With all of the hype that surrounded Super Mario Odyssey back in 2017, it was sure to be the greatest Nintendo platform game yet. As much as Odyssey impressed many, I was left comparing it to an earlier platform game: Super Mario Galaxy. Released ten years prior to Odyssey, Galaxy had quickly become a classic in the series. Here are some reasons why Galaxy is still the definitive Mario game.
Engaging Story and Characters
In Odyssey Bowser has kidnapped Princess Peach, plans to marry her, and wreaks havoc in other kingdoms. It’s a harmless and fun story, but the stakes aren’t as high as with Galaxy. Galaxy’s story involves Bowser stealing stars from the Comet Observatory, the home for Rosalina and the Lumas. As you collect the stars for the Observatory, you learn more about Rosalina and the Lumas through storybook renderings. Throughout, you really want to help such loveable and memorable characters. Also, Bowser is fierce, as he creates a Galaxy Reactor to rule the galaxy in the center of the universe. It’s his most dangerous plan yet.
Enchanting Music
Galaxy was the first Mario game to feature an orchestral sound, giving it a grand and cinematic feel. Odyssey follows suit, but I honestly cannot recall many memorable tunes from it. Fossil Falls comes close, and “Jump Up, Super Star!” is certainly a lively number, but Galaxy‘s score is more captivating. The main theme, the theme for the Comet Observatory, and the Space Junk Galaxy are just a few that stand out. Personally, Koji Kondo, a composer of both games, just couldn’t present the same kind of magic in Odyssey that he did so successfully in Galaxy.
“Luigi time!”
Once you have collected all 121 stars in Galaxy, you get the chance to play through the game once again as Luigi. In Super Luigi Galaxy, you can move faster, jump higher, and have an overall change in game play. In Odyssey, Luigi really gets the short end of the stick, as he hosts an online mini game, Balloon World, where you must find hidden balloons in a certain amount of time. The mini game is just fine, but no Luigi Odyssey? Super Mario Galaxy is a masterpiece in gaming. The puzzles, the music, and the story all work seamlessly to create an incredible experience. However, both Odyssey and Galaxy will go down in gaming history as some of Mario’s greatest adventures yet.
Guest Author: Gabrielle Muniz
