Super Mario Galaxy was one of the best Mario games in years, and the sequel — the first direct sequel for a Mario game in years — had a lot to live up to. And it does. Not only does it surpass the original game, it manages to become the best Mario game ever. Yes, ever. And that includes Super Mario 64.

Super Mario Galaxy uses the same, tried and tested formula from the original game, but don’t expect many similarities when it comes to level design — there’s no recycling here. Nintendo has created some of the most imaginative, creative and best levels and puzzles in a Mario game since Super Mario 64. In many cases, it’s the perfect sequel, as it delivers on everywhere where the first game lacked (which wasn’t a lot). Certain things have been streamlined, like difficulty, which now fits everyone from noobs to veterans, and the graphics, which look just a tad better, at all the best places.

Story wise, there isn’t much to say, as the game doesn’t start where the original left off. Nope, instead, it’s the tried and tested formula, where Princess Peach gets kidnapped and Mario sets off to rescue her. One of the better things Super Mario Galaxy 2 has is a new, easier to navigate level model, just like in the old Mario games, with a map and everything. One of the best things about the game is, as you might expect, the levels. Nintendo has created some of the best platform levels and puzzles ever, and the first time you play through some of them, you’ll be in awe of just how perfect everything seems. Nintendo has polished this game to perfection, and it’s evident everywhere. One of the downsides: still no real multiplayer (like co-op), but Mario has never been about that.

In all, Super Mario Galaxy 2 is probably the best Mario game ever made, which by definition makes it the best Wii game ever made. Which, by another definition, means that if you own a Wii, you owe it to yourself to get this game.

The Good:
Immense Mario world.
Awesome level design
Great soundtrack
Lots of polish

The Bad:
Still no (real) multiplayer

Overall score: 10/10