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Super Mario Galaxy 2 - 1

Mario Galaxy took accolades by the bucket load and, as the third best-selling non-bundled Wii game, it seems we just can't get enough of the main man Mario and his colourful adventures. As perhaps the most iconic face and name in gaming it is only fitting that he's donning his cap again for a June 2010 in Mario Galaxy 2.

Mario Galaxy 2 will of course follow in the footsteps of the first game, taking place in galaxies filled with minor planets and worlds, updated with new gravity effects and new power-ups.  Perhaps the most exciting news though is that the legendary Yoshi will return as a playable character. As with the first game Mario will progress through multiple levels collecting stars to progress, and we are promised a great variety of new levels, features and worlds.

Yoshi

On some stages Mario will find an egg, smash it open and hop onto the back of Yoshi. Yoshi can use his tongue to grab items and shoot them back at enemies, or to snag attach points and swing across chasms.  As we've seen in old games Yoshi has a tough stomach and an interesting diet! When he eats a Dash Pepper, he gets so hot and frenzied he can run up steep inclines and vertical walls. When he eats a Blimp Fruit, he inflates like a balloon and floats to new heights and there will also be bonuses to reveal secret paths.

Mario

Bee and Boo mushrooms return as do blue Pull Stars, sections restricted to a 2D axis, balance ball levels, Lumas, and gravity-reversing background arrows.  Brand new features have been added such as a drill that allows Mario to dig through dirt into new areas (and in some cases explore the interior of planets), a Rock suit that allows Mario to smash through barriers and switches that slow time momentarily. Players can also collect Comet Metals hidden in the stages to unlock harder levels with tougher challenges.

The Game

Rather than the hub world from Mario Galaxy 1, Mario Galaxy 2 will include a map similar to that found in Super Mario Bros 3, Super Mario World, New Super Mario Bros and New Super Mario Bros Wii, which is navigated on a Mario head-shaped planet (Starship Mario), which the player can visit anytime and has unlockable abilities.  Lots of new planets are promised, Nintendo quoting 95-99% new stuff.  From the screenshots we can see a range of familiar looking environments, but given a new look and shine for this latest game. The final screenshot contains a wierd snake-bowser which could make for an interesting boss fight. A "Super Guide" feature as we've seen in New Super Mario Bros. Wii is also supposed to be making an appearance.