Super Mario Galaxy lands on Wii

19 October 2007 - It’s one small step for man and one giant leap for Mario as he bounds into outer space in the defining Mario experience on Wii; Super Mario Galaxy. Mario is already the most famous video game character in history, with over 185 Million games sold to date, and now he is taking a starring role in the most anticipated gravity-defying 3D adventure title designed specifically for Wii. Players will be transported to the outer regions of space with Mario as they explore numerous galaxies and planets across the universe, in this awe inspiringly beautiful adventure. Players will not only get to experience an out of this world new way of controlling our iconic hero, using the Wii’s innovative controllers, but also the evolution of platform games with a genre-defining experience. Super Mario Galaxy blasts off across Europe on 16 November 2007, only on Wii.

Princess Peach has been captured once again by Mario’s arch nemesis Bowser and has this time been whisked off to the centre of the universe. It’s up to you, the player, to assume the role of Mario and ensure her safe return! Awakening on a planet called ‘gateway to the starry sky’, players are not alone as they are met by Rosalina, who asks Mario for his help and sends a star companion with him on his quest. This companion equips Mario with a special move; Spin, allowing him to interact with various elements on the many galaxies he encounters during his adventure.

Using the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, Mario fans both old and new will find Super Mario Galaxy both challenging and intuitive. With Mario’s movement controlled by the Control Stick on the Nunchuk controller and the A Button on the Wii Remote to jump, players are able to interact with Mario’s surroundings with simple flicks and shakes. The pointer on the Wii Remote is also utilised by players; taking on the appearance of a blue star, it allows the player to collect Star Bits that are found across the galaxies and emitted by defeated enemies. These are very useful to Mario as they can be fired at enemies encountered to stun them as well as open secret levels when fed to special stars called Luma!

Activated by a shake of the Wii Remote, the ability to Spin given to Mario by Rosalina, is the new move players have at their disposal. This enables them to interact with elements on the planets they are to come across, stun enemies in the way and when used whilst jumping, can add additional height. As well as being able to do Single, Double and even Triple Jumps, the atmosphere in space allows Mario to complete gravity-defying acrobatic stunts to reach his goals. Mario is also able to rocket from planet to planet using special Launch Stars, as well as grab Pull Stars to grapple between zero gravity gaps.

With a plethora of diverse and exciting galaxies to explore, players must collect stars by completing levels and use them to unlock the next step in their adventure across the universe. With each galaxy featuring its own unique environmental hazards, players must learn to adapt quickly when taking on the challenges set. On their inter-stellar adventures players will experience deep space in zero gravity galaxies, as well as molten fire planets, ice tundra and familiar locations from the Mario universe. With so much variety and stunning graphics Super Mario Galaxy will bring the wow-factor to Wii this Christmas.

Not only will players have to take gravity into consideration, but different power-ups and all-new suits with special abilities will take this game to another level! Discover a stripy mushroom and Mario will change out of his famous dungarees to become Bee Mario, where he gains the ability to hover for a set period of time to reach new areas - just make sure you don’t get wet! Find a white mushroom and he becomes Boo Mario, where he can float upwards each time the A Button is tapped and turn invisible with a shake of the Wii Remote to pass through walls as if they didn’t exist.

Super Mario Galaxy is fun to play alone, but even better with a friend or family member! The special Co-Star Mode allows one other player to lend a helping hand with the use of another Wii Remote. Appearing as a second pointer on the screen, the second player will be able to collect the important Star Bits, hold down enemies and if players work together they can activate a special high jump for Mario!

Super Mario Galaxy makes its epic journey across the universe and into Europe, on Wii, on 16 November 2007 at the estimated retail price of £33 / €50.