Super Mario Galaxy 2 Retrospective

Taking an in-depth look at the fourth 3D entry in the Super Mario series, Super Mario Galaxy 2. Wow, what do you know! My opinion has changed. Who could’ve seen that coming?

This video features music from AJ DiSpirito’s album ‘Star Stories.’ You can find it here:

#supermariogalaxy #supermariogalaxy2 #retrospective

[petermozuraitis]

If you want to feel old, the time between today and Mario Galaxy 2 is the same time between Mario 64 and Mario Galaxy 2

[NintendoHero]

The overworld map music from this game is truly unmatched in atmosphere. Great to see how much love the soundtrack got in this video, as it's such an important part of why the Galaxy games are so dang good. I've always been a bit more of a Galaxy 1 guy myself, but the sequel is terrific as well. But I do agree that the original reigns supreme when it comes to forming it's own unique identity. Yet another fantastic retrospective man, great job!

[TobiasBrown]

SMG2 is an all-time favorite. Every retrospective or review I've watched or read focuses on the major changes (world map, Yoshi, the story, etc.) - which makes sense - but it's the subtle changes that fascinate me.

For one, they've smoothed out almost all the camera issues from the first game. There are spots in SMG1 that feel unwieldy or discombobulating, but I don't recall having that problem (at least in any meaningful capacity) in SMG2.

The graphics and effects are more polished. I can't find any video that compares SMG1 & 2 because most people write off the graphics as identical. It's true that many of the graphical changes are subtle, but SMG2's biggest credit is how consistent it is. SMG1 had a few parts that just... don't look good (and didn't look good at the time, either). The big area that comes to mind is the opening walk to the castle: bland swaths of untextured grass, low fidelity background details, and a muddy bloom effect smeared over the entire image. You don't reach these lows in SMG2.

A final note: the music in SMG2 hits harder because Nintendo upped the size of their live orchestra by 10 people, which was a 20% increase over SMG1. The difference can be felt in the bombastic tracks (compare the Staff Roll music, for example).

Altogether, these little changes add up to have a big effect. Both are still excellent games, but I tend to enjoy the more streamlined and consistent experience SMG2 offers.

Great video. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[PGReviews_]

I’ll always adore Galaxy 2 no matter what. I personally struggled a lot with The Perfect Run. Finally beating it after several months of on and off attempts gave me the most satisfying feeling of accomplishment. No other Mario level has made me feel such intense pride after beating it. A great way to cap off a game full of so many fun, memorable stages.

[generalcrab]

I still vastly prefer Galaxy 2’s post game content over Galaxy 1’s because hey, at least the Green Stars are in different locations. Playing the entire game again as Luigi just to unlock Grand Finale Galaxy actually sucks.

[notjacob]

Despite only being 4 years old when Galaxy 2 came out I still remember exactly what was going on in real life whenever I played each level, they are all burned into my brain

[Rainbowsyoungersister]

This game is my childhood. I still wish they added it to All Stars.
Nintendo better release Mario Galaxy 2 for the Switch during Summer for this year.

[AurumAlex]

Fun video! I love the world backgrounds in this game, they're incredibly underrated. They give a great sense of progression throughout the adventure, from the light blue skies of World 1 to the serene galaxy swirling in the background of World 4. Each one feels more distant than the last, like your slowly wandering towards the edge of known space and into uncharted territory. That is, until you reach World 6, and instead of serenity, you find only the colossal jet of a black hole threatening to consume Starship Mario. Galaxy 2 has some great atmosphere, despite what some might say.

[CaryArchitects]

Puzzle plank has hands down my favorite galaxy 2 new song, as in a song with no throwbacks to galaxy 1 in it

[Tnk]

These videos just get more and more engaging each time, I especially liked the comparisons between galaxy 1 and 2 where you highlight how each game has their own separate strengths and reasons to play them.
I think the main reason Galaxy 2 never stuck with me as much as Galaxy 1 did was that it was one of the last Wii/Nintendo games I played before primarily gaming on PC and I’d started to lose interest a bit in console gaming in general, but after watching this video there were definitely some nostalgic memories resurrected.
Another banger man, can’t wait for more :)

[hojugames]

I personally love the Starship Mario Music. My favorite piece of music from any Mario game. Another great video dude.

[SandmanURL]

I really liked how personal this video was made. I also appreciate how much you talked about the soundtrack in the game because I feel like a lot of other video essays don’t talk about music that much. Yet another great video :)

[jazzyblossom]

Excellent video essay, thank you for sharing this with us! I really enjoyed hearing your different thoughts and your overall perspective on Super Mario Galaxy 2. I've always enjoyed the quiet yet serene atmospheres of Sweet Mystery Galaxy and Cosmic Cove Galaxy, and you put into words exactly how I feel about the two of these galaxies! In comparison to the rest of Galaxy 2, they allow us to take a moment to bask in a cosmic atmosphere and admire the elegant scenery and distinct night sky, which is pleasantly reminiscent of Galaxy 1!

I also really love the ending of the first star in Slimy Sprig Galaxy for that reason. After traversing through a murky, underwater cove for almost the entire level, you finally reach the surface, and you're greeted with a stunning sunset and a tranquil nature setting. In that moment, it feels like the game really wants you to take a moment to admire the scenery, to take a moment to breathe after an arduous underwater journey. Galaxies/stars like this one and the aforementioned galaxies really resonate with me, and have really solidified Super Mario Galaxy 2 as a memorable and astounding game to me!

On another note, I completely agree that the bland blue sky with clouds setting does dampen the feel of several galaxies for me, and prevents each galaxy from feeling like its own unique setting. I feel like Galaxy 1 largely negated this problem because its galaxies had more varied backdrops and leaned into the concept of the infinity of space. Galaxies that strayed from this trend in Galaxy 2 often felt more distinct to me!

[darkyboode]

In many ways I think Super Mario Galaxy 2 is better than the first one. While the first game did introduce the general concept of a Mario game centred around navigating planetoids, the sequel has new additions and gives off vibes which make it more enjoyable. Rosalina’s observatory was more ambient while the Mario head ship was more lush and bright, and using the Mario head ship to navigate a world map made the game more adventurous. Yoshi certainly made the game funner in some of the levels, and player 2 is an orange luma instead of a cursor on the screen who can better interact with player 1. The addition of World S after you defeat Bowser at the end did make it more intriguing, and not make you feel like the game was completely over with a bonus world to explore. You don’t even need all the stars to unlock Luigi like in the first game, but you can play as him on some levels before completing the game and unlock him completely at the end. I also think the galaxies are more memorable than the first game, and probably more interesting with the way they’re designed. The end credits of the game resonated with me more than the first one, since they felt like they added more closure. Much of the music was better than the first game as well, and I thought the reference to Whomp’s Fortress in Throwback Galaxy was nice too. The first game did have its moments though, and was fun in some aspects, but it just doesn’t hold a candle to the joy that the second game brings.

[VariousMethod]

Its interesting that you mention that you appreciate Galaxy 1 more as you've gotten older because the game takes it time. I found that once I became a father I had less free time to play games and I started to enjoy games with a tighter pace.

[LukeVaughn__]

I hope whenever you get around to doing 3D Land and 3D World that you give those games the justice they deserve. 3D World specifically is my personal favorite 3D Mario of all time

[franciscodelico]

I've always preferred Mario Galaxy 2 over the first one, and for the longest time I just couldn't understand why everyone told me I was so wrong. Like, is it not just Galaxy 1 but better? I wouldn't say you've changed my mind, but you've certainly changed my perspective on why the divide and strong preference for the first game over this masterful sequel. It 100% feels smaller in scope.

Anyway, great video as always!

[laggianput]

I picked up this game on launch day for my 5th birthday. Yeah, 5. i've lost count of how many times i've played through it. Its definitely tied for my favourite game of all time, alongside maybe twilight princess.

[budgers]

despite being born 6 months before this game i never grew up with a ps4 or an xbox or even a wii u. i had no idea those other game systems existed. when i was about 5 or 6 my dad brought home a wii and like 30 games and that was my life until 2019

[JDJG]

I understand not liking galaxy 2 as much as galaxy 1, but I really like galaxy 2 because it feels easier to me and teaches a lot better.