My RU-vid Recommended has blessed me w/ a hidden gem! Work on your pacing a bit during the start to really hook people within the first 5 seconds but other than that this was a great commentary video and I can't wait to see more from your channel man
I've always felt that a big difference between the two games comes from the fact that SMG1 leans more heavily into the “cosmic” theme than its successor, making the player feel like they're all alone in this vast emptiness of space, while the galaxies themselves are so charming that the whole experience ends up feeling more cozy and atmospheric as opposed to being outright unsettling. I think this is the main reason why the game has such a melancholy feeling to it, since it constantly places you in the coldness of deep space, while still having all the warmth that you’d come to expect from a Mario game - this may be part of the reason why very few other games capture this feeling quite the same way. There’s something almost inherently contradictory about the idea of having lighthearted adventures with Mario in a setting as jarring as the vacuum of deep space, but I think it’s the reason why it’s left such an emotional impact on anyone who played it as a kid, and this specific feeling is a lot stronger in the first game than in the 2nd, at least in my opinion. As for why I think that SMG1 is more “cosmic” than 2, I think a lot of it comes down to the types of skyboxes that are used as the backgrounds for most of the galaxies: dark, starry, and ethereal. Compare this with the types of level backgrounds common in SMG2: bright blue skies with fluffy clouds - much closer to what you’d expect from a Mario platformer game, but doesn’t really lend itself to the unique feeling of the first game. Of course, this doesn’t apply to every galaxy in SMG2, and the times where the cosmic, outer space skybox theme is used (such as in Cosmic Cove or Sweet Mystery Galaxy), the game ends up feeling more like its predecessor. I know that backgrounds should theoretically be secondary to the actual gameplay elements (they are literally just in the background, after all), but when the entire game takes place on smaller planets floating in outer space, the background itself becomes a lot more central to the gameplay. Imagine, for example, how different the experience would be if Good Egg Galaxy or Space Junk Galaxy had the same blue sky background as Yoshi Star Galaxy from SMG2. It wouldn't necessarily be thematically wrong in either case, but I imagine that it would feel a lot less captivating, since a big part of SMG1's charm comes from the "melancholic loneliness" it evokes.
Mario Galaxy is the most special game to me. It's basically become a personality trait, if you were to ask my friends to describe me, I can guarantee at least one of them would mention my Mario Galaxy obsession. My brother and I have spent plenty of hours debating on Galaxy 1 or 2, him being the 2 fan. I love hearing people talk about my favorite 2 games, so thanks for this video 👍
I feel u on this one. That ending just sent me to tears. I allways saw lumas as this cute squishy things. Seeing them sacrifice that way just changed my whole idea about them and since then theyre my favourite nintendo character. These two games are 100% the best nintendo games in my heart. And yes , im still hoping for a mario galaxy 3
Galaxy 1 was like the movie Interstellar lol. Too bad I can't play these games again because Nintendo only gave 3D All Stars a very limited release, and I can't easily emulate a game with Wiimote waggling + pointing at the screen.
As someone who's been speedrunning this game for a long time, I always knew this game was pretty emotional for the most part (story-wise), but after hearing about the galaxy 1 ending, I never realized that it was so relatable to real life and how loneliness and fear can be scary to deal with. Your explanation really blew my mind about that. Good Work!
so I wasn't alone when I was connecting existentialism and these games. This video took me back to when I was 7 trying to comprehend that everyone around me will die one day... Absolutely amazing video though!
14 minutes into the video and I’m just realizing this only has 91 likes. I thought this was from a bigger channel it’s so well made. Keep it up man. I’ve been watching this while I work
I love both Galaxy games, but Galaxy 1 has always been my favorite of the two. Something about the music and darker atmosphere encompasses the vastness and the loneliness of space like no other game I've played
i do agree with what you have to say. however galaxy 2 pushes the feeling of depression more than loneliness which in tern still makes you emotional. Galaxy 2 is like being invisible at your own birthday party.
@@Lalo-uu4dg I feel the world looks more visually appealing (in comparison to SMG) and like a party in a sense with all of the vibrancy and energy of the worlds the characters etc. but no one is there to actually give you a hand, it’s all working against you. You’re alone vs this universe of fun that’s out to get you. It’s like being the forgotten person in hide and seek.
@@melhody4692 So it is like when society portray themselves as normal, functional, and happy. But when there's someone who has problems - whether minor or stressful - they inherently don't care because they prioritize time for themselves more than time for the unfortunate.
@@melhody4692 To be honest I am mixed with this perspective. On one hand, there are those characters that only make business with the player (The Chimp, Black Jibberjay, Gold/Silver Gearmo). Then there is also the starship crew who join with the player for not much of a reason and always give advice that is worth little to nothing. But on the other hand, there's Lubba who happily lent his starship to the player and though he doesn't do anything in most of the game, he reinforces the need to take a break and appreciates the player's work. And let's not forget that Luigi and the Toad Brigade also do their best to help the player during their journey. Heck even the cosmic Rosalina spirit helps the player when he's on his knees. Lastly, even though the rest of the characters (bees, penguins, whittles, Jibberjays) do not technically help the player, they never seem to carry ignorant/selfish intentions for their actions. Even then, I do like this fake positive reality perspective you shared. It helps keep Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 interesting for me.
This will always be my favorite game, and I honestly cant remember if i was drawn to it for my love of space, or if it inspired my love of space. Very solid points all around, it was a truly wonderful era of Nintendo. You have a great voice for narration! Would love to hear more of your takes in the future. think about upgrading your camera if you enjoy using video as well as narration
I was obsessed with the Galaxy games as a kid. I’ve since gone on to complete both and I concur. The second game is unquestionably one of Mario’s most well-balanced adventures yet and the level variety is absolutely incredible. But the first game just makes me feel things that the second game can’t. There are a lot more levels where you’re exploring the somber vastness of space, reflecting on the nature of your environment and your journey thus far. The Observatory is a much more compelling hub world than Starship Mario and Rosalina’s Storybook makes for a beautifully melancholy B plot to support and contextualize the rest of the game. Overall, the first game is just way more special than the second. Galaxy 1 was fought for hard during development, and it did things that a lot of the older staff at the time never thought would happen, both in terms of gameplay and storytelling. It is to me the grandest and most compelling Mario adventure yet because of that. Galaxy 2, while amazing, just feels way more like a game that Nintendo would normally make. It’s not a sequel that bravely treads new ground, it’s just a loose excuse to put extra levels they couldn’t fit into the first one. Your companion isn’t a mysterious spacefaring princess with celestial powers, traveling the universe with her family of Star children. He’s a goofy fat purple guy who reminds you to take it easy every now and then. The hub world isn’t a huge traveling space station with elements of a castle and a cozy home environment, it’s a big rock comedically shaped like Mario’s head. You have a very standard level select rather than a universe-traveling cluster of levels available from different observation decks. I could go on, but to me, Galaxy 1 is way more special and in many ways remains unsurpassed to this day.
I feel like galaxy 1 actually makes you feel like you’re travelling through space whereas galaxy 2 just feels like normal levels. I think the main problem in galaxy 2 is the skyboxes. Majority of them are just a normal blue sky with clouds rather than an empty void
*sees video in recommended *watches video *goes to comments *sees 0 comments, 22 views. "What" I swear RU-vid keeps catching me off guard with these random barely-watched videos being recommended to me, but I don't mind lol, they're surprisingly good
Now I gotta listen to this anytime I listen to Jacob Geller’s essay on this game, the videos just work so well together. Bravo dude Edit: also I think the reason why I personally like the first game’s music more is because it feels more hand-crafted for the game. My memory of the second game’s soundtrack tells me it borrows a lot from previous Mario games
fantastic video dude, the portion about idea of galaxy vs theme of galaxy was so good, i’ve been playing these games for years and i’ve never pondered that. one critique tho, during the on camera bits it’s pretty obvious that you’re reading off of the script. keep kicking ass, absolute banger of a video
You made a great analysis. Maybe I should or maybe I should not, but I am working on a fanfiction story for the first and second game. The theme is also existentialist, but focusing more on the reality that life is cruel, and whether or not the characters should change it all to be "pure perfect." But I always doubt my idea. What logic is there to combine a serious existential theme with a short plumber wearing funny overalls and who lives in a wacky world? I fear I would dishonor the franchise that I grew up with. But now you have reassured me that I'm not the only one who thinks of such mature themes when thinking of the first Super Mario Galaxy game. Thank you.
Yo dude, great analysis, even if I don't entirely agree. These games were a core part of my childhood. I love them just like you do. For me, it's always been clear: SMG2 is more so a typical mario game, dumb fun, linear, and not too deep (still awesome and one of the best ones imo). Lighter color palette in galaxies and less complicated plot are just a quick example. SMG1 though, is a completely different story.. It's very atmospheric, carries much more emotion.. it feels almost too dark and real to be a mario game, and I love that about it.
never seen this channel before but I have fond childhood memories of playing galaxy and just staring off at the background areas. Cool vid. Also I recommend checking out the modding scene, esp some of the content mods like gravity, zero, CC and Collectors
For me, the smg 1 game has much more immersion into the world. The music, the story, the bosses and the hub with it's level select. the level design feels realistic. Smg2 is a more focussed on fun platformer, although i haven't played that game in 10 years so idk all the specifics anymore
Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 are opposites. 1 is sad and 2 is happy. When I think about Mario Galaxy, I think of the coldness of outer space. When I think of it's sequel, I think of blue skies. The music in 1 is more melancholic while 2's is more upbeat. I grew up with both of these games, and have always preferred 2. It's the one I remember the most. Mostly just aimlessly just wondering around starship Mario, switching galaxies to see it as the backdrop while I continue to wonder, kinda just making my own fun. Galaxy 2 is just so vibrant, and the cloud and drill power ups are just so fun. I also really liked the Bowser Jr. fights. Those were SO cool. They took advantage of the new power ups, very well. Video. good. Button. Smashed.
I might start a war here, but I prefer Mario galaxy 2 over the first one. They are both amazing games, nothing wrong with them, but Mario galaxy 2 is superior to me.
galaxy 2 is superior in terms of gameplay, levels, worlds etc. the density in this game is crazy. but galaxy 2 lacks the story telling, emotions, and overall grand scheme of galaxy 1. both are exceptional games but to me, galaxy 1 will still be better thanks to all the emotions and memories this game gave me.
The original name of mario galaxy 2 being mario galaxy more was very fitting. They wanted as little story as possible in 2, and focus mostly on gameplay. To me, galaxy 2 is just a celebetory game. Not the defenitive version.
Great video man, good work I'm definitely subbing and I hope to see more videos like this from you in the future, I love me a good analysis/video essay
You stretched a lot on some of your points. To the point where if you just compressed your points (especially the existentialism one), they would be easier to understand. Btw another point why SMG1 is more memorable than SMG2 is because SMG2 is stretched out more. Not just on green stars but in the number of locations. SMG1 has some galaxies with 7+ stars, while SMG2 has the biggest galaxy's only having 3. Putting so many locations makes individual locations harder to remember. Also the most emotion part of SMG1 is not the end it's the library/rosalina's backstory. When you get to the hill part and the harmony pulls up right when you read those words it gets so sad. Also the backstory adds to the ending cause the music is the same tune just expessing different emotions which is something you could've talked on.
@@smoardgamesSo turns out the Luigi part is unnecessary. You can totally re-beat Bowser as Mario (with the 120 stars) and the Green Stars will trigger. I just re-100%’d SMG2 recently, and I triggered the green stars with Mario and not Luigi.
I’d take galaxy 2 over galaxy 1 anytime of my life, but I’m not saying galaxy1 is bad, they are both my 2 favorite games of all time, but there’s just something different about galaxy 2
I don’t agree with you when you say galaxy 2 is a good sequel. A good sequel expands on the world of the story. If galaxy 2 had a completely new story and new antagonist, then I believe it would have been a good sequel. It’s just an expansion pack with a weak story.
