I managed to get my hands on an early copy of Super Mario Galaxy 2 today ( read: Downloaded a leaked copy to play on my modded Wii before the game comes out ), and I have a few thoughts so far concerning the intro. Beware, spoilers abound below!

Edit: Edited some more thoughts..

***SPOILERS***

To be totally fair, all I have done so far is play the introduction and part of the first level, but my concerns stem around the introduction.

Firstly, why do we have basically the same story as SMG1? Now don’t get me wrong, I know this is a Mario game, the plot 9 times out of 10 is the same: Bowser kidnaps Peach, Mario tries to get her back. Mario does so. The end.

My problem stems when comparing the 2 games. In SMG 1, you get a nice backstory. Every 100 years, a comet passes over the Mushroom Kingdom ( or it’s planet, I guess ) and there is a big star show, starbits falling down, etc. Peach invites Mario to her castle to join the party. As he does, Bowser shows up in his classic airship, wrecks havoc, announces that he is creating a new galaxy for himself to rule over, kidnaps Peach and takes her and her castle to the center of the universe. Mario tries to save her, but Magikoopa, oh you bastard Magikoopa, smacks Mario down, and out story begins. Mario is in a new land, meets Princess Rosalina, and we’re off.

In SMG2, you’re running to the castle, when a GIANT Bowser attacks ( I will admit..he was huge and it looked freakin awesome ), but thats really it. Bowser attacks, proclaims how huge he is and that the planet isn’t big enough for him, then takes Peach and leaves, again, for the center of the universe.

Now..what the fuck? That seems really weak to me, compared to the first game. Also, as far as I can tell so far, no Rosalina, instead we have this fat Luma who seems to be a “Captain” to the other Luma’s. Also for some unexplained reason, the Luma who follows you around ( presumably the same as in SMG1 from it’s looks ) appears to be Luma royalty with how everyone refers to him in his presence. I know it’s been awhile since I played SMG1, but I don’t remember anything special about this Luma, even with Rosalina referring to him.

As I said, just preliminary botherings, but I’m sure after some more gameplay, I’ll end up going with it better.

Edit: After watching the below video ( first minute mainly ), I think I like the idea better:

He’s a plumber, and he’s in space..as much as a nice backstory is..sometimes..it’s just not needed as much. Why try and give a big convoluted explanation..just go with it and save your princess already.