In many ways, 2007’s Super Mario Galaxy redefined the 3D platforming genre, including some lesser-known achievements.
One such area is a small form of storytelling that adds a depth seldom found in other 3D Mario games, or any Mario title for that matter. This narrative centers on Rosalina, the mysterious leader of the Lumas.
Mario first meets Rosalina after Bowser kidnaps Princess Peach and takes her off to space. Rosalina tells Mario that he needs to collect stars in order to power the Comet Observatory and head to the center of the universe to save the princess.
Sounds pretty standard, right?
As Mario continues his journey, he illuminates the library. Upon entering, he listens to Rosalina tell a story about a young girl who left home to find her mother in space, teaming with a Luma along the way.
As the story progresses, it is heavily implied that Rosalina is the young girl and while she never found her mother, she becomes the mother to all the Lumas. Furthermore, she returns to Earth every 100 years to revisit her old home.
Now, Rosalina’s story may seem like a fun side story as it’s not required to complete the game, but it actually is the crux of such a unique approach to a Mario title.
We usually don’t hear much about the stories behind the wacky cast of Mario characters so hearing Rosalina’s is a refreshing approach. Furthermore, it makes her more than just the narrator, it makes her a relatable character.
You don’t expect that from your Mario games because it’s not common. While Galaxy is still about reaching the end of the level, Rosalina’s little story adds just enough depth to stand out, taking the title from innovative to memorable.
Super Mario Galaxy would’ve been fine without that little amount of depth. It’s unique approach to 3D platforming is still unrivaled to this day, except maybe for Galaxy 2. The game would’ve stood the test without anything else.
And yet, Nintendo opted to include a plot thread that added an emotional depth to a new character. It’s anyone’s guess why the company did it, but it is what gives the game a nice finishing touch.
In my analogy of Rosalina being the secret sauce, I don’t mean she is essential to the game. That’s not the job of secret sauce.
A hamburger wouldn’t be as good if it was missing the patty. The secret sauce adds a unique flavor to an already established burger/sandwich. That’s what Rosalina did for Super Mario Galaxy.
The patty was the unique platforming, but what added the unique touch was Rosalina and her back story.
What continues to make her special is we don’t see her much after Galaxy. Sure, she does appear in ensemble games such as Mario Kart or Super Smash Bros. as well as Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury. Unfortunately, I do think that cheapens her effect.
That said, Nintendo hasn’t used her too much since 2007 so she continues her mystique, reminding us of a times past. I mean, her hair design screams mid-2000s.
But it’s not just that. She’s a reminder of a game that dared to pushed the boundaries in numerous ways, including with her backstory.
Without her, Super Mario Galaxy just wouldn’t be the same.
What about you? What did you think of Rosalina and her backstory in Super Mario Galaxy? Did it add to take away from the game for you? Let us know in the comments below or head over to our Discord channel to join the conversation.
Featured Image: Nintendo (via Game Rant)
Nintendo Pow Block – A Nintendo Podcast by Boss Rush
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