Mario Galaxy Playthrough (Part 1)

So it turns out I don't get motion sickness playing this on my CRT. Nice!

I've been enjoying the game so far, playing most often just before bed as I wind down for sleep. I've got 15 stars and just unlocked the second bass level. The real dangers in the game thus far are primarily environmental - I've fallen to my death a number of times, and have yet to die to a boss or enemy once.

I do really like the visuals, and the uniqueness in the galaxies. It's a bit of a letdown that it's very linear in approach compared to, say, Mario 64. I really enjoyed exploring the levels in 64 and sometimes stumbling upon the stars, whereas here with Galaxy the star you choose to "go for" in a level heavily impacts the directions available, and the room for actual exploration is so far minimal. That is to say that for a game with a lofty title like "Galaxy" I was hoping for a bit more per level as opposed to following the bouncing ball. That said I'm not half done yet so maybe it opens up a bit more later on.

Enjoying it so far!