC, with Dolphin Program.

[Millah]

Wow, people have even resorted to hating on Mario now? You know its bad when people start hating on Mario games.

[deadreckoning666]

With all do respect but...r u people high? Killerapp, ur telling me that all u need is ONE persons opinion to determine that a game you haven't played yet is a GOTY contender? Im not attacking you, I just feel that u should start judging games AFTER u play em....not before. @below- Im sorry if I seem upset, quite franky im chuckling as I write this because I'm trying to understand why there are people out there who treat IGN as the word of God. I read this out of curiousity and I honestly have no interest in SMG2, just like I had no interest in SMG1. In fact, the only way I would consider buying a Wii, is if Shenmue 3 came out on it exclusively.

[exnihilonihilfit]

There really wasn't much doubt that this game would be a GOTY contender before the IGN review. This is Nintendo's most important franchise, and they treat it well. Most people never get tired of Mario, I certainly don't, and Nintendo always introduce new elements to the platforming genre with every iteration. I just don't see why you seem so upset about it, the current gen "console war" has always been an HD system war, and Wii has always been the outlier, so members of the Sony and MS camps don't need to be getting up in arms about it.

[Army_of_Darkness]

Out of all the great ps3/ 360 games that came out so far, smg2 on the wii managed to get a perfect score from ign?!?! Whaaaaat?!?!

[PiTCHBLaCK]

Yeah go figure

I Like mario to but I don't get the frenzy.
Often times people love the name and from that alone they go into a frenzy.

Mario hasn't changed much and yet is one of the oldest franchises
and there games still get 10's, as I stated I Love the series but Mario is WAY over rated, more so then any other series.
At least with Zelda they try to change things to keep it fresh.

ah well, Good score either way, congrats Nintendo for another Mario game.

[The 10th Rider]

Your saying Mario is overrated more than CALL OF DUTY, or HALO?

[El_Colombiano]

Metal Gear Solid 4 got a 10/10 from IGN. It's all about Nintendo and Playstation this generation...and every other one prior.

[snakebite36]

If this game can get a 10, then The Last Guardian better get a 10.

[WMW]

wii games aren't reviewed at the same standard as ps3 and 360 games the same way hand held games aren't. we know the wii isn't at the same level so it doesn't get points taken away for things that are unacceptable on other consoles like the bad graphics, lack of replay value, lack of story, no voice acting and very little originality.

[Mini Mario]

See what you have been missing out on. Thinking your playing better games based on the hardware of a console you think is superior because of the hardware.

See where u went wrong. Also try tatsunoko vs capcom.

@WMW

"wii games aren't reviewed at the same standard as ps3 and 360 games the same way hand held games aren't"

Seriously the excuses coming out of you guys is UN-BELIEVABLE. Not the same standard! lol omg.

So with your "logic" ps3/360 games should lose about 3-4 points for not having graphics on par with a pc. <<<< That's your logic..not mine!

A bit Silly >>> ?

Yes

[Sam Fisher]

i was joking, idc about mario games. i just wanted to say funny things like eating shrooms and getting away with it lol

ok then screw you guys, i wasnt joking mario needs to get hit by a pipe at the back of the head and die laying there. sonic was better anyways.. >:P

[qface64]

is that why the sonic games and sonic himself have been in the gutter?

the best selling thing that sega did with sonic only sold great because it had mario in it
that olympic games crap

[Nike]

Sonic actually started selling pretty well since he went multi-platform (though I don't think Secret Rings, Black Knight and Unleashed did great). Even that stupid game Shadow the Hedgehog sold good.

The flipside? Almost every Sonic game after the Dreamcast era (Sonic Adventure 1 was good, 2 was average) has been terrible. Hoping Sonic 4 corrects that.

[eagle21]

Sam Fisher should be deleted. Very immature posts with no substance or merit. Could you cry any louder bro? We can't hear you. :)

[thedisagreefairy]

first post on this topic gave me a chuckle.

what he failed to realize about those games was that it was never REALLY about mario rescuing peach or link getting to zelda. it was the adventure getting there with creative level design that always challenged players. that is why mario and zelda games continue to get great scores.

[vhero]

If reviewers reviewed all PS3 and 360 games with the same open mind they do on SMG2 they would give a lot of 10's out to be fair.. They are really harsh with most games yet it seems if you stick Halo/Mario/GTA on the box the reviewers instantly give it a completely different type of review than every other game.. I mean honestly graphics 10?? What do they compare it to?? They didn't even give Uncharted graphics a 10 talk about biased... You can't give a cartoon game graphics 10/10 it's just stupid. I am not saying gameplay don't deserve a 10 but COME ON! Sick of these fake reviews.

[Rainstorm81]

i agree completely, graphics a 10 is a joke, and this is why gaming media is a joke as well. Mario may be one of the most fun games ever but to say the graphics is on par with MW2 (10) or U2 is disrespectful to the graphically superior HD consoles.

As you said Mario/Zelda/GTA/Halo come get your free passes!

+bubbles v hero because the mario fan are going to ravage them.

Edit: whats even funnier....alot of people in here prasing mario were just downing RDR(PS3) for sub-HD graphics.

Hypocrisy within the gaming community & journalism runs uncontrollably rampant.

[DigitalAnalog]

Why not judge the graphics that is soley based on each individual system it's on and how consistent it is throughout the game rather than generalize it as a whole in gaming graphics amongst consoles. In retrospect, every game should be getting a 2 - 5 in graphics because they all fall short on Crysis by your logic.

-End statement

[CDbiggen]

Im pretty sure that he is just giving the 10 becuase of the fact it is the best looking game on the Wii ;) You guys get in such a fuss over these things.

"but to say the graphics are on par with MW2 (10) or U2 is disrespectful to the graphically superior HD consoles."
Did he say that?

[PS360_37]

How does Mario get a free pass?

The last Mario Galaxy won GOTY and you are questioning the good reviews of the game. So if the reviews are saying that SMG2 is even better than the first and you haven't even played it, who are you to say that they are giving it a free pass for giving it a 10?

I will say that UC2 definitely deserved a 10 in graphics, but by your logic every game on any hand-held system that isn't up to par with PS3 games do not deserve good graphics reviews because by default they CANT be as good as PS3 graphics. That doesn't make sense.

You HAVE to review a game relative to the machine its on, other wise no game besides the best PS3 games will get good graphics reviews.

I also like how you cleverly insert your fanboy bias by saying that every Halo/Mario/GTA game gets a free pass, and conveniently leave out any PS3 game that might be given a "free pass."

[nveenio]

The truth is that games are reviewed in comparison to what else is available on the platform.

EDIT: @DigitalAnalog Seriously...go play Crysis again. Play it on max settings, but without any tweaks to the game engine. In other words, play it right out of the box. I think you'll be disappointed...I know I am. Especially when I see what a few lighting tweaks could have done to make it better. Crysis runs on the most realistic engine out there, but it is not the best looking game.

[Rainstorm81]

"Lasting Appeal
If you just want to get to Bowser you'll be done in a few hours. But if you want to strut your gaming skills you'll be playing this one for weeks.

Graphics
A testament to the amazing game engine from 2007: it still looks fantastic and beautiful."

Is it me or if these things held true for any game on PS3 or X360 that game would struggle to get an 8/10.

[vhero]

@Raiinstorm81 thanks but I have nothing against the gameplay It may deserve a 10 I dunno I have to play myself but the graphics issue is what gets me sure it might beat other wii titles but we should be comparing it to other games this gen and hell it doesn't even touch some of the worst looking 360/PS3 games. Mario is fun and that's what games are about not graphics I have always said this but the problem with reviews is they review graphics.. They then change the reviews to suit the game which is wrong and biased. This is why we also never saw a FFXIII 360 review.

[Meryl]

yeah but it's basically smg1.5, it's the same game with a couple of new additions that's it, if a ps game does this it gets blasted for not being "original", it should have scored a 9 not a ten other than that good review:):)
SMG2 here I come!!

[PS360_37]

your fanboy logic is so flawed

[Montrealien]

I played through the begining of this game and it is what a videogame should be, fun and enjoyable by everyone. Simple to pick up yet hard to master, in the later stages. And is just flat out fun.

GJ Nintendo, you guys have always stayed on your game plan, making great videogames and it has always paid off. Don`t let the frustrated teens on the internet put you down, they are still in their rebelious stage in life and have so much to learn still.

[Venatus-Deus]

lol

[HolyOrangeCows]

Who cares? Mario games are (Usually) fun but reviewers always give them a ridiculously high score whether they deserve them or not.

[poopface1]

when any games taht are not on ps3 come out??? Wonder why that is? Maybe they should get a wii so they have some good games to play.

[Qbanj69]

"...and it looks better than ratchet and clank for PS3 anyway."

Idiot.

[skare13]

****************************** ***

Come on people, stop your crying. Do people (who don't own a PS3/360) come crying about what some games get. I know I don't care about how high GOW (or ratchet and clank) gets. IThey maybe great games, but I don't have a playstation. (So I don't worry about it)

This is/ will be a very good game (a great game)

look at all the high reviews its getting (not just IGN) and their very high reviews. (go to the wii section)

***************************** ******

I got a idea for all the haters

you don't like the review, don't go to IGN

problem is, another web site gave it a really high review, I guess you can't go there anymore

Well when you run out of web sites, maybe then you will know this is/was a great game that can win GOTY in you miss out (maybe it isn't too late, stop crying on your keyboard and rush out in buy a wii)
----------------------------- -------

[Old Greg]

Its Mario. On a nintendo console. This is like a license to print perfect score reviews and money. :)

[Imperator]

Day one buy for me. I love Mario games.

[booni3]

And it will sell tons similar to NSMBW

[KILLERAPP]

This game is awesome, GOTY contender...

[ape007]

smg 2 will be automatically GOTY contender if not GOTY

great great great review ign

mario FTW

[Montrealien]

the true colors of N4G, 30 or so babies who just like to go against the grain because they think its cool.

Good thing they are such a small minority though, I mean outside of N4G, they are nothing but 30 or so trolls that are the bottom of the barrel when it comes to gamers. They are troll right?

[PS360_37]

If this article was talking about ANY PS3 game, good or bad (oh sorry i forgot, the PS3 never has bad games), Killerapp would have all agrees.

[cobraagent]

Who is going to vote for it? The casual gamers who buy it? The don't even know what GOTY is

[Cheeseknight28]

No, the true gamers who buy it because it's a refreshing change from this generation of shooters.

I pre-ordered my copy a month ago and am most certainly glad I did. I thought that 2010's previous months couldn't be topped, but 3D Dot, RDR, and Super Mario Galaxy 2 did it.

[Mista T]

Marios hasn't changed in 15 years, there's your refreshing change....

[Montrealien]

and you do cobraagent?

Get off you high horse kid, labels are bad. This is a solid videogame, sometimes you guys should remember what a good videogame actually is, glad nintendo is there to remind us every now and then.

[Meryl]

lol good luck with that one either GT5 or GOW III or even LBP2 may rape SMG2 chances

[Imperator]

I'm a PS3 fan but even I realize the power the Mario has. You can bet that SMG2 will take a good share of awards this year, just like SMG.

[Slinkey]

Never saw this coming at all...

[Millah]

I thought this would get a score lower than the first one, like a 9.5 or something. This is great, I already had a feeling SMG2 would be much better than the first, can't wait to get it.

[Brian5247]

RDR and Galaxy 2 are my pickups this week

[ClownBelt]

Seriously? God damn. I think we got our GOTY(YET AGAIN)here...

[eagle21]

Day 1. :)

[LordMarius]

notsureifserious.gif

[FiftyFourPointTwo]

.

[Gabe EatsWell]

:D

[TheBand1t]

(:

[snaredrums]

Kinda surprised this got approved. Isn't it supposed to look a bit more official?

[scofios]

Mario games never fails to impress , i am glad i preorded it.

[Killzone3Helghast]

Since when are games PERFECT to deserve a 10? I'm sure it has some flaws.

Well actually, IGN does. It gives good games crappy scores so I'm not surprised. Just because it's Mario doesn't make it perfect.

(FYI I own a Wii and Super Smash Bros Brawl/Several Zelda games and the first Galaxy)

[Cheeseknight28]

You do know they gave Metal Gear Solid 4 a perfect score right? And Killzone 2 a 9.4? Are you saying those are crappy scores, or crappy games?

[Killzone3Helghast]

L4D2? Halo ODST? Mario Galaxy 2?

When it comes to Mario Galaxy 2 it looks basically like Mario Galaxy 1 which it pretty much is but with more levels. (Oh hurr durr the story takes 3 hours to beat and people get mad because MW2 takes 6 hours to beat but it has online)

See when developers do this people get mad POed but when it comes to Mario it's all like "oh yeah its Mario so this game is ballz ownage"

What can I say? Well: it's Mario, been there done that. Would like to see something new please rather then a cash cow.

[downwardspiral]

Mario games are always high quality when it come to gameplay

[Killzone3Helghast]

By the way, only the 1000th time Peach get's captured. O M G Where the eff is the Story?

[Mahr]

"Where the eff is the Story?"

Frankly, where it belongs.

Nowhere near the game.

[Kakihara]

Sonic tried developing a story, that's where it went wrong. Nobody ever bought a Mario game looking for a deep engrossing or even original story. Mario delivers a visually beautiful, cheerful, fun and accessible experience, that's his job ... that and cleaning mushroom dookie out of clogged up U bends.

[scofios]

Mario games are never meant to have a story , It's all about the fun , if you want a good story read a book or watch a movie ,

[vhero]

I agree you know they SLATED white knight for its same old story we seen it before blah blah (check out the review for proof) yet Marios story is ALWAYS the same yet they give it 10/10! I feel like Mugatu in Zoolander looking at all of Zoolanders moves they are all the same but everybody sees different! The review just proves how biased they are.

[asdr3wsfas]

white knight chronicles is an RPG that depends on story. hence the term "role-playing game."

mario is a platformer. you jump on blocks floating in mid-air as a test of reflexes, timing, and precision. asking for a story in this type of game is like asking for it in duck hunt.

[BigPenguin]

If you had actually played white knight you would know that the story is completely tacked on, and only because having none at all would just cause everyone to bitch even more then they already did. That game is all about the multiplayer, in which there is very little story, but a lot of fun.

So for you to say that white knight needed a better story because it is an RPG, means you must not have touched it, and once again, just a blubbering fanboy(I was going to use a different word, but I am fairly sure the mods would be angry) who talks shit about what he does not understand, and has never made any atempt to.

[asdr3wsfas]

"If you had actually played white knight you would know that the story is completely tacked on, and only because having none at all would just cause everyone to bitch even more then they already did."

Yet no one bitches with Mario...because it's not an action RPG.

Maybe tacking on a story that doesn't work is why they gave it such low scores.

[mamotte]

go read a book. I assume there's a lot of fanfics of mario on the web

[eagle21]

I don't think I've ever seen an IGN review with 10's for all 5 categories. Masterful. :)

[Final_Rpg]

http://au.ps3.ign.com/artic...

[Dsnyder]

http://ps3.ign.com/objects/...

[SephireX]

I haven't much time for Mario. I don't like plumbers. They're smelly and undereducated. I shall thus pass on this game. Now back to RDR.

[qface64]

what cave have you been living under mario hasn't been a plumber since the 90's lol

[Redempteur]

pff mario isn't just a plumber .. he is a doctor , a kart racer , sprinter ....And so on

pick your job , mario's done it !!!

[SephireX]

@qface64
I'm not telling you the location of my cave! In regards to Mario, I was joking. Though once a plumber, always a plumber! I'm not big into casual platformers anyway so I've no intention of buying a Wii just to play this game.

@Redempteur
Mario may have done many things but he still wears a plumber outfit and he is known as a plumber. That isn't impressive!

[unknown100]

wish i had my wii....sold it for a ps3 and dont regret it LOL

[tda-danny]

you wish you had it, but don't regret selling it...

Just sayin'

[TheBand1t]

Sure are alot of mario haters in here.

[littletad]

Can't say that I blame them though. Who isn't pissed that Nintendo shunned the hardcore? But at least they give us titles like this. It seems as though Nintendo just can't do enough.

[asdr3wsfas]

"Who isn't pissed that Nintendo shunned the hardcore?"

People with a sense of balance and priorities? Gamers who don't mind 2 of 3 systems catering to the style of games they like?

I don't get 2d mario for 20 years and you cry 1 of 3 isn't doing what you want. I have an xbox and ps3 for "hardcore" games. What I didn't have for decades was 2d SNES/NES gameplay.

[littletad]

This was to be expected wasn't it? Mario is the reason why some of us even started gaming in the first place. Yet they somehow manage to always reinvent the franchise decades later. And if what the author of the review says is true about the game, how can any Mario fan not be excited? Simply put, Mario is what video games are all about, fun.

[Dsnyder]

Your trying to compare this with GTA IV and MGS4 IGN? What happened to "its not often we give out a 10?" Reviewer integrity falls in my eyes on this day.

[Cheeseknight28]

You know IGN has only ever given 5 console games a perfect score, right?

Ocarina of Time, SoulCalibur, Grand Theft Auto 4, Metal Gear Solid 4, and now Super Mario Galaxy 2.

You're right, it isn't often that they give out a 10.

[snaredrums]

They gave Soul Caliber on Dreamcast a 10.

[Jack-Pyro]

Need to stop hatin, and respect your god damn roots.

Mario is one of the characters that put the damn game industry on the map. He also has the distinction of NEVER being in a bad game....I mean ever.....even Super Mario 2 was at least decent.

Go Mario, I hope that I can pick up your newest title soon....and now I await Super Mario: Space Time Continum. XD

[Darkfocus]

well actually in the nes era and snes(although less so) he was in tons of awful games and edutainment games. it's just that his bad games aren't that well known.

I agree that galaxy 2 probably deserves a 10 though seeing as the first one was one of the few reasons I still have my wii around and was flawless in the gameplay department with fantastic level design and music to boot, plus the graphics were the most impressive on wii.

[GamersRulz]

can anybody tell me what are the games that got 10 from IGN

[LTC]

.

[Batzi]

GTAIV got a 10(also on Gamespot)
MGS4 got a 10(also on Gamespot and perfect score on Famitsu aswell)
SMG2 just joined them

[thief]

I am just trying to imagine the score if an exactly similar game came to PS3
"weak graphics"
"generic gameplay, no new gameplay mechanics, offers nothing new"
"Embarrassingly weak story"
8/10 max is my guess.

[digitaledge]

That's actually the problem. When developers try to copy the Mario success formula, they invariably miss bits of it that make them so great, and you need all the parts to make the formula work.

Very few developers have even come close to emulating the fun and addictive gameplay of Mario games, so if a similar game did come to the PS3 (or the 360), what it would be missing is the skill of Nintendo's developers when it comes to creating fun and addictive gaming experiences like Mario.

And that's why it probably wouldn't get a 10 (or even a 9).

Oh, and I'm one of those that agreed with your comment.

[thief]

Don’t disagree about the fact that the game-play is excellent or that Super Mario deserves high scores. Its just that the reviews for some PS3 games are negative for factors not even considered for wii franchises such as SMG or Zelda.
My biggest gripe is with Ratchet reviews (one of my fave franchises across platforsm). The gameplay is excellent and also VERY different from Mario, even though its nominally a platformer too. But, its got a great story, great graphics, and its really good fun, yet it inevitably gets taken down 1-2 points (more if it’s Edge/Eurogamer) for being “the same” as the last Ratchet game – this despite new gameplay mechanics such as the time-control sections in ACIT

[callahan09]

Completely agree. Some of the Crack in Time reviews were absolutely ridiculous. Just unfair. They clearly don't put the same critical goggles on when reviewing Super Mario Galaxy 2 because all of the complaints levied at Crack in Time could be said about Galaxy 2.

R&C: ACiT is a masterful creation, to be honest, it has amazing 60fps graphics with an insane amount of stuff going on at once, like when you fire up the RYNO and let loose with thousands of rockets simultaneously, then, while they're all flying through the sky you switch through your weapons, launching tornadoes, static balls, and other stuff at your enemies, who explode into a tons of particles, littering the level with bolts which float their way over to you. It can be a sight to behold in the later portions when you've leveled up all the guns. The story was great, with an epic plot and great humor.

It is one of my favorite games, actually. It's just so much fun and has so much charm. Yet it was heavily criticized for all sorts of things that ALL could also be applied to Super Mario Galaxy 2, yet weren't. Critics have no standards. Or ill-formed ones, at least.

[nycredude]

ACIT is completely underrated and you fools who haven't bought best go out now and get it!!!! WTF are you waiting for! One of the best games this gen.

Story-check
Graphic-check
fun-check
charm-check
funny-check

What else do you need!?

[Redempteur]

actually galaxy 2 has plenty of new gameplay menanics and offers plenty ..

and nobody look at the story in a platformer...

ratchet and clank story is full of plot holes yet no one cares ..it was comic and fun to see ...

[Dsnyder]

This gen was GTA IV, Metal Gear solid 4 and this one..ugh...

PS3 games with a 10 from ign:2
360 and wii:1

[dizzleK]

reviewers have really got to pull nintendo's jock out of their throats. i'm not saying its a bad game but at this point its gotta be pure nostalgia goggles. any other company would be ripped to shit for what nintendo routinely gets high scores for. i simply refuse to accept that any reviewer with any credibility could honestly find yet another recycled mario game to have more merit than something like mass effect or uncharted. its honestly mind boggling. i would be willing to bet my left nut that had modnation or 3D dot heroes been released by nintendo they'd have gotten much higher scores.

the idea that originality actually holds weight with reviewers is bullshit. i'm not pissed at this game per se, i'm just saying that game reviewers are rotten to the core with hypocrisy.

[cobraagent]

You got to be kidding me. You can't compare Mario to Mass Effect 2, God of War 3, Little Big planet 2,Halo Reach and Gran Turismo 5. Its fun but is it epic? Is it an experience that will always be remembered? And who is gonna vote for it? The casual gamers who buy it? They don't know what GOTY stands for.

[earthbounding]

Let the disagrees you'll receive talk for themselves.

[Darkfocus]

so mario games One of gaming's oldest franchises, in fact the very franchise that saved the industry after the crash of 1983 is casual? you've started gaming this gen haven't you?

[Sigh]

Wanna get this game. The fact that yoshi and luigi are in this, as playable characters, is just too good to pass up.

[Rainstorm81]

Thats a first for a mario game /s

[Ps_alm3k]

does the game get good graphics for good graphics, or good art direction?

[snaredrums]

It's the best the Wii can handle. It's quite good actually, I downloaded it last night (Not a pirate, just waiting for my pre-order copy). Graphics wise, it's the same as SMG1, but the artstyle is so cheery! You CAN'T be in a bad mood when playing this game.

[HopSkotch]

Great score for a beloved title...but lets be honest, how many of yall actually touch your Wii? no pun intended lol

[Seferoth75]

I use mine a lot. N4G and its mass of Sony fanboys do not represent the world.

[HopSkotch]

I honestly don't see how someone could play the Wii more than 2 times a week,i'd much rather play my N64

[Rucury]

Bubbles + Agree

Just felt the need to say that.

[daghost1125]

oh joy day one buy for me

[ZoidsRaven]

So quick to move your mouths but wouldn't say jack if this was on your console of choice, wouldn't you?
But some of you want to tell yourselves "it only got this review because it's a Mario game". But what you must relize fanboys (don't even try denying it after the crap that has been posted), if this is true then NSMBWii would have gotten game of the year status with all of it's reviews solely because it's a Mario game, right? What this is is simple: Straw Grasping
Without even playing the game, you asume it doesn't deserve the score it got, but let's forget it got the review by someone who actually played the game. Let's be honest people, we ALL know (but obviously wont say) why there is a need for an uproar over a simple review, don't we? *looks at Metacritic*
This site will never change. 7_7

[BigPenguin]

If it was on our console of choice(either PS3/360), it would not have received a 10/10, so there would have not been any uproar at all.

[Mahr]

"If it was on our console of choice(either PS3/360), it would not have received a 10/10"

Yes, because all review sites ever do is sit around giving high marks to Wii games.

[GamersRulz]

maybe he read the review for his little daughter as a bed story...10 was the happy ending!

[ipe]

give me a break. Same thing every year a perfect game? right

[JAMurida]

So far in this generation it has been Metal Gear Solid 4 and now SMG 2 that have gotten 10s. Will Zelda Wii be next?

[crazydrummerlad1]

that is GREAT to hear! lovin all the quality games to look foward to!

[Digitaldude]

Giving high scores like candy.

[colonel179]

Giving high scores like candy (on a halloween night) :P

but it deserves it. Mario games = highest quality ever, doesn't matter if it is on NES or Wii or the highest techological device.

[XDF]

I just might sneak into my Fall 2010 Gaming Saving funds to get a brand new Black Wii and SMG2.

With Metroid Other M and a new Zelda coming, now might be a good time to get a Wii and complete my gaming Tri-fecta.

[xg-ei8ht]

Why do you think that Mario went back to it's roots i/e 2d.

Mario 64 was a mess.

But i thought New super mario bros has some serious gameplay flaws, but i'm guessing most on here would not know what that was. Free pass.

In NSMB, If your playing with 2-3 ppl, if one person gets caught, hurt etc, the game pauses for a quick second on all the players, hence others die for no reason other then a gameplay error.

But if you read a review, they would not even mention this, the same way they don't mention terrible slowdown in other games on other consoles, i/e GTA4, RDR, Bugs all over the place.

COD games.

They all get free passes.

Sad, but true.

[PiTCHBLaCK]

Sad news everyone: Since Mario scored 10(and most likely many more 9's and 10's) It'll get GOTY, so GOW3, LBP2, AW, ME2, GT5, Halo etc all will be put on the sidelines even without a vote, since the Media favors Mario "Stuff" from the get go.

I think Mario is awesome, but come on, this it to much.

[Jdoki]

Great score but I'm not convinced. I thought SMG was weak, which pains me to say as a very very long term Mario fan.

Nice enthusiastic review though...

[Turin]

I'm a PS360 owner and I'd be delighted if SMG2 gets game of the year. I'm getting tired of listening to Sony & Microsoft fanboys argue over which of 'their' exclusives should get game of the year. I'm hoping that a Wii exclusive or multi-platform game gets it. As a games fan and not a fanboy I enjoy good games it doesn't matter to me if their GOTY, not game of the year or what platform they are on. I don't own a Wii but I wont begrudge Wii owners having top games. So well done Nintendo and SMG2.

[inbetweener]

Mario gets too much love from the gaming media

[slave2Dcontroller]

Despite the Wii specs. Its due

[DigitalAnalog]

I shall pull my Wii out of the dustbag this time!

-End statement

[Pika-pie]

Looks like Mario will be getting GOTY again.

A shame really that Nintendo with all that creativity and love for making excellent game decided to restrict themselves to the graphical limitations of the Wii.

I would love to play this game but the fact is the Wii looks like ass on my big screen TV, it looks blurry with lots of artifacts and thats with running on the official component cables. I got rid of my Wii years ago for that reason.

Shame shame shame. Hopefully they will release a WiiHD with some nice upscaling features.

[Servbot]

I can't wait to play this masterpiece.

[ImmortalLegend]

'Nuff said.

[saimcheeda]

get a Wii!

[Denethor_II]

As PS3 and Xbox fanboys squabble for the best gaming experience, Mario comes along and pis ses on them all.

[Seferoth75]

I love articles like this. It shows you who the newbie gamers are.

Protip kids. Console reviews have always been based on the power of the certain console the game is on. Not the power of other consoles. Using your method PS3 wouldnt have a single 10 because it doesnt compare to the PC...It's sad how few of you comprehend that little fact

[TheHardware]

Closing Comments
I think the one thing you should take away from this review: Uncharted 2 2 wholly exceeded my expectations. Leading up to the game’s release I hadn’t expected much more than simply “more of the same.” I loved the original Uncharted 2, but the company would have to do something pretty special to really “wow” me.

Consider me “wowed.” Again. Yes, Uncharted 2 is more of what made the original so amazingly good: brilliant action adventure. Incredibly tight and responsive controls. Fantastic musical score. But it’s not a “me too” experience -- a significant majority of this sequel is brand new. New level challenges, new gameplay mechanics, new (and incredible) orchestral pieces. All done up in a package that streamlines the classic Uncharted experience: a straightforward presentation, a much more intelligent camera system, and a rewarding progression that opens up some seriously devious and fulfilling level challenges.

Uncharted has always been a universally appealing game design and Naughty Dog has done an incredible job to make sure its key franchise is just as accessible to gamers of all walks of life. Most of all, Uncharted 2 perfectly captures that classic videogame charm, the reason why most of us got into gaming from the start.

[mookins]

Not surprised. The game looked really good when I read up on it.

[tosh61]

What the fuck are they doing graphics compared to? Every other shitty looking Wii game? If they would compare graphics to any console game that's out there right now SMG2 would get at MOST a 3/10.

IGN is the new Gametrailers.

[MasterChief3624]

This submission reeks of "Holy crap! I need to be the first person to post this!".

Seriously... abbreviating everything, having the description short as hell, and even going so low as to post the review score in the title? Bleck.

Anyways, I'm super excited for this game and I'm glad this is yet another 10 to add to the IGN board. Sans Grand Theft Auto IV (and a couple choice abstract games), I think every game they've given a 10 has deserved it completely :)

[Aphe]

Theres a hell of a lot of crying going on in these reviews for Galaxy 2. Why cant people just see that it is a great game without all the usual crap - "Mario gets a free pass","If this was a ps3 game....","Wheres the innovation?",blah blah blah....

The reason it's got such a high score is because, from what I've read anyway, it is FUN! Lots of fun. Which is the reason most (sensible) people play games. All Mario platform games are well crafted by Nintendo, they spend a lot of time making sure everything is pretty much spot on.

While they may milk the Mario name when it comes to spin-offs, if you take a look there aren't actually as many Mario platform games on Nintendo consoles as you may think. And this is the first time for ages that they have made a sequel to a Mario platformer on the same system.

Meh, while some of you will be hating on this game just for the sake of hating a Mario game, others will be playing it and probably regarding it as their GOTY. I can't wait to get it myself.

[The 10th Rider]

The amount of fanboy-ism in these comments is amazing.

[darkcharizard]

for maximum GOTY awards in 2007. Suck it PS3 fanboys, aka Wii haters. SMG2 is automatically the #1 GOTY contender for 2010.

[pcz]

look how far mario has come. well, his games have always been amazing.

I think it shows just how much better nintendo are than the competition. Sonic is a has been, who has tried to go back to his roots but has completely forgotten who he was. crash bandicoot? dont make me laugh.

people complain about the wii but it has so many brilliant and historically important games.

If you continue to talk down to the wii now, you must be a stupid ignorant bastard.

[bjornbear]

they did better than all the others

consider Gekko, Rayman and all those other countless mascots =P Sonic and Bandicoot didn't do too bad xD

still, Mario is over kill...

edit* but i get what you mean regarding PS and Sega mascots. I'd say PS mascot is now Ratchet and Sack boy (which are quite successful imo, but no where near Mario...)

[Bluemaster77]

I expected greatness but not a ten , but kudos to Nintendo for doing it again it has to be getting exponentially difficult to design something that will continue to impress after all these additions to the series

[FinalomegaS]

We can sum 80% of the comments here with ...

blah blah blah ... graphics... blah blah blah 10/10 .... blah blah blah GOTY

ok so i've just made more sense for the new N4G users. ;)

now... if N4G actually was a gaming site that reviewed we would see the game get 1.5/10 lol

MH3 still...

[gano]

Good job nintendo.
Keep it poppin. Screw that clinton/bush haiti fund bullshyt.

[bjornbear]

are geniuses! =D SMG is probably the main reason i'd ever get a Wii...but other than that =/

still, this game looks damn fun and apparently its huge!

MARIO FTW =3

[Chromer]

I love comments like, "0MG SMG2 IS GOTY!" or "OMG SMGS2 IS THE #1 GOTY CONTENDER SUCK IT DOWN PS3 FANBOYS!"

Not trying to sound butthurt but I'm glad the Wii finally got a good game. However, let's not get naive and act as if no more games will be released for the rest of the year.

[Gr81]

Didn't PS3 owners do the same when GOW3 released? Or Xbox owners say the same when ME2 was released?

You may not have tried to sound butthurt, but that doesn't mean you still didn't come across that way.

[Gr81]

One was fantastic, and this one looks to be better. Can't wait to play it.

While IGN is far from a credible source when it comes to gaming news and reviews for me (I like GT's reviews better) I have to ask, why a Wii game getting a 10 from IGN causes such an uproar, but when a PS3/360 game gets a 10 its because the game is "the greatest everz" gimme a break.

A lot of you a poor excuses for gamers. Enjoy the game if this is your cup of tea, or don't if its not. All this "oh this can't be reviewed on the same basis as PS3/360 games" get over yourself, sure they can, and will be. This place continues to embarass itself.

[ZoidsRaven]

What did I tell ya about them being hypocrites and sheep. :B

[Gr81]

Yeah, you sure did.

Also, to those talking about graphics, they are relative to the system they are on, that's how its always been. If not, then PS360 games would never get over an 8 because compared to PC, they get blown out the water and Wii would never get higher than a 4 lol. But again, what kind of gamers are you? Graphics don't make a game.

And to Tosh, that's gotta be the dumbest comment I've read since...well in a very long time.

Hatch: I'm with you, I never give a damn about scores these sites give them, I actually do one of two things, either ask gamers who've played it for their opinion or read reader reviews. However, I don't think Nintendo games get a free pass, in fact, I'd say the opposite takes place.

[hatchimatchi]

to be honest, and I couldn't give 2 craps cause review scores rarely mean anything to me, but it's because games more often than not get scores lowered due to the story, voice acting, online, etc. All of which Mario Galaxy 2 lacks for the most part. Many people feel like Nintendo games get a free pass because we all know nintendo does it their way and doesn't bend to industry trends. Even if the "trends" have been staples since the psx days.

take it or leave it, the game looks awesome, it could have got a 2/10 and i'd still be interested in it.

[tosh61]

Maybe when a PS3/360 game gets a 10 its because it really like the greatest game out there. There's an outrage when a Wii game gets a 10 because all aspects of PS3/360 has proven that the Wii as a system is terrible as well as its games.

[Valay]

There are so many lame comments here. It's a shame that so many people can't give credit where it's due and appreciate a great game.

[hatchimatchi]

Mario Galaxy 2 looks awesome

but I find it funny how IGN is all of a sudden a worthwhile site again because craig harris gave it a 10/10.

[EvilTwin]

They have a long way to go before they're credible again, in my eyes.

But maybe getting rid of Casamassina and Bozon will help. It seems like they got kinda burned out on Wii games by the end of their tenure.

[jacobdevos]

Killzone 2 - 9.5 / 10 for graphics. Best Looking FPS for Consoles to this day.. and it's over a year old now.. holding it's title .. so if 9.5 / 10 is worthy for a game that is the best looking game for over a year on any console.. then why is SMG getting 10's? Won't a better looking Wii game come out tomorrow and get a 7?

LittleBiGPlanet - 9.5 / 10 with a 'pixar would be proud' comment. So wait.. Pixar being proud grants a 9.5 / 10?? would pixar be proud of SMG? I Doubt it.. move on to the fact that if LBP had Mario / Peach / Luigi / Toad it would get a 10/10 for graphics based on the hype it would generate..

There is no rating system to believe anymore, IGN was wowed by SMG cuz the last thing that was worth while on the wii was so long ago they probably were just excited to shake a stick at their tv.

Another amazing example of biast game reviewing check out the Battlefield Bad Company 2 reviews for pc / xbox / ps3

they are identical.. are the games identical? NO..
even gameplay is the same.. how could gameplay be the same when ones using a mouse / keyboard at whatever sensitivity you want.. and the other is using a controller?

ign is bullshit, but so is everyone else. I'll continue reading IGN's reviews because they seem to be less bullshit than say.. demonoid LOL

[tosh61]

KZ2 STILL has the best graphics on any console, only thing that may beat it soon is Crysis 2. Then there will probably be KZ3 next year.
If Super Mario Galaxy 2 gets a 10 for graphics then KZ2 gets a 30, literally. I bet they could go into technical specs with polygons and textures and stuff and calculate a REAL score. Realistically the ratio would probably be SMG2 1:50 KZ2.

Also the first Super Mario Galaxy was soooo repetitive as were any mario game. Nothing changes as you play...same old stuff. I don't get it.

[meganick]

IGN and other review sites rate graphics based on the specifications of the console. When they're rating a Wii game's graphics, they're comparing it to other Wii games only. Same goes with every other console. People, please grasp this concept and stop whining about how Galaxy 2 got a 10 and (insert PS3 or 360 game) got a 9 or 9.5 for graphics. Seriously, stop it this instant.

[Omega Zues]

IGN was just glad to see that it wasnt shovel ware. That alone gave it a 10.

[Forbidden_Darkness]

I wish i could see what this game would look like on the PS3, it would be insane!

[earthbounding]

Super Mario Galaxy 2 got a 10 because Mario games remind us of what games are all about.

[jacobdevos]

Mario Characters?

[deadie]

... i really cant understand how SMG2 got 10 in the gfx department?

I mean - bright vivid color doesnt equal good gfx?

Or does it?

Correct me plz

[XerockX]

yeah it does.

now you know. ;)

[jacobdevos]

don't be fooled, the ps3 or xbox could release this exact same game and get a 2.0

nintendo found the trick.. sell last years hardware and impress the world with last gen's graphics.. that way you won't be compared to your current generation and get 10/10 reviews for games that aren't worth 2/10 on consoles that run new technology.. masters of bs they are.

[danielle007]

I think they got a 10 in the graphics department because of the bright colors and the simple adorableness and creativity. The environments are pretty enough to not need to be in HD. I thought the first one was simply beautiful, even if it was on the Wii.

[kaos_fish II]

Seriously was anyone surprised by this - another free pass, expect the same when the "new" Zelda is released too

[XerockX]

I am not a fan of the galaxy games. I played one for about an hour. I just didn't enjoy it. I'm not a big fan of the wii controller so maybe that has something to do with it.. I dunno. Have fun with games if you like them.Screw reviewers and form your own opinions.

[lizard81288]

that game looks horrible compared to uncharted 2...

the graphic whores here make me sad. pass a great game due to its graphics.

i also find it funny people saying nintendo is milking mario, but i have yet to here complaints about CoD, and madden. there are more CoD games than mario games IIRC.

anyway. looks great. i haven't played SMG1, but if this is just a retelling of it, i might as well get 2. need to get the cash though. looks great. i like the 2D and 3D thing

[Valencia]

I still can't believe someone said "f##k mario games".
It just goes the show how fanboyish this sad sad site is.

[Achtung]

Discuss:

http://forums.n4g.com/Whats...

[rakunado]

Wow... never thought it would be a 10...

just wow. :O

Good thing it comes out on July 1st down in aus, I get enough time to finish Red dead redemption.

[Odin777]

Too bad I don't have a wii...I wish the wii would release more games like this, because I don't like the idea of buying the thing for only a few games.

[benandlol]

Xbox has beter grafics and gams. ur al retards if u fink tht th wii is evn on th sam levl ass th xbox. alest its nt as bad as th Playshit3

[danielle007]

If anyone has ever read my comments on a Wii or Nintendo-related article, they're usually full of disappointment, disbelief, and snippyness. Plus, I get a lot of disagrees, haha.

However, while my 360 and PS3 get much much more playtime, I actually looked around my home for my Wii, found it, and went out and pre-ordered SMG2. While I've disliked the vast majority of everything that Nintendo has done this generation, I can't deny the level of quality that the original Galaxy had. & this one looks even better. I'm pretty excited. :)

[rwest78]

It looks like he really only reviews Nintendo games. He probably doesn't know any better...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wik...

[AEtherbane]

I cant wait for this game!!!!!

[blazed13]

i absolutely love it that all ps3 fanboys are crying a river over this review LMAO! SMG 2 will pwn every platformer on the ps3 and 360. SMG 2 10/10 absolutely amazing.

[My_Outer_Heaven]

If the same game came out on PS3 or Xbox I garentee it would have less than 8/10

Cmon I am all into HD now..

Wii just dnt cut it for me.

[danielle007]

I'm completely different. I don't play very much on the Wii because there has been a lack of quality games, not because it's not an HD system. I am so not a graphics whore, and I think that SMG 1 was really really pretty.

Plus, I think if SMG2 came out on the 360 or PS3, it still would have gotten 10s. It's pretty, the gameplay is unique but familiar, and the environments are so creative. Plus, the new powerups look absolutely adorable.

[My_Outer_Heaven]

I still wouldnt buy a Wii just for one game...

Wii just aint hard core enough for me..

Cmon why the hell wud I wanna play a creepy old plumber with a mustash that saves a princess.. Cmon why kidnap the princess all the time? Whats so special about her..

Does bowser enjoy sleeping with her and maybe has a deep crush on her? Maybe the princess lets her self get kidnapped because she likes to be used and abused by a big ass turtle man... She pretends its against her will so people dont think shes doing something wrong even tho she wants it.

Mario has always creeped me out...

I enjoyed the games as a kid but then I grew some..

[bviperz]

And I can't wait to sample this game. The ONLY beef I have with the Wii is the bigger my TV gets, the crappier the graphics looks. Right now I'm at 52 inches of XBR glory (from 32 to 40 to 52).

[tunaks1]

oh dam
so hyped

[OhMyGandhi]

jesus christ.
some of you live and die by a damned review score.

[Allowen]

I loved SMG and I guess SMG2 is as cool as IGN said but I really disliked new super Mario bros Wii because I bought it to play it with my nices and it is freaking hard.

All the 2 to 4 players playing super Mario Wiimust be uber experts or no go.
Just one person that does not know how to play well and then the fun is screwed to every one.
Also I did not like playing it alone and I will try to switch my copy for a SMG2 that is more my style for Mario's games.

[TheColbertinator]

Game of the year easily.

[EVILDEAD360]

LMAO @ the usual haters making complete @$$es of themselves trying to hate on Mario..

I saw a 10 rating coming since last year's E3..if there is one thing that Nintendo does perfect..it's Mario.

The best part of response is validating that 'some' gamers are only about graphics period and forgot about actual gameplay and fun.

Salutes IGN for exposing the e-hater gaming gen that care more about bickering online than actually gaming..

Kicks up feet and can't wait for the aftermath...

Evil

[nocturnal_90s]

Isn't this Mario's first perfect 10 from IGN? Heck, isn't this Nintendo's first 10 from IGN? This game is definitely a must for Wii-owners! Heck, if I didn't have a Wii, I would get one for this game. Nintendo goes wrong with its Mario platformers.

[lizard81288]

put you hands on your hips, stick out your bottom lip, Rub your eyes, stomp your feet, turn and repeat.

do the crybaby!

[Valencia]

LMAO! Bubbles. XD

[EvilTwin]

Wow. One Wii game finally gets a 10, and the gnashing of teeth is epic. Sheesh.

[spektical]

i have a wii, but i'm not picking this up. Im already tired of all the rehashed mario games. I'm waiting for the new Zelda game and Metroid.

[xllx]

also gamespot 10/10
GOTY 2010 confirmed

[Optical_Matrix]

I'm hyped as f*ck for this. June 11th boysss ;] Great review too. Following in SMG1's footsteps.

[lizard81288]

well. the game's already been leaked

[earthbounding]

Why are people saying Ratchet and Clank looks better than Galaxy 2? Come on, I know we're talking HD Platform vs Wii here, but this is a grand exception. Super Mario Galaxy 2 has one of the best technical and artistic design this generation, in my opinion.

[VideoGameJimmy]

To all the people who keep comparing SMG2 to a PS3/360 game... why? When the reviewer reveiwed this game he wasn't thinking "Oh, MGS4 got a 10 and Halo 3 got a 10, so SMG2 gets a 10.."

Honestly, I think some of the poeple commenting didn't even play the first game and they just want something to complain about because Splinter Cell or God of War 3 didn't get a 10.

[capjacksparrow]

How is this review legit, honestly? I understand if you want to give the overall score a ten. For you to give this game a "10" in the graphics catergory, and then read the God of War III review with a "9.5" in graphics... it doesn't make any sense. I understand that they are different reviewers...but this is the Wii, no game has "10" graphics, I'm sorry, I own one, I know.