Out of the castle and into space

Super Mario, the little plumber who could.

He’s the most popular video game character ever, as well as the godfather of platform games. Without the groundbreaking titles in his series, video games might not have grown so quickly into the giant industry they are today.

But rather than rest on his laurels, he’s just taken platform games to a whole new level with Super Mario Galaxy. (Maybe more than just a new level; how about a whole new universe?)

Sure, the story is as familiar as clam chowder on Fridays: The bad guy kidnaps the princess and takes her to his castle and it’s up to Mario to jump, run and bonk his way to free her.

In this case, however, Mario has to jump, run and bonk among spherical worlds, spread out over vast galaxies. (Remember when Super Mario only had to run to the right?)

Jumping from planet to planet, each with different rules of gravity and enemies on the prowl, is both challenging and fun and makes perfect use of the Wii’s controls. A nice variety of puzzles that need to be solved keep the levels interesting. And, of course, the family-friendly game is colorful and bright. There is also a co-op mode that allows a friend with a Wii remote to aid in Mario’s cosmic quest.

Grade: A (astronomical fun)

Details: Wii platform; $49.99; rated Everyone (mild cartoon violence).

For wrestlers, it’s wait till next year

Wrestling games are just like all other sports games: Whether we need one or not, a new version comes out every year.

Although the wrestlers in Smackdown vs. Raw 2008 have never looked better, a lot of the bells and whistles were better in previous years.

Technical touches such as the in-match commentary and “create a wrestler” have taken a large step back, and the career mode is improved but more serious and a lot less fun.

The best thing about this year’s package is the ability to re-create classic matches from hall of fame wrestlers such as Mick Foley’s legendary “hell in a cell” bout with the Undertaker. Oh, well, there’s always the inevitable 2009 version.

Grade: C+ (C U again next year).

Details: All platforms; $29.99 to $59.99; rated Teen (alcohol reference, blood, mild language, suggestive themes, violence).