Super Mario Galaxy

Innovative gravity-defying gameplay

Super Mario Galaxy is a groundbreaking 3D platformer that launched for the Nintendo Wii in 2007, redefining the Mario series with gravity-defying gameplay and an interstellar setting. Developed by Nintendo EAD Tokyo, this cosmic adventure took Mario beyond the Mushroom Kingdom and into the vastness of space, where he explores planets, asteroid belts, and orbiting structures, all while battling Bowser to rescue Princess Peach.

Unlike previous Mario games, Super Mario Galaxy introduced spherical platforms and dynamic gravity, allowing players to run upside down, leap between planets, and experience physics-based platforming like never before. The Wii Remote and Nunchuk were used intuitively, with motion controls enabling Mario’s signature spin attack, as well as interactive elements like collecting Star Bits and controlling objects with motion gestures.

Lumas and the cosmic charm

The game also introduced Rosalina and the Lumas, marking the debut of a new character in the Mario universe. Rosalina, the mysterious protector of the cosmos, guides Mario aboard the Comet Observatory, a celestial hub world that players use to access different galaxies. Her storybook backstory added an unexpected layer of emotional depth, making her a standout addition to the franchise.

The soundtrack, composed by Koji Kondo and Mahito Yokota, was another major highlight, featuring a full orchestral score—a first for the Mario series. Iconic tracks like Gusty Garden Galaxy became instant classics, elevating the game’s grand sense of adventure.

A timeless masterpiece

Critically acclaimed upon release, Super Mario Galaxy received multiple Game of the Year awards, with praise directed at its innovative level design, tight controls, and imaginative worlds. It went on to sell over 12 million copies, making it one of the best-selling Wii games of all time.

The game’s legacy continued with Super Mario Galaxy 2 in 2010, refining the formula even further. In 2020, Super Mario Galaxy was re-released for the Nintendo Switch as part of Super Mario 3D All-Stars, bringing its intergalactic platforming to a new generation with updated controls.

Even years later, Super Mario Galaxy remains one of Mario’s most celebrated adventures, showcasing Nintendo’s ability to innovate and push platforming to new heights—literally!

---

See also the sequel, Super Mario Galaxy 2.