Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2
Top Critic Average
Critics Recommend
Critic Reviews for Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2
Nintendo was never going to remake Super Mario Galaxy 1+2, nor do I think it ever should unless it wants to risk diluting two undeniable classics. Despite that, this sadly doesn’t feel like the remastered effort you’d expect for such a steep asking price, with myriad flaws from a bygone era holding it back from true greatness. This is now the definitive means to experience two of the best platformers ever made, it’s just unfortunate that the package is prohibitively expensive and borderline insulting to those who want to enjoy it most.
Overall, since Super Mario 3D All-Stars is hard to come by, and we haven’t seen a re-release of Super Mario Galaxy 2 since 2010, this package is definitely worth getting. I still prefer the first game over its sequel, but both games are brilliantly made with a genuine craftsmanship that is very rare these days.
Galaxy 2 on Switch includes the same additions as the first game. It introduces Assist Mode to give newcomers a leg up, and if you're playing co-op, Player Two can use the mouse controls on Switch 2. It also suffers from the same quirks: the gyro controls, although perfectly serviceable, never feel quite as good as the original Wii controls, though some of the camera issues in the original perhaps aren’t quite as prevalent here.
Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 stands as a bundle that brings back two unquestionable masterpieces. Two of the best games Nintendo has ever pulled out of its hat throughout its entire history, and they’re still just as relevant more than 15 years later. With a remaster that gets the job done—though it could be better—the Big N restores experiences that challenge any cynical belief one might have about remasters. Because, for a change, we’re talking about games that truly deserved a second life.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Super Mario Galaxy and Galaxy 2 are proper remasters of two all-time platforming greats. With tasteful graphical improvements, more integrated gameplay tweaks with better controls for handheld, they're a solid, sensible way to celebrate a 40th birthday.
Whether you mastered gravity years ago or are venturing to Mario's outer space for the first time, you're in for a treat.
While the truly new the additions may only be slight (the sheer mention of ‘amiibo’ in these games left me shook) but why disrupt an already perfect experience? Super Mario Galaxy 1 + 2 look and play sharper than ever, serving as the definitive versions of some of Mario’s most inspiring outings.
