Wii stomps on PS3 and Xbox 360 with Mario Galaxy
By Matt Jansen
The Wii has been setting all kinds of sales records, and part of the reason is that its games appeal to the so called “casual gamers”. The recently released Mario Galaxy is yet another example of the kind of game that casual gamers can easily dip into, without needing to make a huge commitment in time or emotional energy.
Mario is a staple in the video gaming industry, but in the last several years his performance in the living room has rolled downhill. Mario 64 was Nintendo’s last smash hit in the franchise and Mario Galaxy has stepped in line to inherit that legacy.
Mario 64 was fun because it pulled players in with a variety of different jumps, somersaults and environmental interactions. Galaxy builds on this concept by adding new spin attacks, swinging moves and a host of new villains hidden in exotic worlds.
In the meantime Sony and Microsoft are pushing games like Assassin’s creed and Halo which certainly appeal to hardcore gamers, but they don’t work well for casual gamers who only want to play for 15 minutes at a time. They also demand more gumption as violent confrontations drive the game engine.
Many gamers agree that Mario Galaxy is a hit and they’ve given their vote of confidence by purchasing the game. Nintendo reports that it’s sold 500,000 copies of Galaxy in the first week of its release.
However, even some dedicated Mario fans may find room for improvement. Don Reisinger from CNET’s The Digital Home found some of the game controls gimmicky and irritating, and he indicates that some of the problem may be with the Wii-mote movements. He also mentions the storyline leaves something to be desired. But that’s consistent with the franchise since Super Mario Bros.
Mario Galaxy will appeal to casual gamers who are looking for the next great platform jumper with a lighthearted twist. It won’t satisfy the urge for a fragfest or spray blood across the screen — but let’s face it, you wouldn’t play a Wii if you wanted that experience. That’s what the PS3 and Xbox 360 are for.
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November 27th, 2007
Oh please behave, Mario Galaxy is no better than Mario Sunshine, graphically it’s almost identical, gameplay it’s also tied to the sometimes great, sometimes clunky Wii controller.
By pretending that Wii has the market for casual games sown up, it makes you look idiotic.
There are plenty of pickup and play games on other consoles.
Ratchet And Clank Future Tools Of Destruction comes to mind, and it gives Pixar quality graphics to boot…
How about some of the PSN games, there are plenty of easy access games on PSN, like Super Rub A Dub, or even SuperStardustHD.
November 27th, 2007
“Oh please behave, Mario Galaxy is no better than Mario Sunshine, graphically it’s almost identical, gameplay it’s also tied to the sometimes great, sometimes clunky Wii controller.”
You clearly haven’t been playing the same game. Mario Sunshine was a clunker, with appalling gameplay. Galaxy is in a different league.
November 27th, 2007
“By pretending that Wii has the market for casual games sown up, it makes you look idiotic.”
It practically does. The number of times that journalists seem adamant in reporting how many non-gamers such as senior citizens and other people within the casual market is astounding. Sales completely reflect that trend and it doesn’t seem to be stopping but is actually increasing in frequentness. The number of casual titles on the Xbox 360, (or practically lack thereof), is the very reason the system and the original system flopped in Japan. Compared to the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, the Wii has taken over the casual market on the home consoles.
November 27th, 2007
Yeah Galaxies graphics are identical to Sunshine just like Halo 3s graphics are identical to Halo 1 since the 360 is an inferior machine
November 27th, 2007
I just love it when the first reply I read is from someone who doesn’t have a clue and opens his mouth to make sure we’re all aware of that fact.
Galaxy is nothing like Sunshine and if you’d bothered to play either you’d know that. They don’t resemble each other in either gameplay or graphics and while Sunshine was just ok, Galaxy is spectacular.
I’m not sure about the author’s assertion that Galaxy is suited to casual gamers. Unless you’ve played a lot of platformers (and casual gamers will not have done so) Galaxy will hand you your butt on a platter very early on. 120 stars is quite a challenge even for seasoned veterans.
November 27th, 2007
Galaxy has game of the year sewn up.
Halo 3 is an ok game with a bajillion dollars of marketing behind it.
Galaxy is a great game with a modest marketing campaign behind it.
I don’t know this CNET reviewer, but the wii controls blend perfectly, they are intuitive and not overdone like many of the games out there for the Wii.
I don’t know who thinks this game is a casual game, its not. Yes some galaxies are quite quickly ended, but not completely explored… and others are 30 minutes or more of work just to get the goal, let alone explore every nook and cranny, to see what suprises there are hidden, which is in the end what mario is all about.
Those that continue to discount the wii as a fad or less of a machine because the graphics are not as advanced, are just foolish. Wii is the only console that actually advanced gaming.. the others advanced graphics and sound, but effectively play the same types of games that have been around for decades. Wii actually takes gaming into the 3 dimensional space.
yes a lot of crap is out there, that just slaps some stupid waggle into a tired old concept or quick port, but well done games are rewarded well, and hopefully more and more will come now that companies are learning the lessons that cheap ports and gimmicy controls slapped onto crap will not wind up with sales.
November 27th, 2007
I think it’s simply hilarious, that consumer loyalty has come this far. There just games, play them if you want, if you don’t play another one, or read a boo even. Don’t you realize that now matter who you support in this so called “console war,” at the end of the day, you yourself are not affected unless you have a direct investment. And competition in the industry concieves creativity amongst the 3 factions it’s true, but to say one game is better than another, when looking at this subjectively is not only dumb, but exactly the kind of buzz some very rich people would like you to do. So shut up and play.
November 27th, 2007
Good article, Matt. It did not put down any consoles, but rather stated what each is great for.
November 27th, 2007
gimmicky and irritating, certainly sounds like a mario game. Ps3 trounces wii for a second week running in japan and sales up 300 percent in america. sounds like casual gamings getting old fast now quality games are arriving for the real next gen systems.
November 27th, 2007
blah blah blah!
Can’t Nintendo come up with something not involving game without Mario in it - getting tedious now!
November 27th, 2007
blah blah blah!
Can’t Nintendo come up with something not involving a game without Mario in it - getting tedious now!
November 27th, 2007
Jason, maybe the reason that Nintendo is doing well is not just appealing to casual gamers, but it’s popular characters. Remember what Halo did for Microsoft? How many Halo games didn’t involve Master Chief? NONE!
November 28th, 2007
Shade you are a complete idiot! The 360 is an inferior machine? Look at the specs dip stick geesh! Halo 1 is graphically identical to halo 3? Dude, honestly you have to be 8 years old or something because you have no clue what you are talking about! I hate to burst your bubble, but it has been reported all over the web that graphics, cpu, and all of insides of the wii is inferior to even the original xbox. It is plain to see. The actual value cost wise of the wii is less than an original xbox, but you and the rest of the “casual gamers” (people who haven’t played games and don’t know how to play them well enough to enjoy hardcore titles or are hung up on dumb franchises like a plumber who eats mushrooms and travels through drainage pipes). in my book you are all idiots because you are paying all the extra money to swing a remote around which will get old in due time. Nintendo is making so much money off you kids and old people who don’t know a thing about gaming and it is sad. Microsoft and ps3 sold their systems and lost money to raise he bar for games. online networks, High def graphics, option of high def dvd player, multiple processors cable of taking AI to extraordinary levels, and spending millions to bring in games that redefine video games. Hey instead of wii bowling… Just do it for real? The future of gaming is controlling that shit with your thoughts not doing more. Exercise??? I’ll go to a gym then come home and give my eyes, ears, and brain a treat with some high def graphics, true digital dta surround sound, and mental focus with intense AI. You guys and wear yourselves out in your living room, have one arm leaner than the other from swinging the remote with own hand all the time, while looking at some down right ugly visuals like all the jaggies in the Zelda game (if you see it on a high def TV you will be appalled by all the jagged edges and washed out color), and have fun with your single processor capable of dumb ass AI. Think a little about what consoles you call inferior I wouldn’t have even typed this if I didn’t read that ignorant comment shade. Geesh!
November 28th, 2007
Shade you are a complete idiot! The 360 is an inferior machine? Look at the specs dip stick geesh! Halo 1 is graphically identical to halo 3? Dude, honestly you have to be 8 years old or something because you have no clue what you are talking about! I hate to burst your bubble, but it has been reported all over the web that graphics, cpu, and all of insides of the wii is inferior to even the original xbox. It is plain to see. The actual value cost wise of the wii is less than an original xbox, but you and the rest of the “casual gamers” (people who haven’t played games and don’t know how to play them well enough to enjoy hardcore titles or are hung up on dumb franchises like a plumber who eats mushrooms and travels through drainage pipes). in my book you are all idiots because you are paying all the extra money to swing a remote around which will get old in due time. Nintendo is making so much money off you kids and old people who don’t know a thing about gaming and it is sad. Microsoft and ps3 sold their systems and lost money to raise he bar for games. online networks, High def graphics, option of high def dvd player, multiple processors cable of taking AI to extraordinary levels, and spending millions to bring in games that redefine video games. Hey instead of wii bowling… Just do it for real? The future of gaming is controlling that shit with your thoughts not doing more. Exercise??? I’ll go to a gym then come home and give my eyes, ears, and brain a treat with some high def graphics, true digital dta surround sound, and mental focus with intense AI. You guys and wear yourselves out in your living room, have one arm leaner than the other from swinging the remote with own hand all the time, while looking at some down right ugly visuals like all the jaggies in the Zelda game (if you see it on a high def TV you will be appalled by all the jagged edges and washed out color), and have fun with your single processor capable of dumb ass AI. Think a little about what consoles you call inferior I wouldn’t have even typed this if I didn’t read that ignorant comment shade. Geesh! Fanboys piss me off you will say something totally ignorant to make people believe your side not to mention it makes you sound jealous!
November 28th, 2007
Erm. Mr article writer - please look up some FACTS. And stop reporting complete BS.
ALL the industry has been disappointed with sales results of Mario Galaxy. In Japan it was beaten both by AceCombat on X360!! and by DynastyWarriors on PS3. Please visit Create Media for stats. Additionally, the week Mario Galaxy launched, was the same week PS3 overtook sales of Wii in Japan.
In the US its a similar story - Mario Galaxy was NOT a number one seller against the other games out at the same time. It has not achieved ANY notable levels of sales, and many people are wondering why. Even Pokemon in its first 3 days have sold more.. so stop with the complete dribble you guys keep pulling here.
If anything.. this is a sign of the Wii’s classic weakness - third and first party hardcore titles have sold less than stellar considering the size of the audience. When you have games like DW out selling it in the first week - you should be asking why?
November 28th, 2007
got mario galaxy and love it, graphics are great, controls work very well and its the first 3d mario game i actually like. i like this, didnt like mario 64 too much.
As for sales remember sales for nintendo games tend to stay steady and high, unlike games like halo3 they dont peak then drop like a stone. just check out the continuing sales of brain age.
as for even pokemon sold more copies, pokemon is the second best selling francise in the world ever just behind mario.
casual gamers will pick up mario when their good and ready, not because they have to play it the second its released like some nerds i could mension *cough, ps3 and 360 owners*
November 29th, 2007
Mak:
oh for cripes sake, the graphics in Ratchet And Clank Future Tools Of Destruction is NO WHERE NEAR Pixar quality. not even remotely close.
As for Mario Galaxy, it looks much better than Sunshine. better graphics AND TWICE the framerate. Sunshine was 30fps with framerate drops below 30, but Galaxy is a super-smooth 60fps 99% of the time.
November 30th, 2007
halo 3 will sell more in it’s first month than brain age and mario together. Don’t compare them dude… Apples and oranges, halo and mario are in two different classes… People rush out to buy halo the second it comes out because bungie and microsoft put every ounce of effort and money they can into it. Let’s face it man, they give the hardcore gamers what they want! The hardcore gamers that get it day one are ultra competitive people that is why we can’t wait for the challenge of online frag fests with friends. I knew plenty of people who bought halo2 2 years after it came out. Dumb shit
November 30th, 2007
halo 3 will sell more titles it’s first month than mario galaxy will it’s whole life cycle
November 30th, 2007
@ nick mario64 has sold more copies than any halo game, so has brain age. even super smash bros outsold halo1 so it is you that has been fooled by halo hype, get off the train
December 1st, 2007
How many consoles were competing back in mario 64 days? Two, that’s it. I am not on a “hype train” I just really enjoy halo. It is a mature game, mario 64 and brainage are for everyone. That is why you may see more sales from them, but when a game makes more money than a huge hollywood blockbuster film like spiderman 3, when there is only around 13 million xbox users out there, It’s pretty amazing. The game is a phenomenon and it’s games like it that raise the bar for others. It, Mass Effect, Gears of War, Bioshock, and Call of Duty 4 are games that redefine games, but aren’t for young kids. This is a great year to be an xbox owner and it’s games like that, that makes us love being a hardcore gamer… Sorry wii.
September 26th, 2008
Man I have Maro Galaxy I play all the time. I have all star in the game and it still fun anyway, and all Mario game come only for nintendo console,thats why I don’t buy sony and microsoft console.