In this ongoing look at significant moments in the history of video game design, we have already taken a look at Bungie’s Halo & Halo 2, Bethesda’s Elder Scrolls series, Nintendo’s Metroid and several others. The goal of this series is to go beyond simple gaming magazines and iPhone App Reviews reviews, and take a closer look at what defines memorability and quality in game design. In this twenty-first part of the series we will examine some more of those classic moments where video game designers undoubtedly got it right and delivered a memorable, enduring and progressive gaming experience.

Super Mario Galaxy (Wii) – Since his introduction to the gaming world as ‘Jumpman’ in 1981′s Donkey Kong, Mario has been a fixture in Nintendo’s digital offerings. Appearing in over 200 titles since then, Mario has become one of the most beloved and recognizable characters in all of entertainment, not to mention games. However, with the release of Super Mario Galaxy for Nintendo’s Wii in 2007 loyal Mario fans were treated to a gaming experience that overcame their expectations, and put to rest some sour feelings left over from previous Mario titles. Super Mario Sunshine had let down many gamers, and Super Paper Mario was not providing the type of Mario fix that players longed for. Needless to say, expectations were high for Super Mario Galaxy, and the game did not disappoint.

Our point of focus for Super Mario Sunshine is easy to identify. Most anyone who has played the game, and everyone who has played it for any length, can tell you that the game’s constantly shifting perspective and incredible use of 3d space are some of the most progressive pieces of game design seen in the last few years. Constantly switching among top down, first person, iso-metric and classic 2d viewpoints, Super Mario Galaxy challenges the players skill-sets and orientation abilities throughout the games many levels. Thankfully, the game’s shifting perspectives goes well beyond mere gimmickry.

Take for example, the way the game blends its different gameplay styles. Many a level in Super Mario Galaxy will involve a player trotting all around a microplanet, only to be launched into 3d space and land on another planet, where the journey will be played out in 2d space. All of these transitions are seamless and expertly implemented by Miyamoto’s hand-picked team.

It is difficult to describe the dynamic and progressive nature of Super Mario Galaxy to those who have not had the privilege of experiencing it firsthand. This is perhaps a testament to the evolutionary nature of the title. Currently sitting at sales of well over eight million titles, the gaming public has officially voiced their approval for this latest version of Mario, and the much hyped, recently released sequel seems to have taken these exciting gameplay elements to yet another level.

Mario remains one of Nintendo’s most famous characters, and for that reason we can be assured that the vast majority of games featuring everyone’s favorite Italian plumber will be high quality, innovative and memorable. For adding a new dimension to tried and true gameplay without alienating the old fans, Super Mario Galaxy has earned its place in this series.

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