I feel like I should clarify this was always meant to be a one off video seperate from my other content. But aside from that I'm shocked its doing so well in its first 40 hours, and I'm very grateful for all the support, but this isn't really the kind of content I'm going to keep making.
Im glad other people acknowledge how special this level feels. Feels completely disconnected from the rest of the game, and its atmosphere was unmatched. Definitely my favorite level in the game.
When I was a kid, I used to hate that level because it was hard and I wasn't able to beat it. Years later, when I booted up my old Wii and Mario Galaxy 2 for nostalgia, I saw that level again and it was still unfinished. I went in with confidence that I could finally get the star in that level. At the end, I successfully beat it. But when i saw this at the end, it's like a moment to reflect on succeeding at a level I wasn't able to beat as a kid. I was caught off guard, I thought I would be excited to finally reach the star after years, but instead, I felt moved, then I started to cry a bit. It wasn't like any sensation I've ever felt before. Then i got the star with a sense of accomplishment. It was amazing
Probably really felt like the level was made for you, the experience would have been completely different if it had been any other level. Literally the perfect one.
To see such a large group of people come together to talk about the significance of this star on our childhood is really meaningful to me in a way that is difficult to explain.
The end of the level is so beautiful. It's so serene and majestic and it's like a stark contrast to the bleak cave you were in for the rest of the level. And then Captain Toad comes out of the chest.
@@sirubisan698 Ah, my apologies. Juxtaposition is the act of putting two entities next to each other to emphasize the comparison between the two. In this case, it would be the spooky, stressful environment of the spring and the relaxing, calm environment of the end area
Even when I played this for the first time as a kid, slimey spring felt like it's own adventure to it. After getting through the long water tunnel, your reward isn't just a star, but it's also peace. A moment to reflect on the journey you've been on. I didn't expect a level like this especially before bowsers final castle, but I think the lack of music at the end was a excellent design choice by Nintendo. Just the sounds of birds, the water flow behind you and literally nothing else. This alone makes slimey spring my most favourite water level out of the mario games I've played.
This and Battle Belt being the two penultimate galaxies in the main game creates a perfect contrast. Battle Belt is foreboding, chaotic, you’re constantly launching from planet to planet, and the action is essentially uninterrupted until the end. Slimy Spring is... very subdued and poignant. As you mentioned it makes one reflect on the journey and how it’s almost at an end. The ending part’s background also makes me feel... something... nostalgic but also serene. Calm before the finale’s storm. Hence why I always play Battle Belt first, Slimy Spring, and then Galaxy Generator everytime I replay this gorgeous game.
Something that I thought about during Vinesauce's recent playthrough of _Galaxy 2:_ The way I see it, Battle Belt Galaxy is the front line, heavily guarded by Bowser’s army. I mean, the only way to progress it to literally fight your way to the end. Slimy Spring Galaxy is the back road. Slimy Spring has basically no soldiers, as if Bowser never expected Mario (or Captain Toad) to find the Deep Shell Well; which is pretty dang plausible when you consider that Slimy Spring is inaccessible to Starship Mario before first forging a path there via the Hungry Luma galaxy. It’s really great implicit storytelling.
In Wii Party, there are some challenging 2-player mini games where you have to work together to escape a dungeon. (The names are “Tippy Traverse,” “Rodent Rundown,” and “Pump Cart Panic.”) After you clear each of those mini games, a small cutscene plays which shows your Miis emerging into a serene, open space. Those moments always gave me a similar sense of relief and awe to the one I felt after completing Slimy Spring Galaxy.
kinda wild how this went from by far my least favorite part of the game, (i was a dumb child, no appreciation for subtlety whatsoever) to my favorite level in just about everything
Oddly enough while I haven’t felt this way about slimy spring, I kinda feel a similar way about deep dark. It’s just such a weird theme since it’s this tropical beach but in a much darker tone. It also has a lot of weird gimmicks and side planets that don’t fit the atmosphere of the level like an ominous floating cube with boos in it and a planet where you bounce tennis balls into a watermelon. The most glaring part of it is how the skybox fits the atmosphere of the main planet, it looks warm and vibrant on paper, but it instead feels dark and gloomy.
I hated this level when I was a kid because of the way you had to swim, but now looking back it’s a beautiful level. The white flowers at the very end and the sun shinny ties it’s all together so nicely. Also it’s nice to see Super Mario Galaxy 2 being talked about I swear it feels forgotten.
What an odd video idea on a nearly forgotten galaxy BUT I 100% agree I love this galaxy so much The atmosphere, the music, the level of secrecy of the level, it stuck with me as a child playing through the game, because I think it was the last galaxy I discovered besides the obvious
when i was younger, i always hated this galaxy and would avoid it, because i drowned way too frequently and it scared me. it wasn't until i was older that i made it to the end and experienced the end for myself. im glad you compared it to the garden, because the atmosphere held my breath in the exact same way. you cant really describe why slimy spring galaxy is so beautiful. it just is. even when youre running around this wild game, its a reminder to take it slow sometimes and just... enjoy it. the little things are what matter in this vast universe.
I love slimy spring galaxy so much for how unique it is. The calmth at the end forces you to take a deep breath and relax, which is a stark difference in contrast to it's area before, which almost feels suffocating as you are stressing and swinging your wii remote to not drown. I love it.
That flute motif that backs the whole track is the closest this game gets to the strong nostalgia of the first game. It’s unnerving but not necessarily dangerous, and it’s constant. I almost interpret it as a musical representation of water. And that final moment with the bird ambience is a great picture.
I'm so glad that you brought up the topic of this galaxy as it always stood out for its calming aura in the midst of World 6's fast-paced action galaxies. As a six year old I found it to be quite unique from the rest of the galaxies and thought it was weird to have a galaxy like that towards the end of the game. I almost wanted to stay in the galaxy and relax for a little bit. Now as a senior in high school, I appreciate Slimy Spring Galaxy that much more. It's amazing how you brought up many points that pertain specifically to this galaxy. Good video!
You're not alone. This level always stood out to me as a child as well. Most of the level feels like those dreams I've had where I am at a venue, and I discover a hidden area. This hidden area then leads to another even more hidden area, which leads to another even even more hidden area, and I find myself just going deeper and deeper into seclusion. Until I realise I have gone in too deep and I will now never escape. This stage always somehow captured that feeling. Like I was going deeper and deeper into the depths, into the hidden areas, in a place I was never meant to be in the first place. I really felt some strange feeling while playing this level. Maybe it's the gloomy fog, maybe it's the music, but there is definitely something about this level. The rest of the levels feel big and epic, and the orchestral music backs that. Here, it's quiet, slow, and the music is about as simple as it could be, yet very mysterious with random echoey piano chords every now and again. And then of course there's the ending. There really is NOTHING like it in SMG2. The music stops, the fog lifts, and you see the most magnificent back drop. It's just perfect. This level was never my favourite to play, seeing as it's a water level, but yet I just kept coming back due to the experience.
I think that Slimy Spring Galaxy is my favorite one from all SMG2, not only because the final part, but also, I love the background, it feels so lonely to look back in first person at the beginning, or look at the washed out structures when get out of the water in the middle of the level.
This was the first “Wow” moment from a video game that I can remember. Little elementary school me knew that Galaxy 2 was a great game, but I think this is the first moment that the idea of video games as an art form finally clicked, and it’s been a lifelong passion ever since.
Slimy Spring Galaxy has got to be the most beatiful Mario world in any of the games. I remember when I first played this level as a child, and finally after so many tries, reaching the end
YESSS, someone finally describes the exact feelings i had when i first played this as a 10 year old. This feeling feels like a moment to reflect, and honestly kind of feels nostalgic in a weird way? Like sitting on your porch in the early morning as a kid. Something i never noticed as a kid that i notice now is the use of those specific flowers too. Lily of the Valley flowers are very fitting for this moment.
I'm really glad I wasn't the only person who enjoyed Slimy Spring's experience so much. This one has been one of my favorite levels for a long time, and the sort of calm I feel from its music has caused me to listen to its soundtrack during a lot of the work I do. If I'm ever in a really quiet environment, it becomes one of my favorite tracks to listen to for how simple yet relaxing it is.
there's an ethereal beauty in this level that cannot be explained and the end is perhaps one of the most visually stunning things I've seen in a videogame.
This place really is special. The music is genuinely one of my favourite video game themes of all time, it's somber, alluring, haunting, eerie yet immersive and strangely relaxing atmosphere and tempo truly gets to me. The stage is almost metaphorical in a way, telling you to hold out for hope when you find yourself within a dark tunnel, a gloomy place that feels almost claustrophobic, with limited opportunites to breathe. But if you just keep swimming and just keep on holding out, you will find the end of the tunnel. And that moment when you find the end and see that beautiful sunset as you take your first breath of fresh air in a long while is absolutely beautiful. Invigorating. Inspiring. One of those moments I rarely see anyone talk about feeling similar emotions from it, great to see I'm not the only one to whom this place just really speaks.
Wow! Dang. This specific area was something that really stuck out to me as a kid. I only had a vague memory of it and it felt so mysterious. I knew it was from one of the Galaxy games but not where specifically. This area has something (for lack of a better word) magical about it. I honestly didn't even know if this was even real or just some dream I had. I never bothered to investigate further because, I kind of liked it being a mystery. Thank you for this. I feel like you just unlocked a memory deep within me.
I always came back to this level when I was younger. I was actually scared of the underwater at the time, so I rushed þrough as quick as I could. The stress got to me, and sometimes I’d chicken out, only barely getting the Comet Medal, but every time I got here. It felt like home. I don’t know how to describe it, but þank you for making this video.
I always thought this moment really stood out too. I just recently replayed super mario galaxy 2 and experiencing this moment again suddenly brought me back to seeing it when I was a kid. Like the cosmic cove galaxy, I didn’t really want to leave it. I took the moment as a sign to rest and take in what is such a small, fleeting moment of peace in the midst of an otherwise chaotic game. Not only that, but it looks gorgeous! Moments like this one prove that Nintendo didn’t need fancy state of the art hardware to pump out such amazing visuals. It’s all about the feeling, not the details.
Another important thing to mention is that in many playthroughs, this is the last level completed before Bowser's Galaxy Generator. I believe that this was done intentionally to give the play a sort of calm before the storm ahead of the final boss.
It's a very close resemblance to The Garden. Just like said in Jacob Geller's "The Quiet Sadness of Super Mario Galaxy", the garden was a break from all of the action. The only place in the entire game without music. Just like Slimy Spring Galaxy. Full of flowers and rocks and watery caves, it makes you wonder if they take place in the same location.
Recently, i did my yearly replay of super mario galaxy 2. Everytime i replay this amazing title, slimy spring galaxy takes me back. Because it truly is just a unique level in the entire game, it feels like a solitude of peace.
As a kid I always avoided this level because I was bad at swimming and the music creeped me out. Now, I always look forward to it. There’s nothing else in this game quite like that sunset at the end
I never got this far in the game as a kid, so I was able to experience this galaxy for the first time a few weeks ago and it stayed on my mind for the rest of the day. I'm glad I found this video to justify my feelings.
I remember this galaxy used to scare me let alone swimming in this game was scary to me because you could drown and the animation looked VERY real, yikes! But wow I remember the ending, I was so mesmerized.. this is one of the most beautiful scenes in the game.
I don't have a lot to add, other than I know completely how you feel. There are certain spots in video games that give you this disconnected, peaceful, almost transcendent feeling. The last part of Slimy Spring Galaxy is like that, and I think Cavi Cape from _Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story_ is like that too. I'm sure places like these exist in every video game series. Anyone else have their own examples?
This was one of my favorite levels when I was eight, it felt so gloomy at the start and I loved it so much, I wish I still had my Wii so I could play it again…
This is such an amazing game, moments like this feel so unique and special in their own way. I would LOVE to see more of this format with other galaxies :)
I was a grown-ass man when I experienced this level. It was during a brief window of untainted good times in my life. I remember thinking the main level was a neat place in and of itself, but then when I got to the end, I remember thinking "is this real?". I'm glad this awesome virtual space is associated with a good moment in life, and not a shitty one.
Its been years since I played MG2, the more I reflect on it the more I realize how many years its been. Specially considering I played 2 before 1 just because I didnt know 1 existed. However, through it all I can still somewhat recall that even as a very yound dumb kid, I stopped in this galaxy... I simply got there, and stopped, and realized that I felt kinda happy just being there, so I'd walk around for a bit before actually grabbing the star.
When I played this level when i was younger (I'm talking before double didgets) I always thought that this galaxy was... Out of place. Now I respect the hell out of this galaxy. It's just a vibe.
My first introduction to this place was the remix of its theme featured in Puzzle and Dragons Mario Edition's world 2. I really liked it, even back then I learned that it was a remix of Slimy Spring, decided to go check it out, and fell in love with the atmosphere of this place
@@Siamecat yeah, that game's ost was great If I remember correctly, that was one of if not the only underground theme world in the series, so who knows, maybe if we ever get another one they'll go with slimy spring again for its map theme
As a kid when 2:46 happened it had significance to me. Normally I liked to time myself on levels to see how fast I could beat them. Instead on this level, when I broke open the chest I let the star chance song play with the nature noises. I had mario sleep so I could enjoy the moment longer
Great little video! This level always felt special to me even back when I first played it in 2010. I suppose it's telling that even 12 years later I still vividly remember that level despite now being 30 and only replaying the game a few times since. Galaxy 2 is a superior game to the original Galaxy in many ways but one area that slightly disappointed me was how less atmospheric the overall game was compared to the first one. The tone was generally more bubbly and cheery and didn't focus much on the quiet loneness of space. That's what made levels like Cosmic Cove and Slimy Spring stand out. There's a great video you may have seen by Jacob Geller that talks about Galaxy 1's atmosphere (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-IZ1y75vxO0o.html). Highly recommend it if you've never seen it.
The fact that this level was put in so late in the game made its ending REALLY hit home. Like, you're so used to the most dangerous obstacles being thrown at you, but instead of a boss fight waiting at the end, it was just a lone treasure chest in a peaceful garden. Very subversive level design.
also, the world 6 hungry luma is the only one in the game that hides 2 galaxies (excluding grandmaster) that adds to the feeling of it being hidden away
Nice video. This level is so good. Will you maybe make more videos about SMG 1/2? Maybe about a level you really like in the first game? Thanks anyway.
I didnt even know that there was another shell just incase you threw the first one also the music and scenery feels so much different from the rest of the game
Amazing and descriptive. deep yet feels like a light vido to watch. this video is a masterpiece in my eyes, and as you said: beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
You forgot the best part when the you unlock the star and that calming star theme just start play while you look at the sunrise and the star just float by you in complete Peace
Ive always felt... off when i play this galaxy. Its a very different feeling compared to the rest of the fast paced game. Darker, more cerebral in a way.
oh right, this galaxy! i remember it mostly from jasper's excellent video about galaxy 2's unique graphical techniques. mario galaxy has some real pretty water. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-8rCRsOLiO7k.html
