Tech Blog

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Following their Sunday game launch tradition, Nintendo is getting fueled up to blast Super Mario Galaxy 2 into orbit with the game hitting Future Shop store shelves nationwide on May 23, 2010.   The direct sequel to 2007's blockbuster title Super Mario Galaxy is brimming with new features including two brand new Mario suits, a new way to travel between galaxies with the Starship Mario and 50 new galaxies to explore.  Much to delight of fans of the series, Mario's faithful dinosaur companion makes his triumphant 3D return complete with a fresh look and enhanced abilities.

As expected, Bowser, the dastardly King of Koopa's, is up to no good as he (wait for it) descends upon the Mushroom Kingdom to capture the love of Mario's life, Princess Peach.  Always one with impeccable timing, Bowser chooses to strike during the commotion created by the Star Festival, a time when falling stars rain across and illuminate the galaxy.  Harnessing the power of the stars, Bowser super-sizes himself as he launches his attack and fulfills his mission to abduct the defenseless Princess.  Mario arrives a moment too late and watches as Bowser escapes with the Princess into outer space.  Using an intergalactic starship given to Mario by a crafty Luma mechanic called Lubba, our fearless plumber flies across the galaxies in pursuit of Bowser to save the Princess and restore peace to the Mushroom Kingdom.  Sure it's the same old damsel in distress theme we've seen time and time again since the NES days, but I suppose that's in part what makes a Mario game a Mario game.

The two new Mario suits introduced in Super Mario Galaxy 2 are the Cloud and Rock abilities.  For the first time, as Cloud Mario, our hero can generate up to three cloud platforms which give him the ability to reach new heights with successive spin jumps.  Wearing the Rock suit, he can roll around with tremendous force and inertia allowing him to smash into enemies and environmental objects to reveal hidden items and passageways.  Also added to the game, and perhaps the most innovative new power-up, is the Spin Drill which enables Mario to burrow straight through a planet and emerge unscathed on the opposite side.  The power-up and suits from the original return, including the Bee Suit, Boo Suit, Fire Suit, Spring Suit and Rainbow Mario.

Mario's green dinosaur friend Yoshi makes his appearance in several levels, offering even more abilities to navigate levels and overcome enemies. While riding on the back of Yoshi, Mario gains the abilities to absorb an extra hit and exploit his veracious appetite to consume enemies and spit them out.  Even better, Yoshi can latch his sticky tongue onto designated platforms, allowing the team to swing up to new heights.  As in past Mario games featuring Yoshi, the dinosaur comes in many different colours, each of which possess unique abilities.  As examples, Blue Yoshi is inflatable and can be used for elevation, and Yellow Yoshi glows in the dark giving the duo the ability to see in the dark or reveal hidden areas.

To celebrate the launch of Super Mario Galaxy 2 , Nintendo of Canada is hosting an official kick-off event in Toronto at the Yonge-Dundas Square on Sunday, May 23 from noon - 8pm.  Attendees at the launch party will be among the first in Canada to get hands-on time with the game, which releases that day.  There will be onsite entertainment, giveaways and a special Nintendo character making a surprise appeareance (I'm placing my bet on Yoshi.)

There will also be a contest held that day where guest can enter to win 1 of 50 copies of the game.  To enter, simply fill out the entry form provided by the staff at the event and submit by 8pm that evening.  Full contest rules can be found here .  A copy of the event advertisement can be seen at the bottom of this article.

More information on the game can be seen on the Futureshop.ca retail page , including a trailer showcasing many of the new features I discussed above.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 will be available for the Nintendo Wii in North America on May 23, 2010.