Super Mario Galaxy

Super Mario Galaxy warps onto the Wii with a lot to live up to. Here is gaming's most famous icon, appearing on (unexpectedly) the world's biggest-selling platform, with a point to prove.

For many, Super Mario 64 on the Nintendo 64 has not been bettered in terms of innovation and sheer quality. The game frequently tops best ever lists and its influence can be measured simply by the ever-expanding list of sub-par clones.

But the last time the famous plumber graced a flagship Nintendo console in his own proper adventure, he did not hit the same highs.

In Super Mario Sunshine for the Gamecube, Mario seemed to be taking a holiday; all the more significant as the title represented a departure for the character in a number of ways.

New, unfamiliar characters and level dynamics were incorporated and, almost unforgivably for traditionalists, Mario carried a water gun on his back.

While the game was very good, it suffered from one problem: it wasn't Super Mario 64.

Wii owners will be pleased to hear this time around, the plumber has surpassed even his own high standards.

The legacy of the N64 game looms large in Galaxy, but with logical extensions and improvements. For example, while 64 dragged gaming into 3D with aplomb, Galaxy incorporates its own unique dimension by putting Mario in space - allowing gravity to become a factor in his movement.

Levels take the form of small planetoids - which our hero can dash between with a spin of the remote and a well-timed jump - all of which feel very natural using the Wii's unorthodox control system.

Indeed, the controls are another area in which the game betters its grandfather.

Using the nunchuk and remote in conjunction has not felt as good in the Wii's short lifespan, and here it is so good it is almost impossible to imagine playing on a traditional joypad.

Galaxy is also the best-looking game on the Wii so far.

Planets sprawl into the background and give the player a sense of depth, scale and involvement, enough to encourage gamers to give up their current task and simply enjoy the view.

An orchestral score soundtracks the adventure, harking back to other Nintendo classic Ocarina of Time and perfectly encapsulating the grandeur of proceedings. This is Mario's biggest mission yet in a variety of ways, so the strong audio accompaniment feels completely necessary as well as frustratingly catchy.

What made Super Mario 64 a revolution was the way in which it took the industry into a new age. Whether Galaxy is remembered in the same way remains to be seen, but it is most definitely a huge jump for the Wii.

Indeed, those who have so far failed to recognise the console as an object worthy of gaming connoisseurs' attention should take note: this is one of the greatest computer games ever made, and a revolution in itself.

10/10

Michael Thornton