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Jericho · **on:** June 15, 2009, 06:06:56 AM

Making a new thread since no one mentioned this new tidbit of news and the E3 thread needs to be locked soonish anyways:

Miyamoto: "Why I Spiked the Story From Super Mario Galaxy 2"

Quote from: Choice Quotes

LOS ANGELES — Super Mario Galaxy 2 won’t have as deep a storyline as its predecessor, says Mario’s creator Shigeru Miyamoto.

Super Mario Galaxy, the 2007 game that marked the iconic mascot character’s first adventure on Wii, was notable for the fact that its narrative was much deeper than the series’ usual paper-thin, save-the-princess plot. But Miyamoto, in an interview with Wired.com at E3 2009, says he’s not a fan of putting story into Mario titles, and therefore he’s keeping the plot of Galaxy 2 to a bare minimum.

“I’d like to go with as little story as possible,” he said. “I’ve always felt that the Mario games themselves aren’t particularly suited to having a very heavy story.”

“I just feel that the Mario games are something that should be a much more bright and active experience,” he said. “With the Mario games, you don’t need to have such a complicated setting where you have these particular characters with complicated backstories that can weigh down the bright and fun feel of the game.”

Somewhat complicating matters is the fact that the director of the Mario games, Yoshiaki Koizumi, disagrees with Miyamoto’s story-free philosophy.

“Mr. Koizumi is the type of person who, whenever we’re working on a new Mario game, he always wants to bring more story elements into it, as he did with Super Mario Galaxy. But in talking with him this time, he agrees and feels that with Galaxy 2, there won’t be a need for as deep of a story,” Miyamoto said.

But does he really agree with his boss, or has Koizumi just been overruled? In an interview with Wired.com in 2007, Koizumi said that he’s been trying to sneak bits of story into Mario and Zelda games for his entire career at Nintendo, even as Miyamoto has been trying to keep them out.

I told Miyamoto about what Koizumi had said, and he looked slightly taken aback.

“He said that?”

“Yes.”

“Well, I put a stop to that at the beginning, this time,” he said, and for emphasis punched the air with his fist.

The bold made me chuckle.

Also keep in mind that [Yoshiaki] Koizumi, the current head of EAD Tokyo, is also the guy responsible for the added story/scenarios in games like Link's Awakening, Super Mario Sunshine, The Windwaker, and now Super Mario Galaxy. So what say you all, yay or nay to this? Also, this is the general discussion thread so feel free to leave any other interesting notes on Galaxy 2 here.

Protoman Blues · **Reply #1 on:** June 15, 2009, 06:12:40 AM

Quote

Super Mario Galaxy 2 won’t have as deep a storyline as its predecessor, says Mario’s creator Shigeru Miyamoto.

...Deep story...

Jericho · **Reply #2 on:** June 15, 2009, 06:18:17 AM

Everyone I know says the same thing.

I think he was referring to the intro and the Rosalina storybook segments myself, but even then, all of that didn't seem so bad, actually it was more to the opposite. What I'm wondering is whether or not the presentation will still be as awesome as SMG1's especially regarding Bowser being "[chameleon sting]ing King Bowser, Galactic Conqueror".

Night · **Reply #3 on:** June 15, 2009, 06:19:02 AM

I thought this was going to be a topic about drills and the piercing of the heavens...

Protoman Blues · **Reply #4 on:** June 15, 2009, 06:25:11 AM

Quote from: Jericho on June 15, 2009, 06:18:17 AM

Everyone I know says the same thing.

I think he was referring to the intro and the Rosalina storybook segments myself, but even then, all of that didn't seem so bad, actually it was more to the opposite. What I'm wondering is whether or not the presentation will still be as awesome as SMG1's especially regarding Bowser being "[chameleon sting]ing King Bowser, Galactic Conqueror".

The intro is pretty much classic Mario type stuff. I just considered the Rosalina parts as extra. LoL, I also prefer my Mario games without "Deep Story" personally.

As for Zelda, I'm quite content with the formula as it is, but I think each game has a decent enough story to it. LoL, I don't look for Tolkien when I play video games.

Satoryu · **Reply #5 on:** June 15, 2009, 06:40:01 AM

if you're playing a Mario game for its story, and that Mario game isn't of the RPG variety, you're playing the wrong game.

though the Peach the Glutton scenario sounds really [tornado fang]ing funny. you think Miyamoto checked out Fat Princess at E3?

Solar · **Reply #6 on:** June 15, 2009, 07:32:04 AM

I'll be the first one to say "hell no!" Seriously, it was truly perfect in SMG. The storybook didn't get in the way (and was one of my favorite parts, even my brother loved it, and he's the one that doesn't give a damn about story even in a [tornado fang]ing RPG), and I thought the cutscenes were great. Why change it?

Tickle Buffalo · **Reply #7 on:** June 15, 2009, 08:15:11 AM

Mario - TOO DEEP FOR YOU

The Drunken Dishwasher · **Reply #8 on:** June 15, 2009, 10:58:59 AM

As long the intro to 2 involves Bowser punching out Mario as he's distracted yelling out, "WELCOME, NEW GALAXY!!!" and then kidnaps the princess. I'm game~

Fxeni · **Reply #9 on:** June 15, 2009, 02:10:12 PM

Well, I like stories in my games, assuming they don't get in the way of playing the game that is. SMG seemed perfectly fine to me, considering most of the story was completely optional (in the storybook). The thing is, most of the "casual" gamers just want to play, and don't really care about the story all that much. Also, I know a lot of kids who just skip through the text and story of a game if they're given the chance, and as we all know Mario and Zelda are aimed at kids for the most part. Not to say all kids will skip the text (I myself never did when I was a youngun), but it's certainly a factor.

Acid · **Reply #10 on:** June 15, 2009, 09:42:48 PM

Everyone knows that Mario is a prime example for the neverending struggle between an oppressing force and opressed forces fighting for their right. Disguised as a game about a plumber saving his Princes from the claws of a fire-breathing dinosaur turtle (clearly a metaphor for outdated or unrealistic forms of governments).

Jericho · **Reply #11 on:** June 15, 2009, 09:46:14 PM

Quote from: Acid on June 15, 2009, 09:42:48 PM

Everyone knows that Mario is a prime example for the neverending struggle between an oppressing force and opressed forces fighting for their right. Disguised as a game about a plumber saving his Princes from the claws of a fire-breathing dinosaur turtle (clearly a metaphor for outdated or unrealistic forms of governments).

I would like to subscribe to your editorial good sir.

Mirby · **Reply #12 on:** June 15, 2009, 09:55:34 PM

Quote from: Protoman Bruce on June 15, 2009, 06:25:11 AM

As for Zelda, I'm quite content with the formula as it is, but I think each game has a decent enough story to it. LoL, I don't look for Tolkien when I play video games.

Not even if you were to play a Lord of the Rings game?

Ahem... Anyways, I like the way the game sounds, and riding Yoshi is always fun. Plus, you get to aim his tongue! And the story didn't get in the way. It worked as a complementary part to the gameplay for SMG1. That, and I was too busy wasting Star Bits shooting Goombas for no readily apparent reason to notice.

Also, Boo Mario better return! And I second that, Jelly.

HyperSonicEXE · **Reply #13 on:** June 16, 2009, 01:29:06 AM

Quote from: Acid on June 15, 2009, 09:42:48 PM

Everyone knows that Mario is a prime example for the neverending struggle between an oppressing force and opressed forces fighting for their right. Disguised as a game about a plumber saving his Princes from the claws of a fire-breathing dinosaur turtle (clearly a metaphor for outdated or unrealistic forms of governments).

Excuse me while I fetch the Brain Bleach (tm).

But seriously, beyond the Storybook, introduction, and star-creation theology (each of which the player is not required to follow along), there wasn't anything too complicated in SMG1. Granted, now that SMG1 had all that much story in it, I think it would be a good idea to let the story cool its heels a bit and get back to the gameplay, then, make 3 a closure with a good balance of story and gameplay depth at just above moderate.

So when Miyamoto says there won't be "a need" for that story depth, he's right. We know who Rosalina and the Lumas are, we know how the heck Bowser got his power (and, being the bad magician he is, performs the same Grand Star trick again

), and we've got more explanation as to how the bright and cheery magic of the Mario universe works. Great, good, done, now, let's get back to the fun. And between the saws and Yoshi, I'm having a lot of SMW flashbacks, and that's a good thing (eat your heart out, Martha).
NOW WHERE THE HELL IS MY ROSALINA, NINTENDO?! CHOP CHOP!

Acid · **Reply #14 on:** June 16, 2009, 01:30:33 AM

I just noticed in Aldo's post:
It's now legit to say and type Super Mario Galaxy I (SMG1). Yahoo!

I hope they make a trilogy with a third game as awesome as SMB3.

HyperSonicEXE · **Reply #15 on:** June 16, 2009, 01:35:13 AM

Really, I don't even know if they'll make an SMG3, but it seems like a very nice way to cap a console that did about as well (if not better than) the NES. Frankly? I think the Wii, for all of its shovelware, has more games worth playing than the NES ever had. Even ExciteBots is better than Rad Racer.

Jericho · **Reply #16 on:** June 16, 2009, 01:37:56 AM

Quote from: Acid on June 16, 2009, 01:30:33 AM

I just noticed in Aldo's post:
It's now legit to say and type Super Mario Galaxy I (SMG1). Yahoo!

I hope they make a trilogy with a third game as awesome as SMB3.

I hope that if they go this direction, they make it like SMB2USA/Doki Doki Panic sine Galaxy 2 looks to be like the SMB3 foundations of Galaxy 1 with a heaping helping of World. If Galaxy 3 happens like that, it should be complete with playable Mario, Luigi, Toad & Peach chosen from the star of the Galaxy. New! Super Mario Bros. Wii came sooooo close to getting it, and my hopes are still up that Princess will be an unlockable, but seeing them in Galaxy like splendor would be jizzmatic.

Also, to reply to Aldo's post, there are roughly 50 games as of now that in the timeline of the Wii, I've been interested in, want currently, or I am looking forward to. In my opinion the Wii library is really a lot better than people think of it. I was too young to appreciate the NES' library fully when it was hot (and [parasitic bomb], I can still do it now thanks to VC), but this time around, there's waaay too much to enjoy.

Gaia · **Reply #17 on:** June 16, 2009, 01:40:10 AM

Quote from: Jericho on June 16, 2009, 01:37:56 AM

I hope that if they go this direction, they make it like SMB2USA/Doki Doki Panic sine Galaxy 2 looks to be like the SMB3 foundations of Galaxy 1 with a heaping helping of World. If Galaxy 3 happens like that, it should be complete with playable Mario, Luigi, Toad & Peach chosen from the star of the Galaxy. New! Super Mario Bros. Wii came sooooo close to getting it, and my hopes are still up that Princess will be an unlockable, but seeing them in Galaxy like splendor would be jizzmatic.

From what you're getting here, Galaxy looks as if it's a main Mario title.. IN SPACE!

Nekomata · **Reply #18 on:** June 16, 2009, 01:41:37 AM

it's not SMB3 and so i don't care |:

Jericho · **Reply #19 on:** June 16, 2009, 01:45:58 AM

Quote from: Gaia on June 16, 2009, 01:40:10 AM

From what you're getting here, Galaxy looks as if it's a main Mario title.. IN SPACE!

But.... It is.

Da Dood · **Reply #20 on:** June 16, 2009, 03:10:43 AM

My most anticipated game of like... EVER.

I've been one of the most annoyingly repetitive advocates for a Super Mario Galaxy Lost Levels type thing, and I'm sure many people had the same idea, so now it seems Miyamoto also reads thoughts for a living. (No wonder he has to keep his hobbies a secret...)

This is wishful thinking -- actually, the game itself was --, but I'd love an inventory à la SMB3 to store items and use them whenever I want. Very unlikely, but I'm happy with more 100+ Stars of platforming and gimmicky Wiimote goodness.

HyperSonicEXE · **Reply #21 on:** June 16, 2009, 03:30:52 AM

Quote from: Da Dood on June 16, 2009, 03:10:43 AM

I've been one of the most annoyingly repetitive advocates for a Super Mario Galaxy Lost Levels type thing, and I'm sure many people had the same idea, so now it seems Miyamoto also reads thoughts for a living. (No wonder he has to keep his hobbies a secret...)

Thankfully, it looks like Miyamoto and the level designers didn't give you your exact wish.

Lost Levels implies some extremely nasty level design, the kind you have to memorize or know ahead of time in order to barely pass. But instead, they're channeling SMW which means just a little difficulty step-up from SMG1, but with more mind-bendingly hidden secrets. Heck, I had to GameFAQs the green star in the Buoy Base Galaxy (of course at that point, it was just to save me the time of exploring the entire underwater section; same for the trial and error of the Shiva and Bahamut Aeon Temple 100%'s in FFX).

Da Dood · **Reply #22 on:** June 16, 2009, 03:35:56 AM

Oh, you're right, I don't want a balls hard game. I meant that I've always believed a sequel based on Galaxy wouldn't be very difficult to make, and now I'm getting it.

I mentioned Lost Levels because just hours before the announcement at E3 I posted this at the E3 topic here...

Quote from: Dood

I still think a Lost Levels version of Super Mario Galaxy would be relatively easy to put together and very profitable.

Think about the 1-Star WTF levels in SMG, like Sweet Sweet Galaxy and the Wiimote gimmick Galaxies. They could easily come up with a compilation of 60+ abstract levels like those without any new graphics or story, just abusing their gravity effects, creating more challenging level design and giving another chance to underused power-ups (hello, Red Star). Like a Super Mario Galaxy appendix.

I would totally buy a whole game made of ice skating racing. Galaxy could use some more ray surfing and rolling ball courses and new bubble mazes. How about an option to store power-ups in an inventory à la SMB3 and use them whenever we want?

Guy can dream...

Looks like we're getting something even better.

HyperSonicEXE · **Reply #23 on:** June 16, 2009, 03:38:53 AM

And in that sense, you were right. And actually, I kind of like the idea of having 10% of the stages back. Not just because it'll let the new guys get adjusted to the new mechanics and interface, but it'll be a bit nostalgic!

...yes, I realize SMG1 is only a few years old...

HokutoNoBen · **Reply #24 on:** June 16, 2009, 06:06:33 AM

As I've pretty much stated on the likes of GAF and FAQs....I can only say "THANK YOU, MIYAMOTO".

I wasn't at all offended by the story bits that Galaxy had. The fact that it was optional, in my opinion, made it even better, and didn't do any more to "get in the way" of playing the game than reading an instruction manual's lil story blurb could have done.

But at the same time, I'm glad that they're not looking to do more in that vein. The last thing we need is for Mario platformers to go down the road that the likes of Sonic or Spyro did. That's not necessary at all.

Now....all I really could stand to see now? If NSMB Wii''s triumphant return of Koopalings is indicative that they may be making a triumphant return to other mainstream Mario games...like say....this one.

News

The Official Super Mario Galaxy 2 Discussion Thread