This game has several additions, most notably rock Mario, cloud Mario and Yoshi, and returns some of the original game's best (bee Mario and boo Mario). One difference from the original is that while in the original there was a narrative that ran through the game, that aspect is completely gone in this installment. Of course, there is a basic story which by now you know by heart, Princess Peach is kidnapped and needs to be rescued. After this is presented the game immerses you in its 3 dimensional nature.
Gameplay:
This game is more challenging than the first. It gets you into serious platforming from early on, and while that is a welcome change in the early stages, some of the latter stages can be quite frustrating forcing you to spend quite a bit of time trying to get the one star needed to advance. There is a "play for me" option that you can use in some of these more frustrating challenges. The only difference is that you get a less lustrous bronze star as opposed to a gold one (letting everyone know that you couldn't complete that challenge on your own".
Another change is that there is more 2-dimensional gameplay, which is very well done and serves as a good change of pace from the almost schizophrenic, mind-bending 3 dimensional stages. Finally, with respect to gameplay, there is a more linear or straightforward map as opposed to the very open story-line that you could follow in the first game.
The two-player mode is more complete than in the first game, allowing the partner to attack enemies with a spin move.
Graphics and sound:
The graphics are fantastic, some of the best graphics available on the Wii. The orchestration is also very well done, adding to the action but not overbearing.
Summary:
All in all, an excellent game that takes all the good things about Mario Galaxy 1 and improves on them. With over 240 stars to collect and no repeat in the action, one of the biggest bargains in games.
