By providing virtual entertainment to multiple generations, Nintendo has a well-established brand embodied in the Mario franchise that has flourished through the decades. The red-overhauled plumber has evolved from a simple 2-D pixilated side-scroller into a gravity-defying, fully-expressive character. From Super Mario to Mario 64, Nintendo has delivered classics to the industry. Super Mario Galaxy is the latest iteration to this line of classics. By avoiding the mistakes learned from his smudgy vacation in Sunshine, the Big N has not only reinvigorated the Mario franchise, but has demonstrated what the Wii is truly capable of delivering to gamers.

Like its earlier versions, Galaxy doesn’t stray far from precedent. The story is still a simple case of abduction with Mario on a quest to save Peach, but in a more celestial setting. This time around, Bowser is a bit more direct, as he descends upon the Mushroom Kingdom during the Toad’s festival with flying pirate ships. With a classic evil-doers pledge to take over the galaxy, Bowser rips Peach’s castle from its foundations and begins ascending into space. It’s obvious that Mario is going to need some help this time around.

Enter Rosalina: protector of Lumas and searcher of starbits. Through your introduction, you learn Bowser has ceased control of the Master Stars, and is on a mission to take over the entire universe with Peach as his queen. Rosalina offers her help to save the Princess, but her ship is without enough power to get you to her. With your nemesis in control of the ships power source, the Master Stars, Mario is sent out to once again collect stars to jump-start the vessel.

Similar to the castle in Mario 64, the ship acts as the hub to your adventure. This time around, areas are comprised of universes, and levels broken up into galaxies comprised of – living up to the franchise staple – actual worlds. Scattered around the ship are observatories which act as portals to your quest. Much like Mario’s previous adventures, you’ll have to acquire evermore stars to unlock subsequent galaxies. While there are 120 stars, it only requires a total of 60 to meet up with Bowser and save the universe. This time around, however, there are added challenges presented by passing comets. Each galaxy has its own comet challenge that will randomly appear. Ranging from time-trials to one-hit-and-you’re-dead effects, the comets add length to the game as the player must wait for it to appear in any given galaxy. Comets are ultimately a welcomed feature as they extend the game for those looking to collect all 120 stars, but if these dynamics aren’t your thing, you can always pay-off a Luma to get rid of the comet.

Players will find that the early galaxies do not offer much in the way of difficulty. Before starting each mission, you are treated to an opening clip exposing where you will find your prize. This setup isn’t anything new to the experience and, ultimately, dispels much of the mystery of finding each star. However, the fun has never really been in finding where the stars are, but has really always been in the process of getting to the goal.

While en route to collecting these shiny trophies, players will notice just how amazing Galaxy looks. Nintendo showcases what the Wii is truly capable of. Fur on characters follow movements, and water reflects light and images dynamically while remaining fluid and clear. The Wii may have been getting flack for being technically inferior to its other next-gen counterparts, but animations and effects deliver on expectations for what graphics should look like for Nintendo’s latest console.