What started as a slow and disorientating experience has quickly become one of my favorite games released in more than a decade. Some five hours in, I honestly can’t remember the last time I’ve beheld such creativity in games.
The superlative level design immediately makes you want to double back and play it again. The colorful artwork and convincing lighting display a level of polish rarely seen on any platform. The cohesive powerups make Mario feel new even though he’s been saving the same princess for more than 20 years.
Galaxy is challenging without being inaccessible — the music on par with that of a John Williams score, and the gravity effect feels like a mini leap of faith every time you’re tasked with jumping to a neighboring planetoid.
I don’t know how influential this game will 10 years from now, but I know I’m playing something special.