Why Super Mario Galaxy 2 is the best game from 2010

From DamnLag:

"Super Mario Galaxy 2 was our runaway Game of the Year. As Steve said, Our Laggiest of Laggy awards wasn’t an easy decision; a lot of great games came out this year. But Mario, per usual, came out on top when it was all said and done, and now’s the time to explain why. Steve, Genki, Doug, Kyle, Vince and myself were all asked to discuss a certain element of the game we found so great, that it was worth writing a few paragraphs to explain. These are the reasons why SuperMario Galaxy 2 stood out among the crowd, and why we thought it was the best game of 2010."

[Valay]

It was definitely one of my favorite games of the year. I just loved how entertaining it was. Although, I think Galaxy 1 is just slightly better.

[showtimefolks]

its more of a personal taste.

for me the best game was well 2 games, Yakuza 3 and RDR

RDR to many was a great game but Yakuza 3 was so great and i don't expect everyone to agree but that's the thing with GOTY or best game its what you liked the best for that particular year

[Overmind420]

Maybe the best Wii game, but not the best game overall. That would have to go to Starcraft 2.

[boogeyman999]

Hard to compare don't ya think?

[jammydude]

Not Heavy rain, God of War 3, GT5, Halo reach or any other game? My personal GOTY was a three way split (so indecisive, lol) between GOW3, GT5 and Heavy rain

[FinalSpartan]

Its simple

Mario Galaxy 2 owned PS3 & Xbox 360.

[PS3Freak]

Lol, you're joking right?

[FinalSpartan]

Joking?

its only does

97% Metacritic name me what PS3 Xbox 360 exclusive match its quality

hey forget the highest rated exclusive this gen. Lets talk about how freaken awesome the game actually is?

[PS3Freak]

It's Mario of course they are going to give it a high rating.

So are you saying that because GTAIV got a 98 in 08, that it was the GOTY that year. We all know how overrated that game was(although it was still quite good).

[punkpop101]

Damn right ps3 fanboys damn right.

[ChickeyCantor]

"It's Mario of course they are going to give it a high rating. "

I know that reviewers arent always honest.
But when a game is bad, they will say its bad. You can't deny a bad game.
Mario games are just that, great games.

[BLACKBOIJONES]

God of war 3 was the best game last year

[Theyellowflash30]

God of War 3 had the best graphics of the year..... was not the best game. Especially gameplay wise. Bayonetta and Castlevania Lords of Shadow both had more complex and depth in there battle systems and in Castlevania's case the story was better for me. I didn't even understand GOW 3's ending until my friend read a wiki on it and told me what I just saw.

[Xanatos2000]

*sigh* I guess this makes Galaxy 3 auto-GOTY if that ever comes out.

[MechaZain]

It IS the best platformer of all-time

[jammydude]

Personally I'd vouch for LittleBigPlanet 1 or 2 but to each his own :)
@ Alphamale
You do know SMG1/2's stories were their biggest cons right? The same old rehashed mario story seen in more than 200 other mario games /=/ amazing storyline. LBP1/2, while maintaining platforming game mechanics, offers a lot more than SMG1/2.

[-Alpha]

SMG is a far superior platforming game, I don't see how LBP comes close, especially considering that SMG is a 3D game fully built on solely platforming. A more appropriate comparison would be other 2D sidescrolling gams like Donkey Kong.

SMG actually has more appropriate platforming mechanics and a much better campaign (think double jumps, etc). The bosses, platforming, and story is much better in SMG, while LBP is more oriented towards having a fun social experience and the campaign is more to demonstrate the creativity tools as opposed to creating a platforming game.

LBP2 actually does a little more with the power-ups and such but that game is again more a creative toolbox with the emphasis on making genres.

[Baka-akaB]

LBP2 is an excellent platform games on its own , asides from the creation craze .

But let's not be silly , on its own as a platformer(a part i insist upon) , it's not better than SMG .

hell the also excellent ratchet and clank would be better than LBP in those aspects .

[PS3Freak]

Ratchet and clank, Jak and Daxter, Littlebigplanet, Sly Cooper say HI!!! Also, Super Mario 64 says Hi too. Super mario 64 was and always will be the best traditional mario game.

[jammydude]

Erm, guys. It's an opinion lol hence "to each his own" Personally I preferred LBP1 and look to prefer LBP2 as a platforming experience as opposed to SMG, but that's just me :) Just don't go spouting
"SMG is a far superior platforming game", "The bosses, platforming, and story is much better in SMG", "But let's not be silly , on its own as a platformer(a part i insist upon) , it's not better than SMG "
as if it were fact. Those are just opinions. The agrees and disagrees are also people's opinions. Opinions are not fact, just cool it a little.

@ alpha below
Yup, both of them. I've not completed both, mind, but spent a good few hours on each to give my opinion on it

Arguing an opinion is fine, as long as definitives like IS, ISN'T and AREN'T aren't used to imply factuality in a paragraph devoid of non-fiction.

[Knushwood Butt]

@ Alpha

Just as well you edited out your comment about SMG2's story...

[-Alpha]

@jammy

I was speaking in comparison to LBP regarding story. Have you played SMG btw?

Yes it's an opinion but I don't see why it can't be argued/discussed. We are talking about what makes a platforming game and I don't think LBP has the level of depth that SMG does. Boss fights are very shallow in LBP and I don't see how they are more enjoyable, for example, do you? In addition, the AI in LBP is practically non-existent consisting of simply jumping on their heads as opposed to what you may find in SMG, the boss battles are better constructed, etc. Are you really stating that this is an opinion, because I don't see how it is so. It's not to say you enjoy one over the other but I don't see how LBP compares in terms of certain platforming aspects.

LBP's platforming is limited by 2D if you are going to compare it to a 3D game. I don't see how platforming games like SMG, R&C, Jak, etc. are inferior to a 2D sidescrolling platformer. The comparison doesn't seem right. You would be better off comparing it to Super Mario World.

@jammy

I wasn't trying to assert fact, I was just as well stating an opinion while arguing against yours-- sorry if it came off as assertiv.

@Knushwood

My comment on the story is there, I just edited some of it where I meant to talk about the campaign as opposed to just the story

[ChickeyCantor]

"Personally I'd vouch for LittleBigPlanet 1 or 2 but to each his own :) "

BURN THE INFIDEL!!!

[bananlol]

Best platformer of all time? I dont know about that, personally id say that all the 2d mario games are far superior. Now NSMBWii on the other hand was goty material. That + friends + beer = the most fun ive ever had with a video game...ever. But back to galaxy 2, got the game but never beat it. There is just something with it that leaves a foul taste in the back of my mouth. I guess its my GTA4:)

[rainbowfission]

Great read, glad to see something other than a shooter become the game of the year.

[SeanScythe]

LOL yeah right! Sorry but mario has been done to death. Gimicks and new stages are not going to make a mario game GOTY. Nintendo has drained everything out of mario and Zelda looks to be next. Nintendo needs to get more into the teen ratings with zelda and mario before I even look at getting another one of their games. Looking forward to a day I can play a Zelda with Demons Souls graphics detail. Or a Mario with more challenge and bosses that aren't smiling like they all just had a run it with the Jokes laughing gas. I would like a more mature nintendo they can keep the kids games still but come on, I grew up with Mario and Zelda it hust to not play them because they are so kiddy. I mean if you grow up watching Barny do you still watch him with your friends? No you grew up and he said the same. Same thing with Nintendo I grew up and they lost me when they failed to grow up with me.

[Seferoth75]

That whole post screams of butthurt Sony fanboy..

[Omegasyde]

He is right though there is little in far of evolution. Just new hats or a new ability. I was impressed with Wind Waker, the first Super Mario Galaxy, and with Metroid Prime. They were competely different from thier predecessors.

Sean is asking for a new take on their games, instead of always rescuing the princess and facing bowser/Gannon at the end. I would definitely like a story more developed or have some continuation with each iteration of game.I.e. Retire Gannon - create new bad guy - Forget the princess - Leave Hyrule - Save some other kingdom.

[Baka-akaB]

When those games actually happens , magically everyone forget about them or dont care to remember .

I mean does anyone complaining about mario always saving a princess even notice when he does something else , story or gameplay wise ?
Or games like Princess Peach when you play her in a rather silly and tongue in cheek plot ?

It remind me of the same arguments with people who gave up on soccer games years ago , yet would insist those are always the same each year , having made up their mind already , and obviously unable to verify any changes

[bananlol]

How does wanting evolution in gameplay mechanics and story lead to rectal pain and a deluded allegiance?

[Baka-akaB]

dear lord give it a rest guys ...

You want dark and gritty zelda or nintendo games ?

There was actually Darksiders for fans of the zelda genre you know , not as great maybe but still pretty great . But most people around here , shat on it , and even mistook it for a god of war clone .

[EVO-OM3GA]

Ignore him Baka-BakaB as the fanboy within has taken over, cause Nintendo released games for a mature audience he was just too much of an idiot to see them

[GameTavern]

So what you are saying is.. you'd buy a Mario game with improved graphics instead of them trying something different with "gimmicks"

I always dislike the Nintendo needs to grow up mantra. Almost EVERYONE else in the industry is already making games for that sector, why should they join an already crowded rat race? As long as they continue to make fun and engaging games, I don't care if it stars the gang of Sesame Street.

[eagle21]

GOTY...replayability is huge for me...this one i'll play for years to come. :)

[Goeres]

Great game, but funny that it's story never gets questioned while all other platformers story do (recent LBP2 reviews springs to mind).

Inc down vote.

[Knushwood Butt]

Who needs a story when your game has Mario in it?!

[JsonHenry]

I never played it so I really can't say. If it was anything like the first one though I can say that I have a hard time seeing it beat the many other games that came out last year.

[PlayerX]

Well it is the 3rd highest rated game of all time.

http://www.gamerankings.com...

[doopmiel_carl]

It's one of the worst games I have ever played.

[Shok]

LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!!!!!

[midgard227]

ummmm mario galaxy? yeah....right sure...lmao, maybe to the writer and other players but not minne and many others. i like how these articles try to speak for everyone

[halo4fan]

That's why it uses terms like "our" and "I" and "we hope we could convince you."

[pollocks]

If that were your aim then the title SHOULD read
"Why WE THINK super mario galaxy 2 is the best game from 2010"
Because what you think is not always what everyone else thinks :)

[boogeyman999]

But that's not strong writing. Nietzsche, Frued, Plato and the best writers of Western civilizaton don't use terms like "WHY we think." Obviously if someone is writing something subjectively, it should be taken as THEIR think. No where do the writers say they are writing for someone else's opinion, nor should they. You're supposed to take it as the writer's opinion, they shouldn't be forced to conform and preface each thing they write with "THIS IS MY OPINION." Duh, of course it is, that's why you're writing it and I'm reading it.

[eagle21]

The article is spot on right...and guess what sony4g...i'm not buying LBP2 and I own LBP..doesn't have ishhh on Mario you noobs. :)

@the idiot below me...Ask me my psn...so i can send you a FU :) PM me buddy...is this how delusional n4g has become? I've been gaming since the 80's....

[Goeres]

Yea, in the end I guess you realised that buying a LBP game when you dont own a ps3 is pretty stupid.

[Shok]

Hate on this game as much as you want people, but there's more creativity in ONE single level of this game then there is in a WHOLE entire game.

This game is a masterpiece. Whether you like it or not, whether you think it's over-rated or not is beside the point. When it comes down to it, you CAN'T list any major flaws in the game. I'm not saying it's perfect, but it's damn close. Seriously, any complaints you'll have about this game will be very small nit-picks if any.

[Shok]

And, and Little Big Planet is a VERY good series, but seriously, who plays it for it's platforming aspect? Comparing Mario to LBP is just stupid. LBP is more about creation more than anything else.

[Goeres]

That's true, as I said, it's a great game (as are ALL mario games) but it's story should still be questioned ;)

[PSjesus]

I really injoied SMG2 but the best Wii title in 2010 was
DKC returns,if you are an old school platformer fan you shouldn't miss this

[LMS]

Starcraft 2~!

Just finished another epic 2 hour online session, this game came out july 27th 2010 and I will be playing it still july 27th 2015, it is the single most epic game since oblivion imo, nothing else compares or equates to the sheer awesomeness, there is no other game this year, last year or the year before that even remotely has the same value to me.

Super Mario was awesome....when i was 8!

Not to mention those 480p graphics look like nintendo 64, they make the 720p consoles look like they have cutting edge tech..lol

[bladed]

Super Mario was awesome! I loved it a lot better than the original! It is def one of the best games of 2010 for sure!

[lightningsax]

Super Mario Galaxy 2 is the perfect example of what should be happening in the wake of so many reports of failed/underperforming games that were hindered by an overinvestment in graphics/engine creation and an underinvestment in content creation. Here's the SMG2 recipe:

1. Basically take the graphics/gameplay foundations of your previously successful game, spruce it up just a bit, and leave it alone.

2. Give the tools to a bunch of creative staff and say "Go nuts. Make the best levels you can think of."

3. Listen to the creative staff and don't make cuts because the difficulty is too hard for a five-year-old's first try.

4. Add an amazing orchestrated soundtrack with quite a few live instruments.

5. Profit!

Seriously, Nintendo with SMG2 did what these "blockbuster title" companies wouldn't dare to do: invest their time and money in creativity. Sure, the story isn't mind-blowing, but here's a simile. Mario titles : compelling storylines ; Rocky Balboa : quantum information computing. Is it GOTY in my book? No, but it's close on principle alone. The best games are ones steeped in the idea that market research doesn't create the best games; creative minds do. Just imagine what EA could have done with the money they invested in creating the latest Medal of Honor.

That's not to say I don't have a beef with Nintendo. Super Mario All-Stars 25th Anniversary Limited Edition? We need to talk.

[ChickeyCantor]

Instead of hating Mario...Pretend you are a fat lil plummer who hasnt done any pluming at all...
Better now?

[Orionsangel]

When fun wins over redundancy.

[ufo8mycat]

FOR KIDS yes, Super Mario Galaxy 2 is the GOTY.

Obviously there are much better games that came out in 2010 for mature adults

[GameTavern]

I think "mature" adults don't care about what the message is dressed on.

That's like saying Toy Story 3 shouldn't be people's favorite movie from 2010 or something.

Only people who are concerned with image care about something being "mature"

[Baka-akaB]

real adults wouldnt feel so insecure playing a mario game .

Teens and kids are usually the one who can't live without blood and tits in their games , and how uncool they'd look playing something else .

Get with the program , in the eye of non gamers or even haters , you'll look retarded , be it in front of kratos , or in front of mario .

[lightningsax]

@ufo8mycat

First of all, your username is priceless.

Second of all, go find a kid that can beat this, and I'll find a kid that's playing Nintendo Hard games the way they used to be played when I was a kid:

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

[ZoidsRaven]

These so-called gamers will always pick the skill-less shooter over it.
Looking at you VGA show....
Way to embarrass the gaming industry with your......
http://www.youtube.com/watc...
http://www.youtube.com/watc...

[Venoxn4g]

about mario's story I think like this..I have played a lot Mario's games and that kidnapping of princess is only like a tradition, a symbolical aspect of a game, every mario has different story, I know it,because it's true, there are other boses, other friends, locations and other stuff..people who don't know many about mario games are talking bull*** that it's only about princess...

about SMG2, it's a wonderful game: 10/10, it's GOTY for a Wii for me, but my consoles GOTY goes to Bayonetta..

1.Bayonetta
2.SMG2
3.Vanquish & Sin & Punishment 2