# *Super Mario Galaxy* Notes > [!warning] > Spoilers below! ![[Super Mario Galaxy Notes.pdf]] # Super Mario Galaxy ## Stats - Started Playing: 10/3/24 - Beat: - 10/19/24 (105 Stars and Credits) - 10/20/24 (120 Stars and Luigi) - Total Playtime: 15~20 hours ## Legacy - The first Wii 3D Mario. Koizumi’s first Mario? Birth of the Course Clear 3D era. - There is a sense of *wonder* attached to this game. It’s from this era of Nintendo’s Blue Ocean. There’s experimentation by letting a new team tack on the biggest IP. There’s the fulfillment of long held ideas with globe/sphere traversal. Things don’t seem possible at first blush that coalesce in a profound way. ## Overall - The pace feels slightly slow. Sure, I am going for every star. I am curious how Galaxy 2 feels given its galaxies have fewer stars, but more galaxies. - There is no rotation of the pointer on Switch. Novelty has been lost. 😢 - The galaxies are usually 3-6 stars. The stars/levels are little gardens to explore spaces ideas mechanics. Galaxy 2 is supposed to be much faster 2~ stars. So more rapid iteration and new spaces. I wonder how that change will feel. ## Story - Bowser stole grand stars and Peach. Gonna make his own Galaxy. Stop him. - Captain Toad and his brigade’s first appearance! Tune in tow! - Rosalina origin story - I think I just blew up the universe and recreated it. - The absolute drama of “Watch and weep!” ## Gameplay - There is nothing like a long jump around a planet. The delight and satisfaction. - Camera has some jank. - Ideas (the four step teaching kind) are like items in a Zelda dungeon. They unlock the solution to the platforming challenge. - The second dome really opens up options and level choice, if you are collecting every star. Good early variety, if one chooses. - Comet Types - Speedy Comet - Speed Run a level - Daredevil Comet - Fight a boss/complete a level with 1 HP - Fast-Foe Comet - Enemies move faster - Cosmic Comet - Race Dark Mario - Purple Comet - Find 100 Purple Coins in a level - Pull stars are so delightfully kinetic. - The Switch Joy-Con gyro pointer is laggy/jittery at times. Pay attention in Galaxy 2 to compare pointer smoothness. - Is “Sinking the Airships” a 3D SMB3 level? - I do not like the flowers being timed at all - Checkpoints are surprisingly generous. - Function over form. Space allows for form to be free. - The Bowser fights have such a satisfying flow. Tight, simple, fun. - They have a cadence that is *chef kiss* good - I wish Sea Slide was more than races so far (three stars) - Spring Mario and Bee Mario feel like Banjo transformations - Why do the lives not save status?! This is dumbo. - Not a fan of how the purple comet bounces around. Just exist at all levels at once please. - Also, I have to beat the game AGAIN after getting 120? ## Music/Sound Design - Full orchestra. GOAT. - Chanting Bowser fight. Chills I say, chills!! ## Graphics - Cinematic. Cutscenes crop in/go wide screen. There is a flare to it. - Every jump between platforms and planets. Mario’s spread arms and flight is sublime. - Not bound by "reality." Expression is freeform in a way. - Is the watermelon texture in Bubble Blastoff Deep Dark Galaxy the same as DKJB? - Is there a more beautiful Mario game? - I don’t care for the color tint that comets add to levels. It’s oppressive. ## World - I like the way the stars split the galaxies. You get to explore the whole thing, but in chunks. A guided, thematic tour. Like a gallery or exhibit. Miniature gardens themed together. - Open Zone Galaxies - Honey Bee Hive Galaxy is an “open zone.” - Beach Bowl Galaxy