Super Mario Galaxy Review: Not quite a masterpiece, but still great

Brighton Nelson

Mar 30, 2026 • 6 min read

I primarily play RPGs, and, especially with how long they are, I don't get around to playing other genres as often as I'd like. However, since the beginning of the 40th Mario anniversary, I've been trying to catch up on the Mario games I haven't beaten! While I've played the first couple galaxies many times, this is the first time I've made it all the way through, so it's time to review Super Mario Galaxy in all its respects in today's RPG Ranked review... thanks for stopping by, and I hope you enjoy!

Story - 4

While this game certainly is one of the best showings for Mario game stories, it's still so simple and not much in the grand scheme of gaming narratives. While Rosalina's storybook adds some much-needed story cuteness and charm, the main story is only slightly better than New Super Mario Bros. fare. While I'm far more lenient on platformer stories because breaking up platforming during or between levels can break the pace, I still expect more than what Mario games lackingly provide.

Music - 8.5

While I'm not as enamored or obsessed with this soundtrack as many people are, much in part to the fact I've heard so many phenomenal RPG soundtracks that aren't quite as much in the zeitgeist of video game music, this is easily the best offering of the Mario franchise thus far. The grand orchestral instrumentation brings a grand scale and scope to the adventure and to every level that otherwise would feel more linear and bare without it. With iconic tracks like Gusty Gulch Galaxy, the main theme, Good Egg Galaxy, and so many more, it's no wonder this is one of the most celebrated video game soundtracks.

Level Design - 9

While it'd be nice to have a few more open galaxies that weren't as linear in a game about exploring the vast universe, there's not much else at fault here. Exploring each galaxy in this game is such a treat, and every level is very distinct from the last. From racing on manta rays to a loop-de-loop suspended in mid-air to infiltrating a galactic base full of lasers and spinning tops; from flying around and climbing beehives as Bee Mario to rolling around on a ball on a mini-golf course, there are so many unforgettable levels in this fantastic platforming experience.

Controls - 7

While the level design and style make controlling Mario fun for many hours in this title, I eventually kind of wished that Mario played like he did in 64 or Sunshine. Instead, while there's a fun jump-run boost, a backwards flip, and the iconic Star Spin Jump, it could've been so much better. He just feels slow and janky compared to most games (especially when going around planets and when the controls flip), and it started to significantly diminish my enjoyment by the end of the game.

Platforming - 6.5

The level design and variety are awesome in Super Mario Galaxy, but there aren't many platforming sections that are particularly memorable outside the levels' aesthetics. The platforming was rather easy and didn't have too much height, with more focus on dodging and exploring than in some Mario titles. I really enjoyed the racing missions, boss fights, and such, but overall, it felt like the platforming was more on the back burner than in many other Mario games.

Art & Graphics - 7.5

While the graphics look cleaner and slicker than in past Mario games, I felt the art style here was much less stylistically inspired. While the planets and design are often fun and cute, and the level design is great, the graphics here are the least interesting of any 3D mainline Mario game, and probably the weakest outside of the New Super Mario Bros subseries.

Theming - 10

This game's premise and idea have always been so fun and iconic! Mario in space—jumping around collecting Star Bits while dealing with gravity and the unique style granted through the space setting—is a blast! While I don't think this game was as perfectly executed as many Mario fans do, this is certainly an undeniably great idea and style for a game in the Mario series.

Combat - 5

While Mario combat has and likely never will be very good, Super Mario Galaxy has a solid showing for the series. With a fantastic boss line-up and fun enemies, it's sad for them to be wasted on another mediocre combat system... but, hey, at least there's more than just jumping... we've got the Star Spin to more actively attack! So unique, so amazing, it almost makes this game not feel like it has generic Mario combat. Just kidding. Yeah, I still think Mario games really need to improve their combat.

Quality of Life - 4

Until the day I die, I will continue to be annoyed at levels or content that feel pretentiously locked behind a second playthrough. There are far better ways to execute replayability than locking things from the player on the first playthrough. Seriously, any game that keeps pulling crap like this will never do well in this category. Also, this game has some really annoying, repetitive elements in the hub... walking between observatories over and over and over to find Trick Comets and which levels you haven't beat yet could be a little more streamlined. Overall, this game simply had some problems in its execution.

The Verdict

Fun Factor - 7.5
Overall Score - 69%
Letter Rating - B+

While Super Mario Galaxy has incredible music that really shines through in its level design and premise, it isn't a perfect Mario game, nor is it a 10/10 game for me, as it is for many others. It's a great game, but it's by no means the best Mario game or a masterpiece in my mind. I wanted it to be my favorite since its premise is the best of the series thus far, yet alas, it's simply not the best Mario game.

Check out my other Mario reviews below!