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Post by Smashchu on Nov 16, 2007 23:53:13 GMT -5
Got all 120 stars! Got Me! Also enjoying the new character
It took me 20 hours to get 120 stars with Mario. Levels can be challenging, but the game gives you too many lives (just like New Super Mario Bros). Music wins, and the challange is fun. Also, to all of you who think you can just complete a galaxy and be done with it, you can not clear a galaxy (getting all 6 stars) until after beating Bowser.
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Post by kirbychu on Nov 17, 2007 5:13:28 GMT -5
I just finished the game. It is fantastic, but I have one major complaint - this game has the worst camera of any game I've ever played. Most of the time, when I need to move the camera to see where I'm going, I'm greeted by the familiar buzzer sound I'm used to hearing when I try to pause while jumping. When the game decides you don't need to move the camera, the camera buttons are useless. Unfortunately, the game very rarely thinks you do need to move it. The game is an idiot. The C button is sometimes useful. It usually resets the camera to behind Mario. Yeah... usually. But a large portion of the time it just resets the camera to pointing in whatever direction you were trying to look away from. In the hub world, it insists that you stare at the beacon in the middle of the area. This may look good, but it's absolutely useless for gameplay. Mario 64 had a better camera, which is somewhat worrying. Other than that, and the minor fact that the Ice, Fire and Flying abilities wear out after a minute or less (boo!  ) the game is spectacular. |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 17, 2007 9:20:11 GMT -5
I agree on the duration of the Power Ups. There's no excuse for any of them to be timed, especially Ice Flower and Fire Flower. Granted, certain goals in the game require the timing, and I wouldn't mind if it were just those goals where the effects wore off after a while...but still. XD
Also, I've only ever had difficulty with the camera on smaller worlds like the Bonefin Galaxy or the Gate. Using the C button on places like that usually angles the camera in such a way that it looks right at the middle of the planet--which is absolutely useless if I'm trying to find something that may be ahead of me.
But really, it's not as bad as other games. The camera's lack of full functionionality has never accidentally gotten me killed, it just makes looking around a little awkward. And given the nature of this game, it's pretty understandable as to why the camera has to be automatically handled most of the time.
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Post by Flip on Nov 17, 2007 11:45:07 GMT -5
I just beat Bowser last night, and damn--what a funky but cool ending. I love that they're starting to make everything all canon again, esp. Bowser's "I'm the hilariously awkward and bumbling boss" personality from Paper Mario but retaining the "I'm Bowser and I RAWWWK" mood from Smash. I dunno; it just sat very very well with me.
On an aside, my roommates found it downright ridiculous that I got 60 stars in 4 days. Is that really so bad? There's still like... 3/4 of the FULL game to go.
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Post by kirbychu on Nov 17, 2007 13:59:27 GMT -5
The camera only got me killed four times, but it was still more than any other game has before. I can see that the camera needs to be handled automatically on some planets, like the spherical ones... but there was really no excuse for not letting me move it in the first area of the beehive world, or on top of the Bowser robot's head in Toy Time Galaxy, for example. There was absolutely no reason the camera had to be pointing the way it was, and it was extremely frustrating.
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Post by Smashchu on Nov 17, 2007 18:20:13 GMT -5
On an aside, my roommates found it downright ridiculous that I got 60 stars in 4 days. Is that really so bad? There's still like... 3/4 of the FULL game to go. I beat it in two. How do you feel now? I only got hurt once after getting all 120 starts and then some. Maybe you should stop sucking. But seriously, It's not that bad. I think you over exaggerate it. Most of the time, if you move, you can change the camera. I've found that 99.9% of the time, if you take a few steps, you can change the camera. It may just be the area your in would cause problems if you stand there. Example, in the Beehive world, moving the camera in one area would make the tree go in front of Mario. Move five steps and you can change it. Also, if your saying it has the worst camera of any game you've played, then you need to play more games. There are plenty of games out there that have poor cameras. Sonic 360 for instance. |
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Post by kirbychu on Nov 17, 2007 18:24:31 GMT -5
No. The camera isn't refusing to move because a tree is in the way. A tree is in the way because I can't move the camera. Shit like that. There's never anything in the way when I'm trying to move it, I'm not that stupid.
I have Sonic 360, and I've never had a single problem with the camera. It always points where I need it to automatically, and on the odd occasion I do need to move it, I just press L or R, and it's moved. Easy. This isn't the case with Galaxy. Like I said, I've died four times because I'm trying to navigate areas the camera won't let me look at.
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Post by Fryguy64 on Nov 17, 2007 18:26:33 GMT -5
Well, Bowser's defeated! I still need to get the rest of them stars, but the bulk of the game is done (I made sure to play all of the "main" stars before taking down Bowser). My as-per-usual controversial thoughts: This was a good game, and it really should have been a launch title, as it made great use of the controls, and gave Mario a whole new dimension to worry about. It really felt like it was trying to tie together all of the Mario games to date, while offering a new experience. But I preferred Super Mario Sunshine. *GASP* - but I liked Super Mario Sunshine. In fact I thought it was awesome and got a bad reputation for no good reason. There's not a huge distance between them, but I felt that many of the levels in Galaxy were instantly forgettable. The challenges were rarely that difficult, and the game was VERY generous with 1-Ups, so I have yet to see the Game Over screen (even though - a personal gripe - it erases your extra lives when you switch off or complete the game). I'd have liked some more incentive to explore. With the levels set up as they were, you can't really just wander around and experiment yourself. You're forced along a path. A beautiful and enjoyable path, for sure... but do I want to go back and play that level again? Do I want to see how many coins or star bits I can collect before completing the level? Not really... I mean, there's 120 stars to collect, spread across multiple worlds each with unique challenges. But are they THAT hard to collect? No. Have we moved on much since SM64? It would appear not. There are N64 games that made me feel more involved in the game world, that made me want to revisit, and that was two console generations ago. It's a good game. It's the second-best game on the Wii (though there's not a lot of competition), but it's linear, and it's restrictive. And I couldn't stand the story... Many of the "extra" or hidden stars are throwaway challenges, while others are horrible (beat boss with 1 bar of health? That's just cruel!) To cover other complaints, I didn't have much issue with the camera, except when I stopped moving while upside-down and the controls reset to "default", so when I started moving again I went in the wrong direction. That was annoying... but usually it went where I wanted it to go, and was never more frustrating than other 3D platformer cameras. The power up duration wasn't a problem, but it was a shame. I'd have loved a permanent Fire Flower or Flying ability. And Flip... I managed to get nearly 70 stars in 1 day. I think you're fine  |
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Post by Smashchu on Nov 17, 2007 22:59:41 GMT -5
No. The camera isn't refusing to move because a tree is in the way. A tree is in the way because I can't move the camera. hobo like that. There's never anything in the way when I'm trying to move it, I'm not that stupid. It's not that it always is, it's just an example. I don't think you should ever die because of the camera(or at least, 4 times). Nothing is ever out of view and if you die, then chances are you probably need to train up a bit. Some challenges in the game (despite the fact the game throws 1-ups at you) can be difficult, and will require some practice. And most of the time, there aren't bottemless pit, because their in plain sight. In my entire experience playing the game, after many hours, and doing much harder challenges I have never died because of the camera. Is the camera annoying? Yes. Can you work with it. Very much so. You are the first person that said they actually died because of the camera. Even in the IGN review, they said it was annoying, but rarely results in death. Case in point, I think it you and not the game. But let me ask this. Where did you have the problems, if you can remember. Any challenge that sticks out in my mind where camera would be a problem had it at a fixed, but workable camera. Also, I disagree Fry. This game is leagues better then Sunshine. If we want to talk linear, then that game was linear. The two games work in the same vein. Normally, the challenge wont be open unless you chose that shine sprite. Same in Galaxy, now your path is actually different. It's also the fact the game gave me more freedom. In Sunshine, I had to play X level to more on. There were only 8 levels, none no bigger then a Mario 64 level. In Galaxy, I can chose where I wish to go next. I'm sick of the Good Egg galaxy, so I can pick 14 other levels to play. Where in Sunshine, I had 7 others. Also, the progression in Galaxy is great. Unlike other Mario games, where you could clear the world 100% before moving on. Now, you have a slower, but more satiffying progression. It kind of fources you to explore, but also keeps you coming back to the other Galaxies. I also disagree with that fact that galaxies feel lifeless. I did feel that way later in the game, where some themes repeat, but the levels felt unique in their own way. The Beach Bowl and Sea Slide levels both felt different and offered different challenges. Of course, it's no different then 64, where levels, looks and even music repeated from each world. It's also nice that the smaller galaxies had life of their own, and added some new challenges. Heck, if weresaying Galaxy is repetative, lets look at Sunshine. All of the levels were the same in theme. All island. Sure, there is a theme park and mushroom place, but it was all apon an island. There a beach, harbor, a hotel. Pretty standard fair that can get tiresome. Of course, it's Galaxy that made me realize how structure it is. I will agree that the game is too easy. Sure, some challenges were hard, but it threw too many lives at you. The reason is obvious, to help n00bs, but it would have been nice if it was like 64 and Sunshine where the 1-ups were there, but out of reach. I just felt the whole experience with Galaxy was much meatier and more fulfilling then Galaxy. I like Sunshine, but didn't agree about the comments, just because they feel the things you dislike about Galaxy, was way more predominate in Sunshine. Maybe it's just me, but I felt Galaxy was one of the best games I played in a long time. I beaten it down and I'm still playing it. Although, I did the usual argue with opinion thing I do. But, this begs the question. What is the best game on the Wii in your mind? |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 18, 2007 0:54:07 GMT -5
I loved Sunshine--it was a fantastic Mario game in my opinion. But playing Galaxy now, it feels like it's captured something that Sunshine didn't quite have--maybe it's the soul of the franchise or the desire to explore as much as I can, even given the perameters set by the goal I've chosen. Either way, something just feels right about Galaxy.
Maybe it's because Galaxy--a space-themed game--has better water levels than the beach-themed Sunshine...? Seriously; Beach Bowl, Surf Slide, Buoy Base and all the other water levels in Galaxy are fucking fantastic.
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Post by Flip on Nov 18, 2007 1:53:37 GMT -5
I think my experiences with Galaxy just felt liberated. Mario 64 was a fantastic game because I was able to play it for years after completion, even 100% completion. I was free to roam and try new things, goof off and get new stars, attempt to unlock Luigi...
Galaxy has all that, and then some. I definitely see where Fry comes from in that it is very, very hard to explore on your own. The galaxies are very tightly knit, and they don't give you much to do as far as wandering about. But when I did bother with some of the times where I could, it was very rewarding. The pace is much greater than Sunshine or 64, because you are controlled in what stars you can get and when while still being able to visit new galaxies or unlock others, so long as you're willing to fight the Koopas.
Sunshine was far too limiting, Mario 64 was far too easy. This gets a weird balance between the two. Galaxy is indeed easy--a lot of this stuff was forgettable and quick. But at the same time, some of these stars have been total pains in the ass and I can jive with that. I can appreciate the game for that. And, unlike Sunshine, the variety of stuff you can do is amazing. Sunshine forced you to play the same boring levels again and again and yes, it was fun. But Galaxy has variety up the wazoo, and that is awesome.
I think Galaxy is just the true faithful sequel to 64, and that's it. It's the Mario 3 of the 3D games; Mario 64 sets the standard, Sunshine does something totally unexpected and weird, and Galaxy resets the standard with something completely new. I love this game. A lot. And I can see where Fry is coming from, but I just don't think I can agree. Galaxy is well worth the time to play. Especially considering that, at full completion, you have more than twenty hours of gameplay in your hands.
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Post by Fryguy64 on Nov 18, 2007 5:41:26 GMT -5
I absolutely see where everyone is coming from on this! I'm not saying it's a bad game by any stretch of the imagination. It's a great game. In my own opinion, in doing some things right, it also gets a few things wrong - things that I think are the heart of a good 3D Mario game. So I'm not gonna argue too much, but I will pick up a point or two... If we want to talk linear, then that game was linear. The two games work in the same vein. Normally, the challenge wont be open unless you chose that shine sprite. Same in Galaxy, now your path is actually different. I didn't mean the game was linear, as that's clearly not true. It's still not quite as crazy freeform as Super Mario 64 (where you could collect Stars in pretty much any order most of the time - you're still restricted to collecting the star whose chapter you're in, like in Sunshine). I meant the levels themselves were mostly linear. I have to get from A to B, from start to Star. But, and this is true of SM64 and SMS, but rarely true of SMG, sometimes I want to just wander around and do whatever. Smash as many enemies as I can, collect as many coins or Star Bits as possible to beat personal records, or simply just explore. You can't do that. There's no way to explore the entirety of a single galaxy, as part of it are "locked" to specific chapters. Even after you have finished everything, there's no freeform option for exploring. And THAT was one of my major gripes - as that was one of the biggest reasons why I loved SM64 and SMS so much. Just throwing myself around the levels and trying stuff out on a whim. I also disagree with that fact that galaxies feel lifeless. I didn't actually say that. In fact I said the exact opposite. The levels were beautiful, varied, interesting and filled with crazy fun ideas. They really took on SM64's crazy worlds and won by going one crazier. You can tell EAD Tokyo (Yoshi's Story, Jungle Beat) were behind it. I even disagree on the repeated elements being a bit drab. Every galaxy was unique and interesting - even where you had multiple underwater or lava levels, they had their own personality. But, this begs the question. What is the best game on the Wii in your mind? Twilight Princess - without a shadow of a doubt. Never has my jaw dropped so many times. Galaxy was great, but it didn't make me giggle with glee like TP did when I collected the Ball and Chain, or when I realised I'm going to get double Clawshots. Another game unfairly criticised. Just understand... I loved Super Mario Sunshine. From the first level to the last, I loved everything - even the Blue Coin challenge when I finally finished everything else. I disagree it was trying something weird - it gave you a temporary jetpack, and regularly removed it from you. That's a lot less weird than what Galaxy has done - completely rewriting the rules of 3D movement yet again. Gonna defend Sunshine now... but let's not get bogged down in it The first thing I appreciated about Sunshine's levels was that Nintendo tried something clever - people were moaning how ever 3D platformer had a fire level, a snow level, a mountain level... SMS created a holiday resort, and all of the levels had to be believably based in that resort. The docks and the theme park were brilliant, Noki Bay and Pianta Village were beautiful, and the haunted hotel made me smirk a few times. And the levels were TALL. They didn't always cover a wide space (although some of them were deliciously huge), but they went up and up. And as you cleared more Shines, you were free to explore the entire level to your heart's content. I spent a lot of time throwing myself around the scaffolding in the docks, and the dizzy heights of the theme park. I played every level over and over, just looking for 100 coins or all the blue coins. My fear is that some of that - my favourite thing about SM64 and SMS - has been lost in much of Galaxy, as you jump in a Star, shoot yourself across the level, and to get back again you have to return to the observatory, re-enter the level... rather than just have a path back. It's not a game crushing criticism - it's one of my ONLY criticisms - but it's the thing I will miss most from Galaxy's predecessors. |
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Post by kirbychu on Nov 18, 2007 7:21:41 GMT -5
I don't think you should ever die because of the camera(or at least, 4 times). I agree completely, which is why it's so annoying that I did. Nothing is ever out of view and if you die, then chances are you probably need to train up a bit. I named several times when things were out of view. I don't appreciate being told the camera is only bad because I suck, Smash. I managed to get over 100 Stars in 2 days, so I can't be that bad at it. If the game was more linear, an automatic camera would work. But since it wants me to explore every planet, the fact that I'm not allowed to see where I'm going is a big problem. Several times now I've had to try and negotiate an area through a cliff wall using only Mario's silouette for guidance, because the camera wouldn't allow me to move it. And most of the time, there aren't bottemless pit, because their in plain sight. Eh? Every single galaxy has numerous bottomless pits, whether in the form of black holes or just falling. XD Is the camera annoying? Yes. Can you work with it. Very much so. You are the first person that said they actually died because of the camera. Even in the IGN review, they said it was annoying, but rarely results in death. Case in point, I think it you and not the game. No. The camera is fine because you can work with it, though it's annoying? NO. The camera should not BE annoying. There is no excuse. And notice IGN said it rarely results in death. Not never. Rarely. Meaning they did die because of the camera, but only a few times. This is something that never happened to me in Mario 64 or Mario Sunshine. Hell, in Sunshine you can move the camera around even when there's stuff in the way. The camera will go THROUGH buildings, in order to let you see. Why is this not the case in Galaxy? And if you say it's because of me one more time, I swear I will maul you. |
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Post by Fryguy64 on Nov 18, 2007 10:02:17 GMT -5
To be fair, I rarely died because of the camera - but that doesn't mean never, and I definitely lost a lot of health because of it. Especially the Purple Coin toybox quest... I've died a couple of times there because you can't point the camera in the right direction fast enough. And the fact camera controls are now set to the D-Pad again, rather than being able to control it smoothly with an analogue, means it's once again difficult to get the camera exactly where you need it quickly. Slightly frustrating, and I imagine much more frustrating for someone not as used to playing 3D Mario games as I am  |
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Post by kirbychu on Nov 18, 2007 10:35:51 GMT -5
I saw the game over screen for the first time today. My own fault from heading into a difficult stage and forgetting to pick up my 5 1-Ups from Peach first. XD
I do have one last gripe with the game, and this is one I had with Mario Sunshine, too... why were the swimming mechanics ever changed? Swimming in Mario 64 felt so natural and easy, but now... it feels very awkward. Jumping out of the water seems somewhat hard to do, but maybe there's a new way of doing it that I'm unaware of. I'm used to doing it by holding back on the control stick and pressing jump, but now, when on the surface, holding back on the control stick sometimes works, and sometimes just makes Mario swim toward the camera. I don't know how the game decides which of these is going to happen, it seems to be random.
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) the game is spectacular. 
