Nintendo has always known how to lead the video game industry, largely thanks to its incredibly passionate fanbase, who often forgive even the company’s most questionable decisions. One such decision is the re-release of Super Mario Galaxy, now appearing for the fifth time in just 18 years.
There’s no doubt that Super Mario Galaxy and its sequel are among the plumber’s best adventures, redefining the Mario formula and delivering unforgettable moments like jumping between planets or riding Yoshi in a fully 3D space. Gameplay remains outstanding: unique power-ups, creative level design, and mechanics that still feel fresh and awe-inspiring today.
In this remastered edition, controlling Mario and Yoshi feels smoother than ever. The motion sensor mechanics have been improved, allowing the Joy-Con controllers to function as a mouse-like pointer or enabling a second player to join in. A new assist mode has also been added, reducing the game’s difficulty in a way reminiscent of Mario Odyssey and Donkey Kong Bananza .
Visuals have received notable upgrades as well: new textures, updated character and enemy models, plus a redesigned interface that brings these games closer to modern franchise standards. Performance is solid, reaching 60 FPS on both Switch and Switch 2, with resolutions ranging from 1080p to 4K. However, classic issues remain namely an imprecise cursor and a sometimes-disorienting camera that can cause involuntary movements.
The biggest problem isn’t the gameplay or presentation, but the steep price tag. Unlike Metroid Prime Remastered, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, or Super Mario RPG which were full-fledged remakes with deeper changes that justified their cost this release is simply a remaster. And since one of these titles was already included in a collection just five years ago, Nintendo’s strategy feels more like capitalizing on nostalgia and the recent movie hype rather than offering true value.
In conclusion, Super Mario Galaxy Remastered delivers two phenomenal games that still shine in terms of gameplay and design, but the asking price is hard to justify for titles approaching their 20th anniversary. For newcomers, it’s an unmissable experience; for longtime fans, it’s difficult not to feel overcharged for something you’ve likely played before.
Final Score: 4/5
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