Nearly 20 Years Later, Gamer Finishes Super Mario Galaxy

A gaming writer who had previously bounced off Super Mario Galaxy replayed the Wii game recently, completed it and reported a change in how they experienced its movement, level design and music. The writer had avoided the title for nearly 20 years after repeated early attempts ended in frustration.

The writer attributed earlier problems to a perceived stiff moveset, awkward timing and expectations formed by other 3D Mario games. On the recent playthrough they adopted a different approach: slowing down, avoiding habitual inputs, treating some sequences like classic platforming and prioritizing mid-run kicks and enemy interactions to maintain momentum.

Those adjustments led the writer to finish the game and to single out specific elements they had previously found frustrating. The launch star sequences were praised for their timing and camera work, and the soundtrack drew renewed attention. The writer highlighted Toy Time and Dusty Dune Galaxy for satisfying movement, and cited Juicy Jungle and its following boss encounter for capturing a clear mood and momentum.

The change in perspective followed other recent replays. The writer described earlier re-evaluations of two other games where altering goals and pacing changed the experience: focusing on combos and flow in a recent platformer and accepting a heavier, more deliberate rhythm in Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze. In the latter case, the writer noted that holding the roll button behaved differently than in prior entries, a control detail that had contributed to earlier frustration.

The writer described specific control adjustments that affected traversal and combat. Learning to use mid-air kicks to sustain speed and relying less on an instinctive run input altered how obstacles and enemy encounters were handled. After completing Super Mario Galaxy, the writer said they were considering replaying its sequel.

Super Mario Galaxy launched on the Wii nearly two decades ago and is widely remembered for its music, camera design and gravity-based level structures. The writer summarized the change from dismissal to enjoyment with the line, “What a great feeling!” and later added, “I’m glad to be on this side of the click.”