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Play OverviewPlay Overview

Super Mario Galaxy (2007) is a running, jumping and exploration game that takes Mario to hundreds of different planet-shaped levels as you race to save Princess Peach from Bowser's claws. It stands out for the way the mind-bending physics and ever-changing gravity add a new twist to the classic platforming play.

You play Mario who, when he arrives at the Mushroom Kingdom, finds its Toad citizens petrified in crystals and Princess Paech missing once again. This, time she's been captured by Bowser and taken to outer space, where the Koopa King plans to rule the universe with her as his queen. As you set off into the cosmos to defeat Bowser's minions and put a stop to his plans, you encounter the galactic Princess Rosalina and uncover an unusually downbeat story drawing inspiration from the classic children's tale The Little Prince and told through storybook-inspired scenes

Play is similar to other 3D Mario games; you run, jump, and double jump across gaps and through richly detailed stages, stomping on enemies to defeat them, and gathering coins and stars. Unlike those other games, however, the action takes place on and between hundreds of planets, asteroids, and objects floating in space, each with its own gravitational fields. This means you can walk upside down on planets up the sides of certain buildings, and even from one planet to another in one move. The game utilises this mechanic to create clever and surprising puzzles and ways to progress that challenge you to think outside the box, with each world being totally unique and offering a new challenge.

The result is a game that combines the classic Mario formula of running, jumping, stomping, and collecting, with a totally unique physics system that expands the possibilities of your movement to be near limitless. Every world presents a new way to experiment with your abilities to find new ways to progress, making for a novel and deeply engaging game.

Our examiner, Andy Robertson, first checked Super Mario Galaxy 4 years ago. It was re-examined by Ellen Robertson and updated 9 weeks ago.
Too complex for your family? There are lots of games similar to Super Mario Galaxy. Here are some easier younger-rated games:

Play StylePlay Style

This is an Action and Platform game with Adventure, Narrative, Simulation and Traversal elements. You can play with 1 to 2 players in the same room, but you can’t play it online. A second player can assist with the Wii-Remote to collect crystals and fire them at enemies.

 
You can play this game in the following styles:

DurationDuration

Play Time: This game will take between 16 hours and 26 hours to complete. To find every Power Star, you need to spend much longer and explore every nook and cranny of the worlds you visit.

Age RatingsAge Ratings

Content Rating

Rated PEGI 7 for Violence and Fear. The violence featured is always non-realistic, as are the reactions: enemies disappear in puffs of smoke and leave behind coins. No visible harm is depicted. Some of the boss fights feature monsters with designs that would likely scare young children.

Rated for younger players in the US. Rated ESRB EVERYONE for Mild Cartoon Violence. Players use an assortment of moves and power-ups—jumps, spin attacks, fireballs, turtle shells—to defeat tiny creatures inhabiting the themed galaxies. Some enemies crumble into pieces when jumped on, get momentarily stunned, or make "popping" sounds when attacked.

Skill Level

10+ year-olds usually have the required skill to enjoy this game.

CostsCosts

You can only play this on older systems (Nintendo Wii and Nintendo Wii U) but can usually find it second hand on eBay.

Super Mario Galaxy

Switch Store Switch -
There are no additional in-game purchases, loot boxes, adverts or subscription costs.
 
The game was included in the Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection for Nintendo Switch. Although no longer available on the digital store, you can still find physical cartridges of this collection online on the secondhand market. 
 

DetailsGame Details

Release Date: 12/11/2007, updated in 2020

Out Now: Switch, Wii and Wii U

Skill Rating: 10+ year-olds

Players: 1-2

Genres: Action, Platform (Adventure, Narrative, Simulation and Traversal)

Accessibility: 21 features

Components: 3D Third-Person

Developer: Nintendo (@Nintendo)


Taming Gaming Book Written by parents for parents, the database complements the in-depth discussion about video game addiction, violence, spending and online safety in the Taming Gaming book. We are an editorially independent, free resource without adverts that is supported by partnerships.

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