Super Mario GalaxyThe best game of 2007 is also the best Mario outing since Super Mario 64. Though it may not aesthetically seem much different than Super Mario Sunshine, the game design here is realized in a way we haven't seen in a Mario adventure for decades. Originality shines through in almost all of the worlds that you travel to, and you have a good number of special outfits and abilities to make use of while you fly around the universe collecting stars.
The unique use of the Wiimote makes the device finally feel like it's not merely a gimmick. Nay, I'm here to concede that it actually has some practical use! In point of fact, I haven't had this much fun controlling Mario in a 3d environment. . . ever. Play control has always been the boon of 3d platformers, and that's usually because of imperfect jumping mechanics, distorted camera angles, and pits that get the better of you time and time again. All of these issues are practically nonexistent in Super Mario Galaxy, however, and that's thanks to how every spherical world has it's own center of gravity. This means you're not gonna fall to your death no matter what you do. Granted, there are occasional blackholes that will suck you into a singularity if you're not careful, but the Wiimote and nunchuck make jumping in these areas fairly intuitive.
The graphics are bright, colorful, and undeniably charming. The music is good too, if not derivative. At least some compostions are remixes of classic Mario tunes. The levels are incredibly diverse, and can range from child-like in their simplicity to undeniably challenging. You'll invest a good 40+ hours into playing, even if you don't choose to endure the optional 15 coin-collecting stages, or play the whole game over again with Mario's brother Luigi. There's little not to recommend about this game, asides from perhaps the inability to fast-forward through cut scenes or tedious lines of dialogue. Other than that, Super Mario Galaxy is a thrilling, fast-paced, fantastic adventure that's simply a joy to play.
Rating: A
There are only a few memorable songs in Galaxy that aren't from prior Mario games. Until I learn (and by that I mean teach myself) one of the better ones, I'll play the remix of the Dark World from Super Mario 64 that was also in a stage of Super Mario Galaxy.