Common Sense Media Review
By Brett Molina
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fantastic outer space odyssey with coop play.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 20 parent reviews
Parents say the game is hailed as a masterpiece with stunning graphics, engaging music, and innovative level design that appeals to players of all ages. Many reviews express a strong desire for it to be ported to the Switch and praise its suitability for young children, while noting some levels may pose challenges for younger players.
- masterpiece graphics
- engaging music
- suitable for all ages
- fun for families
- challenging levels
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 95 kid reviews
Kids say this game is a masterpiece, praised for its beautiful music, engaging gameplay, and the creative use of space exploration, although some find it challenging, especially for younger players. The story elements, particularly those concerning one character's backstory, evoke significant emotional responses, but despite some design flaws and mild cartoon violence, it remains a favorite across all ages.
- masterpiece game
- beautiful music
- challenging gameplay
- emotional story
- fun for all ages
- mild violence
Summarized with AI
What's It About?
Mario blasts into orbit in the highly anticipated SUPER MARIO GALAXY, an exhilarating space odyssey that takes the Super Mario franchise to the next level. As with most adventures in the franchise, Mario sets off to rescue Princess Peach after longtime nemesis Bowser swipes both the princess and her castle. Mario later meets Rosalina, a watcher of the stars, who wants Mario to grab stars to power her ship. In return, she offers to assist in the search for Peach. Mario searches for these stars in a myriad of cleverly designed galaxies.
Is It Any Good?
Visually, Galaxy is arguably the best-looking of the Super Mario titles. Landscapes are full of color and life. Mario packs his signature set of moves, from the simple jump to a dazzling spin. Galaxy also unveils a few motion-control tricks courtesy of the Wii. Another intriguing addition to the franchise is the Co-Star Mode, which allows a second player to join in at any time. Using only the Wii remote, a player can collect Star Bits, freeze enemies, or assist Mario in super-high jumps. It's very easy to pick up, and could become a great outlet for inexperienced gamers and parents to join in on the fun.
Super Mario Gallaxy doesn't have the realistic graphics or complex controls of some of the other blockbuster 2007 releases, but it's equally as engaging and fun.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how this latest Mario release compares to previous titles. Is this the best ever? Mario first debuted in the 1980s. What's been the secret to Mario's longevity and what is it about Mario games that make them so appealing?
Game Details
- Platform : Nintendo Wii
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : Nintendo
- Release date : November 13, 2007
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate