

But the co-op doesn't hold up to the extremely high standards of the rest of the game. It is a marvelous game, so good that even Player 2's limits don't really detract from your enjoyment of it. A constant parade of jaw-dropping moments combine to set the new standard for 3D platformers. Super Mario Galaxy 2 is one of the best gaming experiences you'll ever have. Adding to the casual appeal, the map navigation system is more like that of Super Mario World than the pretty but confusing style of the first title. The "play it for you" feature from New Super Mario Bros. TV screens found throughout the levels give tips and tricks, some even showing players how to get past particularly tricky sections. The first Super Mario Galaxy was a good fit for casual gamers, and this casual friendliness is even greater in the sequel.

Luigi is available early on as a playable character, and beating levels as Luigi opens up time challenges, adding longterm appeal for the hardcore platform game champs. Yoshi's trademark "gobble and spit" move is used at length, and his tongue can also be used to swing off certain objects. Yoshi is back, as well, and even the friendly dinosaur has new abilities, like turning into a blimp, and lighting up invisible platforms. The Drill is my favorite of the new abilities, allowing Mario to tunnel through soft earth at breakneck speed, switching between the surfaces of worlds in a dizzying snap. The new power-ups, like the Drill, Cloud Flower, and Rock Mushroom, are well implemented. The first Super Mario Galaxy had some great levels, don't get me wrong, but with the sequel, it's as if the developers truly realized the potential of the premise of "Mario in Space". Indeed, I would go so far as to say the level designs are the most clever and innovative I've seen in any game. As for the rest of the game, it is, quite simply, the greatest 3D Mario experience ever.
