Video Game Hype: Super Mario Galaxy for Wii

The latest installment of the venerable Super Mario franchises is slated to be released on Nintendo's Wii in 2007 and will feature Mario in a world unlike any he has ventured to thus far. The premise is rather simple: Princess Peach reprises her role of damsel in distress (after a starring role in Super Princess Peach in 2006), to which Mario must rescue her. Only this time Mario has to pursue the villain all the way into the far reaches of space, hence the title Super Mario Galaxy.

Traversing planets isn't an arduous task as it would be for us as you will literally find yourself planet hopping over the course of the game. Mario will be facing some pretty nasty bosses, which are expected to be fairly on the large side as many video game bosses have been pushed towards. Expect a variety off odd and off-the-wall things to have to be accomplished in order to ascertain stars a la Super Mario 64. Also, being that Mario will be in space, look forward to taking advantage to a certain lack of gravity in one place or another.

The camera will also be automatic, to the dismay or grand welcome to fans and veterans of the series since it took on its 3D form. However, you will be able to adjust the camera with the D-Pad.

One particular game play aspect, as seen in a movie showing off the Wii's inventory depicted Mario weaving through lava balls while in the midst of flight. However, it is unknown whether or not Mario was literally flying, or taking advantage of a lack of gravity in some special manner.

Another feature to be included in the game will be a two player mode, which has already been confirmed. Already started to be cooperative there has also been hinting that the second player will be able to hinder Mario's progress through the game, which can make for some interesting game play aspects.